Excercising device with hip-mounted weights

Abstract

A device for securing weights to the waist of a user is herein disclosed. The device includes a core to which is attached one or more weight supports. The weight supports are secured to the core by means of welding, adhesives, over-molding, and riveting. A cover may be provided over the core. A closure mechanism secures the core around the waist of a user. Weights may be secured on the weight supports by means of a locking mechanism. Exercise, and particularly leg exercise, undertaken using the present invention results in less stress being placed on the back and abdominal muscles. Use of the present invention also allows for a number of upper body exercises to be carried out.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for facilitating leg exercises in a safe manner and more particularly to a device for securing weights used in performing leg exercises to the hip region of a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Leg exercises such a standard squat, wide squat, front lunge, side lunge, standing calf raise, or a donkey calf raise are very effective in developing strength and endurance in the legs. In addition to exercising the legs themselves, such activities also exercise the abdominal muscles, the anterior chest and neck muscles, and the back extensor and posterior neck muscles. These muscles stabilize the trunk and head. However, the traditional means of applying weight resistance during a squat exercise by way of a weight bar supported by the neck and shoulders or by way of hand held dumbbells creates a long lever arm for posture maintenance and torso stabilization. The resulting strain on the back and neck is proportionate with the amount of resistance applied, multiplied by the distance from the center of gravity, thereby creating a great demand on these muscles and joints. The potential for injury and aggravation of existing mechanical joint dysfunction or muscle imbalance is eminent.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device that will facilitate the attachment of weights directly to the hips of a user so that strain on the neck, back, and abdominal muscles may be minimized. Furthermore, there is a need for a device that can also facilitate the use of weights in performing such exercises as dips, bench dips, wide grip pull-ups, close grip pull-ups, and pushups.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above identified needs are met in an exercise device having a core with at least one weight support affixed thereto. The core is wrapped at least partially about the waist of a user at or near the ileac crest of the user and secured in place by a closure mechanism. Weights may be secured on the weight supports by a locking device. The exercise device acts to couple the weights directly to the waist of the user, thereby reducing the strain on the user's back and abdominal muscles that might otherwise occur where the weights are supported in the user's hands or on the user's shoulders.

These and other objects, aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent upon careful consideration of the following Detailed Description of the Invention and the accompanying Drawings, which may be disproportionate for ease of understanding, wherein like structure and steps are referenced generally by corresponding numerals and indicators.

The invention further provides methods and apparatus of varying scope.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of one embodiment of the exercise device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exercise device taken along cutting lines 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic close up view of an embodiment of the exercise device that includes a two part closure mechanism;

FIG. 4 is a schematic close up view of another embodiment of the exercise device that includes a two part closure mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a schematic close up view of an embodiment of the exercise device that includes a hook and loop fastener as a closure mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a schematic close up view of another embodiment of the exercise device that includes a hook and loop fastener as a closure mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the exercise device wherein the weight support is over molded with the core of the exercise device;

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one more embodiment of the exercise device wherein the weight support is secured to the core of the exercise device by a bolt; and,

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet one more embodiment of the exercise device wherein the weight support is secured to the core by a weld.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Turning first to FIG. 1, one embodiment of an exercise device 10 according to the present invention can be seen. In general, the exercise device is made up of a relatively stiff yet flexible core 12, a protective cover 14, at least one weight support 16, and a closure mechanism 18. The core 12 of the belt is typically between about two and six inches in width and between about {fraction (1/16)}″ and ¼″ in thickness. It is to be understood however, that the material from which the core 12 is made may affect its dimensions. The dimensions of the core 12 may be uniform over the length of the core 12 or may vary continuously or discontinuously over its length. The core 12 is of sufficient length to allow for wrapping the belt around the waist of a user. The core 12 itself may be made of a solid, molded or extruded material, a composite material having a mesh substrate over which is molded a rubber, vinyl, or equivalent flexible material, a stiff natural material such as leather, or a metallic material having a suitable flexibility and toughness for the application. In any case, the structure of the core 12 must be adapted to be sufficiently flexible to wrap about the waist of a user and strong and stiff enough to support the weight support(s) 16 and any weights W mounted thereon. In one particular embodiment, the core 10 is made of a durable composite belting of a type commonly utilized for power transmission in agricultural and industrial equipment.

In some embodiments, the core 12 will be enclosed within a cover 14 that may be sewn, adhered, or over molded onto the core 12. In other embodiments, the composite nature of the core 12 will be such that a cover 14 will not be necessary. Where, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a cover 14 is provided as part of the device 10, the cover may be made of a sturdy woven or unwoven material that will withstand the hard use commonly experienced by exercise equipment. In one particular embodiment, the cover 14 is fashioned of a heavy, woven nylon material. The cover 14 may also include, where desired, padding and/or absorbent materials (not shown).

The device 10 is provided with a closure mechanism 18 that secures the device 10 about the hips of a user. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the closure mechanism 18 may be a standard metallic or plastic belt buckle 20 having a rotatable arm that engages a hole (not shown) formed in the end of the device 10 opposite the end to which the buckle 20 is attached. In another embodiment, the device 10 may be provided with a clip type closure mechanism 18 having a male end 21a and a female end 21b wherein the male and female ends are secured to the device 10 at or near the distal ends thereof. See FIG. 3. In such an embodiment, the male and female portions of the clip-type closure mechanism 18 may be secured directly to the device 10 but are more preferably secured using a strap or straps 23 that facilitate the adjustment of the combined length of the device 10. Alternatively, the core 12 of the device 10 may be long enough to wrap entirely around the waist of a user. In this case, the male and female portions 21a, 21b of the clip-type closure mechanism 18 may be secured to the core 12 of the device 10 at a distance form the terminal ends of the device 10, again, preferably by means of one or more straps. The straps used to secure a closure mechanism 18 to the device 10 may be adjusted in a manner well known in the art.

In yet another embodiment, the closure mechanism 18 may include a hook and loop type fastener 25 constructed and arranged to secure the distal ends of the device 10 to one another in an overlapping fashion. In a variation of the hook and loop type closure mechanism, one end of the device may be provided with a loop or D-ring type structure 27 through which the opposing distal end of the device 10 is passed and doubled back upon itself to be secured in that attitude by means of a hook and loop type fastener. In any case, it is desirable to provide a closure mechanism 18 that facilitates the adjustment of the length of the device 10 and that is secure when closed.

One or more weight supports 16 are secured to the device 10 to secure thereto weights W. The weight supports 16 are secured to the core 12 of the device 10 to support the weights W in a substantially rigid manner. When properly employed, the device 10 should secure the weights W to the waist of a user in such a manner that there is little or no movement of the weights W with respect to the waist of the user. This will prevent chafing and will prevent the user from being unbalanced by unexpected shifting of the weights W.

A weight support 16 includes a generally tubular post 22 that is secured at its base end to the core 12 of the device 10. Where the core 12 is metal, the post 22 may be welded to the core 12. However, where the core 12 is of an extruded, molded, natural, or composite material, care must be take to secure the post 22 to the core 12 in a secure manner. In one embodiment, the post 22 is provided with a flange 24 at its base that is adhered, riveted, or sewn to the core 12. See FIG. 2. In another embodiment, the post 22 may be over-molded with a molding material 29 to secure the post 22 to the core 12. See FIG. 7. Note that an over-molding material 29 may take the place of a cover 14. In yet another embodiment, the post 22 may have a threaded bore 31 formed in a base end thereof that receives a bolt 32 passed through the core 12. See FIG. 8. In this embodiment, it will be desirable to provide one or more washers 34 to disperse the clamping forces induced by the bolt over a larger area of the core. FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the weight support 16 having a post 22 that is welded to a metallic core 12.

In one embodiment, the posts 22 of the weight supports 16 are generally cylindrical and preferably sized to hold either standard weights (around 1″ in diameter) or Olympic style weights (around 2″ in diameter). A locking mechanism 26 is provided to hold weights W onto the tubes during use. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 26 may be something as simple as a cotter pin or the like passed through the tube, either alone or in conjunction with a washer type structure (not shown). In another embodiment, the locking mechanism 26 may also include a standard collar that slides onto the posts 22 that is secured by a set screw threaded into the collar. Yet another embodiment may include a spring whose coils define a bore sized to slide over the post 22 when the spring is compressed and which clamps the post 22 firmly to secure the weights W thereon when the spring is in an uncompressed state.

In use, the exercise device 10 is wrapped about the waist of a user and secured in place using the closure mechanism 18. The device 10 is to be mounted in such a manner that it is snug around the user's waist and has no free movement. Preferably, the device 10 will be located over and adjacent to the ileac crest so that weights W placed thereon will be transferred directly the pelvis of the user. What is more, the device 10 will also provide support for the user's back and abdominal muscles.

Once the device 10 has been properly secured about the user's waist at and around the ileac crests of the user's pelvis, selected weights W are placed over the posts 22 of the weight supports 16. A locking mechanism 26 is placed on each of the posts 22 to secure the weights W thereon.

Preferably, the device 10 will be secured to the waist of the user in such a manner as to position the weight supports 16 symmetrically around the user's waist. However, where a particular exercise, therapy, or rehabilitation activity so requires, the device 10 may be arranged to asymmetrically position the weight supports 16 around the user's waist. Note that for any given embodiment of the device 10, the core 12 thereof will have a set weight limit that is directly related to the core's ability to withstand deflections due to the presence of weights W on the weight supports 16. Preferably, the weight limit for the weight supports 16 will be set at a weight that is lower than a load that will significantly deflect the core 12 of the device 10. Significant deflections of the core 12 of the device 10 can lead to chafing, bruising, and an increased risk that the weights W will work against the locking mechanism 26 and accidentally fall off the posts 22 of the device 10.

Once the device 10 is properly attached to the user and the appropriate weights W are secured to the device 10, the user may then engage in the desired exercise.

Conclusion

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A device for supporting the back and abdominal muscles of a user during exercise and simultaneously securing weights to the waist of the user, the device comprising:

an elongate core having a length sufficient to extend at least partially around the waist of the user, a width sufficient to provide structural support to the back and abdominal muscles of a user when emplaced about the waist of the user, and a rigidity sufficient to allow the core to be conformed to the waist of the user while still providing support to the back and abdominal muscles of the user;

at least one post having a base end and a distal end, the base end of the at least one post secured to the core and the distal end of the at least one post extending laterally from the core, the post being constructed and arranged to support a weight by transferring the load of the weight to the core and hence to the waist of the user; and,

a closure member for securing the respective ends of the core to one another, thereby securing the device to the waist of the user.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the core is fashioned from a composite belting material.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the closure member is chosen from a group consisting of a buckle mechanism having a movable arm that engages a hole formed in an end of the device, a two part releasable clip having a male portion and a female portion, and a hook and loop fastener.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the post is secured to the core using a mechanism chosen from a group consisting of riveting, adhesives, sewing, and over-molding.

5. The device of claim 1 further comprising a locking mechanism for retaining a weight on the post.

6. A device for securing weights to the waist of a user comprising:

an elongate core having a first end and a second end;

at least one weight support affixed to the core; and,

a closure mechanism constructed and arranged to secure the core about the waist of a user.

7. The device of claim 6 comprising one weight support.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the weight support is located generally opposite the closure mechanism.

9. The device of claim 6 comprising two weight supports.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein the two weight supports are located generally symmetrically with respect to one another and to the closure mechanism.

11. The device of claim 6 further comprising a cover applied around the exterior of the core.

12. The device of claim 6 wherein the weight support comprises a post that is secured to the core at its base end by an attachment means.

13. The device of claim 6 wherein the weight support comprises a post secured to the core at a base end thereof by an attachment structure selected from a group consisting of a flange, a rivet, a bolt, a weld, and an over-mold.

14. The device of claim 6 wherein the core comprises a material selected from a group consisting of a composite material, a metal strap, a leather strap, an extruded material, and a molded material.

15. The device of claim 6 wherein the closure mechanism further comprises an adjustable strap secured at one end thereof to the core and at its other end to the closure mechanism.

16. The device of claim 6 wherein the closure mechanism further comprises a two part clip having a male portion and a female portion.

17. A method of reducing strain on back and abdominal muscles during leg exercise with weights comprising:

providing an exercise device that comprises an elongate core having a first end and a second end, at least one weight support affixed to the core, and a closure mechanism constructed and arranged to secure the core about the waist of a user;

securing the exercise device about the waist of a user at about the level of the ileac crest of the user; and,

placing a predetermined amount of weight on the at least one weight support, the exercise device coupling the weights directly to the waist of the user.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising:

performing an exercise chosen from a group consisting of a standard squat, wide squat, front lunge, side lunge, standing calf raise, and donkey calf raise.

19. The method of claim 17 further comprising:

performing upper body exercises chosen from a group consisting of dips, bench dips, wide grip pull-ups, close grip pull-ups, and pushups.