Positional offset weight system

Abstract

The Positional Offset Weight System is an extendible tube assembly with an attached weight that provides the user with a rapid adjustment mechanism to set resistance. The device can be used for a wide variety of exercises by reducing mechanical advantage. This allows the user to use a single light weight to achieve results that normally requires a variety of heavier weights or equipment. The device or system uses a twist or friction lock to adjust the length of the tube based on desired resistance, stability and range of motion.

Description

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61389181 entitled “Offset Weight System” filed Oct. 1, 2010

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention belongs to the field of endeavor associated with exercise equipment identified in class 482, This class “provides for apparatus intended to be operated by a human user for the purpose of: (a) facilitating the conditioning or developing of a muscle of the user by repetitive or continuous activity of the user”.

The Positional Offset Weight System was developed for use by people who do not have access to a gym or cannot set up workout equipment in their home. The proposed invention is a variation of a class three lever and uses the principal of decreasing mechanical advantage to increase effort to provide a wide range of exercises using light weight. Within this field there are several patents that reference Offset Weight and may share some similarities to the said device. Although there are some commonalities to the device described herein it clearly differentiates from previous patents. The said device referred to as a system, incorporates many movements that are often used with a variety of weight apparatus, achieving similar results using light weights.

The invention relates generally to the field of exercise devices, specifically targeting upper body muscle groups by using repetitive resistance exercises.

Additionally the said device or system can be utilized to perform exercises that involve multiple muscle groups referred to as compound exercises.

The following inventions contain similarities to the Positional Offset Weight System

OFFSET WEIGHT BARS, Chris Roney et al, application Ser. No. 12/565,563 Publication number: US 2010/0130334 A1, Filing date: Sep. 23, 2009

This offset weight bar consists of a textured grip with a kidney-shaped cross-section, which is flanked at each end by a screw-on end plate. A weight support sleeve is mounted to the each endplate by a locking nut. The grip has a groove along its entire length to act as a thumb rest while the fingers extend beneath the grip towards the far edge of the bar.

Offset weight bars differ by design and method of operation.

Offset weight exercise device and methods of use thereof, Shalin N. Shah, application Ser. No. 11/440,062, Publication number: US 2006/0281609 A1, Filing date: May 25, 2006.

Some devices including a handle having a beveled end, an arm attached to the handle and at least one weight attached to the arm. Other devices include a central handle, a frame circumscribing at least part of the outer edge of the central handle, a rope or cable affixed to the frame, and at least one weight affixed to the rope or cable. The methods include holding an exercise device having a handle and at least one offset weight in a hand, and performing a fundamental upper extremity exercise.

There are embodiments to the Offset weight device that are somewhat similar in function to the proposed invention in that it achieves pronation, supination, ulna and radial deviation by utilizing a weight offset by an arm to the attached handle.

The Positional Offset Weight System utilizes a weight that is not offset in respect to the device but mounted in-line to the tube assembly.

For the Positional Offset Weight System the term offset is defined for the purpose of this invention as offset in relation to the center of gravity. By extending the tube assembly with the attached weight increases resistance thus minimizing mechanical advantage.

Other prior art consists of similar exercises performed with a tennis racket, where the head of the racket being heavier is used to provide resistance in performing pronation/supination exercises.

Another device that is used is a vertical shafts with attached weights. One embodiment is dumbbell that uses a spin tight fastener that uses weights on just one side. By taping the other end and using it as a handgrip some exercises can be performed, however the mass of the handle tends to counterbalance the weight and limits the effectiveness of the device. A plurality of weight to counteract this effect can lead to injury due to an abrupt change in the vector of force.

The positional Offset Weight System utilizes a light weight that has a large diameter. The larger diameter provides smoother transition for improved range of motion of supination/pronation, flexion and extension type exercises. Improvement over previous vertical shafts with attached weights, the said device uses a lightweight tube assembly to reduce the mass of the device. Due to the lighter tube assembly the device can operate with lighter weights as compared to an apparatus that use a plurality of weights. The use of rapid tube length adjustment provides the user the benefit to adjust the resistance to target specific areas using partial range and full range of motion exercises not found in other searches.

Kettlebells are yet another device that share some similarity to the proposed device. Kettlebells use a single weight that that provides a high degree of versatility by allowing the user to grip the weight at different areas of the handle. Similarly the Positional Offset Weight system offers similar versatility using the one or two hands on the grip(s) and extending or retracting the tube assembly.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Positional Offset Weight System is a versatile device that allows the user to perform a variety of resistance exercises. It is ideally suited for small spaces a common problem with those wanting to set up a home gym. The Positional Offset Weight System can be used to augment a normal exercise program and can also be used alone or with other accessories to enhance exercise routines. The Positional Offset Weight System is capable of providing a wide range of exercises adaptable to user defined goals and may benefit individuals that may have sports related injuries or limited mobility or function. The device features a collapsible/extendable tube with a hand grip or equivalent on one end and a weight on the other end and can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of exercises including and not limited exercises that focus on the wrist, forearm, bicep, latimus dorsi, tricep, deltoid, trapezius, and scapulae; the weighted end can also serve as a base for using the device for modified pushup, sit-up and balance exercises. The light weight makes the Positional Offset Weight System effective for people who have not worked out with weights before as well as providing benefit for seasoned athletes. The Positional Offset Weight System can be used for isolation, range of motion (ROM) as well as compound exercises that involve multiple muscle groups.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

Drawing #1 refers to the device as seen in the assembled configuration with FIG. 1 in the collapsed mode and FIG. 2 in the extended mode.

Drawing 2 FIG. 3 depicts the device in the preferred embodiment with an upper and lower handgrip as opposed to a single handgrip depicted in Drawing 1. Handgrips are foam, vinyl or similar material press fit to the outer tube.

Drawing 3 is an exploded diagram with the device showing the outer tube assembly FIGS. 4 to 6 and the inner tube assembly FIGS. 7 to 11.

FIG. 4 depicts the ferrule/bearing is used to secure the inner tube to the outer tube (FIG. 6) held in place by press fit or fastener.

FIGS. 5 and 5A depicts the upper and lower handgrips.

FIG. 6 depicts the outer tube the inner tube FIG. 10 will be inserted into the bottom of the outer tube.

FIG. 7 depicts the collared threaded fastener for connecting the weight to the threaded end of FIG. 9. FIG. 7 is press fit onto the weight FIG. 8. In the present embodiment the weight is easily removed for changing to a different size weight or for ease of storage. Other embodiments can use a retaining pin or other quick connect fastener.

FIG. 9 threaded fastener is attached to inner tube (FIG. 10) by press fit, rivet or other equivalent means.

FIG. 11 depicts the locking mechanism, this can be made of metal or plastic or equivalent material that will engage by friction lock or latching type mechanism. (Note this can be a cam-lock, expanding threaded device, spring loaded detent or equivalent device). In the present embodiment a cam lock fastener is used with the option of using a positive detent mechanism for future applications.

Not shown, a hollow fastener can be used to accommodate a safety lanyard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment the invention consists of extendable telescopic tubes constructed of thin metal or equivalent material. A locking mechanism utilizing a cam lock that is mounted on the smaller tube and locks to the inner wall of the larger tube, this mechanism is locked by twisting both tubes in opposite directions. The two mating surfaces forms a contiguous tube consisting of a proximal and distal end. Bearing surfaces on the internal tube assembly or part of the cam-lock as well as the collar attaching the two tubes form another bearing section enabling a smooth operation. Two grips are press fitted, mounted inline on the outer tube to provide an option for different exercises as well as two handed operation. On the exposed end of the inner tube suitable faster is pressed or attached to the end of the tube to attach the weight. The attached weight is disc shaped and flat on two sides acting as a base to rest the device and to perform asymmetrical push-ups as well as several abdominal exercises (Note: Asymmetrical push-up has been specifically developed to use with this device)

The Positional Offset Weight System allows for a variety of exercises to be performed due to the unique design. The ability to adjust the device is derived by several features. A light weight that has a large diameter allows the user to safely perform exercises without experiencing abrupt changes that would occur with small diameter weights or weight inserts. A quick adjusting mechanism that allows for the device to be quickly adjusted to the desired length affords the user the option to quickly increase or decrease resistance. A large hand-grip or two handgrips affords the user the option to change the location of the hand on the said device to achieve the user's preference. The device can be gripped four different ways to make exercises more effective and to stabilize the device and improve form.

The Positional Offset Weight System can be utilized using different hand positions. The normal position is grasping the device similar to grasping a glass with the thumb away from the weight. The inverted position is the opposite of the normal position with the thumb towards the weight. The club position is similar to holding a golf club with the thumb towards the weight and the inverted club position has the thumb away from the weight allowing the user to perform sport related exercises.

The stabilization of the device while performing exercises can improve performance. The use of a chair, table or mat can enhance workouts. Other body parts can be used to increase effectiveness e.g. keeping the elbow pressed against the ribs when performing a reverse curl.

The said device/system system can be used alone or with other equipment to perform isolation or combination exercises. Exercises performed with the Positional Offset Weight System are resistance exercises performed with slow to moderate repetitions. The following Isolation exercises have been developed, modified and undergone human testing for use with the said device/system:

1. Shoulder Rotation

2. Upright Row

3. Lateral Raises/Bent Elbow Raises

4. Front Raises

5. Modified Shoulder Press

6. Offset Pullover

7. Reverse Curl

The following Compound exercises have been developed and undergone human testing with the said device/system:

1. Squat/Calf Raises

2. Squat/Press

3. Asymmetrical Push up

4. Asymmetrical Kneeling Push up

5. Offset Kneeling Push up Alternate Legs

6. Modified Sit-up

Asymmetrical Pushup—a push-up specific to the titled device where one hand grips the device using the weight as a base and the other hand palm on the floor creating a change in the center of gravity that requires the engagement of additional muscles to stabilize and execute a repetition.

Most fitness devices that promote weight bearing, range of motion, muscle isolation exercise require sometimes large and heavy equipment. Even light weight dumbbells can limit portability. The intended device provides a wide range of weight bearing exercises in a device that can be easily used and can be transported in a gym bag. The said device affords a quick adjustment mechanism not seen on other devices that in the same art category.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in detail herein, it will be understood that various substitutions and modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiment.

Claims

1. A method for performing resistance exercises for isolation and compound exercises consisting of a device that is a collapsible/extendable telescopic tube assembly that comprises a proximal end and a distal end with hand grip(s) circumscribing the proximal end of the tube assembly and a light circular weight having an outer diameter and a height with two flat ends mounted to the distal end of the tube assembly, and a tube assembly that can be adjusted to accommodate user defined resistance.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said tube assembly length is adjusted on the said device by a adjustable mechanism.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein: the overall length of the full extension of the device shall be less than twice the length of the fully collapsed mode of the said device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the handgrips are positioned on the device and can be used with one or both hands.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the weight is mounted in line to the device and center point to the weight (FIG. 8).

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the weight is light but provides sufficient resistance not to exceed 10 pounds of total weight.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the said device length is adjusted in a wide range of adjustment.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the said device can be grasped with either handgrip or along a long contiguous handgrip.

9. A method of performing a modified pushup where a person uses a hand grip of the device using the weight as a base and the other hand palm on the floor the creates sufficient resistance and support to allow the user to perform the exercise as designed. The posiyion of the hand on the device is perpendicular to the hand on the floor also referred to as an asymmetrical push-up.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said weight has a surface area large enough to use as a support.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the tube assembly is of sufficient strength to support the weight of a person.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the device is positioned on the floor in the fully collapsed configuration.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein the handgrip of the device is held with an inverted grip

14. A method of performing compound exercises thus gripping the device with one or two hands to increase resistance and switching the orientation of the weight to provide desired resistance and assist in balance while executing repetitions.

15. A method of claim 14, gripping the device switching the orientation of weighted affecting resistance by changing the center of gravity.

16. A method of claim 14, grasping the hand grips while performing compound exercises.

17. A method of claim 14 gripping the said device to assist in the user's balance to perform compound exercises.

18. A method of claim 14 of resting the device while performing compound exercises.