Abstract:
Surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weights and exercise methods that offer the benefits of free-weight resistance training, bodyweight exercises, and body positioning exercises with increased effectiveness, versatility, and safety.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    U.S. Provisional App. No. 61/898,954, filed Nov. 1, 2013 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0004]    The present invention relates to exercise equipment and methods of exercising. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    There is always a need for new and improved exercise equipment and methods of exercising to benefit the health and fitness of people. 
         [0006]    One very well known piece of exercise equipment is the dumbbell, which is used for resistance exercises, such as bicep curls. Dumbbells typically have two hexagonal or disc shaped weights attached to either end of a straight handle, as exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 1,672,944, Jowett, 1928 (“Dumb bell”). 
         [0007]    Another known piece of exercise equipment is the push-up handle, which is used to enhance the safety and effect of the bodyweight push-up exercise, as exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 8,105,218, Vayntraub, 2012 (“Convex shell for push-up handle”). Combining the concept of a push-up handle with a dumbbell has been attempted, as exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 7,678,031, Ngu, 2010 (“Weight adjustable dumbbell for performing push up”). 
         [0008]    Exercises based on body positioning and movement, such as yoga exercises and core stabilization exercises, are also well known. U.S. Pat. No. 6,766,536, Aarons, 2004 (“Yoga support system and method”). 
         [0009]    There is no existing exercise equipment or exercise method, however, that safely and effectively offers a combination of the benefits achieved from all of the above. Attempting to use existing dumbbells and push-up handles to perform various body positioning and movement exercises would be unsafe and ineffective because they do not offer sufficient stability and balancing and there is a danger that their structures, which include protrusions, metallic surfaces, and sharp edges and corners, would come into contact with and injure the body during such exercises. 
         [0010]    All patents and patent applications referenced herein are incorporated in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in a reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition or use of that term herein, the definition or use of the term herein shall apply. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The inventive subject matter is directed to new exercise equipment and methods of exercising that offer the benefits of free-weight resistance training, bodyweight exercises, and body positioning and movement exercises with increased effectiveness, versatility, and safety. 
         [0012]    A surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight according to one embodiment of the invention includes a handle attached to the top of a base member having an exterior surface comprised of at least one of plastic or rubber, a bottom side that is planar and has a rounded shape, and an interior weight member, where the bottom side of the base member has a perimeter that extends beyond the perimeter of the handle when viewed from above. The inventive subject matter further includes embodiments in which the handle includes an interior metal rod attached to the base member&#39;s interior metal weight, such that the weight of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight is more concentrated in and under the handle than on the periphery of the base member. Preferred dimensions are also provided for these embodiments. The inventive subject matter further includes embodiments in which the base member has an exterior surface with no sharp corners or edges, a tread on the bottom side, and adjustable internal weight members, so that a range of weights can be achieved without altering the exterior dimensions of the base member. 
         [0013]    The inventive subject matter further provides for new exercise methods in which a person can use surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weights to effectively and safely transition between open kinetic chain exercises and closed kinetic chain exercises to achieve the benefits of free-weight resistance training, bodyweight exercises, and body positioning and movement exercises. 
         [0014]    Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawing in which like numerals represent like components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight according to the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view showing internal structures of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight according to the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  shows a side view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight according to the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  shows a top view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight according to the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  shows a front view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight according to the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  shows a bottom view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight according to the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weights and a method of exercising using the same according to the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weights and a method of exercising using the same according to the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system and a method of exercising using the same according to the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  shows a side view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system and a method of exercising using the same according to the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  shows a side view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system and a method of exercising using the same according to the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  shows a side view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system and a method of exercising using the same according to the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  shows a side view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system and a method of exercising using the same according to the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  shows a side view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system and a method of exercising using the same according to the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  shows a side view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system and a method of exercising using the same according to the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  shows a side view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system and a method of exercising using the same according to the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  shows a side view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system and a method of exercising using the same according to the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system and a method of exercising using the same according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    There are many possible embodiments of the invention, some of which are described below. 
         [0034]    In further detail,  FIGS. 1 through 6  illustrate various views of one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight according to the present invention. 
         [0035]    In further detail,  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a base member  100  attached to opposing ends of a handle  101 . In further detail, the base member  100  has an exterior surface that is comprised of at least one of plastic or rubber and a bottom side that is planar and has a rounded perimeter shape, which is preferably oval, as shown, and which preferably has dimensions of 6 inches by 8 inches. The bottom of the base member  100  is oval and planar to increase the surface area in contact with the floor and therefore enhance stability and reduce slippage versus typical dumbbell designs having round or hexagonal weights. 
         [0036]    The handle  101  is comprised of at least one of plastic or rubber and preferably has a radius of approximately 0.7 inches. The term “approximately” as used herein contemplates a deviation of 25 percent. The handle is ergonomically designed to enhance the safety of many existing and novel exercises. Many people cannot tolerate end-range wrist extension when performing quadruped or prone on hands exercises, such as a push-up, plank, or core training. Often times people with wrist problems will refrain from doing body weight exercises due to increased wrist, hand, or elbow pain. By using the ergonomic design of the handle, the wrist is held in neutral allowing for decreased symptoms and increased function during body weight exercises. The hand placement can be switched from using the handle to supporting the body weight, to inverting the fingers for more comfortable open kinetic chain exercises. The handle may also include grooves or finger indentations to facilitate the hand-grip. 
         [0037]    The distance from the top of the handle  101  to the bottom of the base member  100  is preferably approximately 4.2 inches. The base member  100  and handle  101  are shown as preferably being attached by way of a contiguous molded exterior surface of at least one of plastic or rubber, however they could be separable components attached by various structures and methods known to those having skill in the art, such as screws, nuts and bolts, glue, and clamps. The base member  100  and handle  101  are further shown as preferably having exterior surfaces with no outward facing sharp edges or corners. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of an interior rod  102  inside the handle  101  attached to an interior weight member  103  inside the base member  100 . The interior rod  102  and interior weight member  103  are preferably comprised of strong and dense materials, such as metals. The interior rod  102  and interior weight member  103  can be attached to each other using various structures and methods known to those having skill in the art, including but not limited to screws, nuts and bolts, welding, and clamps. The exterior surfaces of the base member  100  and handle  101  can be assembled around the interior rod  102  and interior weight member  103  using various structures and methods known to those having skill in the art, including but not limited to injection molding, screws, nuts and bolts, welding, and clamps. The configuration of the interior rod  102  and interior weight member  103  concentrates more weight in and under the handle than on the periphery of the base member  100 , which is beneficial for performing various exercises, including those described herein. The interior weight member  103  is preferably an adjustable component, allowing the total weight of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight to be adjusted by using interior weight members  103  of different sizes and densities, without altering the preferred exterior dimensions of the base member  100  to optimize performance and stability where the mass changes from lighter weights, such as two pounds, for beginner users to heavier weights, such as ten pounds, for advanced users. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 , respectively, show side, top, and front views of the base member  100  attached to opposing ends of the handle  101 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  shows a bottom view of the base member  100  having a tread  104 . The tread  104  is preferably included to further help increase stability and resist slippage on various floor surfaces. Various patterns of tread or other surface coatings could be substituted to achieve this function. 
         [0041]    One of the primary advantages of the invention is that it allows fluid transition from open kinetic chain exercises to closed kinetic chain exercises, or simultaneous use of both on opposite sides of the body. 
         [0042]    In further detail,  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight and a method of exercising according to the invention where the exercise begins with the free-weights of the invention  700  on the floor, parallel to one another. While supporting body weight on either bilateral upper or lower extremities, in a quadruped position, or modified plank position, one free-weight of the invention  700  is raised laterally to the horizontal strengthening mid-back and core musculature while the supporting upper extremity is stabilized using approximation through the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. This closed kinetic chain position allows for increased stability of the scapula-thoracic region and the shoulder joint. From here, the surface stabilized free-weights can be moved in multiple positions and performed bilaterally. Examples include moving the free weight of the invention  700  anteriorly, posteriorly, and any angle between based on the desired effect and muscle recruitment pattern. 
         [0043]    In further detail,  FIG. 7  illustrates a starting position from which various forms of shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation can be obtained based on the user&#39;s desired results. 
         [0044]    In further detail,  FIG. 9  shows one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system and a method of exercising using the same where the free-weight of the invention  700  is lifted toward the side of the body in a sawing manner, with the elbow bending for muscle specificity. From this position,  FIG. 10  shows that one can easily transition into a triceps exercise by extending the elbow, all while the contralateral extremity is stabilizing and core training is taking place. 
         [0045]    In further detail,  FIG. 11  illustrates one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system and a method of exercising using the same whereby exercise progression focuses on the scapulothoracic joint and abdominal muscles through an L-sit. The free-weights of the invention  700  can be used to lift the bilateral hips, thighs and legs superiorly so that full body weight is on the free weights of the invention  700 . The elbows stay extended, and the body weight is moved vertically through the shoulder girdle strengthening the scapular and shoulder muscles in addition to recruiting core trunk and hip musculature. 
         [0046]    In further detail,  FIG. 12  illustrates one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system and a method of exercising using the same, whereby the free-weights  700  are used in reverse where the user assumes a reverse table top position and places the free weights  700  on either side of the hips. From this position, addition of the leg raises in multiple planes can be utilized for more advanced users. Additional shoulder extension can be sought to lift the pelvis higher creating a table-top or crab position. The free weights  700  can be moved from this position laterally and anteriorly for open kinetic shoulder strengthening. 
         [0047]    In further detail,  FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system and a method of exercising using the same, whereby the free-weights of the invention  700  serve as a stable base to do advanced full body weight yoga-type exercises such as crow, side crow, and hand-stand, increasing core stabilization and balance training. 
         [0048]    In further detail,  FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system and a method of exercising using the same whereby the free-weights of the invention  700  serve as a stable base to do lower extremity exercises, such hip extension and lunges, with the knee straight or flexed to improve hip strength, and reinforce core stability. Both upper and lower extremities can be raised simultaneously for advanced maneuvers, all the while affording stable hand holds without hyper-extension of the wrist. 
         [0049]    In further detail,  FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate one embodiment of the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system and a method of exercising using the same, whereby the free-weights of the invention  700  allow the user to balance on one extended arm and rotate the torso 90 degrees assuming a side-plank position, allowing the open kinetic chain upper extremity to perform gravity resisted exercise, to include external rotation, abduction, and horizontal abduction in the sagittal plane. From this position, the user can perform trunk side bending exercises unilaterally to strengthen core musculature such as the external obliques, internal obliques and the quadratus lumborum. As with the prone technique, hip motions can be added such as abduction to strengthen gluteus medius and maximus musculature all while maintaining core trunk stability. 
         [0050]    In addition to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 7 through 18 , in any standard closed position, the free-weights  700  can be used to quickly transition to open kinetic exercises to include bicep curls so resistance against gravity to strengthen biceps muscles, overhead presses, lateral raise where the free weights  700  are held in the hands as would a standard dumbbell. All upper extremity exercises can be performed with the surface stabilized free-weights  700  as one would normally do with the dumbbell to include bicep curls, tricep exercises, overhead press, bench press, inclined press, anterior raises, lateral raises, posterior raises, shoulder rolls, reverse flies, chest flies, shoulder circles, etc. 
         [0051]    Additionally, some yoga type exercises although extremely beneficial for the musculoskeletal system, are too demanding on the wrist, and other programs are utilized in its place. The surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system facilitates yoga-type exercises such as table top illustrated in  FIG. 12 , side angle, crow illustrated in  FIG. 13 , and other forms of yoga specific positions. For advanced users, the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system provides a way to gain stability when attempting advanced positions such as hand-stand or side crow. For users with tightness of the trunk and hamstrings, the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system can replace the yoga block for gained stability with the aforementioned exercises previously discussed. 
         [0052]    The surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system can be utilized in a fitness setting but also has specific rehabilitation properties. Most of our daily work and home activities are performed in a sitting position or flexed posture of the spine. Computer work for example creates postural changes of the shoulder girdle, cervical spine, thoracic and lumbar spine, and pelvic girdle. The surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system allows for rehabilitation professionals to direct cervical stabilization exercise for the neck, upper and mid-back through movements while in a plank or quadruped position. While holding the surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weights in a plank position, the patient would retract the neck toward the ceiling to better strengthen anterior cervical musculature, and to improve additional stabilizing muscles. The surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weight system also significantly improves upper back, mid back, and shoulder girdle musculature during these positions. 
         [0053]    While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of these specific embodiments. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiments, but shall include all embodiments within the scope and spirit of the invention.