Patent Publication Number: US-6981933-B2

Title: Exercise device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to an exercise device especially applicable for trimming, shaping, toning, and conditioning the hips, arms, obliques, abs, chest, and shoulders of the user. Unlike traditional exercise devices which use a static weight, the present invention incorporates a dynamic weight which shifts when the device is carried in one direction, stopped, and carried back in the opposite direction in a continuous fluid motion. The shifting weight promotes increased range of body motion, and increased muscle resistance when reversing movement. The invention may be used in any high impact, low impact, or no impact aerobic or anaerobic activity. The invention may also be used in a seated position, or while jogging, walking, or standing. 
   SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
   Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an exercise device which incorporates a dynamic, shifting weight. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise device which can be custom designed to meet the needs of the particular user. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise device which may be used while seated, or while jogging, walking, or standing. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise device which promotes an increased range of body motion. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise device which is especially applicable for use while stretching. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a method of exercising which trims, shapes, tones, and conditions the hips, arms, obliques, abs, chest, and shoulders. 
   These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing an exercise device including a hollow housing and a plurality of loose weights contained in the housing. First and second handles are located on opposite sides of the housing. The handles are adapted for being gripped by a user to lift and hold the exercise device. 
   According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, an outer casing surrounds the housing. 
   According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the casing has first and second pairs of integrally-formed handle flanges for attaching the first and second handles. 
   According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing is a cylindrical container cradled within the outer casing. 
   According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second handles extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical container. 
   According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the casing is formed of a molded plastic material. 
   According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the weights includes rolling metal objects. 
   Preferably, the metal objects are shot pellets. 
   According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the pellets occupy between 50% and 90% of the volume inside the hollow housing. 
   In another embodiment, the invention is a method of exercising which includes the step of grasping first and second handles of an exercise device. The exercise device includes loose weights contained in a hollow housing. While holding the exercise device in both hands, the user extends the arms forward of the body. The upper and lower body are then repeatedly rotated in opposite directions in a twisting motion. The loose weights contained in the housing generate momentum in a direction of the upper body rotation thereby increasing the range of body movement and increasing the energy required to begin rotation of the upper body back in the opposite direction. 
   The term “upper body” is defined broadly herein as that portion of the body extending from the waist up, including the arms, abs, chest, and shoulders. The term “lower body” is that portion of the body extending from the waist down, including the waist, hips, and legs. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exercise device according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a further perspective view of the exercise device showing the cylindrical housing in phantom; 
       FIG. 3  is a side elevation of the exercise device with the cylindrical housing shown in phantom; 
       FIG. 4  is an end elevation of the exercise device with the cylindrical housing shown in phantom; 
       FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the exercise device with the cylindrical housing and handles shown in phantom; and 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded, perspective view of the exercise device with a portion of the housing wall broken away to show the loose shot pellets contained in the housing. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE 
   Referring now specifically to the drawings, an exercise device according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and shown generally at reference numeral  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the device  10  includes an outer casing  11  with opposing pairs of integrally-formed handle flanges  12 A,  12 B and  14 A,  14 B. Respective handles  15  and  16  extend between the flanges  12 A,  12 B and  14 A,  14 B. The casing  11  is preferably molded in separate halves  11 A and  11 B, as shown in  FIG. 3 , each halve defining contoured recessed cavities  17 ,  18 , and  19  shaped to receive metal bars  21 ,  22  and a cylindrical weight housing  23 . When assembled, the casing halves  11 A,  11 B cooperate to securely retain and cradle the bars  21 ,  22  and housing  23 . The bars  21 ,  22  serve to reinforce the handles  15 ,  16 , and to increase the overall weight of the exercise device  10 . The handles  15 ,  16  are disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the housing  23 . 
   As best illustrated in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 , the cylindrical housing  23  is precisely centrally located within the outer casing  11  to provide even distribution of static weight to each arm of the user. The weight housing  23  contains a loose collection of rolling metal objects, such as shot pellets  25  (See  FIG. 2 ). The pellets  25  occupy between 50% and 90% of the total volume inside the cylindrical housing  23  such that the weight of the exercise device  10  shifts when the device  10  is moved back and forth by the user. Shifting of the pellets  25  inside the housing  23  creates a rhythmic sound which aids in the timing of the exercise movements. To reduce the noise created by the pellets  25 , a sound suppressant fabric  26  or other material may be provided adjacent the interior of the housing  23 . 
   According to one preferred embodiment, the approximate width of the exercise device  10  is 12 inches, the height is 6 inches, and the depth is 4 inches. The handles  15 ,  16  are approximately 1-inch in diameter and 4 inches in height. The diameter of the cylindrical housing  23  is approximately 4 inches, and the length approximately 6 inches. In this embodiment, the weight of the exercise device  10  ranges from 10 to 15 pounds. The device  10  may be made larger and heavier, or smaller and lighter to accommodate the needs of the particular user. Preferably, all edges of the exercise device  10  are rounded and smooth with no sharp or squared corners. 
   The exercise device  10  is used by grasping both handles  15 ,  16  and extending the arms forward of the body with the elbows slightly bent. While holding the device  10  in this position at a point below shoulder level, the user then repeatedly rotates the upper and lower body in opposite directions in a twisting motion. The loose shot pellets  25  contained in the cylindrical housing  23  generate momentum in a direction of the upper body rotation. This momentum increases the range of rotation of the upper body, and the energy required to begin rotation of the upper body back in the opposite direction. The repeated twisting motion exercises the entire body, and is especially applicable for trimming, shaping, toning, and conditioning the hips, arms, obliques, abs, chest, and shoulders. The exercise is best performed in a rhythmic motion with music, and may be done with low or high impact aerobic activity. 
   An exercise device is described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.