CA2034991A1 - Exercise devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers Abstract Of The Disclosure An exercise device is intended for strengthening a user's targeted muscle, wherein the user may manipulate the device without the necessity of a forceful grip that employs the user's conjunctive muscles. The device includes a housing having a pair of diametrically-opposed portions (preferably hemispherical) each of which has a peripheral edge. The peripheral edges are formed having alternating tongue and groove segments so as to provide a solid mating relationship therebetween. A single weight means is disposed in the housing, and the weight means has a pair of opposite ends, each of which is secured to a respective diametrically opposed portion of the housing. The housing has an opening formed therein defined by the walls of the device. An insert means is disposed in the opening to cushion the user's hand in the opening.
RMG/sms/chb/596

Description

~ocket No. 9714-P~-CIP-2 ~ 7~ Inventor: Caruthers EXERCISE DEVICES

Cross-Reference To Related Application This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pendinq application Serial No. 241,297 filed on Sep~ember 9, 1988, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No.
094,794 filed September 14, 1987 (which issued on March 21, 1989 as United Sta-tes I.etters Patent No. 4,813,669) the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Field Of The_ Invention The present invention relates to exercise devices, and more particularly, to exercise devices intended for the accelerated development and strenqthening of a user's targeted muscle or muscles, as well as a method for the assembly and production of the exercise devices.

lS Background Of ~rhe Invention The use of specialized equipment and various mechanical appara~uses for strenqthenirlg muscles is well known. Moreover, the desirability of providing a device which is capable of isolating and developing a specifically targeted muscle, one of the most cor~on of which is the bicep, has also been lona recognized.
However, one of the most troublesome problems presented with providing a device that can isolate and fully develop a muscle, such as the bicep, is that any sort of qrippinq and grasping action with the hand automatically employs the conjunctive muscles of the arm, including the forearm, tricep and deltoid.
The same problem is encountered for the exercise and strengthening of other muscles in the body.
Unfortunately, each of the apparatuses and devices resorted to in the prior art for developing a specifically tarqeted Docket ~o. 9714-P~-CIP-2 ~ Inventor- Caruthers muscle, such as the ~icep, provide for some sort of handle which must be qripped and/or qrasped by the user thereof. Examples of these devices are enumerated as follows:

Inventor(s)Patent No. Year Issued Fisher 259,752 1882 IJeydrick D 26,418 1896 Sandow 654,097 1900 Duffner 714,463 1902 Sandow 1,229,~58 1917 Calvert 1,316,683 1919 Ferris 1,749,632 1930 Smith 1,918,142 1933 Winer 3,231,270 1966 .. Sun D 215,057 1969 Collins, Jr. et alD 221,874 1971 Li D 22~,843 1972 Stamm D 242,865 1976 Wriqht D 244,628 1977 Wriqht D 244,629 1977 Wri~ht 4,029,312 1977 Shill D 264,625 1982 saroi 4,361,324 1982 Wright D 267,737 1983 Giordano D 268,437 1983 Anderson D 273,030 1984 ! Wriqht D 274,283 1984 Schwartz 4,627,618 1986 Jenison 4,695,051 1987.

This qripping and/or qraspinq action required by each of these devices is a definite disadvantaqe, since it involves the use of conjunctive muscles which prevents isolation required for the total development of the targeted muscle.
More specifically, every piece of exercise equipment or mechanical apparatus heretofore resorted to in the prior art invariably contains one common detractive denominator inherent within its design. Whatever else is intended --- whether barbell, dumbbell, or one of the various exercise machines designed for total fitness --- there exists some sort of handle which must be qrasped in order to use the device. Quite clearly, one must hold onto a handle to make the device work. This action of holding the handle automatically and necessarily employs the conjunctive (adjoining) muscles. Such "helper" muscles actually take away from the isolation required for full development of any Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP~2 Inventor: Caruthers $~
specifically tarqeted muscle.
This detractive denominator occurs because of the physioloqical structure of the human body. A precise interface of cardiovascular, neural-nervous system, respiratory, and muscular function is adequate to carry the average person through their normal daily activity. ~lowever, this interface is simply not sufficient to create an above average ~or dynamic) physique.
Combined with the time constraints that typically discouraye regular exercise, the obvious result is a rather larqe population group composed of "ordinary" (somewhat less than splendidly developed) individuals.
In said ~nited States Letters Patent No. 4,813,669, the inventors disclosed an exercising device which an individual can utili~e and manipulate without the necessity of grasping. In thiS device, weights and fillers are disposed in a Casing having a constant outer diameter (O.D.). The ratio of weights to fillers ls varied for varyi.nq the weight of the device. The weiqht casinq is housed in a housinq which includes a pair of body portions that are joined toqether by a keyinq means. The keying means includes an arcuate rib which is formed on the peripheral edge of each of the body portions and which mates with one another when the body portions are bouqht together.
Thereafter, the peripheral edges are qlued, ultrasonically welded or otherwise integrally joined.
While successfully providinq a device which may be manipulated without grasping, this device can be improved on by providinq better and easie~ access to the weights, so that they may be changed or selectively varied, as desired. Additionally, it would be further advantageous to provide a weight means that eliminates a substantial portion of the weights and/or fillers which are needed and which are readily subject to being lost.

Finally, it would be further advantageous to provide such a weiqht means that is not subject to shifting during the use Docket Mo. 9714-PA-CIP-2 ~ nventor: Caruthers thereof.
While a significantly improved exercise device has been disclosed, further improvements can be made by providing a more secure and comfor-table cushion means for the hand in the device.
This cushion means may be removable for cleaning and replacement.
Additional improvements Ielate to the tongue and groove confi~uration to mate the housinq portions and to providing covers for the cap screws.
Accordingly, it will be appreciated that there remains a need for an exercise device for strengthening a user's targeted muscle; wherein the device is capable of being utili~ed by the user, such that a forceful grip i5 not re~uired by the user; and wherein the necessity for employinq the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reducing the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle, wherein the body portions thereof are formed so as to be readily separable, so as to provide access to the weig21ts disposed therein, whexein only one weight is utilized at a time without the need of fillers, which is not capable of shifting during use thereof, and wherein a comfortable removable rest for the user's hand is provided in the device.

Summary Of The Invention Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise device for strengthening a user's targeted muscle which is capable of being utilized by the user thereof, such that the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoininq muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reduclng the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle.
While not limited thereto, it is another object of the present invention to provide such an exercise device for strengthening a user's tarqeted muscles, including the abdominal Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 ~ nventor: Caruthers reqion and extending thereabove, such as the biceps, triceps, forearm, deltoids and the pectoral muscles.
It is yet another object o~ the present invention to isolate the development of a taraeted muscle by substantially eliminating the normal requirement for using the adjoining conjunctive muscles, thereby substantially improving the development of the targeted muscle.
It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide such a weight training device which provides ready access to the weights disposed therein for selectively changing the weight of, and the resistance provided by, the device.
It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide such a weiallt training device, wherein one weight is utlllzed for each desired resistance, and that is not subject to any slippa~e, slidinq or shifting movement w~latsoever during the use thereof.
1'he devices of the present invention, by virtue of their unique configuration, virtually eliminate the assistance of conjunctive muscles during the per~ormance of many reqimen exercises.
It is ~ further object of the pre~ent invention to provide an insert in the exercise device for more secure and comfortable placement of the user's hand.
More specifically, the user is not required to grasp the device of the present invention. Rather, the device simply cradles the user's hand, and the device is so desiqned that the user's hand remains at all times in a comfortable and natural "at rest" position. The device of the present invention cannot be qrasped by a handle, because there is no handle to grasp. As a result, there is an accelerated rate of achievement, and less time is spent on exercise while deriving full benefit.
In a preferred embodiment, a device of the present invention weighing ten (10) pounds, when properly employed, has a Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 ~ J ~ Inventor: Caruthers beneficial effect roughly equivalent to the employment of a conventional thirty-five (35) pound weight hereto~ore resorted to in the prior art ( It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a method of forminq the exercise aevices Ol- the present invention.
In accordance with the teachlnas of the present invention, there is disclosed herein an ~xercise device that has a housinq - having a weight means disposed therein. The housing further has lo an opening formed therein substantially tangentially of the llousing. The openinq is bounded by a relatively-thin outer wall and an inner wall havinq respective convex and concave portions.
The hand of the user may be inserted through the openlng ln the housing, such that the user's hand is disposed between the inner and outer walls, such that at least the fingers of the user's hand rest substantially on the convex portion of the inner wall, and such that the heel of the user's hand rests substantially on the concave portion of the inner wall. In this manner, a forceful grip is not required by the user, and the necessity for employinq the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reducing the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle. Finally, the weiqht means has a pair of opposite ends;
and each of the opposite ends is joined to a respective diametrically opposed portion of the housing.
Preferably, the housing includes a pair of complementary housing portions. The housing portions have respective peripheral edges along which the housing portions mate. Each of the housing portions also have one of the diametrically opposed portions of the housing to which one of the respective opposite ends of the weight means is joined. Means is provided for securing each of the opposite ends of the weight means to a respective diametrically opposed portion of the housing. In this Docket No. 9714-PA-ClP-2 Inventor: Caruthers manner, the peripheral edges of the housinq portions mate with one another, foxminq an inteqral housing.
It is further preferred that the peripheral edge of one of the housing portions has a tonque formed thereon. Also the peripheral edge of the other of the housing portions has ~ groove formed therein to receive the tongue in a mating relationship.
In this manner, the peripheral edqes of the housing portions mate with one another.
In a still further preferred embodiment, the means for securinq each oE the opposite ends of the weiqht means to a respective diametrically opposed portion of the housing includes a pair of cap screws. Each cap screw is removably disposed through a res`pective housing portion and received in a respective opposite end of the weight means. In this manner, the housing 1~ portions are removably secured to the respective opposite ends of the weight means, with the peripheral edaes of the housinq portions in a matinq relationship. In this respect, it is further preferred for each of the opposite ends of the weiqht means to have a blind axial bore formed therein for receiving one ~ of the respective cap screws therein.
In accordance with the further teachings of the present invention, there is disclosed a housing that includes complementary housinq halves. Each of these housing halves is relatively thin-walled. The housing halves have respective peripheral edges that are mated together alonq a common midplane between the housing halves. A weight means is disposed within the housing. The weight means has a pair of opposite ends; and means are provided for securing each of the housing halves to a respective opposite end of the weight means. In this manner, the housinq halves are secured to one another having the respective peripheral edges mated together along the common midplane. The housinq has an opening formed therein substantially tangentially of the housing. In this manner, the hand of the user may be ,~ 9 1 Docket No. 9714-P~-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers inserted through the opening in the housing and at least partially around the weight means radially thereof. The user's hand is further disposed at least partially between the weight means and the w~ll of the housinq, such that a forceful qrip is not required by the user, and such that the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced. Thus, the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle i5 substantially reduced.
lo viewed in another aspect, the present invention provides an exercise device including a housing having a pair of complementary mating portions formed with peripheral edges mating alonq a common midplane. A weight is disposed between the mating housin~ portions substantially transversely of the common midplane therebetween. Means are pro~ided for securing the housing portions and the weight together to thereby form a unitary article. The housing has a substantially tangential opening formed therein to receive the user's hand, such that the palm of the user's hand substantially confronts and i9 cradled around the weight, and such that the back of the user's hand substantially confronts an inner walled surface of the housing.
In this manner, a forceful grip by the user's hand on the weiqht is not necessary; and the necessity for employing the user's conjuctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced, thereof substantially reducing the tendency to extract from the development of the user's targeted muscle.
Viewed in yet another aspect, the present invention provides an exercise device having an opening formed therein through which the hand of the user may be inserted. This opening is defined by a pair of walls in the device, including an inner wall and an outer wall, such that the user's hand is substantially curved around the inner wall ard is disposed between the inner and outer wal]s, respectively. An internal wall within the device limits Docket No. 9714-P~-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers the insertion of the user's hand through the openinq. A weight means is disposed substantially centrally of the device and within the inner wall thereo~, such that a forceful grip of the user's han~ on the weiqht means is n~t necessary, and such that the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive ad~oining muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reducing the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle.
~referably, the inner wall has a convex outer surface; the outer wall has a concave inner surface and is disposed radially of the inner wall: and the internal wall comprises a radial wall joininq the inner and outer walls beyond the openinq in the device.
In a preferred embodiment, the exercise device is substantially spherical, and the opening is formed therein substantially tangentially thereof.
It is also preferred that an insert be disposed in the openinq between the lnner wall and the outer wall and the user's hand be cushioned.
Viewed in a further aspect, the present invention provides an exercise device having an opening for receiving the user's hand, wherein when the user's hand is received in the exercise device, a forceful grip is not required during use of the device, thereby substantially avoiding use of the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles, and thereby substantially strengthening the user's targeted muscle. A weight means is provided within the exercise device. A cushioned insert is provided within the opening in the exercise device and substantially between the user's hand and the exercise device, whereby the insert contributes to the user's convenience and comfort durinq use of the exercise device.
` Viewed in yet still another aspect of the present invention, a method is disclosed for forming an exercise device intended for ~ 3iJ~

Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers strenqtheninq a user's tarqet muscle. This method includes the steps of forminq a pair of substantially hemispherical, relatively thin-walled housinq portions. At least one of the housing portions has a cut-away portion, and each of the housinq 5 p~rti~ns has a peripheral edge and ~ diametrically-opposed portion ~ weight ~eans is provided having a paix of opposed ends, and a pair of cap screws are provided. Each opposed end of the weiqht means is secured to a respective diametrically-oppose~
portion o~ each of the housing portions by one of the respective cap screws. In this manner, each opposed end of the cylinder is supported thereby; and the peripheral edges mate Wit~l one another, whereby th~ housing further has an openinq formed therein substantially tangentially of the housing and communicating with the cut-away portion thereof.
~5 These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a readinq of the followinq specification, taken in conjunction with the enclosed drawings.

Brie~ Descri tion Of The Drawinqs . P
Fig. 1 is a pictorial view of the exercise device of the present invention, illustrating one use of the device for strenqthenillg the user's targeted muscle which, in this case, is the bicep.
Fig. lA is a pictorial view of a conventional prior art dumbbell, illustratinq its normal use.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the exercise device of the present invention.
Fiq. 3 is a side elevational view of the exercise device, with parts thereof broken away and sectioned, to show the positionina of the user's hand therein between the relatively thin-walled housing and the cylindrical weiqht means mounted in the housing.
Fig. 4 is a section view, taken along lines 4-4 of Fiq. 3 and drawn to an enlarqed scale, and showinq the arcuate ribs Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers between the comp~ementary relatively thin-walled hemispherical housing portions.
Fiq. 5 is a section view, taken along lines 5-5 of Fig. 2, and showinq the manner in which the cylindrical weight means is mounted ~etween the c~mplementary housing portions.
Fig. 6 is a section view, taken alonq lines 6-6 of ~ig. 5.
Fig. 7 is another section view, correspondinq substantially to Fia. 5, but showing several "filler" Qr "dummy" weights disposed in the cylinder.
Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the exercise device of Fig. 5.
Fig. 9 shows the positioninq of the exercise device of the present invention upon a table (or other surface) so that the exercise device will not roll off the table.
Fig. 10 is a section view thereof, taken alon~ lines 10-10 of Fiq. 9, and drawn to an enlarqed scale.
Fiq, 11 is another perspective view of the exercise device of the present invention, showing the padding disposed within the housing for providin~ a cushion for the hand of the user durinq use of the devi ce.
Fiqs. 12-20 are sequence views, illustratlnq the method for forming and assembling a preferred embodiment of ~he exercise device of the present invention.
Fiq. 12 is a side elevation of the body portion of the casing for the weight means, wherein the body portion is folded into a substantially flat shape for shipment.
Fig. 13 is an end view of the body portion of Fig. 12.
Fig. 14 is a side elevation of the body portion of the casing, wherein the body portion is unfolded into a-substantially cylindrical shape for use thereof during manufacture of the exercise device.
Fig. 15 is an end view of the unfolded cylindrical body portion, corresponding substantially to Fig. 14.

J ~
Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the cylindrical body portion with a cap inserted on one end thereof and further with weights beinq disposed therein.
Fig. 17 is a further perspective view of the cylindrical body portion having all th~ weights disposed therein, further showinq the insertion of a cap on the other end thereof.
Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the cylindrical weight means being disposed in the respective concave inner recess of one of the hemispherical housing portions.
Fig. 19 is another perspective view of the other of the hemispherical housing portions, shown partially disposed over the other of the opposed ends of the cylindrical weight means.
Fiq. 20 is still another perspective view, showing the hemispherical housing portions being assembled and almost completely covering the cylindrical weight means.
Fig. 21 is a longitudinal section of a second embodiment of the present invention, correspondinq substantially to that of Fig. 5, but showing a pair of circular discs separated by a dowel rod to form the cylindrical weight means within the housing.
Fiq. 22 is an exploded perspective view thereof.
Fig, 23 is a longitudinal section of a third embodiment of the present invention, corresponding substantially to that of Fiq. 5, but showing a weighted sleeve to form the cylindrical weight means within the housing.
Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view thereof.
Fiq. 25 illustrates how two of the exercise devices of the present invention may be used in combination with a telescoping bar therebetween to form an improved exercise device, the use of which is somewhat similar to that of a conventional barbell.
Fig. 26 is a section view (with parts thereof in el~vation) taken along the lines 26-26 of Fig. 25, drawn to an enlarged scale, and showing the telescoping members of the bar.
Fig. 27 is a further section view, taken along the lines 27-27 of Fig. 25, drawn to an enlarqed scale, and showing the ,J ~ " ~ `f Docket ~o. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers coupling of one of the exercise devices of the present invention to the telescoping bar.
Figs. 28 35 schemakically illus-trate various examples for use of the exercise devices of the present invention for the development and improvement of respective targeted musc~es.
Fig. 36 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ends of the weight are removably secured to the housinq portions by cap screws, respectively, and wherein the outer diameter of the weiqht may be chanqed to vary the weigh~ of the exercise device.
Pig. 37 is a longitudinal cross-section of the weight means, taken alonq line 37-37 of Fig. 36 and dra~n to an enlarged scale.
Fiq 38 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 36 in its assembled relationship, but with certain parts thereof broken away and sectioned, and further showing an alternate fastening means.
Fig. 39 is a partial cross-sectional view thereof, taken along the lines 39-39 of Fiq. 38 and drawn to an enlarged scale, and showing the tongue-and-qroove mating relationship of the two hemispherical housing portions or shells along their respective annular peripheries.
Fig. 40 is a first elevational view of one of the housinq portions or shells, as viewed from the lines 40-40 of Fiq. 36 and drawn to an enlarged scale.
Fig. 41 is a cross sectional view of the exercise device to show the insert of foam material with the positioning of the user's hand therein.

Fig. 42 is a cross sectional view of the exercise device to show the insert of the inflatable bladder with the positioning of th,e user's hand therein.
Fig. 43 is a cross sectional view of the exercise device to show the bladder containing liquid with the positioning of the user's han~ therein.

~o~ke-t' N:~.''9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers Fig. 44 is a cross sectional view of the exercise device to show the insert pad on the outside wall with the positioning of the user's hand relative to the insert pad.
Fig. 45 is an enlarged partial section view of Fig. 42 showitlg a valve disposed on the inflatable bladder.
Fig. 46 is an enlarged partial section view of Fig. 42 showing an aperture in the outer wall and a valve disposed in the inflatable bladder.
Fig. 47 is an enlarged partial section view of Fig. 42 showinq a collapsible bellows pump attached to the inflatable bladder.
Fig, 48 is an enlarged partial section view of Fig. 42 showing a tube on the inflatable bladder for introduction of air into the bladder.

Fig. 49 iS a cross sectional view of the exercise device showing a tongue-like form in the opening to form the insert of Fi~. 41.
Fig. 50 is a cross sectional view of the exercise device showing a form in the opening to form the insert of Fiq. 44.
Fiq. 51 is an elevational vieW of one of the housinq portions showing alternating tongue and groove segments on the peripheral edge of the housing portion.
Fig. 52 is a perspective view of the exercise device showing joining of the housing portions to engaqe the respective tongue and groove segments of the housinq portion.
Fiq. 53 is an enlarged cross section view of the cover on the cap screw.

Descxiption Of Preferred Embodiments With reference to Fig. 1, there is illustrated the exercise device ]0 of the present invention for strengthening one of the user's tarqeted muscles (in this case, the bicep) such that a forceful grip is not required by the user. Such an arrangement J~
Docket No. 971~-P~-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers substantially eliminates the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive muscles adjoining the bicep. In this manner, the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted bicep muscle is substantially reduced.
By comparison, and with reference to Fig. lA, there is illustrated the use of a conventional dumbbell DB for strengthening the user's targeted muscle (again, in this case, the bicep). In usinq these conventional devices, such as a dumbbell, the user must forcefully grip the handle of the dumbbell. This gripping action has the tendency to detract from the development of the user's tar~eted bicep muscle, thereby substantially reducing the efficiency of the device.
The same concept is equally applicable to other targeted rnuscles, besides the bicep, consonant with the teachings of the present invention.
With reference to Figs. 2-4, the exercise device 10 includes a substantially-spherical relatively thin-walled housing 11 havinq a diametral axis desiqnated at ~. The housinq ll includes a pair of housing portions llA and llB joining at a common midplane B. Each of the housinq portions 11~ and llB is preferably substantially hemispherical and identical to one another; moreover, the housinq halves llA and llB are molded from a suitable plastic material, such as a polycarbonate havinq relatively high impact strength. However, it will be expressly understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not so limited.
With this in mind, the housin~ 11 has a cut-away portion 12 formed therein. The housing further has an opening 13 formed therein substantially tangentially of the housinq 11 and communicating with the cut-away portion 12. Through this opening 13, and as shown more clearly in Fig. 3, the hand of the user may be inserted into the housing 11 for use of the exercise device 10 .

~ ~ p~
Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers The housing 11 includes a suitable keyinq means between the pair of hemispherical portions llA and llB, whereby the hemispherical portions are retained together and form the substantially spherical housing 11. Preferably, and as shown more clearly in Fig. 4, this keying means includes an arcuate rib 14 formed on the peripheral edges of each of the houslng portions llA and llB. These ribs 14 are complementary and are mated when the housing portions llA and llB are brought together to form the spherical housing 11. Thereafter, the edges of the housing portions llA and 11~ are glued, ultrasonically welded, or otherwise integra]ly joined with one another.
~ ach of the thin-walled housing portions llA and llB has a concave inner walled por~ion 15 forming a circular recess (for purposes hereinafter described).
1~ with further reference to Figs. 5-8, the weight means comprises a casinq 16 disposed within the housing 11 and, preferably, substantially coincident with the diametral axis A of the housinq 11 and at riqht angles to the common midplane B
between the housing portionS llA and llB. The casing 16 has a body portion 17, within which disc-shaped weights 18 and/or "dummy" weights or "fillers" 19 are disposed. Preferably, the casing 16 is substantially cylindrical in shape. However, it is to be understood that any suitable shape of the casing 16 may be employed (and other types Of ballast may be employed other than the fillers 19) consonant with the teachings of the present invention. The body portion 17 of the casing 16 further has a pair of opposed ends 20, each of which is preferably open.

A cap 21 is disposed over each open end 20 of the casing 16.
The caps 21 aid in retaining the selected weights 18 and/or "fillers" 19 within the casing 16. If desired, the caps 21 may be omitted entirely, with either (or both) opposed end portions 20 being integrally sealed with a respective end wall, or with both ends 20 being left open.

~ s~

Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers . .
Disposed in ~he casing 16 is the selected weights 18 and/or "fillers" 19 which are desired to be lifted by the targeted muscle. It is preferred that each weight 18 be shaped substantially coincident with the shape of the interior of the casing 16, and particularly the body portion 17 thereof. If, as in the preferred embodiment, the casiny is substantially cylindrical in shape, then each weight 18 and/or "filler" 19, is preferably substantially disc-shaped in appearance and is sized to be received within the body portion 17 of the casing 16. The weights 18 may be fabricated from lead, steel, sand enclosed in plastic, or any other suitable material.
The "dummy" weights or "fillers" 19 may be utilized in place of any one or several of the weights 18. Such "fillers" 19 are preferably fabric~ted from a foam plastic (or other suitable) material having substantially identical geometric proportions as the weights 18 themselves. By substitutinq any one or several "fillers" 19 for the "real" weights 18, the weight of the device 10 being lifted by the targeted muscle (the bicep, for example) may vary from bubstantially zero (wherein all "fillers" 19 and no weiqhts 18 are utilized) to a maximum value (wherein all weights 18 and no "fillers" 19 are utilized).
It is to be understood that any suitable weight or weights may be employed consonant with the teachings of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, each of the weights 18 weighs 1.25 pounds. If the casing 16 is sized so as to receive eiqht (8) such 1.25 pound weights 18 therein, then no "fillers"

19 are employed, and basically, a ten tlO) pound weight is obtained for the exercise device; and if only four (4) of the weights 18 are employed, then basically, a five (5) pound weight is obtained, ln which case four (4) fillers 19 are employed as shown more clearly in Fig. 7. In a preferred embodiment, the complementary hemispherical housing halves llA and llB, together, weigh ten ounces (10 oz.) and, if desired, this weight may be ~Jd ~ 3; I s ~ ~ l Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers taken into account in determininq the wei~ht of the overall exercise device 10. Moreover, if desired, a heavie~ weight may be chosen for the houslng halves llA and llB.
While i~ is not necessary that such "~illers" 19 be utilized, the use of such "fillers" 19 aids in filling the interior of the casing 16, thereby preventing the weights 1~
disposed therein from shifting during the use thereof. If such "fillers" 19 were not provided, then the weights 18 disposed therein may be subject to lateral movements (or "shifting") within the casing 16 during use of the device 10.
~ s noted herein, each of the hemispherical housing portions llA and llB of the relatively thin-walled housing 11 is provided with a concave inner walled portion 15. Each of these concave inner portions 15 receives and supports a respective opposed end 15 20 Of the casing 16 therein, when the hemispherical housing portions 11A a~d llB are joined to one another. Preferably, each o the opposed ends 20 is further supported on a respective internal annular shoulder 22 formed in each of the concave inner portions 15.
With reference again to Fig. 3, during use of the exercise device 10 of the present invention to strengthen the user's bicep (for example), the hand of the user is inserted through the opening 13 in the housing 11 and at least partially around the casing 16 radially thereof. In this manner, the user's hand is 25 "cradled" in the hollow spherical housing ll, being at least partially disposed between the casing 16 and the relatively-thin wall of the housing 11. The palm of the user's hand is supported substantially against the convexly-formed inner walled portion 15A, such that the heel of the user's hand is supported substantially on the concave section 15B of the inner walled portion 15.
When utilized in this fashion, the user's hand at all times remains in a comfortable, natural "at rest" position. In such a ~ ~ ' J ',~ J~
Docket No. 9714~~~CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers manner, a forceful grip by the user is not required throughout the full range of motion of the exercise device 10, such that the necessity for employinq the user's muscles which adjoin the bicep (~he conjunctive muscles) is substantially reduced. As a result, the device lo substantially reduces the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle (in this case, for example, the bicep).
With reference to Figs. 9 and 10, the outer surface of the housinq 11 may, if desired, be truncated to form a flat surface 23 thereon. Provision of this flat surface 23 aids in prever,ting the device from rolling when the exercise device 10 is placed on a substantially flat surface, such as a table 23A as illustrated in Fiqs. 9 and 10.
With reference ~o Fiq. 11, in a preferred embodiment of the exercise device 10, a paddinq 24 (or other suitable means) may be disposed within the housing 11 and between the casinq 16 and the housing 11. In this manner, a cushion is provided for the hand of the user which i5 disposed in the exercise device 10 during use thereof. Additional padding may be disposed within the housing 11, opposite to the padding 24, if desired. Further details of an embodiment having a cushion for the hand of the user are described in detail below and in Figs. 41 - 50.
With reference to Figs. 12-20, there is illustrated the sequence of steps comprising the preferred method for assemblinq and forming the exercise device 10 of the present invention.
Preferably, each of the hemispherical housing portions llA
and llB is molded from a relatively high-impact strength polycarbonate or other plastic or suitable material; and, as previously described, the hemispherical housing portions llA and llB are formed as mirror images of each other. If desired, the casing 16 may be molded as a sleeve or tubing or else extruded;
but in the preferred embodiment, the body portion 17 of the casing 16 comprises a flexible plastic sleeve which is folded _~9_ ~7.' iJ '~

Docket No. 9714-PA-CI~-2 Inventor: Caruthers flat for shipment (as shown more clearly in Figs. 12 and 13) and then is unfolded (as shows more clearly in Fi~s. 14 and 15) into a substantially cylindrical shape for use in-the fabrication and assembly of the overall exercise device 10. The cylindrical body portion 17 is sold under the trademark "JETRAN" by SLM
Manufacturing Corp. (of somerset, N.J. ) . caps 21 are formed for each respective open end of the cylindrical body portion 17.
Referring to Figs. 16 and 17, the cylindrical body portion 17 of the casinq 16 has a cap 21 disposed on one of the open opposed ends 20 thereof. The desired weiahts 18 and/or "fillers"
19 are then received within the cylindrical body 17. The other cap 21 is then disposed on the other of the open opposed end portions 20 of the cylindrical body 17, whereby the weights 18 and/or "fillers" 19 are retained in the cylinder. If desired, t~lese caps 21 may be either removably disposed over each respective end portion 20, whereby the weights 18 and/or "fillers" 19 are removably retained therein, or the caps 21 may be disposed over each respective end portion 20 and integrally secured in place therein, so that the weights 18 and/or "fillers"
19 are permanently re~ained therein. It is to be noted that the caps 21 may be disposed over each of the end portions 20 in the order described above or a cap 21 may be placed over each respective end portion 20 after the desired weight 18 and/or "fillers" 19 have been disposed in the cylinder 17.
2S Referring to Figs. 18-20, the assembled cylindrical casing 16 with the weights 18 and/or fillers 19 therein then has one of the opposed ends 20 inserted into a respective concave inner portion 15 of one of the hemispherical housing portions llA as shown more clearly in Fig. 18. There, the opposed end 20 is received on and abuts the internal annular shoulder 22, wherein the opposed end 20 of the cylindrical casing 16 is supported.
Then the other of the opposed ends 20 is inserted into the other respective concave inner portion 15 of the other hemispherical Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers housing portion 11B (as shown more clearly in Figs. 19 and ~0).
There, the othe~ opposed end 20 is received on and abu~s the internal annular shoulder 22 therein, wherein the other opposed end 20 of the cylindrical casing 20 is supported.
he respective hemispherical housiny portions llA and llB
are -then aliqned with one another and brought together, as shown in Fig. 20, such that the arcuate ribbed edqes 14 of the hemispherical housing portions llA and llB contact one another.
The ho~sing portions llA and llB are integrally joined together by a suitable adhesive, sonic or ultrasonic welding, or other suitable means. In this manner! a substantially spherical housing 11 having a sinqle diametral axis and a single cut-away portion 12 is formed. The housinq 11 further has a single opening 13 formed therein, substantially tangentially of the housing 11 and in communication with the cut-away portion 12 thereof for the hand of the user to be inserted durinq use, as herein described. If desired, the housing 11 could have a built-in cylindrical casing formed therein to receive the weiyhts 18, etc., in which case a separate cylinder 17 would not be necessary.
With reference to Fiqs. 21 and 22, constituting a first alternate embodiment 10' of the present invention, a pair of disc-shaped weights 18' are separated by a cylindrical "dummy"
block or dowel rod 25. The outer diameter ("O.D.") of the weights 18' and the dowel rod 25 remain substantially constant;
however, the thickness of the disc-shaped weights 18' (and the length of the cylindrical dowel rod 25) may be changed to provide a heavier (or lighter) weight for the exercise device 10'. This accommodates a range of exercise devices of different weights, thus facilitating an entire product line using the same housing members llA and llB. Like the other embodiments of the present invention, this achieves market expansion and penetration consonant with manufacturing standardization.

Docket ~o. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers With reference to Figs. 23 and 24, constituting a second alternate embodiment 10'' of the present invention, a weiqht 13'' comprising a single cylindrical sleeve is disposed between the respective housinq portlons llA and llB. The cylindrical weight 18'' has a central bore 26 formed therein. Thus, the cylindrical weight 18'' has a substantially ~onstant length; but the bore 26 may have a variable diameter, thereby changing the effective weight thereof for accolNmodating a desirab] e product line of exercise devices lO''.
With re~erence to Fiqs. 25-27, a pair of exercise devices of thr3 present invention may be suitably coupled toqether to form a barbell type of device.
More specifically, an exercise device 10''' is carried on the respective ends of a bar 27. The bar 27 includes telescoping bar members 27A and 27B~ Bar member 27A is preferably tubular and has an axial bore 28 to receive a reduced-diameter portion 29 of bar member 27s, as shown more clearly in Fig. 26. sar member 27A has four circumferentially-spaced slots 30 formed therein, and the outer diameter of bar member 27A is provided with external threads 31 radially of the slots 30. The reduced-diameter portion 29 of bar member 27B is slidably received in the axial bore formed in the tubular bar member 27A
to the desired depth to adjust the length of the bar 27 to suit the convenience of the individual user. A clamping collar 32 is slidably carried by the bar member 27A and has an internal taper which is complementary to the external taper on the bar member 27A. The clamping collar 32 has internal threads 33 which engage the external threads 31 on the bar member 27A and exert a radially inward]y-directed pressure on the respective portions of bar member 27A intermediately of the circumferentially-spaced slots 30 formed thereon, thereby securely clamping the bar member 27A to the reduced-diameter portion 29 of the bar member 27B, and thereby retaining the bar 27 in its desired adjusted length.

Docket N.o. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other means for adjusting the length of the bar 27 may be employed consonant with the teachings of the present invention.
With ~urther reference to Fiq. 27, the exercise device 10 ~ ~ ~
includes housinq halves llC and llD integrally joined to~ether at their peripheral ribbed edges 14, respectively, and exercise de~ice 10''' carries a sleeve weight 18A havinq a bore 26.
Housing half llD has an opening 34 to receive the bar member 27A, whicll is telescopically received concentrically within the sleeve weiqht 18A. The end of bar member 27~ is threaded, as at 35, to cooperate with the internally-threaded boss 36 of a clamping disc 37. Clamping disc 37 has a conical or tapered side surface 38 which wedges within a complementary internally-tapered or conical opening 39 formed in housina half llC. The tapered surface 38 of clamping disc 37 also wedges against an annular chamfered surface 40 Eormed on the sleeve weight 18A, thereby securely retaining the weight 18A within the housing halves llC and llD. The outer surface 4l of clamping disc 37 is formed as a portion of a sphere ~as shown more clearly in Fig. 27) so that in the overall assembly, the outer surface 41 of clampinq disc 37 forms a smooth continuation of the spherical contours of the exercise device 10''' and, more particularly, its housing half llC. The bar member 27A also carries a slidable locking collar 42 provided with a set screw 43 having a thumb-actuated portion 44, thereby retaining the exercise device 10''' on the bar member 27A. Bar member 27B has a similar connection with exercise device 10'''.
With this arrangement, the exercise devices may be quickly and conveniently removed from the bar 27 and replaced with exercise devices having different weights, as desired, so that the full range of the dual exercise devices is facilitated.

With reference to Figs. 28-35, the wide-ranging utility and application of the present to the accelerated development of various targeted muscles of the user, besides the bicep J ,b ~
Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers illustrated in Fig. 1, will be more readily appreciated. In Figs. 28-35, the full lines illustrate the natural "at rest"
positions, while the broken lines illustrate the stressed positlons durlng use of the exercise device of the pr~sent invention. Moreover~ it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the respective representations of Figs. 28-35 are illustrative of the present invention and not limiting thereof.
With this in mind, Fig. 28 and 29 illustrate the use of the exercise devices of the present invention Eor primarily developing and strengthening the chest muscles, as the user lies on a bench 45. Figs. 30 and 31 illustrate the use of the exercise aevices for primarily strenqtheninq the shoulder muscles; Fig. 3~. Eor the back muscles; and Figs, 33-35 are for the arm muscles. Fig. ~0 is a front deltoid raise. Fig. 31 is a bent-over lateral raise; Fig. 32 is a one-arm latissimus row;
Fig. 33 is an alternate bicep curl; Fig. 34 is a bicep concentration curl; and Fi~. 35 is a tricep extension.
In each case, the user's specific targeted muscle is being developed and strengthened. Since it is not required to exert a firm grip or grasp on the improved exercise devices of the present invention, the use of the adjoining or conjunctive muscles is at least substantially reduced, if not eliminated altogether. Thus, a smaller overall weight may be employed in the exercise devices, yet the beneficial effect will be substantially magnified; and, in a preferred embodiment, the improved exercise devices of the present invention have a beneficial effect which is substantially equal to a conventional weight of approximately 3.5 times the weight of the exercise device of the present invention. Viewed in another aspect, it will be appreciated that with the same exercise time period, the beneficial effect of the exercise devices of the present in~ention will be substantially enhanced over the use of the conventional devices of the prior art; or, conversely, a Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers substantially reduced exercise time period may be employed to achieve approximately the same beneficial effect normally obtained by using a conventional device over a substantially larger exercise time period.
Moreover, with the same basic design, it is possible to manufacture and market a wide range of exercise devices of various respective weights. Thus, an entire product line has been facilitated for rapid development and market expansion and penetration, yet consonant with manufacturing standardization and relatively low-cost volume production methods.
Obviously, many modifications may be made without departing from the basic spirit of the above invention. For example, the cylindrical casing 16 may be dispensed with (if desired) and complementary cylindrical casings could be integrally molded within the hemispherical housinq portions llA and llB, such that the desired weights 18 (and/or fillers 19) may be received directly therein. Additiona]ly, the housings for the exercise devices of the present invention may be made of a relatively soft or pliable material, thereby customizinq the exercise devices for use by children or handicapped persons ~oing through physical therapy. Indeed, it is even feasible, consonant with the teachings of the present invention, to integrally cast or otherwise suitably form the exercise devices of a substantially solid material (with or without an internal ballast1 yet havi~g the same tangential opening and convexo-concave inner wall or surface to accommodate the user's hand without requiring the user to exercise a forceful grip.
Referring to Figs. 36-40, an alternate embodiment of the exercise devices of the present invention is illustrated. This embodiment has improved strength and flexibility, incorporates all of the desirable features of the previous embodiment, and yet facilitates standardized manufacture of the devices with relatively large variations in weight bein~ readily accommodated.

~3~

Docket No, 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers In this alternate embodiment, -the peripheral edges of the housing portions have a solid tongue-and-groove mating relationship with one another, and the respective housing portions are secured to respeCtive opposite ends of the weiqht means~

Like the previous embodiments of the exercise devices described above, the exercise device 100 includes a housing 101 having a weight means disposed therein. Preferably, the wall thickness of this housing 101 is larger than the thickness of the housing wall of the previous embodiments.
~s was described for the pxevious embodiments, a tangential opening 10~ is formed in the housing 101. This opening 102 is bounded by an outer wall 103 and by an lnner wall 104. Inner wall 104 has a convex portion 105, and outer wall 103 has a concave portion 106. The hand of the user may be inserted through the tangential opening such that the user's hand is dispose~ between the inner and oUter walls 103 and 104, respectively.
As previously described, the palm of the user's hand is disposed adjacent to the convex portion 105 of the inner wall 104, and the heel of the user's hand is disposed adjacent to the concave portion 106 of the outer wall 103. Thus, a forceful grip is not required by the user during use of the exercise device 100, thereby substantially reducing the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles, which would (otherw~se) have a tendency to detract from the development of the user's tarqeted muscle.
The opposite ends of the weight means 107 are removably secured to respective diametrically-opposed portions or shells lOlA and lOlB of the housing 101, and the peripheral annular edqes of the respective housing portions lOlA and lOlB are held together in a solid mating relationship.
Referring to Figs. 36 and 37, preferably the weight means 107 comprises a single solid weight having a pair of opposite Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor Caruthers ends 108 and 109. It is contemplated herein that this weight 107 (like the cylinder 16 of, for example, Fig. 8) will be substantially cylindrical in cross-section. However, other configuratlons of the weight means 107 are equally applicable consonant with the teachin~s of the present invention.
Preferably, each of the opposite ends 108 and 109 of the weiqht 107 has a blind axial bore 110 formed therein. These opposite ends 108 and 109 are secured to the respective diametrically-opposed portions lOlA and lOlB of the housing 101 by a suitable fastening means.
The annular peripheral edges of the two molded hemispherical housing shells 101~ and ]OlB join together along a common longitudinal midplane constituting the parting line of the housing 101, and the weight 107 i5 secured between the housinq shells lOlA and lOlB transversely of the common lonqitudinal midplane therebetween.
The provision of the single weight 107 (secured directly to the housinq portions l~lA nd lOlB) eliminates potential slippage and shifting of the weight in the housing lOl. Thus, the exercise d~vice 100 has increased stability durinq the use thereof.
Having a sinqle weight also standardizes the manufacture of the exercise devices. The effective quantity of the weight 107 may be varied by varying the outer diameter ("O.D.") thereof. In the previous embodiments (described above) the outer diameter of the weight means remains constant, with the effective quantity (or weight) of the weight means beinq varied by varying the inner diameter thereof. Alterinq of the inner diameter, or requiring the use of many more weights, is more expensive. In this respect, the use of the single solid weight 107 avoids manufacturing problems, provides standardization, and facilitates an improved product having greater reliability.
The means for securing each of the opposite ends 108 and 109 of the weight 107 to the respective diametrically-opposed ~J iJ ~
Docket No. 9714-PA~CIP~2 Inventor: Caruthers portions lOlA and lOlB of the housing 101 includes a pair of cap screws 111 (or ~ther suitable fastening means). Each of the cap screws 111 is directly inserted and received in a respective bore 110 in the weight 107. These cap screws 111 may be self tappiny (as shown in Fig, 36); however, if desired, a screw 112 may cooperate with an expandable anchor 113 which is inserted into the bore 110, as shown in Fig. 38. The anchor 113 expands as the screw 112 is received in the bore 110 in the weight 107. The screws (111 or 112) pass through apertures 114 in the housing portion lOlA and lOlB, respectively.
In this manner, the housinq portions lOlA and lOlB of the housinq 101 are removably secured to the opposite ends 108 and 109, respectively, of the weight 107, such that the housing portions lOlA and lOlB are removably secured to each other.
Each housinq portion lOlA and lOlB has a plurality of radially-extending respective strenqtheninq ribs (or struts) 115 formed thereon, as shown more clearly in Fiq. 40. These struts 115 extend between the inner ~convex) wall 104 and the outer (concave) wall 103 of each housinq half lOlA and lOlB.
Additionally, cross ribs 116 join the struts 115 (being integrally molded therewith) to provide additional radial and circumferential strength to the housing portions lOlA and lOlB.
These struts 115 and cross ribs 116 are desirable where a particularly heavy weight ~i.e. forty pounds or heavier) is disposed in the exercise device 100 (but may not be necessary where lighter weights are employed).
Referrinq to Fiq. 39, in addition to Fig. 36, the housing portions lOlA and lOlB are keyed together by a tongue-and qroove arrangement, which permits the peripheral edges of the housing portions lOlA and lOlB to mate solidly with one another. In this arrangement, the annular peripheral edge of one of the housing portions lOlA (or lOlB) has an annular tonque 117 formed thereon;
and the annular peripheral edge of the other of the housing ~2~-Docket No. 9714-PA~IP-2 Inventor: Caruthers portions lOlB (or lOlA) has a complementary annular groove 118 formed therein and sized so as to receive the tongue 117 therein in a matinq relatlonship. This tonque-and-qroove arranqement provides greater security against slippage or relative moveme~t 5 of the housing portlons lOlA and 101B relative to one another, especially when the exercise device lOo is under greater stress due to the use of heavier weiqhts.
~ n internal wall 119 (see Fig. 36) limits the insertion of the user's hand in the exercise device lO0 (similar to the internal wall shown in Fiq. 3 o~ the previous embodiments). This internal wall ll9 projects radially and joins the inner wall 104 to the outer wall 103.
Referring to Figs. 41 to 44, an insert means 210 is provided in the opening 202 in the housing 201. The insert means 210 is disposed between the outer wall 203 and the inner wall 204. The insert means 210, in at least one embodiment, is in contact with the inner wall 203 and the outer wall 204. In this embodiment, an opening 211 is formed in the insert means 210 whereby the user's hand may be received in the openina 211. In this manner, the insert 210 is disposed between at least the finqers and possibly a portion of the palm of the user's hand and the convex portion of the inner wall 204. The extent to which the palm of the user's hand is in contact with the inner wall 204 depends on the size of the user ' s hand and the manner in which the user's hand is inserted into the opening 202 in the exercise device.
The insert 211 is also disposed between the back of the user's hand and the concave portion of the outer wall 203. The insert 210 may be a plastic foam type of material and preferably, is a high density urethane foam. The insert 210 substantially covers the user's hand during use of the device and provides a comfortable cushion for the user's hand.
The insert 210 also may be removable. This provides several additional useful features for the device. A removable insert ~3 ~J ~ J 3 Docket ~o. 9714-PA~CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers 210 may be cleaned or sterilized for hygienic reasons which is very important in those facilities where the exercise means may be used by more than one person. Even when used by the same person, it would be beneficial to remove the insert for periodic cleaning. Also, a removable insert 210 allows for replacement when the insert is damaqed or when the exercise device may be used by persons having hands which are significantly different in size from the other hands of other persons using the device. It is possible to obtain an insert 210 of a size or thickness which is most comfortable for the hand of the individual user.
A preferred embodiment to permit removal of the insert 210 provides a plurality of spaced apart protrusions 215 on the outer wall 203, the protrusions 215 extendinq toward the inner wall 204. The insert 210 is provided with a corresponding plurality of spaced apart apertures formed therein. The apertures 216 receive the protrusions 215 and retain the insert 210 within the openina 202. Alternately, the apertures may be formed in the outer wall 203 and the protrusions formed on the insert 210 to permlt the lnsert 210 to be retained in the opening 202.
Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 42, the insert means 210 may be an inflatable bladder 212 which may be disposed in the opening 202 in the device 200 between the outer wall 203 and the inner wall 204. The inflatable bladder 212 contacts the walls 203, 204 and has an openinq 211 therein to receive the user's hand. The inflatable bladder 212 is thereby disposed between at least the fingers, and possibly a portion of the palm of the user's hand, and the convex portion of the inner wall 204. The inflatable bladder 212 is also disposed between the back of the user's hand and the concave portion of the outer wall 203. The inflatable bladder 212 may be inflated with gas, such as air, to a desired level. When so inflated, the inflatable bladder 212 substantially conforms to the user's hand. In this manner, the means 210 may be individually varied to provide the most Docket No. 9714-P~-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers comfortable fit for the user's hand and is adaptable to a wide variation in the size of the hand. Further, the opening 211 in the infl~table bladder 212 may be washed, or cleaned ~y other means, for hygienic purposes.

Means are also provided to lnflate the bladder 212. A

preferred means is a valve 217 disposed i~ the bladder such that a source of ~ir pressure may be connected to the valve to introduce air into the inflated bladder 212 (Fig. 45) . This valve 217 may be of the type used in the bicycle tire or toy which is inflated with a hand pump (the source of air pressure).
Such valves are well known to person's skilled in the art.

Alternately~ (Fig, 46) the valve 217 may be disposed on ~he inflatable bladder 212 to cooperate with an aperture 220 in the outer wall 203 of the housin~ 201 such that the source of air pressure may be connected to the valve 217 through the aperture 220 in the outer wall 203.

In still another embodiment ~Fig. 47), a compact bellows type pump 218, which is manually operated, is disposed on the inflatable bladder 212. This may be a plastic bellows type pump which may be folded aqainst the inflatable bladder 212 to be available when needed. Referring to Fiq. 48, another means of inflating the bladder 212 is a tube 219 attached to the bladder 216 and communicating therewith. The tube 219 may be placed in the user's mouth and the bladder inflated with air from the user's lungs. Means are provided to prevent the air from exitina the tube and deflating the bladder 212. This type of inflation means is similar to that used with a beach ball. The tube 219 may be folded and received in a depression formed in the bladder 212 so as to be inconspicuous and ready for immediate use. The inflation means shown in Figs. 45-48 are simple, economical to manufacture and are sufficiently small as to be compatihle with the exercise device.
The inflatable bladder 212 has an edge which is disposed about the opening 202 of the device 200. The edge of the bladder 7r ~
Docket No . 9 714 -PA-CI P- 2 Inventor: Caruthers 212 is adhered (by an adhesive 221) about the opening 202 of the device 200 so as to fully seal the bladder 212 to the opening 202 and prevent deflation of the bladder 212. Other means known to persons skilled in the art may be used to seal the edge of the bladder 212 to the openin~ 202 to prevent deflation of the inflatable bladder 212.
In still another embodiment (Fiq. 43) the insert means 210 is a bladder 213 having a liquid contained therein. The bladder containing the liquid 213 is disposed in the opening 202 in the 10 device 200 between the outer wall 203 and the inner wall 204.
The bladder containing the liquid 213 contacts the walls 203, 204 and has an openinq 214 therein to receive the user's hand. The bladder containing the liquid 213 is thereby disposed between at least the fin~ers, ana possibly a portion of the palm Of the user's hand, and the convex portion of the inner wall 2~4. ~he bladder containing the liquid 213 is also disposed between the back of the user's hand and the concave portion of the outer wall 203. The bladder containing liquid 213 substantially conforms to the user's hand durinq use of the device 200. The llquid 223 contained in the bladder may be water, a silicone, a gel or any other viscous material (known to persons skilled in the artl which may be stable, pliable and relatively inexpensive. The bladder containing the liquid 213 has an edge which is disposed about the opening 202 of the device 200. The edge of the bladder containing the liquid 213 is adhered (by an adhesive 221) about the opening 202 between the inner wall 204 and the outer wall 203 of the device 200 to retain the bladder containing the ]iquid 213 in the opening 202. Further, the opening 214 in the bladder containing the liquid 213 may be washed, or cleaned by other means, for hygienic purposes.
The means 210 (foam insert, the inflatable bladder insert and the bladder containing liquid) may have a fabric cover disposed between the insert means 210 and the user's hand such -3~-~ ~ ; f Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers that the fab~ic cover may be cleaned and replaced.

Another embodiment of the insert means 210 is shown in Fig.

44. A single insert pad 222 is attached to the outer wall 203 of the device 200 su~h that the back of the user's hand is substantially in contact with the insert pad 222. Preferably, ~he inse~ pad 222 is a high density urethane foam material. The insert pad has a thickness which may be selected to provide the comfort required for the size of the individual user's hand. The insert pad 222 may be adhered to the outer wall 203 by adhesive or other means known to those skilled in the art.
In all of the above described insert means 210, the color of the insert means 210 may be selected as desired. Colored inserts may be used to identify the exercise device belonqing to a specific individual or organization.
Referring to Fig. 49, the plastic foam insert means 210 may be fabricated by placing a tongue-like form 225 in the opening 202 defined by the outer wall 203 and the inner wall 204. The tongue-like form 225 is spaced apart from the inner wall 204 and also from the outer wall 203. A space 226 is 1formed between the tongue-like form 225 and the inner wall 204 which communicates with the space 226 between the tongue-like form 225 and the outer wall 203. A foam material such as high density urethane is disposed in the space 226 between the tongue-like form 225 and the outer wall 203 and the communicating space 226 between the tongue-like form 225 and the inner wall 204. The space 226 is completely filled with the foam material. The foam material is cured (allowed to "set-up") and the tongue-like form 225 is removed from the opening 202. In this manner, the insert means 210 is formed on the inner wall 204 and the oùter wall 203 of the opening 202 in the exercise device such that the user's hand may be received in the opening from which the tongue-like form 225 was removed. The dimensions of the tongue-like form 225 determine the thickness and configuration of the insert means ,S~ ~ 1 Docket No. 9714-~'A-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers 210. Thus, a tonque-like form 225 which occupies a greater volume in the opening 202 such that the space 226 between the tongue-like form 225 and the walls 203, 204 is reduced, produces an insert means 210 which has reduced S thickness and is more comfortable for a user having a larger hand. Conversely, a tongue-like form 225 occupying a smaller volume, and hence an increased space 226 between the tongue-like form 225 and the walls 203, 204, is preferred for a user having a smaller hand. If a colored insert means 210 is desired, the desired color can be introduced into the foam material.
Referring to Fig. 50, the pad insert means 222 may be fabricated by placinn a form 227 in the openinq 202. The form 227 is in contact with the inner wall 204 and spaced apart from the outer wall 203 forming a space 228 between the form 227 and 15 the outer wall 203. A foam material is disposed in the space 228 between the form 227 and the outer wall 203 such that the space 228 is completely filled with foam material. The foam material is cured and the form 227 is removed from the openiny 202. Thus, an insert pad 222 is formed in contact with the outer wall 203 such that the back of the user's hand rests against the insert pad 222 which acts as a cushion for the user's hand. The thickness o the insert pad 222 is determined by the dimensions of the form 227, a thicker insert pad 222 being obtained with a thinner form 227 and a thinner insert pad 227 being obtained with a thicker form 227. The thickness of the insert pad 227 is selected to cushion the user's hand more effectively. Color may be added to the foam material if desired, to produce a colored insert pad 227. Also, adhesive material may be disposed on the outer wall 203 prior to introducing the foam material in order to more effectively retain the insert pad 227 against the outer wall 203.
` As a further aid in comfort in using the device and for improved contact between the palm of the user's hand and the Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers exercise device 200, the convex portion of the inner wall 204, if desired, may have a textured surface 234 thereon (Fiq. 44).
As previously described and as shown in Figs. 36 and 39, the housing portions may be mated by a tongue and groove arrangement.
In an alternate embo~iment shown in Figs. 51 and 52, the housin~
portions 230 and 231 may have a plurality of segments formed on the peripheral edges of the respective housing portions 230, 231.
Each seyment alternately has a tongue 232 formed thereon and a groove 233 formed thereon. The configuration of the alternatina tonque seqment 232 and groove segment 233 in the one of the housing portions 230 is the reverse of the configuration of the tongue segment 232 and the groove segment 233 in the other of the housing portions 231. ~s seen ln Fig. 52 when the respective peripheral ed~es of the housing portions 230, 231 mate, the tongue segments 232 in the respectiVe segments of the one of the housin~ portions 2~0 is received in the groove segments 23~ of the other of the housing portions in a matin~ relationship.
Also, the tongue 232 in the respective segments of the other of the housing portions 231 is received in the groove 233 in the respective seqment of the one of the housinq portions 230 in a nlating relationship. This arrangement provides improved security aqainst slippage or relative movement of the housinq portions 230 and 231 with respect to one another.
In still a further embodiment, when the housinq portions 230 and 231 mate to form an integral housing, the integral housing has a substantially s~ooth surface. The weight is secured in the housing by a pair of cap screws 235 which are inserted in and receiv'ed by a respective bore 236 in the weight. I'he cap screws 235 may be self tapping or any type previously described. As shown in Fig. 53, a cover 237 is removably mounted on each cap screw 235 such that the covers 237 are substantially flush with the surface of the housing. This may be achieved by having a beveled opening in the housing 230, 231 into which the cover 237 ~3~
~ocket No~ 9714-P~-CIP-2 Inventor Caruthers may be disposed. The cover may be disposed in the opening by a pressure fit. It is recognized by those skilled in the art that other means for placing the cover in the opening may be used.
Having thus described the invention, it will accordingly be appreciated by those skilled in the art that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than has been specifically described therein.

i, .

Claims (50)

1. In an exercise device comprising a housing including a pair of complementary diametrically-opposed housing portions, the housing having a weight means disposed therein and further having an opening formed therein substantially tangentially of the housing, the opening being bounded by an outer wall having a concave portion and an inner wall having a convex portion, whereby the hand of the user may be inserted through the opening in the housing, such that the user's hand is disposed between the inner and outer walls, such that at least the fingers of the user's hand rest substantially on the convex portion of the inner wall, and such that the back of the user's hand rests substantially on the concave portion of the outer wall, whereby a forceful grip is not required by the user, and whereby the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reducing the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle, and the weight means having a pair of opposite ends, each of which is secured to a respective housing portion, an improvement comprising an insert means provided in the opening in the housing between the outer wall and the inner wall thereby cushioning the user's hand.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the insert means is in contact with the outer wall and with the inner wall, the insert having an opening formed therein whereby the user's hand may be received in the opening in the insert means such that the insert means is disposed between at least the fingers of the user's hand and the convex portion of the inner wall and the insert means is disposed between the back of the user's hand and the concave portion of the outer wall.

3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the insert means is a plastic foam.

Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers

4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the insert means is a high density urethane foam.

5. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the insert means is an inflatable bladder which may be inflated to a desired level to conform to the user's hand.

6. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the insert means is a bladder having a liquid contained therein.

7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the insert means is a pad attached to the outer wall of the opening whereby the back of the user's hand rests substantially on the pad.

8. The exercise device of claim 7, wherein the pad is a high density urethane foam.

9. An exercise device having an opening formed therein through which the hand of the user may be inserted, the opening being defined by a pair of walls in the device and including an inner wall and an outer wall, an insert means disposed in the opening between the inner wall and the outer wall, whereby the user's hand is substantially curved around the inner wall and is disposed within the insert means between the inner wall and the outer wall, respectively, the insert means substantially covering the user's hand during use of the device, and a weight means disposed in the device, such that a forceful grip of the user's hand on the weight means is not necessary, and such that the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reducing the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle.

10. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein the outer wall has a plurality of spaced apart protrusions extending toward the inner wall, the insert means having a corresponding plurality of spaced apart apertures formed therein and receiving the respective protrusions such that the insert means is retained in the opening and may be removed from the opening for cleaning and Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers replacement.

11. The exercise device of claim 10 wherein the insert means is high density urethane foam.

12. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein the insert means has a plurality of spaced apart protrusions extending toward the outer wall and the outer wall has a corresponding plurality of spaced apart apertures formed therein and receiving the protrusions such that the insert means is retained in the opening and may be removed from the opening for cleaning and replacement.

13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the insert means is high density urethane foam.

14. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein the insert means has a fabric cover fitted therein, the fabric cover disposed between the insert means and the user's hand such that the fabric cover may be removed for cleaning and replacement.

15. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein the insert means is an inflatable bladder which may be inflated to a desired level whereby the inflatable bladder may substantially conform to the user's hand and means to inflate the bladder.

16. The exercise device of claim 15, wherein the means to inflate the bladder is a valve disposed in the bladder such that a source of air pressure may be connected to the valve to introduce air into the bladder.

17. The exercise device of claim 16, wherein the outer wall has an aperture therein, the aperture cooperating with the valve in the bladder such that the source of air pressure may be connected to the valve through the outer wall thereby facilitating inflation of the bladder with air.

18. The exercise device of claim 15, wherein the means to inflate the bladder is a pump disposed on the bladder.

19. The exercise device of claim 18, wherein the pump is a compact, bellows type pump which may be operated manually.

Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers

20. The exercise device of claim 15, wherein the means to inflate the bladder is a tube attached to the bladder and communicating therewith such that the tube may be placed in the user's mouth and the bladder inflated by air from the user's lungs, and means for preventing the air from exiting the tube and deflating the bladder.

21. The exercise device of claim 15, wherein the inflatable bladder has an edge, the edge being disposed about the opening in the device, the edge being adhered about the opening in the device.

22. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein the insert is a bladder having a liquid contained therein

23. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein the insert is a pad attached to the outer wall of the opening.

24. An exercise device having an opening formed therein through which the hand of the user may be inserted, the opening being defined by a pair of walls in the device and including an inner wall and an outer wall, the outer wall having a plurality of spaced apart protrusions extending toward the inner wall, an insert disposed in the opening between the inner wall and the outer wall, the insert having a corresponding plurality of spaced apart apertures formed therein and receiving the respective protrusions such that the insert is retained in the opening, whereby the user's hand is substantially curved around the inner wall and is disposed within the insert between the inner wall and the outer wall, the insert substantially covering the user's hand during use of the device, respectively, and a weight means disposed substantially centrally of the device and within the inner wall thereof, such that a forceful grip of the user's hand on the weight means is not necessary, and such that the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reducing the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers muscle.

25. The exercise device of claim 24, wherein the insert is a high density urethane foam.

26. An exercise device having an opening formed therein through which the hand of the user may be inserted, the opening being defined by a pair of walls in the device and including an inner wall and an outer wall, an inflatable insert disposed in the opening between the inner wall and the outer wall, whereby the user's hand is substantially curved around the inner wall and is disposed within the insert between the inner wall and the outer wall, respectively, the insert substantially covering the user's hand during use of the device, and a weight means disposed in the device such that a forceful grip of the user's hand on the weight means is not necessary, and such that the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reducing the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle.

27. The exercise device of claim 26, wherein the insert is an inflatable bladder which may be inflated to a desired level to conform to the user's hand and means to inflate the bladder.

28. The exercise device of claim 27, wherein the means to inflate the bladder is a valve disposed in the bladder such that a source of air pressure may be connected to the valve to introduce air into the bladder.

29. The exercise device of claim 27, wherein the means to inflate the bladder is a pump disposed on the bladder.

30. The exercise device of claim 29, wherein the pump is a compact, bellows type pump which may be operated manually.

31. The exercise device of claim 29, wherein the means to inflate the bladder is a tube attached to the bladder and communicating therewith such that the tube may be placed in the user's mouth and the bladder inflated by air from the user's Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers lungs and means for preventing the air from exiting the tube and deflating the bladder.

32. The exercise device of claim 26, wherein the inflatable insert has an edge, the edge being disposed about the opening in the device, the edge being adhered about the opening in the device.

33. An exercise device having an opening formed therein through which the hand of the user may be inserted, the opening being defined by a pair of walls in the device and including an inner wall and an outer wall, a bladder disposed in the opening between the inner wall and the outer wall, the bladder having a liquid contained therein, the bladder containing the liquid further having an opening formed therein through which the hand of the user may be inserted, whereby the user's hand is substantially curved around the inner wall and is disposed in the bladder between the inner wall and the outer wall, respectively, such that the bladder containing liquid substantially conforms to the user's hand during use of the device, and a weight means disposed in the device, such that a forceful grip of the user's hand on the weight means is not necessary, and such that the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reducing the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle.

34. The exercise device of claim 33, wherein the liquid contained in the bladder is water.

35. The exercise device of claim 33, wherein the liquid contained in the bladder is a silicone.

36. The exercise device of claim 33, wherein the liquid contained in the bladder is a gel.

37. The exercise device of claim 33, wherein the bladder containing liquid has an edge, the edge being disposed about the opening in the device, the edge being adhered about the opening Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers between the inner wall and the outer wall of the device.

38. An exercise device having an opening formed therein through which the hand of the user may be inserted, the opening being defined by a pair of walls in the device and including an inner wall and an outer wall, whereby the user's hand is substantially curved around the inner wall and the back of the user's hand is disposed toward the outer wall, an insert attached to the outer wall such that the back of the user's hand is substantially in contact with the insert, and a weight means disposed in the device such that a forceful grip of the user's hand on the weight means is not necessary, and such that the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reducing the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle.

39. The exercise device of claim 38 wherein the insert is a foam material.

40. The exercise device of claim 39, wherein the insert is a high density urethane foam.

41. The exercise device of claim 38, wherein the insert has a thickness and the thickness may be selected to be a desired thickness.

42. The exercise device of claim 38 wherein the insert is attached to the outer wall with an adhesive.

43. An exercise device having an opening for receiving the user's hand, wherein when the user's hand is received in the exercise device, a forceful grip is not required during use of the device, thereby substantially avoiding use of the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles, and thereby substantially strengthening the user's targeted muscle, weight means within the exercise device, and a cushioned insert within the opening in the exercise device and substantially between the user's hand and the exercise device, whereby the insert contributes to the user's Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers convenience and comfort during use of the exercise device.

44. The exercise device of claim 43, wherein the insert is removable from the opening in the exercise device.

45. A method for forming an insert in an exercise device having an opening formed therein through which the user's hand may be inserted, the opening being defined by a pair of walls in the device including an inner wall and an outer wall, comprising the steps of placing a tongue-like form into the opening in the device, the tongue-like form being spaced apart from the inner wall and the outer wall to form a space between the tongue-like form and the inner wall and to form a communicating space between the tongue-like form and the outer wall; disposing a foam material in the space between the tongue-like form and the inner wall and the communicating space between the tongue-like form and the outer wall such that the space is completely filled with foam material; curing the foam material, and removing the tongue-like form such that the foam insert is formed on the inner wall and on the outer wall of the exercise device and such that the user's hand may be disposed in the foam insert within the opening of the device.

46. A method of forming an insert in an exercise device having an opening formed therein through which the user's hand may be inserted, the opening being defined by a pair of walls in the device including an inner wall and an outer wall, comprising the steps of placing a form in the opening, the form contacting the inner wall and being spaced apart from the outer wall forming a space between the form and the outer wall, disposing a foam material in the space between the form and the outer wall such that the space is completely filled with foam material; curing the foam material; removing the form such that the insert is formed on the outer wall and the user's hand rests thereagainst when the user's hand is inserted in the exercise device.

47. The method of claim 46, further comprising applying a coating of adhesive to the outer wall before disposing the foam Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers material in the opening between the foam and the outer wall such that the insert may adhere to the outer wall.

48. An exercise device comprising a housing including a pair of complementary diametrically-opposed housing portions, the housing having a weight means disposed therein and further having an opening formed therein substantially tangentially of the housing, the opening being bounded by an outer wall having a concave portion and an inner wall having a convex portion, whereby the hand of the user may be inserted through the opening in the housing, such that the user's hand is disposed between the inner and outer walls, such that at least the fingers of the user's hand rest substantially on the convex portion of the inner wall, and such that the back of the user's hand rests substantially on the concave portion of the outer wall, whereby a forceful grip is not required by the user, and whereby the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reducing the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle; the housing portions having respective peripheral edges along which the housing portions mate, the peripheral edge of each housing portion having a plurality of segments formed therein, each segment alternately having a tongue formed thereon and a grove formed therein; the configuration of the alternating tongue and grove segments in the one of the housing portions being the reverse of the configuration of the tongue and grove segments in the other of the housing portions; such that when the respective peripheral edges of the housing portion mate, the tongue on the respective segment of the one of the housing portions is received in the groove of the respective segment of the other of the housing portions in a mating relationship and the tongue on the respective segment of the other of the housing portions is received in the groove of the respective segment of the one of the housing portions in a mating relationship.

Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers

49. An exercise device comprising a housing including a pair of complementary diametrically-opposed housing portions, the housing having a weight means disposed therein and further having an opening formed therein substantially tangentially of the housing, the opening being bounded by an outer wall having a concave portion and an inner wall having a convex portion, whereby the hand of the user may be inserted through the opening in the housing, such that the user's hand is disposed between the inner and outer walls, such that at least the fingers of the user's hand rest substantially on the convex portion of the inner wall, the convex portion of the inner wall having a textured surface thereon for improved contact between the inner wall and at least the fingers of the user's hand such that the back of the user's hand rests substantially on the concave portion of the outer wall, whereby a forceful grip is not required by the user, and whereby the necessity for employing the user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reducing the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle, and the weight means having a pair of opposite ends, each of which is secured to a respective housing portion.

50. An exercise device comprising a housing having a weight means disposed therein, the housing further having an opening formed therein substantially tangentially of the housing, the opening being bounded by an outer wall having a concave portion and an inner wall having a convex portion, whereby the hand of the user may be inserted through the opening in the housing, such that the user's hand is disposed between the inner and outer walls, such that at least the fingers of the user's hand rest substantially on the convex portion of the inner wall, and such that the back of the user's hand rests substantially on the concave portion of the outer wall, whereby a forceful grip is not required by the user, and whereby the necessity for employing the Docket No. 9714-PA-CIP-2 Inventor: Caruthers user's conjunctive adjoining muscles is substantially reduced, thereby substantially reducing the tendency to detract from the development of the user's targeted muscle, the housing portion including a pair of complementary semi-spherical housing portions having respective annular peripheral edges along which the housing portions mate, such that the peripheral edges of the housing portions mate with one another, forming an integral housing having a substantially smooth surface, the weight means having a pair of opposite ends, each of the opposite ends having a blind axial bore formed therein, a pair of cap screws, each cap screw being removably disposed through a respective housing portion and received in one of the respective blind axial bores formed in the opposite ends of the weight means, thereby removably securing the housing portions to the respective opposite ends of the weight means, and each cap screw having a cover removably mounted thereon such that the respective covers are substantially flush with the surface of the housing.