Weighted exercise ring and system

Abstract

A circularly shaped weight includes an opening in the center having a handle extending there through. The handle bi-sects the opening and creates equal openings for receiving a hand or foot of the user. The weight is particularly useful for individuals who may be incapacitated by arthritis or other physical ailments that may prevent them from properly grasping a weight. The novel shape is useful in stacking the weights when they are not in use. A plurality of circularly shaped weight may be fastened together via a coupler.

Description

[0001]The present application relates to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 972,323 filed on Sep. 14, 2007.[0002]The present application did not receive any federal research and / or development funding.TECHNICAL FIELD[0003]Generally, the present invention relates to a weighted exercise ring for exercising the muscles of the body such as the arms and legs. More specifically, the invention is a “free weight” system that includes a plurality of circular rings that are attached together to create an overall larger weight via at least one quick connect / disconnect coupler. The term “free weight” describes a weight-lifting device that may be used for a plurality of exercises and whose motion is not constrained by an external apparatus. This term “free weight” as used throughout the application indicates that the weighted exercise ring includes a handle and ring surface, either of which may be grasped by a user. No other implements, bars, or weight lifting devices are necessary ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]In the preferred system, four different sized exercise rings are provided. However, it is contemplated that the quantity of the exercise rings used in the system may vary from less than four to more than four weights. In the preferred embodiment, the weights of the system can be coupled together to create a desired weight up to thirteen pounds. The smallest weight is preferably two pounds. The ring material of the weight may be a shell which defines an internal hollow compartment to include an access opening with a cover, as shown in FIGS. 1C-1D. In this manner, the empty compartment is filled with other materials such as shot, water or sand. Providing the weights with empty compartments reduces the shipping costs and saves on an overall cost of providing the system to a user.

[0018]It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved weight and weight system used for practicing physical fitness and physical therapy. The system comprises a plurality of exercise rings having a handle bisecting each ring. The rings are capable of being coupled together via one or more straps that are wrapped about the handles to bind them together.

[0019]It is an object of the invention to be able to strengthen muscles that rotate a hand or lower arm of a user by grasping the handle of a weight and, in one instance, arranging the user's hand within the circular ring that forms the weight to rotate the hand in a clockwise and counterclockwise manner. It is another object of the invention to provide a weight that allows multiple muscle strengthening exercises which cannot be performed with conventional weights. The multiple muscle strengthening exercises include exercises that require use of the hand to grasp the weight by inserting at least the user's fingers into the opening defined by the ring of the weight.

[0020]It is another object of the invention to provide a weight that may be securely held by a single human hand or by both hands on opposite sides of the ring that defines the weight by inserting the user's fingers into the opening of the weight bisected by the handle.

[0021]It is an additional object of the invention to provide a system of free weights that may be stacked atop one another on a floor for storage purposes and thereafter easily removing one from another without fear of injury to oneself.

[0022]It is another object of the invention to teach a weight system comprising free weights that may be easily stored by fastened the weights together and hanging them from a conventional wall hook that will sustain at least fifty (50) pounds.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional weights are difficult to grasp with the hand and use as an independent exercise implement.

Moreover, it is impossible to use these weights when working out the leg muscles without coupling them to a weightlifting device.

These conventional weights are difficult to hold because the overall diameter of the central opening is typically one inch (1″) or smaller.

Thus, these weights tend to slip out of the user's hand when mounting them onto an end of the barbell or dumbbell.

Therefore, it is virtually impossible to easily use conventional weights alone as an exercise implement.

Indeed, many injuries are caused by dropping a conventional weight on a foot or hand of the weight lifter.

The shape of the weights and sharp edges of the weights tend to pinch fingers of the user if the weights are stacked atop one another.

Moreover, sliding the weights against one another tends to cause premature wear and damage to the weights.

Further, the largest weight is very difficult to lift from the floor when it is laid flat upon the floor.

Thus, the use of a conventional weight as an exercise implement without a weightlifting device can be dangerous if the weight slips out of one's hand, and may cause harm to the user or damage to nearby property.

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