Variable Weight Toning Strap With Removable Masses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wrist weights are cumbersome, uncomfortable, and limited in versatility, failing to provide a safe and effective means for continuous resistance training throughout daily activities and workouts due to their fixed weight and restrictive design.

Innovation Solution

A variable weight toning strap with flexible and adjustable design, featuring ridged sections that accommodate removable weights and an optional electronic control unit, allowing for customizable weight distribution and comfort during exercise and daily use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If fixed weight wrist weights are used, then resistance training effect is achieved, but comfort and range of motion are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance training effectVSAvoidcomfort and range of motion
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the weight of the wrist strap adjustable rather than fixed. Users can modify the weight by adding or removing weights from channels in the ridged sections, allowing the resistance to adapt to different exercise stages and user capabilities, thereby maintaining comfort while achieving effective resistance training.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the weight parameter of the wrist strap from fixed to variable. By providing multiple weights of different masses that can be selectively added or removed, the system allows users to adjust the resistance level according to their needs, resolving the contradiction between achieving sufficient resistance and maintaining comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If heavy weights are used for effective toning, then muscle strength increases, but joint and tendon stress increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemuscle strengthVSAvoidjoint and tendon stress
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable weight system allows users to dynamically control the load on joints and tendons. By starting with lighter weights and progressively adding more weight as muscles strengthen, users can achieve muscle strength gains while minimizing initial joint and tendon stress, following progressive overload principles safely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables partial action by allowing users to add weights incrementally rather than using full heavy weights from the start. Users can begin with a subset of available weights and gradually increase the total weight, achieving effective toning while avoiding excessive stress on joints and tendons.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Force

If traditional wrist weights are used, then resistance is provided, but versatility and adaptability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresistanceVSAvoidversatility and adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by creating a wrist strap system that can accommodate multiple weights of different masses through channels in the ridged sections. This single strap design can be adapted for various exercise types and resistance levels, making it versatile for different users and training purposes, unlike traditional fixed-weight designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The wrist strap is segmented into modular components including the main strap, ridged sections with channels, and separate removable weights. This segmentation allows users to mix and match weights to create custom resistance configurations, greatly enhancing the versatility and adaptability of the system for different exercise requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If weights are permanently attached, then resistance training effectiveness is maintained, but adjustability and customization are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance training effectivenessVSAvoidadjustability and customization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic attachment system where weights can be added or removed from channels in the ridged sections. This allows users to maintain reliable resistance training effectiveness with properly secured weights while simultaneously enabling full adjustability and customization of the resistance level, resolving the contradiction between permanence and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the weight attachment system into separate removable weights and fixed channels, the patent allows weights to be securely held during exercise (maintaining reliability) while enabling easy addition or removal of weights for customization (enhancing adaptability).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables users to achieve effective muscle toning and comfort by allowing adjustable weight and versatile use, enhancing exercise performance without inhibiting range of motion or causing discomfort.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible member having an upper surface, a bottom surface, a first end, a second end opposing the first end, and a flexible member length separating the first and second ends of the flexible member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

define a plurality of channels spanning transversely along the flexible member length in direction from the front face to the rear face of each of the plurality of ridged-sections so as to accommodate one or more, or a plurality, of weights, wherein each of the weights are selectively removably and frictionally retained by the respective plurality of channels of each of the plurality of ridged-section sections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3454952B1Variable weight toning strap
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 BETTER WAY INVENTIONS LLC
  • EP3454952B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3454952B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3454952B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A variable weight toning strap having a flexible member and a plurality of generally rectangular sections, wherein each of the plurality of generally rectangular sections are disposed transversely along the flexible member length, include a top surface at least partially defining an upper surface of the flexible member, at least one perpendicular sidewall extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top surface, and a section width separating a rear face and a front face of the sections. Two of the sections have a discontinuous upper slit defined by the at least one perpendicular sidewall of each of said sections flanking the upper slit, wherein the upper slit spans the section width and terminates into a valley. The sections also define a plurality of channels therein, which house a plurality of weights, each selectively removably and frictionally retained by the respective plurality of channels.