Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
VARIABLE WEIGHT TONING STRAP
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to weighted bracelets, and, more
particularly, relates
removable variable weight bracelets
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the
extent that it
may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy
and/or increased
health problems. Obesity increases the likelihood of various diseases,
particularly heart
disease, Type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, certain types of cancer,
and osteoarthritis.
Obesity is most commonly caused by a combination of excessive food energy
intake, lack of
physical activity, and genetic susceptibility, although a few cases are caused
primarily by
genes, endocrine disorders, medications or psychiatric illness. Obesity is a
leading
preventable cause of death worldwide, with increasing prevalence in adults and
children, and
authorities view it as one of the most serious public health problems of the
21st century.
Dieting and physical exercise are the mainstays of treatment for obesity.
Physical exercise is
any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall
health and
wellness. Physical exercise is performed for various reasons including
strengthening muscles
and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or
maintenance, as well as
for the purpose of enjoyment. Frequent and regular physical exercise boosts
the immune
system, and helps prevent the "diseases of affluence' such as heart disease,
cardiovascular
disease, Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Physical exercise also improves mental
health, helps
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prevent depression. helps to promote or maintain positive self-esteem, and can
even augment
an individual's sex appeal or body image which have also been found to be
linked with
higher levels of self-esteem.
Strength training is the use of resistance to muscular contraction to build
the strength,
anaerobic endurance, and size of skeletal muscles. When properly performed,
strength
training can provide significant functional benefits and improvement in
overall health and
well-being including increased bone, muscle, tendon and ligament strength and
toughness,
improved joint function, reduced potential for injury, increased bone density,
a temporary
increase in metabolism, improved cardiac function, and elevated HDL (good)
cholesterol.
Training commonly uses the technique of progressively increasing the force
output of the
muscle through incremental increases of weight, elastic tension or other
:resistance, and uses
a variety of exercises and types of equipment to target specific muscle
groups.
Toning exercises are physical exercises that are used with the aim of
developing a physique
with a large emphasis on musculature. In this context, the term toned implies
leanness in the
body (low levels of body fat), noticeable muscle definition and shape, but not
significant
muscle size ("bulk"). Appearing "toned" is a common fitness goal, particularly
associated
with women.
In today's hectic society, many individuals have a difficult time sticking to
an exercise
regimen.
Previously, the use of wrist weights is a form of resistance training,
generally a kind of
weight training. In addition to the greater effect of gravity on the person,
wrist weights add
resistance during ballet movements, due to more force needed to overcome the
inertia of
heavier masses, as well as a greater momentum that needs deceleration at the
end of the
movement to avoid injury. The method may increase muscle mass or enhance the
loss of
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weight: however, there have been concerns about the safety of some uses of
weights, such as
wrist and ankle weights. Wrist and ankle weights have heretofore been provided
in the form
of small weights, attached to increase endurance when performed in long
repetitive events,
such as running, swimming, punching, kicking or jumping.
Most, if not all of the wrist weights are heavy enough to immediately add a
good amount of
stress on joints and tendons. Previously, wrist weights were geared for use
during a specific
exercise or workout Wrist weights are not light enough or even meant to be
used all day,
every day. Moreover, those known wrist weights are also cumbersome,
uncomfortable to
many users using the wrist weights in activities, such as workout routines,
and inhibit the user
from experiencing a full range-of-motion for his or arms/wrists. Furthermore,
those known
wrist weights are also are very limited in application or versatility, thereby
limiting their
utility.
Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as
discussed above
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a variable weight toning strap that overcomes the
hereinaforc-
mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this
general type.
The present invention permits users to add various amounts of weight to the
strap, while
employing a configuration that enables the strap to conform to a user's arm or
other extremity
while the user is engaged in exercising, sports, day-to-day movements, and
other activities.
The present invention also enables users to employ a variable weight toning
assembly, while
also providing users the ability interchange a variety of components or
devices, such as an
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electronic display, advertising indicia, or personalized user-content, to
effectuate a
customized configuration desired by the user.
In accordance with the present invention, a variable weight toning strap,
bracelet, or
wristband is disclosed that includes 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, wherein the upper
and bottom
surfaces span the flexible member length. The invention also includes a
plurality of generally
rectangular or ridged sections that are raised above a strap portion of the
strap and are
disposed transversely along the flexible member length, also include a top
surface that at least
partially defines the upper surface of the flexible member, have at least one
perpendicular
sidewall extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top
surface, have a front
face, have a rear face opposing the front face, and have a section width
separating the rear
face and the front face. These ridged-sections also have a discontinuous upper
slit defined by
the at least one perpendicular sidewall of each of the plurality of generally
rectangular
sections flanking the upper slit, wherein the upper slit spans the section
width of each the
plurality generally rectangular sections defining the upper slit and terminate
into a valley that
at least partially defines the upper surface of the flexible member. The
ridged-sections also
detine 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 arc
selectively removably and frictionally retained by the respective plurality of
channels of each
of the plurality of ridged-section sections.
In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention
also includes at
least one discontinuous lower slit defined by the bottom surface of the
flexible member,
wherein the lower slit spans a transverse width separating a front face and a
rear face of the
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flexible member and aligned with the upper slit to provide a user with
flexibility and comfort
when the strap is in use, especially during extreme workout routines having a
required high
range of motion for a user's wrist and/or arm.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the flexible
member and the
plurality of generally rectangular sections arc unitary.
In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention
also includes
the plurality of generally rectangular sections each having a flange disposed
within each of
the respective plurality of channels and at least partially defining the front
face of the
respective plurality of generally rectangular sections, wherein the flange
restricts lateral
to movement of one of the respective plurality of weights removably and
frictionally retained
therein to prevent inadvertent release of the weight from the strap.
In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the
plurality of generally
rectangular sections each define a plurality of entrance apertures on the
front face of the
plurality of generally rectangular sections and a plurality of exit apertures
on the rear face of
the plurality of generally rectangular section, wherein the plurality of
entrance and exit
apertures are disposed at respective ends of the plurality of channels to
permit entrance and
egress of the plurality of weights.
In accordance with another feature, an additional embodiment of the present
invention also
includes the plurality of weights each including a longitudinal axis defined
by at least one
point defined by at least one of a centroid and center of mass of the
respective plurality of
weights, the longitudinal axis of two of the plurality of weights removably
frictionally
retained by the plurality of channels of one of the plurality of generally
rectangular sections
are parallel and coplanar with one another.
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In accordance with an additional feature, an additional embodiment of the
present invention
also includes (1) a generally rectangular modular section disposed
transversely along the
flexible member length and also including a top surface at least partially
defining the upper
surface of the flexible member, at least one perpendicular sidewall extending
in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the modular section, a front
face, a rear face
opposing the front face of the modular section, and a section width separating
the rear face
and the front face of the modular section, wherein the modular section defines
an internal
cavity and (2) an electronic control unit ("ECU") assembly disposed within the
internal
cavity of the modular section and having a digital display with top surface at
least partially
defining the upper surface of the flexible member and a power source
electrically coupled to
the display.
In accordance with another feature, an additional embodiment of the present
invention
includes the electronic control unit assembly having an ECU housing shaped and
sized to
correspond to the internal cavity of the modular section, wherein the ECU
housing selectively
removably and frictionally retained by the modular section. The modular
section may also
have a rim, track, flange, or other structure to facilitate in the retention
of the ECU housing.
In accordance with an additional feature, another embodiment of the present
invention
includes (1) a generally rectangular modular section disposed transversely
along the flexible
member length and includes a top surface at least partially defining the upper
surface of the
flexible member, at least one perpendicular sidewall extending in a direction
substantially
perpendicular to the top surface of the modular section, a front face, a rear
face opposing the
front face of the modular section, and a section width separating the rear
face and the front
face of the modular section, wherein the modular section defines an internal
cavity and (2) a
modular section insert having an upper surface shaped and sized to be
selectively removably
and frictionally retained by the modular section, wherein the modular section
insert includes a
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partition wall disposed at a substantially perpendicular orientation with
respect to the upper
surface of the module section insert.
In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the present invention
also includes
the partition wall of the modular section insert having opposing symmetrical
side surfaces
shaped to at least partially contour a plurality of weights housed within the
internal cavity of
the modular section.
In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention
also includes
the generally rectangular modular section also having a plurality of entrance
apertures
defined by the front face of the modular section and a plurality of exit
apertures defined by
the rear face of the modular section, wherein the plurality of entrance and
exit apertures of
the modular section providing entrance and egress of the internal cavity of
the modular
section.
In accordance with the present invention, a variable weight toning strap is
also disclosed that
includes a flexible member enclosing a wrist-arm area of a user to define a
wearing position
.. with a circumferential member length, the flexible member having a bottom
surface in a user-
contacting configuration with the user and an upper surface opposing the
bottom surface, a
plurality of ridged-sections disposed in a raised position transversely along
at least 75% of
the circumferential member length, and a plurality of weights, each
selectively removably
frictionally retained, respectively, by at least one channel of each of the
plurality of ridged-
sections. As such, the plurality of ridged-sections each have a top surface at
least partially
defining the upper surface of the flexible member, at least one perpendicular
sidewall
extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top surface, a
front face, and a rear
face opposing the front face. They each also define at least one channel
spanning
transversely along the circumferential member length in direction from the
front face of the
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ridged-section to the rear face of the ridged-section. Two of the plurality or
ridged-sections
also define a discontinuous upper slit by the at least one perpendicular
sidewall of the two of
the plurality of ridged-sections flanking the upper slit, wherein the upper
slit spans from the
front and rear faces of the two of the plurality of ridged-sections defining
the upper slit and
terminating into a valley that at least partially defines the upper surface of
the flexible
member.
In accordance with the present invention, a variable weight toning strap is
also disclosed that
has (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, wherein the upper and bottom surfaces spans the flexible
member
length; (2) a plurality of ridged-sections disposed in a raised position along
the flexible
member length, wherein the plurality of ridged-sections: (i) are disposed
transversely along
the flexible member length, (ii) include a top surface at least partially
defining the upper
surface of the flexible member, at least one perpendicular sidewall extending
downwardly
from the top surface of the ridged-section, a front face, a rear face opposing
the front face,
and a section width separating the rear face and the front face, (iii) have a
discontinuous
upper slit defined by the at least one perpendicular sidewall of each of the
plurality of ridged-
sections flanking the upper slit, the upper slit spanning the section width of
each the plurality
ridged-sections defining the upper slit and terminating into a valley that at
least partially
defines the upper surface of the flexible member, and (iv) 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; (3) 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-sections; (4) a ridged-modular
section disposed
in a raised position along the flexible member length and including a top
surface at least
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partially defining the upper surface of the flexible member, at least one
perpendicular
sidewall extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top
surface of the ridged-
modular section, a front face, a rear face opposing the front face of the
ridged-modular, and a
section width separating the rear face and the front face of the ridged-
modular section, the
ridged-modular defining an internal cavity; and (5) an electronic control unit
(ECU) assembly
disposed within the internal cavity of the modular section and having a
digital display with
top surface at least partially defining the upper surface of the flexible
member and a power
source electrically coupled to the display.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a
variable weight
toning strap, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details
shown because
various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without
departing from the
spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the
claims.
Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention
will not be
described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant
details of the invention.
Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set
forth in the
appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed
herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are
merely exemplary
of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific
structural and
functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but
merely as a basis
.. for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary
skill in the art to
variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed
structure.
Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting;
but rather, to
provide an understandable description of the invention. While the
specification concludes
with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel,
it is believed that
.. the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the
following description in
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conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are
carried forward.
The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.
Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be
understood that the
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only and is
not intended to be limiting. The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are
defined as one or more
than one. The term "plurality," as used herein, is defined as two or more than
two. The term
"another," as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms
"including"
and/or "having," as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open
language). The term
"coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily
directly, and not
necessarily mechanically. The term "providing" is defined herein in its
broadest sense, e.g.,
bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to
someone or
something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time.
As used herein, the terms "about" or "approximately" apply to all numeric
values, whether or
not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers
that one of skill in
the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same
function or
result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to
the nearest
significant figure. In this document, the term "longitudinal" should be
understood to mean in
a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the strap spanning from
the distal and
proximal ends
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or
functionally
similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the
detailed
CA 2950107 2019-08-20
description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification,
serve to further
illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages
all in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a perspective, partially exploded view of a variable weight toning
strap with one
weight bar in place and a second weight bar indicated as being either inserted
into or removed
From the strap;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the toning strap of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the toning strap of FIG. 1 with two weight bars
in place;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one form of an individual weight bar for the
variable weight
toning strap;
FIG. 5 is a partially exploded illustration of a variable weight toning strap
storage unit;
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the variable weight toning strap
storage unit;
FIG. 7 is a perspective downward-looking view of a variable weight toning
strap having an
ECU assembly housed therein in accordance with one embodiment with the present
invention;
FIG. 8 is a perspective upward-looking view of the variable weight toning
strap of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the variable weight toning strap of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is an elevational side view of the variable weight toning strap of
FIG. 7;
FIG. Ills an elevational front view of the variable weight toning strap of
FIG. 7;
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the variable weight toning strap of FIG. 7;
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FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a variable weight toning strap utilizing a
modular section
insert in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, along A-A in FIG, 13, of a ridged-
section with a
weight frictionally retained therein in accordance with an embodiment of the
present
invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the
invention that are
regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood
from a
consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing
figures, in which
like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the
disclosed
embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in
various
forms.
The present invention provides a novel and efficient variable weight toning
strap. Referring
to the drawings, a variable weight toning strap 10 is shown depicted as an
elongated
articulated member having a plurality of preferably elongated generally
rectangular sections
12 preferably extending transversely of the length of the strap 10. Each of
section 12 can be
seen preferably thicker (top to bottom) than the remainder of the strap 10 and
are essentially
of the same width as the strap 10. There are spaces or gaps transversely of
the length of the
strap between each of the sections 12, thus the strap 10 may be flexed between
adjacent
sections. One end 14 of the strap may include a buckle 16 and the other end 18
of the strap
may include a tab 20. The strap 10 includes a series of apertures 22 such that
when the tab is
inserted into the buckle 16, a portion of the buckle 16 extends into one of
the apertures to
secure the strap 10. Alternate forms of fastening the two ends of the strap 10
such as hook-
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and-loop fasteners, as a non-limiting example, may be used. Alternatively, the
two ends may
be permanently coupled or joined together, such that the user would insert his
or her hand or
other extremity into the aperture formed by the strap 10. The strap 10 may be
shaped and
sized such that it is elastically deformed for insertion of the user's
wrist/arm and, when the
forced used to elastically deform the strap 10 is removed, the compression
forces keep the
strap 10 retained on the wrist/arm of the user.
The strap 10 may be of appropriate length for the wrist, arm, ankle, leg, or
any other part of
the body of the user. At least two sections 12 should be provided although it
is preferable to
have sections 12 generally along the full length of the strap 10 since a
larger number of
sections 12 tend to enhance the benefit from use of the variable weight toning
strap 10. The
apertures provide for adjustability of the effective length of the strap,
i.e., the portion of the
strap which could be in contact with the arm or leg of the wearer.
At least two of the sections 12 of the strap 10 are provided with an aperture
or socket 24 to
receive one or more removable bars 26. It should be appreciated that it would
be preferred
that all sections 12 include such apertures as that tends to maximize the
benefit of the variable
weight toning strap 10.
As noted above, the strap sections 12 extend generally transversely of the
length of the strap
10. The apertures would preferably extend in the elongated direction of the
sections 12 and
thus also extend transversely of the length of the strap 10. It should be
appreciated, however,
that the shape of the strap sections 12 and of the apertures all may be
varied.
A plurality of bars 26 are also shown. The shape of each bar is generally the
same as the
length and shape of the aperture 24 such that the bar may be placed within the
aperture. In the
drawings, the bar is illustrated as being the shaped of a cylinder. The bars
26 are preferably
the same length as the aperture, for ease of insertion and removal, and the
same cross-
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sectional shape as the apertures such that a bar is frictionally retained
within an aperture. The
bars and apertures are illustrated as being of circular cross-section however
it should be
understood and appreciated that the specific shapes may be varied.
Preferably, the strap 10 is fabricated from a flexible material such as
silicone or rubber. Other
materials may be used regardless of whether naturally occurring, for example
leather, or
fabrics or synthetics. Metal and metal alloys may be used. Combinations of the
above may
be used.
The bars may be formed from a heavy metal such as bismuth, steel, or other
similar metallic
or other material. The bars need not be of the same weight and, in addition,
some of the bars
.. may be removable while other bars are non-removable.
To use the variable weight toning strap, a first bar 26 may be placed within a
receptacle or
aperture 24 and the strap 10 may be fastened to surround the wrist or ankle of
the user.
Normal movements by the user of the strap, throughout the day while the strap
is being worn,
will enhance muscle tone. At irregular or regular intervals, as desired, such
as daily or
weekly, additional bars may be added. If a user reaches the point where all
the bars are being
used, and further muscle tone is desired, bars of a heavier weight may be
used.
The straps may be used in pairs, such as one on each wrist or one on each
ankle (or four
straps, one on each extremity).
Referring next to FIGS. 5 and 6, details of a variable weight toning strap
storage unit will be
described. The storage unit 30 may be in the form of a cylinder having a base
32 and
removable portion 34. The removable portion includes a generally flat top 36
and circular
side walls 38. The storage unit base 32 may also include a flat bottom 40 and
upwardly
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extending side wails 42. The base 32 and removable portion 34 are interfitted
such as by a
friction fit or a twist lit to remain secured together as desired.
The storage unit 30 includes a first generally circular ledge or shoulder 44
spaced above the
base 32. A circular rod 46 extends upwardly either from the base 32 through
the ledge 44 or
upwardly from the ledge 44. The ledge includes a series of vertical apertures
48 about its
periphery. The apertures are configured in size and shape to receive and
frictionally retain the
bars. The two ends of the strap may be engaged, or alternatively the strap may
just be formed
as a circle and, in either situation, the strap is placed around the rod 46.
The vertical apertures
are spaced sufficiently far, radially, from the rod, such that the rod and
surrounding strap do
.. not interfere with the use of the apertures 48.
With reference back to FIGS. 1-3, the variable weight toning strap 10 can be
seen having an
upper surface 28, a bottom surface 800 (best shown in FIG. 8), a first end
300, a second end
302 opposing the first end 300, and a flexible member length 304 separating
the first and
second ends 300, 302 of the flexible member 10. The upper and bottom surfaces
28, 800
spanning the flexible member length 304. As described above, the plurality of
generally
rectangular sections 12, also referred to as a "ridged-sections" 12, are
disposed transversely
along the flexible member length 304. Said another way, the ridged-sections 12
are oriented
such that the front and rear faces 200, 202 are disposed to face in a
direction that is
substantially perpendicular (90 +/- 5 ) to the longitudinal direction of the
flexible member
10, or along the length 304. A section width 206 can also be seen separating
the front and
rear faces 200, 202 of the sections 12. As best shown in FIG. 2, the section
width 206 is of a
length that is the same as the flexible member 10 or strap portion.
The ridged-sections 12 can also be seen disposed in a raised position
transversely along the
length 304 of the strap 10. Said another way, the sections 12 are elevated
above the strap
CA 2950107 2019-08-20
portion or tab 20 to accommodate the weights 26 housed therein, yet providing
a comfortable
and practical strap 10 for use by the user. When the tab 20 is joined with the
buckle, or when
the strap 10 is otherwise configured for use by the user to surround the wrist-
arm area of a
user, i.e., the "wearing position," those skilled in the art will appreciate
the strap length
becomes circumferential, and is hereinafter referred to as the
"circumferential member
length." The strap 10 can house approximately 21b of weights 26 in one
embodiment because
the strap 10 may have the plurality of ridged-sections disposed transversely
along at least
75% of the circumferential member length.
Each of the top surfaces 204 of the ridged-sections 12 can be seen defining
the upper surface
28 of the flexible member. Each of the ridged-sections 12 can be seen having
one or more
perpendicular sidewalls 306 extending in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the top
surface 204. The sidewalls 306 on two adjacent ridged sections 12 can be seen
beneficially
defining a discontinuous upper slit 308 so as to permit the ridged-sections
12, which are of a
flexible material, to enter and egress into the slit 308 as the flexible
member 10 is in use.
Specifically, unlike those known weighted straps, the configuration of the
ridged-sections 12
provides more comfort and versatility to the user while he or she is engaged
in exercising,
sports, or other activities. Said differently, while a user is engaged in an
exercise, for
example, that requires his or her hands to be placed and oriented in various
angles, it will be
appreciated by those of skill in the art that any bracelet, watch, or other
strap surrounding the
user's wrist will either shift during the exercise and/or inhibit or cause
discomfort to the user
in the range of motion for the user's wrist. This inhibition or discomfort is
exacerbated when
utilizing weighted straps because of the additional weight of the strap. As
the flexible
member 10, including the sections 12, are flexible, the shifting of the strap
10 and sections 12
during a user's exercise routine employing wrist or hand movements
advantageously does not
cause discomfort or inhibit the user's range of motion because of the
configuration of the
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sections 12 and the ability of the sections 12 to navigate into the upper slit
308 while the user
is utilizing the strap 10.
The upper slit 308 is discontinuous in that it terminates into a valley 208
interposed between
two of the plurality of sections 12, wherein the valley 208 can also be seen
partially defining
.. the upper surface 28 of the flexible member 10 as well. The upper slit 308
can be seen
spanning the section width 206 of each the plurality generally rectangular
sections 12
defining the upper slit 308. The upper slit 308 can also be seen forming a
generally
rectangular volume between two sections 12, so as to maximize spacing, yet
provide
sufficient room for the sections 12 to flex into the slit 308.
With brief reference to FIGS. 3 and 8, to provide further comfort and
versatility to a user, the
strap 10 can also be seen having at least one discontinuous lower slit 310
defined by the
bottom surface 800 (shown in FIG. 8) of the flexible member 10. The lower slit
310 can be
seen spanning a transverse width 802 separating a front face 804 and a rear
face 312 of the
flexible member 10 and is aligned with the upper slit 308. In one embodiment,
the upper and
lower slits 308, 310 are approximately 0.05-0.2" in width. The upper slit 308
may have a
depth of approximately 0.5-1.5" and the lower slit 310 may have a depth of
approximately
0.05-0.2". As such, the section members 12 are easily permitted to contract
and expand
around the user's wrist with comfort during a workout routine, sports, or
other activities. The
flexible member 10 can also be seen with only a small piece of the strap
portion of the
flexible member separating the sections 12 along the length 304. To effectuate
the
configuration and movement of the sections 12 relative to one another, the
flexible member
and the plurality of generally rectangular or ridged sections are unitary, or
formed from a
single piece of material, such as rubber.
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With reference back to FIGS. 1-3, the strap 10 is capable of retaining a
plurality of weights
26 that are able to be inserted and frictionally retained within the sockets
24, or "channels,"
that terminate into entrance and exit apertures 29, 314 allowing the weights
26 to be inserted
and removed effectively. With brief reference to FIG. 4 in combination with
FIG. 3, to
effectuate removal of the weights 26 when frictionally retained by the
sections 12 the weights
26 may define a recess 400 or notch that may circumferentially surround the
weights 26. As
the frictional resistance caused by the flexible sections 12 can be high, the
recess 400 or
notch provides a user the ability to grasp onto something in order to remove
the weight 26.
As such the recess 400 or notch is preferably disposed substantially adjacent
(within 0.5")
to the terminal end of the weight 26.
The weights 26 may also include a longitudinal axis (represented by axis 402
in FIG. 4)
defined by at least one point that is defined by either the centroid
(geometric center) or center
of mass of the weights 26. To save space and provide a device that can store
an appreciable
amount of weight, the longitudinal axis 402 of two of the plurality of weights
26 are
removably frictionally retained by the plurality of channels of one of the
plurality of
generally rectangular sections 12 are parallel and coplanar with one another.
With reference now to FIGS. 7-13 another embodiment of a flexible strap member
700 can be
seen. Specifically, the strap 700 may have a plurality of ridged-sections 702,
as described
above, in addition to advantageously having a ridged-modular section 704. The
ridged-
modular section 704 has the ability to house a variety of different structures
desired for users,
such as an electronic display, interchangeable pins, buttons, or other
expressive indicia, or
using it as a storage area for personal items such as a house hey. The ridged-
modular section
704 may be generally rectangular in shape as described above for the other
ridged-sections
12. The modular section 704 is also disposed transversely along the flexible
member length
and includes a top surface 706 at least partially defining the upper surface
708 of the flexible
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member 700. The modular section 704 can also have at least one perpendicular
sidewall
extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top surface 706, a
front face 710, a
rear face 806, opposing the front face 710, and a section width 900 separating
the rear and
front faces 806, 710. The modular section 704 also defines an internal cavity
1202 where, for
example, an electronic control unit (ECU) assembly 1200 can be disposed
therein. The
internal cavity 1202 may bc of a rectangular shape or any other shape desired
to effectuate
the features described herein.
An exemplary electronic control unit ("ECU") assembly 1200 can be seen in FIG.
12 and
may have a digital display 1204 with top surface 1206 at least partially
defining the upper
surface 708 of the flexible member 700 and a power source 1208, e.g.,
batteries, electrically
coupled to the display 1204. The ECU assembly 1200 may include a user-
interface and may
utilize a processor operable to execute a variety of programs, as will be
appreciated by those
of skill in the art. For example, the display 1204 may be operably configured
to generate the
time, date, calendar of the user, a flashlight, among a variety of other
features. When utilized
with one or more sensors, the ECU assembly 1200 may also be operably
configured to
determine and display the user's heartbeat, blood pressure, among a variety of
other features
to track the user. The ECU assembly 1200 may also be operable to calculate the
weight
carried by strap 10 and estimate the toning effect, e.g., calories burned, on
the user from
carrying said weight. The ECU assembly 1200 may also be operably configured to
store a
user's music on a memory and may include a jack, or outlet, configured for use
with
headphones or ear buds. The ECU assembly 1200 may also utilize one or more
local
communication protocols such as Bluetooth.
The ECU assembly 1200 may also include an ECU housing 1210 shaped and sized to
correspond to the internal cavity 1202 of the modular section 704. As with the
weights 1212,
the ECU housing 1210 may be selectively removably and frictionally retained by
the modular
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section 704. As such, a user may beneficially interchange various devices and
components
within the cavity 1202 of the modular section 704, which aesthetically may
look the same as
the other sections 702. While the modular section 704 is shown in one
embodiment without
any apertures defined by the faces 710, 806 in FIGS. 7-12, in other
embodiments the modular
section 704 is formed, similar to sections 702, with one or more apertures and
through-holes,
or channels, as shown in FIG. 13.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the modular section 704 may beneficially
include a
modular section insert 1300 having an upper surface 1302 shaped and sized to
be selectively
removably and frictionally retained by the modular section 1304. In one
embodiment, the
upper surface 1302 is coplanar with the upper surface 1306 of the modular
section 1304 to
give an appearance that it is another ridged-section, e.g., section 1308,
holding one or more
weights, e.g., weight 1310. Advantageously, the modular section insert 1300
may include a
partition wall 1312 disposed at a substantially perpendicular orientation with
respect to the
upper surface 1302 of the module section insert 1300. To accommodate the one
or more
weights 1310, the partition wall 1312 of the modular section insert 1300 can
be seen having
opposing symmetrical side surfaces 1314, 1316 shaped to at least partially
contour a plurality
of weights 1310 housed within the internal cavity of the modular section 1304.
As shown in
FIG. 13, because the weights 1310 are cylindrical, the symmetrical side
surfaces 1314, 1316
can be seen being of an arcuate shape to help frictionally retain the weights
1310 when
inserted therein. As such, when the user desires more weight, the modular
section 1304 may
be utilized like the other sections 1308.
With brief reference to FIG. 14, an enlarged cross-sectional view along A-A in
FIG. 13 can
be seen. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the ridged-sections 1308 can be seen
configured and
shaped to retain the one or more weights 1310 in a more effective and secure
way, thereby
reducing the likelihood of the weights being involuntarily removed through
movements by
CA 2950107 2019-08-20
the uscr. Specifically, the ridged-section 1308 can be seen defining a flange
1400 or lip that
may surround the distal end 1402 of the ridged-section and defines the
entrance aperture 1320
into the cavity 1318 or channel. As such, the entrance aperture 1320 has a
diameter 1404 or
width that is less than the diameter 1406 or width of the channel 1318. The
flange 1400
advantageously restricts lateral movement of the weight 1.310 unless
elastically deformed¨as
it is flexible¨by the user to, for example, remove the weight 1310 from the
channel 1318.
As such, the flange 1400 can also be seen having an inner wall 1408 contacting
the weight
1310 and an aperture surface 1410 defining an entrance or exit aperture 1320.
With reference to FIGS. 12-13, when the user desires to employ the ECU
assembly 1200, the
user removes the insert 1300 and inserts the ECU assembly 1200. With reference
back to
FIG. 12, to give an appearance that the modular section 1304 is still being
utilized for use
with weights one or more weights I212¨in an effort to deter theft of the ECU
assembly
1200 among other benefits, the assembly 1200 may also utilize metal blanks
1214 flanking
the housing 1210 and visibly exposed through the apertures 1320. The upper
surface 1302
of the insert 1300 may employ a variety of indicia, such as user's favorite
sports team logo,
the user's alma mater, the user's flag representing his or her nationality,
among other indicia.
In further embodiments, when the ECU assembly, 1200 is not utilized with the
modular
section 1304, the cavity 1318 may be of a sufficient size to house a user's
portable media
player.
As such, a variable weight toning strap has been disclosed that solves many,
if not all, of the
problems experienced by those known variable weight straps. The strap enables
a user to
effectively, efficiently, and comfortably retain a variable amount of desired
weight without
inhibiting the user's exercise routine or other activity while utilizing the
variable weight
toning strap. Moreover, the variable weight toning strap also enables users
interchange a
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variety components or devices, such as an electronic display, advertising
indicia, or
personalized user-content, to effectuate a customized configuration desired by
the user.
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