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12/13/07 - USPTO Class 482 |  207 views | #20070287609 | Prev - Next | About this Page  482 rss/xml feed  monitor keywords

Convertible weightlifting belt

USPTO Application #: 20070287609
Title: Convertible weightlifting belt
Abstract: Weightlifting belt convertible to a dip belt comprises a weightlifting belt sub-assembly and a chain sub-assembly removably attachable to the weightlifting belt sub-assembly. The weightlifting belt sub-assembly includes a belt having a buckle at one end and a D-ring or a grommet, and adjusting apertures at the other. The chain sub-assembly incorporates a chain provided at each extremity with a feature that is independently securable to the buckle and D-ring, or securable together to one of the foregoing. In the last situation, one feature is securable directly, while the other-indirectly, after passing throughout one of the forgoing to which it is not directly secured. A weight traversed by the chain is suspended between the legs of a user. The position of at least one of the features that is securable to the chain is adjustable with respect to the latter. (end of abstract)



Agent: Frederick Kaufman - Vancouver, BC, US
Inventor: James McBride
USPTO Applicaton #: 20070287609 - Class: 482105 (USPTO)

Convertible weightlifting belt description/claims


The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070287609, Convertible weightlifting belt.

Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]1. Field of the Invention

[0002]The present invention relates generally to weightlifting and dip belts and, more specifically, to a weightlifting belt, convertible when required, to a dip belt.

[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004]The wearing of weightlifting belts in the weight room constitutes a normal procedure today. Weightlifting belts are no longer just used for competitive weightlifting, but rather, even for recreational use in gym, they have become an indispensable piece of equipment.

[0005]The benefit of wearing a weightlifting belt is twofold.

[0006]First, a weightlifting belt increases intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), especially during squats and deadlifts, both of which require significant efforts. A weightlifting belt decreases tension on the lower back by compressing the contents of the abdominal cavity when a person is lifting in an upright position, and it precludes back hyperextension during overhead lifts. Thus, the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is expanded, resulting in improved support in front of the bones of the lower back. This permits the spinal erector muscles to be under less tension during a lifting operation.

[0007]Second, a weightlifting belt worn loosely can increase proprioception (the body's ability to react appropriately to external forces in the area), since the body receives sensory feedback that provides more information than usual about what is happening and what must be done.

[0008]A weightlifting belt prevents back hyperextension by producing a rigid wall around the lower torso that "connects" the rib cage to the hip. This not only restricts back movement, but it also opposes sideward bending and twisting.

[0009]Weightlifting belts must be well tightened to augment their utility. This constitutes a shortcoming and, therefore, they should not be worn for long periods of time. Medical research has demonstrated that the use of tight weightlifting belts during lifting can cause a rise in blood pressure. This occurs especially during maximal or submaximal lifting, such as with squats or deadlifts, or during exercises such as the military press. After such exercises, the weightlifting belt should be loosened to permit blood pressure to return to normal levels.

[0010]Dip belts are generally intended to add weight to the lifter's own body weight during exercises such as dips, chin-ups, and pull-ups, but they can also be used for calf raises. Thus, a dip belt provides additional weight resistance without restricting the usual movement of the exercises.

[0011]Usually, a dip belt is essentially a strap with an attached chain and no buckling features. One end of the chain is permanently secured to the strap; the other end is threaded through a weight or wrapped around a dumbbell and then attached to the strap. The weight disk or dumbbell will then be suspended between the lifter's legs. The weightlifting belt must sit securely on the hips of the lifter, such that it will not fall off the latter.

[0012]As can be seen from the foregoing presentation, weightlifting belts and dip belts co-exist as separate entities.

[0013]An example of prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,786 granted on Jan. 15, 1991 to Lemke et al. for a "WEIGHT SUSPENSION APPARATUS FOR SQUAT EXERCISES". This patent discloses an apparatus comprising a belt, a front strap, a rear strap, a weight and a chain for connecting the weight to the front and rear straps. The front and rear straps are each V-shaped and stitched to the belt, with the nadir of the V-shape positioned between the legs of the user.

[0014]As can be seen, this apparatus can only be used as a dip belt, since the permanently attached straps will render the weight suspension apparatus cumbersome.

[0015]Another example is United States Patent Application No. 2004/0018921 published on Jan. 29, 2004, (by inventor Smith), and with the title "WEIGHTLIFTING BELT HOOK". This Patent Application discloses a hook assembly attached to a user's weightlifting belt. The hook assembly includes an anchor that extends downwardly over the pelvic area, generally terminating at the user's thighs as an element in the shape of a diamond. A weight supporting rod extends from the bottom of the latter upwardly, and away from the user. The angle of the weight supporting rod in relation to the element in the shape of a diamond should be less than 90.degree., such that the weights do not fall off the weight supporting rod.

[0016]The foregoing Patent Application No. 2004/0018921 has two main shortcomings. First, due to the fact that the weight supporting rod extends away from the user, the center of gravity of the latter and the center of gravity of the weights do not coincide, thus creating a balance problem. Second, the hook assembly constitutes a structural design, which is uncomfortable to carry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017]Thus, a need exists for a weightlifting belt that is convertible, when required, to a dip belt.

[0018]Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a weightlifting belt that is readily convertible to a dip belt, and thus is easy to independently use for both purposes.

[0019]Another object of the present invention is to be able to adjust the distance between the user's waist and the location of the weights in order to conveniently adapt to the user's height.

[0020]A further object of the present invention is to provide a weight lifting belt that allows the user to tighten or loosen it with ease.

[0021]A further object of the present invention is to provide a weightlifting belt that is convertible to a dip belt at low cost.

[0022]A further object of the present invention is to provide a weightlifting belt that is convertible to a compact, easy to store, and easy to carry, dip belt.

Continue reading about Convertible weightlifting belt...
Full patent description for Convertible weightlifting belt

Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims

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Patent Applications in related categories:

20090280966 - Ergonomic weighted sash - The present invention is directed to an ergonomic exercise sash which is contoured to fit a torso of a user. Weight members may be placed in a plurality of pockets of the sash to increase the resistance and intensity of exercise. ...

20090280966 - Ergonomic weighted sash - The present invention is directed to an ergonomic exercise sash which is contoured to fit a torso of a user. Weight members may be placed in a plurality of pockets of the sash to increase the resistance and intensity of exercise. ...


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