Interesting Patents for Exercising and Losing Weight
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February 3, 2025
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Every New Year, millions of people set out to lose weight or start exercising as part of their resolutions. This universal goal has inspired not only gym memberships and fitness plans but also some of the most imaginative and occasionally absurd inventions. Over the years, inventors have dreamed up gadgets and devices ranging from clever to downright bizarre, with a few even earning patents for their creativity. These quirky creations might make you laugh, leave you scratching your head, or even wondering, Why didn’t I think of that? Whether hilariously impractical or oddly intriguing, they all share one goal: to rethink how we move, sweat, and shed those extra pounds. Let’s dive into the world of strange and fascinating patents that redefine fitness and weight loss in the most unexpected ways. Full-Body Rollerblades Think rollerblading is limited to your feet? Jean-Yves Blondeau’s 1999 invention, Armor with Rollers (U.S. Patent 5,926,857), reimagined skating by covering the entire body in wheels. This full-body roller suit lets wearers glide on their knees, elbows, and even their stomachs, turning any smooth surface into a personal playground. The patent’s stick figure illustrations showcase the endless possibilities: crab-walking on rollers, side-crawling like a mechanised lizard, or squatting and gliding like a futuristic daredevil. Blondeau designed the suit to create a fast-paced sport combining skill, speed, and creative movement. Users could zoom across hard surfaces while constantly shifting their “bearing points” for maximum versatility. Remarkably, this invention didn’t just stay on paper. The suit went into production, and Blondeau himself, better known as “Rollerman,” demonstrated its extreme capabilities by speeding down mountain roads in full roller armour. While undeniably impressive, the suit never became a mainstream sensation. Most people probably weren’t ready to tackle hills at 50 mph while strapped into something resembling a human Transformer. Still, it’s hard not to admire the boldness of this invention. It highlights the boundless creativity behind fitness innovations, even when the ideas are as unconventional as rolling down a mountain on your stomach. Stomach Belt for Weight Loss Ever wish there was a way to control your cravings without relying on sheer willpower? Enter the Stomach Belt for Weight Loss, an invention that might just be the secret weapon for anyone struggling with portion control. Disclosed under application number US 11/243,301, this device is designed to help users manage their food intake, ultimately preventing and reducing excessive consumption. The stomach belt works by applying gentle pressure to the stomach, which helps the wearer feel full more quickly. It’s a simple yet effective idea, kind of like a built-in reminder to stop when you’ve had enough. Office Gym Exercise Kit In today’s world of treadmill desks and under-table pedal exercises, staying active at the office is practically a trend. But Raymond Clark and Lorri Wilson-Clarke took it a step further in 2006 with their Office Gym Exercise Kit, designed to turn your entire workspace into a mini-gym. This kit includes a T-shaped anchoring post and a set of stretchy bands that can be attached to your office chair. While sitting, you can raise the bands to work your arms or stand and use the chair back for leg resistance exercises. According to the patent, traditional exercise equipment is often too bulky to move around easily, which is why this compact solution was designed for maximum convenience. Given the surge in home workouts during the pandemic and the shortage of gym equipment, the idea sounds pretty practical! Maybe it’s time to swap that coffee break for a quick workout session! Two-Person Mouth Exerciser Ever feel like your teeth and gums aren’t getting enough exercise? Or maybe you have a very good friend who shares the same concern? In 1923, C.G. Purdy introduced the Two-Person Mouth Exerciser (U.S. Patent 1,466,559) to solve this very issue. This quirky invention lets two people bite down on opposite ends of the device, and then pull against each other to build jaw and mouth strength through resistance. Purdy, who believed that modern diets didn’t require enough chewing, explained the need for such an invention. “Modern methods of preparing food usually result in cooked food requiring little or no mastication,” he wrote. “The use of such foods results in decayed teeth, undeveloped jaws, and various other complications due solely to the lack of exercise attendant on proper mastication.” While you could always opt for a chewy steak, this invention definitely makes the process a bit more interesting! It may not have become a mainstream fitness trend, but it surely gave a whole new meaning to “working out with a partner.” Hip Hop Aerobic Exercise Doll Who says dolls are just for kids? This fun invention, the Hip Hop Aerobic Exercise Doll, takes exercise to a whole new level. Patented under U.S. Patent 7,128,691, this dancing doll comes to life with its hip-hop moves, motivating users to get up and groove along. It’s a playful way to sneak in some exercise while having fun whether you’re a dance enthusiast or just looking for a way to get moving. The doll’s rhythmic moves make it easy to follow along, making it feel less like a workout and more like a dance party. Who knew fitness could be this fun? Rowing Bicycle Fitness enthusiasts have been searching for the ultimate full-body workout for centuries. In 1900, Louis S. Burbank patented the Rowing Bicycle (U.S. Patent 642,544), a unique combination of a bicycle and rowing machine. According to Burbank, the invention was designed to “develop the muscles of the arms and body as well as those of the legs.” The user sits atop a pedal-less bike and uses a pair of wing-like sculls to row. The rowing motion turns the wheels through a system of pulleys. While the concept is intriguing, we’re left wondering how it’s meant to stop—since the patent doesn’t mention anything about brakes! Pet Food Composition This pet food composition is more than just a meal. It’s a step towards a healthier, more active lifestyle for your beloved pets. The invention even includes methods to increase your pet’s energy expenditure, regulate their glucose levels, and improve overall activity. Think of it as a fitness plan for pets—no gym membership required! While these wild and wacky fitness inventions may not have changed the world of exercise, they certainly got creative minds thinking outside the box. Whether they’re bizarre, hilarious, or just plain impractical, these patents show the lengths inventors will go to when dreaming up new ways to stay fit. Some might have fallen out of favour, but they’re a reminder that there’s always room for innovation—even if it means thinking way outside the gym! Who knows? The next big fitness trend might be just around the corner! |