Health

Weight Loss – 10 Unusual Weight Loss Inventions

April 8, 2008
By J White

So you think that you’ve tried every weight loss method out there. How about a rubber balloon in your stomach. Or if that isn’t your cup of tea how about a weight reduction belt. These unusual weight loss methods are not something I just made up, but are patents issued by the US Patent Office.

Since the search for the perfect body began, inventors have come up with some creative contraptions to help get us there. The variety of these creative inventions range from gizmos that you can put in and own your body to gadgets that help you to better perform exercises. Some of the inventions may remind you of modern gadgets you see everyday, while others are quite unique. Despite their differences and appearance, there main aim is to help you lose weight.

Here are 10 of these unusual and sometimes strange weight loss inventions that have been issued patents by the US Patent Office. And if you’re wondering how some of these inventions were able to be issued a patent, the US Patent Office standard is that a invention must be novel and nonobvious. What does that mean? Your guess is as good as mine.

Patent #4,485,805 – Rubber Balloon in Stomach

This invention places without surgery a rubber balloon that is filled with a liquid in your stomach. The balloon aides in weight loss by taking up space in your stomach, and thus allows you to feel full without eating as much food.

Patent #7,264,600 – Weight Reduction Belt

This belt fits over your stomach and comprises of a air chamber with pressure sensor, air pump and a massager. The invention works by maintaining the air chamber at a constant pressure. Signals from the pressure sensor signal the air chamber to either inflate or deflate. The pressure from the air chamber is suppose to reduce food intake and hunger, while the massager helps to further control your hunger between meals.

Patent #5,876,312 – Weight Reaction Walking Stick

This little beauty allows you to adjust your aerobic workout by placing up to 4 steel balls in the chamber. Plus, it’s also marketed as protection against aggressors such as thieves and animals.

Patent #5,167,561 – Doll to Simulate Weight Gain

The doll is designed to demonstrate the effects of various foods on the body by simulating weight gain and weight loss by inflating or deflating sections of the doll with air. It’s purpose is to educate and inform children on dietary matters.

Patent #5,700,231 – Weight Loss Suit

The invention is a suit containing elastic resistance structures such as rubber and nylon. The resistance created by the elastic structures would cause the wearer to expend more energy to move and thus burn more calories.

Patent #3,205,888 – Exercise and Vibrating Machine

This invention allows you to perform several exercises on one machine. With it you can simulate running, rowing, body lifting and when you’re finished exercising, you can also use it as an massager.

Patent #4,079,933 – Exercise Device for Sit Ups

This invention allows you to perform sit ups. It comprises a shoulder harness connected to a pulley and handles in which the user of the device uses to perform the sit ups.

Patent #4,013,287 – Leg Exerciser for Your Car

This device is design to let you exercise while you’re driving your car. This device is attached to the dashboard and comprise an elastic band that you can contract back and forth. Sounds great for traffic jams.

Patent #3,920,240 – Portable Exercise Frame

This exercise apparatus is designed to be portable and to be setup by inclining it against a wall. With this little baby, you can perform deep knee bends, calve raises and it also acts as a stepper for your aerobic workout. It looks like a small latter with a step at the bottom and a bar holding it together at the top.

Patent #7,150,141 – Waist Chain

This invention comprises links in a chain that is designed to be place tightly around your waist. When the wearer gains weight, the chain becomes increasingly tight. If you think that you can accomplish the same thing with a belt, then you’re right on the money.

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