Pad for use on an exercise machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a pad for use on a conventional exercise machine. The pad of the present invention comprises an elongated foam core having a bar receiving opening formed longitudinally therethrough and formed in the shape of two oppositely directed, truncated cones positioned in point to point relation to one another, and leather, or other durable material, covering the foam. Alternatively, the pad may be shaped in the form of two wedges positioned in point to point relation to one another (e.g., two truncated cones bisected along their longitudinal axes and positioned in point to point relation to one another).

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A pad adapted for use on an exercise machine, comprising: 
 a. a core having first and second sides, a transverse axis extending therethrough, and first and second portions that taper uniformly outwardly from said transverse axis towards said first and second sides, respectively; and    b. a durable material positioned in covering relation to said core.    
     
     
         2 . The pad according to  claim 1 , wherein said core includes a longitudinal axis and an opening extending through said pad along said longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         3 . The pad according to  claim 1 , wherein said core is composed of a foam material.  
     
     
         4 . The pad according to  claim 1 , further comprising first and second washers mounted to said first and second sides, respectively.  
     
     
         5 . The pad according to  claim 1 , wherein said core is shaped in the form of first and second truncated cones positioned in point to point relation to one another with said transverse axis extending through the interface of said first and second truncated cones.  
     
     
         6 . The pad according to  claim 1 , wherein said core is formed in the shape of first and second truncated cones that have been longitudinally bisected, and with said transverse axis extending through the interface of said first and second truncated cones.  
     
     
         7 . A method of exercising using a machine equipped with a pad comprising a core having first and second sides, a transverse axis extending therethrough, and first and second portions that taper uniformly outwardly from said transverse axis towards said first and second sides, respectively, said method comprising the steps of: 
 a. employing a first force against said pad along a vector that is co-extensive with said transverse axis; and    b. employing a second force against said first portion of said pad along a vector that extends at a predetermined, oblique angle to said transverse axis.    
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , further comprising, employing a third force against said second portion of said pad at a predetermined, oblique angle to said transverse axis.