DUMBBELL

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application in a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/162,092 filed Jan. 29, 2021, and further claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/968,012 filed Jan. 30, 2020, both of which are incorporated by reference into this application in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is related to the field of fitness equipment, in particular, free weights in the form of improved dumbbell weights that can be used in training in sports such as boxing.

BACKGROUND

Kettle bells are known forms of free weights, typically, in the form of a weight formed of metal, such as steel or iron, with a single loop-style handle attached to the weight. One problem with using kettle bells is that by virtue of their shape is that it can be difficult to hold the weight in a fixed position in a person's hand when the weight is lifted up an angle, such as in a side or front lateral raise exercise, where the weight handle will twist in the person's hand as the weight will rotate towards the ground due to gravity.

It is, therefore, desirable to provide an improved dumbbell weight that overcomes this problem.

SUMMARY

An improved dumbbell is provided. In some embodiments, the improved dumbbell can comprise a base weight with lower braces extending substantially upwards therefrom with a substantially horizontal handle extending between upper ends of the lower braces, wherein the improved dumbbell comprises a pair of upper weights supported by two sets of upper braces extending substantially upwards from the upper ends of the lower braces, thereby forming a “dumbbell-like” structure except that the handle is substantially orthogonal to an axis extending between the upper weight and the lower weight.

In some embodiments, the improved dumbbell can comprise a handle with a plurality of braces extending from one end of the handle, wherein each brace comprises a weight extending therefrom. In some embodiments, each weight can comprise a curved or arc configuration to provide a space for a person place their hand between the weights and grasp the handle.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, an improved dumbbell can be provided, comprising: a handle extending along a longitudinal axis from one end thereof to an opposing end thereof; and a plurality of weight segments, each of the plurality of the weight segments extending radially from the one end of the handle, and wherein each of the weight segments comprises a curved or arc configuration extending along a curved axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of weight segments can comprise a uniform cross-section along a length thereof from a first end to a second end.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the uniform cross-section can be substantially rectangular.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the uniform cross-section can be one or both of substantially circular and substantially oval.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the improved dumbbell can further comprise a plurality of collar segments disposed between the one end of the handle and the plurality of weight segments.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the handle can comprise a grip disposed at least partially thereon or therearound.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the grip can comprise an elastomeric material.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the grip can comprise one or more of rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the handle can comprise a proprioceptive wrap disposed at least partially therearound.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the handle can comprise an opening disposed on the one end thereof.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the improved dumbbell can further comprise a weight stand having at least one peg extending therefrom, wherein the at least one peg is configured to fit within the opening so as to place or store the improved dumbbell on the at least one peg.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the plurality of weight segments can be comprised of one or both of metal material and non-metal materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of an improved dumbbell.

FIG. 2 is a photograph depicting a front elevation view of the improved dumbbell of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a photograph depicting a perspective view of the improved dumbbell of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a second embodiment of an improved dumbbell.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view depicting a third embodiment of an improved dumbbell.

FIG. 5B is rear perspective view depicting the improved dumbbell of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a front perspective view depicting a fourth embodiment of an improved dumbbell.

FIG. 6B is rear perspective view depicting the improved dumbbell of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view depicting the improved dumbbell of FIG. 6A being held in an exercise position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view depicting the improved dumbbell of FIG. 5A or 6A being mounted on a weight stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In this description, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment can also be included in other embodiments but is not necessarily included. Thus, the present technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

The presently disclosed subject matter is illustrated by specific but non-limiting examples throughout this description. The examples may include compilations of data that are representative of data gathered at various times during the course of development and experimentation related to the present invention(s). Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure and is not a limitation thereon. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.

All references to singular characteristics or limitations of the present disclosure shall include the corresponding plural characteristic(s) or limitation(s) and vice versa, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the reference is made.

All combinations of method or process steps as used herein can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the referenced combination is made.

While the following terms used herein are believed to be well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, definitions are set forth to facilitate explanation of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter belongs. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, properties, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration or percentage is meant to encompass variations of in some embodiments+/−50%, in some embodiments+/−40%, in some embodiments+/−30%, in some embodiments+/−20%, in some embodiments+/−10%, in some embodiments+/−5%, in some embodiments+/−1%, in some embodiments+/−0.5%, and in some embodiments+/−0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed method.

Alternatively, the terms “substantially”, “about”, or “approximately” can mean within an acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. For the purposes of this specification, and the claims that follow, the terms “substantially”, “about”, or “approximately” can be used interchangeably, where appropriate. For example, “about” can mean within 3, or more than 3, standard deviations, per the practice in the art. Alternatively, “about” can mean a range of up to 20%, preferably up to 10%, more preferably up to 5%, and more preferably still up to 1% of a given value. Alternatively, particularly with respect to biological systems or processes, the term can mean within an order of magnitude, preferably within 5-fold, and more preferably within 2-fold, of a value. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, properties, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. And so, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

As used herein, ranges can be expressed as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, one embodiment of improved dumbbell 10 is illustrated. In some embodiments, improved dumbbell 10 can comprise of first or base weight 12 having bottom surface 13 that can be configured for resting on a flat horizontal surface such as the floor. Improved dumbbell 10 can further comprise a pair of second or upper weights 16 disposed above first or base weight 12, wherein each second or upper weight 16 is supported by the combination of a plurality of sets of at least one second or upper brace 20, handle 14 and at least one first or lower brace 18 operatively connecting second or upper weights 16 to first or base weight 12. In the illustrated embodiment, dumbbell 10 comprises two sets of the at least one second or upper brace 20.

In some embodiments, handle 14 can be substantially horizontal and disposed vertically between second or upper weights 16 and first or base weight 12. In some embodiments, first or lower braces 18 can extend from ends 15 of handle 14 to first or base weight 12, and a set of second or upper braces 20 can extend from ends 15 to each second or upper weight 16.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, each second or upper brace 20 can be disposed at a first angle relative to first or lower brace 18 as depicted by angle “ϕ” (“phi”). In some embodiments, angle phi can range from 90° to 160°. In the illustrated embodiment, angle phi is approximately 120°.

In some embodiments, each second or upper weight 16 can comprise less weight or mass than that of first or base weight 12. In some embodiments, each second or upper weight 16 can range from approximately 0.1 or 10% to approximately 1.0 or 100% of the weight or mass of first or base weight 12. In the illustrated embodiment of improved dumbbell as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, first or base weight 12 is approximately 10 pounds in weight and each second or upper weight 16 is approximately 5 pounds in weight.

By configuring improved dumbbell 10 with angle phi as applied to braces 18 and 20, respectively, each second or upper weight 16 can be positioned substantially above first or base weight 12 such that improved dumbbell 10 is stable when bottom surface 13 is placed on a floor. In addition, the space between the two second or upper weights 16 can provide clearance for a person's hand to easily grasp handle 14 between upper weights 16. By configuring improved dumbbell 10 in this manner, traditional free weight conventional dumbbell exercises can be performed with little or no twisting of handle 14 in the person's hand. In addition, the placement of upper weight 16 above the hand, in combination of the placement of base weight 12 below the hand, can result in additional muscles being worked when performing traditional free weight exercises as the improved dumbbell is being lifted and moved during these exercises.

Referring to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of improved dumbbell 10 is shown. In this embodiment, improved dumbbell 10 can comprise a pair of base weights 12 each having bottom surface 13 that can be configured for resting on a flat horizontal surface such as the floor. Improved dumbbell 10 can further comprise a pair of upper weights 16 disposed above base weight 12, wherein each upper weight 16 is supported by the combination of upper braces 20, handle 14 and lower braces 18 operatively connecting upper weights 16 to base weight 12.

As with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, handle 14 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 can be substantially horizontal and disposed vertically between upper weights 16 and base weights 12. In some embodiments, a set lower braces 18 can extend from ends 15 of handle 14 to each base weight 12, and a set of upper braces 20 can extend from ends 15 to each upper weight 16.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, each upper brace 20 can be disposed at a first angle relative to the nearest lower brace 18 as depicted by angle “ϕ” (“phi”). In some embodiments, angle phi can range from 45° to 135°. In the illustrated embodiment, angle phi is approximately 90°.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, each set of lower braces 18 can be disposed at a second angle relative to the other set of lower braces 18 as depicted by angle “α” (“alpha”). In some embodiments, angle alpha can range from 45° to 135°. In the illustrated embodiments, angle alpha is approximately 45°.

In some embodiments, each of the embodiments of dumbbell 10 described herein can comprise wrap 11 disposed at least partially around handle 14 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and as described in applicant's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/319,168 filed on Jan. 18, 2019, which is incorporated by reference into this application in its entirety. The wrap can comprise a compressible proprioceptive material as described in applicant's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/319,168. The wrap can provide a proprioceptive response to a person using improved dumbbell 10 in an exercise activity.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a third embodiment of improved dumbbell 10 is shown. In this embodiment, improved dumbbell 10 can comprise a plurality of weight segments 22 extending radially away from collar segments 19 operatively disposed on end 15 of handle 14, wherein handle 14 defines longitudinal axis 26 therealong extending from end 15 to opposing end 21 thereof. In some embodiments, collar segments 19 can define a diameter that is greater than the diameter of handle 14. In some embodiments, as shown in the figures, each of weight segments 22 can be substantially uniform in cross-section extending from end 15 to opposing end 21 thereof. In some embodiments, each of weight segments 22 can be substantially rectangular in cross-section whereas in other embodiments, each of weight segments 22 can be substantially circular or oval in cross-section. In some embodiments, collar segments 19 can extend radially outwardly from handle 14 to provide a location for each of weight segments 22 to extend therefrom. In some embodiments, handle 14 can comprise grip 17 disposed at least partially thereon or therearound to provide improved grip to dumbbell 10 as well known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, grip 17 can be comprised of one or more of rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer, or any other elastomeric material as well known to those skilled in the art to provide enhanced grip to dumbbell 10. In other embodiments, grip 17 can comprise knurling on handle 14 to provide enhanced grip thereto. In some embodiments, handle 14 can further comprise wrap 11 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) disposed at least partially therearound. In the illustrated embodiment, dumbbell 10 can comprise three weight segments 22 wherein each weight segment 22 is disposed substantially equidistant apart from an adjacent weight segment 22, wherein each weight segment 22 can be spaced apart by angle phi apart from its adjacent weight segments 22. In the illustrated embodiment, angle phi can be substantially 120° although the angle phi between any adjacent pair of weight segments 22 can vary up to plus or minus 45°. In some embodiments, one or more weight segments 22 can be curved in configuration along curved axis 29 to form arc 24 relative to longitudinal axis 26 of handle 14, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, wherein arc 24 extends from collar segments 19 to an opposing end thereof, and wherein dumbbell 10 can comprise an approximate spherical configuration. In some embodiments, arc 24 can be longer in length than the length of handle 14. In some embodiments, dumbbell 10 having weight segments 22 comprising arc 24 can provide additional space both between adjacent weight segments 22 and between weight segments 22 and handle 14 to allow a person to more easily place their hand through and between adjacent weight segments 22 to grasp handle 14 while keeping the overall size of dumbbell 10 smaller as compared to conventional prior art dumbbells. In some embodiments, this embodiment of dumbbell 10 can be comprised of metal, non-metal material with metal disposed therein or other suitable materials well known to those skilled in the art of making dumbbells. In some embodiments, the overall weight or mass of dumbbell 10 can be a function of the weight or mass of handle 14, collar segments 19 and of a mass density of each weight segment 22, which can further be a function of thickness 26 of each weight segment 22. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, thickness 26 of weight 22 can be selected such that the overall weight of dumbbell can be approximately 3 pounds. In some embodiments, dumbbell 10 can comprise opening 28 disposed into an end of handle 14 to provide means for placing and storing dumbbell 10 on a weight tree or stand. In some embodiments, opening 28 can be disposed on the end of handle 14 adjacent to where braces 19 extend therefrom although in other embodiments, opening 28 can be disposed into the other end of handle 14.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a fourth embodiment of improved dumbbell 10 is shown. In this embodiment, improved dumbbell 10 can comprise a plurality of weight segments 22 extending radially away from collar segments 19 operatively disposed on end 15 of handle 14, wherein handle 14 defines longitudinal axis 26 therealong extending from end 15 to opposing end 21 thereof. In some embodiments, collar segments 19 can define a diameter that is greater than the diameter of handle 14. In some embodiments, as shown in the figures, each of weight segments 22 can be substantially uniform in cross-section extending from end 15 to opposing end 21 thereof. In some embodiments, each of weight segments 22 can be substantially rectangular in cross-section whereas in other embodiments, each of weight segments 22 can be substantially circular or oval in cross-section. In some embodiments, collar segments 19 can extend radially outwardly from handle 14 to provide a location for each of weight segments 22 to extend therefrom. In some embodiments, handle 14 can comprise grip 17 disposed at least partially thereon or therearound to provide improved grip to dumbbell 10 as well known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, grip 17 can be comprised of one or more of rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer, or any other elastomeric material well known to those skilled in the art to provide enhanced grip to dumbbell 10. In other embodiments, grip 17 can comprise knurling on handle 14 to provide enhanced grip thereto. In some embodiments, handle 14 can further comprise wrap 11 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) disposed at least partially therearound. In the illustrated embodiment, dumbbell 10 can comprise three weight segments 22 wherein each weight segment 22 is disposed substantially equidistant apart from an adjacent weight segment 22, wherein each weight segment 22 can be spaced apart by angle phi apart from its adjacent weight segments 22. In the illustrated embodiment, angle phi can be substantially 120° although the angle phi between any adjacent pair of weight segments 22 can vary up to plus or minus 45°. In some embodiments, one or more weight segments 22 can be curved in configuration along curved axis 29 to form arc 24 relative to longitudinal axis 26 of handle 14, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, wherein arc 24 extends from collar segments 19 to an opposing end thereof, and wherein dumbbell 10 can comprise an approximate spherical configuration. In some embodiments, arc 24 can be longer in length than the length of handle 14. In some embodiments, dumbbell 10 having weight segments 22 comprising arc 24 can provide additional space both between adjacent weight segments 22 and between weight segments 22 and handle 14 to allow a person to more easily place their hand through and between adjacent weight segments 22 to grasp handle 14 while keeping the overall size of dumbbell 10 smaller as compared to conventional prior art dumbbells. In some embodiments, this embodiment of dumbbell 10 can be comprised of metal, non-metal material with metal disposed therein or other suitable materials well known to those skilled in the art of making dumbbells. In some embodiments, the overall weight or mass of dumbbell 10 can be a function of the weight or mass of handle 14, collar segments 19 and of a mass density of each weight segment 22, which can further be a function of thickness 26 of each weight segment 22. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, thickness 26 of weight 22 can be selected such that the overall weight of dumbbell can be approximately 10 pounds. In some embodiments, dumbbell 10 can comprise opening 28 disposed into an end of handle 14 to provide means for placing and storing dumbbell 10 on a weight tree or stand. In some embodiments, opening 28 can be disposed on the end of handle 14 adjacent to where braces 19 extend therefrom although in other embodiments, opening 28 can be disposed into the other end of handle 14.

Referring to FIG. 7, the dumbbell of FIGS. 5A and 5B, or 6A and 6B, is shown in a position for exercise, wherein a person can grasp handle 14 by reaching through a pair of weights 22. When the person grasps two of dumbbells 10, one with each hand, the person can then engage in exercises by raising and lower their arms, extending and retracting their arms as well as moving their arms in a motion simulating boxing or other activity, all of which activity can result in strengthening the muscles and increasing the endurance of the person so exercising.

Referring to FIG. 8, one embodiment of weight stand 30 for use with dumbbell 10 is shown. In some embodiments, stand 30 can comprise of vertical post 32 extending upwards from base 34, wherein post 32 can comprise a plurality of pegs 36 extending therefrom for placing or storing dumbbell 10 thereon. In some embodiments, each peg 36 can be configured to fit within opening 28 disposed in dumbbell 10 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A as a means to place or store dumbbell 10 on a peg 36 on stand 30 when dumbbell 10 is not in use.

Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to these embodiments without changing or departing from their scope, intent or functionality. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the invention is defined and limited only by the claims that follow.