Dumbbell

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, ifandare disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

Referring to, one embodiment of improved dumbbellis illustrated. In some embodiments, improved dumbbellcan comprise of first or base weighthaving bottom surfacethat can be configured for resting on a flat horizontal surface such as the floor. Improved dumbbellcan further comprise a pair of second or upper weightsdisposed above first or base weight, wherein each second or upper weightis supported by the combination of a plurality of sets of at least one second or upper brace, handleand at least one first or lower braceoperatively connecting second or upper weightsto first or base weight. In the illustrated embodiment, dumbbellcomprises two sets of the at least one second or upper brace.

In some embodiments, handlecan be substantially horizontal and disposed vertically between second or upper weightsand first or base weight. In some embodiments, first or lower bracescan extend from endsof handleto first or base weight, and a set of second or upper bracescan extend from endsto each second or upper weight.

In some embodiments, as shown in, each second or upper bracecan be disposed at a first angle relative to first or lower braceas 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 weightcan comprise less weight or mass than that of first or base weight. In some embodiments, each second or upper weightcan range from approximately 0.1 or 10% to approximately 1.0 or 100% of the weight or mass of first or base weight. In the illustrated embodiment of improved dumbbell as shown in, first or base weightis approximately 10 pounds in weight and each second or upper weightis approximately 5 pounds in weight.

By configuring improved dumbbellwith angle phi as applied to bracesand, respectively, each second or upper weightcan be positioned substantially above first or base weightsuch that improved dumbbellis stable when bottom surfaceis placed on a floor. In addition, the space between the two second or upper weightscan provide clearance for a person's hand to easily grasp handlebetween upper weights. By configuring improved dumbbellin this manner, traditional free weight conventional dumbbell exercises can be performed with little or no twisting of handlein the person's hand. In addition, the placement of upper weightabove the hand, in combination of the placement of base weightbelow 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, a second embodiment of improved dumbbellis shown. In this embodiment, improved dumbbellcan comprise a pair of base weightseach having bottom surfacethat can be configured for resting on a flat horizontal surface such as the floor. Improved dumbbellcan further comprise a pair of upper weightsdisposed above base weight, wherein each upper weightis supported by the combination of upper braces, handleand lower bracesoperatively connecting upper weightsto base weight.

As with the embodiment shown in, handlein the embodiment shown incan be substantially horizontal and disposed vertically between upper weightsand base weights. In some embodiments, a set lower bracescan extend from endsof handleto each base weight, and a set of upper bracescan extend from endsto each upper weight.

In some embodiments, as shown in, each upper bracecan be disposed at a first angle relative to the nearest lower braceas 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, each set of lower bracescan be disposed at a second angle relative to the other set of lower bracesas 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 dumbbelldescribed herein can comprise wrapdisposed at least partially around handleas shown in, 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 dumbbellin an exercise activity.

Referring to, a third embodiment of improved dumbbellis shown. In this embodiment, improved dumbbellcan comprise a plurality of weight segmentsextending radially away from collar segmentsoperatively disposed on endof handle, wherein handledefines longitudinal axistherealong extending from endto opposing endthereof. In some embodiments, collar segmentscan define a diameter that is greater than the diameter of handle. In some embodiments, as shown in the figures, each of weight segmentscan be substantially uniform in cross-section extending from endto opposing endthereof. In some embodiments, each of weight segmentscan be substantially rectangular in cross-section whereas in other embodiments, each of weight segmentscan be substantially circular or oval in cross-section. In some embodiments, collar segmentscan extend radially outwardly from handleto provide a location for each of weight segmentsto extend therefrom. In some embodiments, handlecan comprise gripdisposed at least partially thereon or therearound to provide improved grip to dumbbellas well known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, gripcan 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. In other embodiments, gripcan comprise knurling on handleto provide enhanced grip thereto. In some embodiments, handlecan further comprise wrap(as shown in) disposed at least partially therearound. In the illustrated embodiment, dumbbellcan comprise three weight segmentswherein each weight segmentis disposed substantially equidistant apart from an adjacent weight segment, wherein each weight segmentcan be spaced apart by angle phi apart from its adjacent weight segments. In the illustrated embodiment, angle phi can be substantially 120° although the angle phi between any adjacent pair of weight segmentscan vary up to plus or minus 45°. In some embodiments, one or more weight segmentscan be curved in configuration along curved axisto form arcrelative to longitudinal axisof handle, as shown in, wherein arcextends from collar segmentsto an opposing end thereof, and wherein dumbbellcan comprise an approximate spherical configuration. In some embodiments, arccan be longer in length than the length of handle. In some embodiments, dumbbellhaving weight segmentscomprising arccan provide additional space both between adjacent weight segmentsand between weight segmentsand handleto allow a person to more easily place their hand through and between adjacent weight segmentsto grasp handlewhile keeping the overall size of dumbbellsmaller as compared to conventional prior art dumbbells. In some embodiments, this embodiment of dumbbellcan 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 dumbbellcan be a function of the weight or mass of handle, collar segmentsand of a mass density of each weight segment, which can further be a function of thicknessof each weight segment. In the illustrated embodiment of, thicknessof weightcan be selected such that the overall weight of dumbbell can be approximately 3 pounds. In some embodiments, dumbbellcan comprise openingdisposed into an end of handleto provide means for placing and storing dumbbellon a weight tree or stand. In some embodiments, openingcan be disposed on the end of handleadjacent to where bracesextend therefrom although in other embodiments, openingcan be disposed into the other end of handle.

Referring to, a fourth embodiment of improved dumbbellis shown. In this embodiment, improved dumbbellcan comprise a plurality of weight segmentsextending radially away from collar segmentsoperatively disposed on endof handle, wherein handledefines longitudinal axistherealong extending from endto opposing endthereof. In some embodiments, collar segmentscan define a diameter that is greater than the diameter of handle. In some embodiments, as shown in the figures, each of weight segmentscan be substantially uniform in cross-section extending from endto opposing endthereof. In some embodiments, each of weight segmentscan be substantially rectangular in cross-section whereas in other embodiments, each of weight segmentscan be substantially circular or oval in cross-section. In some embodiments, collar segmentscan extend radially outwardly from handleto provide a location for each of weight segmentsto extend therefrom. In some embodiments, handlecan comprise gripdisposed at least partially thereon or therearound to provide improved grip to dumbbellas well known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, gripcan 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. In other embodiments, gripcan comprise knurling on handleto provide enhanced grip thereto. In some embodiments, handlecan further comprise wrap(as shown in) disposed at least partially therearound. In the illustrated embodiment, dumbbellcan comprise three weight segmentswherein each weight segmentis disposed substantially equidistant apart from an adjacent weight segment, wherein each weight segmentcan be spaced apart by angle phi apart from its adjacent weight segments. In the illustrated embodiment, angle phi can be substantially 120° although the angle phi between any adjacent pair of weight segmentscan vary up to plus or minus 45°. In some embodiments, one or more weight segmentscan be curved in configuration along curved axisto form arcrelative to longitudinal axisof handle, as shown in, wherein arcextends from collar segmentsto an opposing end thereof, and wherein dumbbellcan comprise an approximate spherical configuration. In some embodiments, arccan be longer in length than the length of handle. In some embodiments, dumbbellhaving weight segmentscomprising arccan provide additional space both between adjacent weight segmentsand between weight segmentsand handleto allow a person to more easily place their hand through and between adjacent weight segmentsto grasp handlewhile keeping the overall size of dumbbellsmaller as compared to conventional prior art dumbbells. In some embodiments, this embodiment of dumbbellcan 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 dumbbellcan be a function of the weight or mass of handle, collar segmentsand of a mass density of each weight segment, which can further be a function of thicknessof each weight segment. In the illustrated embodiment of, thicknessof weightcan be selected such that the overall weight of dumbbell can be approximately 10 pounds. In some embodiments, dumbbellcan comprise openingdisposed into an end of handleto provide means for placing and storing dumbbellon a weight tree or stand. In some embodiments, openingcan be disposed on the end of handleadjacent to where bracesextend therefrom although in other embodiments, openingcan be disposed into the other end of handle.

Referring to, the dumbbell of, orA andB, is shown in a position for exercise, wherein a person can grasp handleby reaching through a pair of weights. When the person grasps two of dumbbells, 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, one embodiment of weight standfor use with dumbbellis shown. In some embodiments, standcan comprise of vertical postextending upwards from base, wherein postcan comprise a plurality of pegsextending therefrom for placing or storing dumbbellthereon. In some embodiments, each pegcan be configured to fit within openingdisposed in dumbbellas shown inas a means to place or store dumbbellon a pegon standwhen dumbbellis 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.