Dumbbell

Abstract

A configurable dumbbell is provided. The dumbbell is useful for both one-handed and two-handed workout exercises in a single device. The dumbbell can also be reconfigured into separate dumbbells that have both single-handed and double-handed advantages. The dumbbell can be used in single-handed, double-handed, rotational momentum, and non-rotational momentum exercises or any combination thereof.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a configurable dumbbell. The dumbbell is useful for both one-handed and two-handed workout exercises. The dumbbell is designed for easy addition and subtraction of plate weights and can also be configured into a variety of different workout devices. The invention provides a simple and convenient single workout device that can be incorporated into various routines that employ one and two-handed movements. The device of the present invention can also be configured into a more traditional two-handed long curl bar.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is common for weight lifters to use a combination dumbbells and kettlebells in routines that build arm, shoulder, neck, and abdominal muscles. Traditional dumbbells have a single handle with weight plates on each end of the handle and are designed for single-arm use. Kettlebells have a raised handle over a generally round weight and the user and are designed for double-arm use. It is often desirable to rapidly switch between single-arm and double-arm exercises in a workout routine. Ordinarily, this is done by providing both dumbbells and kettlebells in close proximity to the athlete. The drawback is that this requires multiple devices and clutters the workout area.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,951 to Shepherd discloses a two-handed dumbbell where the weight is located off-center from the handles. This device is useful for two-handed lifting routines and abdominal twists but it cannot be effectively used with a single hand. Moreover, the off-centered design of the Shepherd device introduces rotational momentum during use that must be counteracted by the user. This is disadvantageous for routines that focus on targeted muscle exercise. Although Shepherd discloses a two-handed dumbbell device, it is not a dual-use device that can be used in both single and double-handed routines.

[0004] U.S. Publication No. 2012/0172182 by Leier et al. discloses a dumbbell configured for two-handed and single-handed use. However, the Leier disclosure is deficient as an effective dual-use device because the two-handed configuration necessarily introduces unwanted rotational momentum during use. The Leier device can be used in pendulum directed maneuvers, but it cannot effectively work in upright twisting motions for exercising the abdomen because of the strong rotational forces that exist in the off-centered location of the weight with respect to the hands.

[0005] There exists a need in the art for a single workout device that can be used in both single and double-arm workout routines where the weight is evenly suspended regardless of the user's grip selection. The further exists a need for a workout device where the double-grip method can be selectively applied between rotational momentum and non-rotational momentum in the same device. Finally, there exists a need for a configurable dumbbell that can be used in single and double-arm routines and can also be converted into a traditional long curl bar, a kettlebell, and a single-handle dumbbell.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention relates to a dumbbell that can be used in both single and double-handed weightlifting maneuvers. In particular, the invention relates to a dumbbell having multiple handles located between weight plates. By locating multiple handles between the plates, the device can be selectively used for traditional single-handed dumbbell routines and traditional two-handed kettlebell routines in both rotational momentum and non-rotational momentum movements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of the expanded dumbbell in a single-handle configuration.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a top, right perspective view of the dumbbell in a triple-handle configuration.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a top, right perspective view of the dumbbell configured into two traditional single-handled dumbbells.

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a top, right perspective view of the dumbbell configured into a traditional single-handled dumbbell and a two-handled dumbbell.

[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the dumbbell in a triple-handle configuration being used in a single-handed movement.

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the dumbbell in a double-handle configuration being used in a two-handed movement.

[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a top, right perspective view of the dumbbell configured into a traditional long curl bar.

[0014] It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims. The embodiments shown accomplish various aspects and objects of the invention. It is appreciated that it is not possible to clearly show each element and aspect of the invention in a single figure, and as such, multiple figures are presented to separately illustrate the various details of the invention in greater clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. There are also representative examples of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numeral refers to the same elements in all figures.

[0016] The present invention provides a configurable dumbbell that can be used in single and double-handed weight lifting routines. Referring generally to FIGS. 1-7, there are handles (10) that are sized to fit within at least three holes (22) of weight plates (20). The handles (10) may be formed of any sturdy material that will not deform under load. Weight plates (20) are formed of a generally rigid material, preferably cast iron or other metal, and can have a variation of cross-sectional shapes, including a circle, squares, hexagons, and the like. An advantage to a multi-sided configuration is that the dumbbell will not inadvertently roll across the floor. In a preferred configuration, weight plates (20) have a hexagonal cross-section. Another suitable material for weight plates (20) would be of a sturdy plastic with an opening for receiving sand, water, or other type of temporary filling material. In this configuration, the dumbbell could be shipped with empty weight plates (20) and the user could fill the plates with any type of heavy material, including cement.

[0017] Holes (22) can be of any number exceeding one, with a preferred arrangement being in odd numbers, such as 3, 5, 7, and upward. The disadvantage to having too many holes is that the weight of weight plates (20) is increasingly reduced with an increasing number of holes. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, weight plates (20) are provided with three holes (22). Preferably, holes (22) have a linear arrangement. The advantage of a linear hole arrangement is that the user can then employ the dumbbell in a two-handed exercise without introducing rotational forces from offset weight distribution.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, there are multiple handles (10) that correspond to the number of holes (22) in weight plates (20). Thus, in a three-hole arrangement, the dumbbell would have a corresponding number of three handles (10), with each handle being configured for secure insertion into a separate hole (22) in weight plate (20). In one embodiment of the invention, handles (10) have threaded ends (12) on each end whereby matching threaded inner nuts (30) and outer nuts (40) may be mechanically attached. Inner nuts (30) serve to prevent weight plates (20) from sliding inward toward the user's hand(s), while outer nuts (40) prevent the weight plates (20) from falling off handles (10). In addition, as shown in several of the figures, the weight plates (20) can be stacked on threaded ends (12) to provide a desired weight combination.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, outer nuts (40) are oversized such that one nut could securely connect the ends (12) of two handles (10) together. As shown in FIG. 7, this configuration is advantageous for creating a long curl bar (50) from three handles (10) using two outer nuts (40).

[0020] The versatility of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 2, the triple-handle arrangement is shown. This arrangement allows the user to employ single and double-handed maneuvers on the same device. As shown in FIG. 5, for a single-handed maneuver without rotational momentum the user would simply grab the central handle (10) and use the device as a traditional dumbbell. Without reconfiguring the device, the user could also grab the outer handles (10) of the three-handle arrangement and user the dumbbell for kettlebell-type maneuvers, as shown in FIG. 6. If rotational forces are not desired the user would grip the outer handles (10). However, the user could easily switch to resisting rotational momentum in the routine in either the single or double-handed grips by holding an outer handle in a single-hand maneuver or by holding a center handle and an outer handle in a double-hand maneuver. In this manner the dumbbell of the present invention can be used as a single device for a wide variety of exercises calling for single-hand, double-hand, no rotational force, rotational force, or any combination thereof.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows an arrangement where the present dumbbell in a three-handle configuration can be converted into two traditional, center-handled dumbbells. FIG. 4 shows an additional arrangement where the dumbbell of the present invention in a three-handled arrangement can be converted into a traditional center-handled dumbbell and a two-handled dumbbell with kettlebell characteristics.

[0022] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A dumbbell, comprising: a plurality of handles, each handle having a first end and a second end; a plurality of weight plates securely connected to the plurality of handles; a handle grip section defined by an area between at least two opposing weight plates of the plurality of weight plates and encompassing said plurality of handles; and wherein at least one handle of the plurality of handles is off-center relative to a center axis of the dumbbell.

2. The dumbbell of claim 1, wherein each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates includes a plurality of apertures configured to receive the end of the plurality of handles.

3. The dumbbell of claim 2, where the plurality of apertures is a substantially linear arrangement across the diameter of the weight plate.

4. The dumbbell of claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end of each handle of the plurality of handles is threaded to receive a fastener.

5. The dumbbell of claim 1, wherein the plurality of weight plates is substantially hexagonal shaped.

6. The dumbbell of claim 1, wherein the plurality of weight plates further includes a hollow body configured to receive a weight filling material.

7. The dumbbell of claim 4, wherein the threaded end of a first handle is connected to the threaded end of a second handle to form a unitary handle of an increased length.