U.S. patent application number 10/607773 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-01 for encapsulated weight system.
Invention is credited to Wince, Kevin.
Application Number | 20040063554 10/607773 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32028473 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040063554 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wince, Kevin |
April 1, 2004 |
Encapsulated weight system
Abstract
An encapsulated weight system for resistance training comprising
a first dumbbell having a center portion with a borehole disposed
axially therein forming an interior load area. The first dumbbell
further comprises at least a first end cap arranged and configured
to releasably engage opposing ends of the center portion, thereby
covering the interior load area. At least one weight capsule is
arranged and configured to substantially correspond to at least a
portion of the interior load area. The weight capsule can be
alternately added and removed from the interior load area of the
first dumbbell to alternately increase and decrease weight of said
first dumbbell. The first dumbbell and the second dumbbell can be
joined by a barbell adapter disposed therebetween.
Inventors: |
Wince, Kevin; (Kennesaw,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMAS, KAYDEN, HORSTEMEYER & RISLEY, LLP
100 GALLERIA PARKWAY, NW
STE 1750
ATLANTA
GA
30339-5948
US
|
Family ID: |
32028473 |
Appl. No.: |
10/607773 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10607773 |
Jun 27, 2003 |
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10027110 |
Dec 20, 2001 |
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6599222 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/108 ;
482/109 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0724 20130101;
A63B 21/0728 20130101; A63B 21/075 20130101; A63B 21/0722
20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/108 ;
482/109 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/075; A63B
021/072 |
Claims
Therefore, having thus described the invention, at least the
following is claimed:
1. An encapsulated weight system for resistance training,
comprising: a first dumbbell comprising a center potion having a
borehole disposed axially therein forming an interior load area
being defined by a length and a diameter; a first end cap being
arranged and configured to engage an end of said first dumbbell; a
second end cap being arranged and configured to engage an end of
said first dumbbell; at least one weight capsule being arranged and
configured to substantially correspond to said diameter of said
interior load area of said first dumbbell; at least one spacer
capsule being arranged and configured to substantially correspond
to said diameter of said interior load area of said first dumbbell,
said spacer capsule weighing less than said weight capsule; wherein
at least one of said weight capsule and said spacer capsule can be
disposed in said interior load area of said first dumbbell such
that said capsule fills the interior load area of said
dumbbell.
2. The encapsulated weight system of claim 1, wherein: said first
end cap of said first dumbbell comprises a stop for preventing at
least one of said weight capsule and said spacer capsule from
passing through said interior load area of said first dumbbell.
3. The encapsulated weight system of claim 1, further comprising: a
second dumbbell comprising a center portion having a borehole
disposed axially therein forming an interior load area being
defined by a length and a diameter; a first end cap being arranged
and configured to engage an end of said second dumbbell; a second
end cap being arranged and configured to engage an end of said
second dumbbell; wherein at least one of said weight capsule and
said spacer capsule can be disposed in said interior load area of
said second dumbbell such that said capsule fills the interior load
area of said second dumbbell.
4. The encapsulated weight system of claim 3, wherein: said first
end cap of said second dumbbell comprises a stop for preventing at
least one of said weight capsule and said spacer capsule from
passing through said interior load area of said second
dumbbell.
5. The encapsulated weight system of claim 3, further comprising: a
barbell adapter being arranged and configured to releasably receive
said first dumbbell and said second dumbbell at opposing ends of
said barbell adapter; wherein one of said first end cap and said
second end cap of said first dumbbell is disposed on said first
dumbbell and one of said first end cap and said second end cap of
said second dumbbell is disposed on said second dumbbell.
6. An encapsulated weight system for resistance training,
comprising: a first dumbbell comprising a center portion having
opposing ends and a borehole disposed axially therein forming an
interior load area defined by a length and a diameter, said first
dumbbell having a first end cap being adapted to releasably engage
one of said opposing ends of said center portion; a second dumbbell
comprising a center portion having opposing ends and a borehole
disposed axially therein forming an interior load area defined by a
length and a diameter, said second dumbbell having a first end cap
being adapted to releasably engage one of said opposing ends of
said center portion; at least one weight capsule being arranged and
configured to substantially correspond to said diameter of said
interior load area of at least one of said first dumbbell and said
second dumbbell; at least one spacer capsule being arranged and
configured to substantially correspond to said diameter of said
interior load area of at least one of said first dumbbell and said
second dumbbell; a stop means for preventing at least one of said
weight capsule and said spacer capsule from passing through said
interior area into which at least one of said weight capsule and
said spacer capsule is introduced.
7. The encapsulated weight system of claim 6, wherein said stop
means comprises a second end cap.
8. The encapsulated weight system of claim 7, wherein said first
dumbbell includes a second end cap arranged and configured to
engage said first dumbbell opposing said first end cap and said
second dumbbell includes a second end cap arranged and configured
to engage said second dumbbell opposing said first end cap.
9. The encapsulated weight system of claim 7, wherein said stop
means is fixed to at least one of said first dumbbell and said
second dumbbell.
10. The encapsulated weight system of claim 9, further comprising a
barbell adapter arranged and configured to engage said first
dumbbell and said second dumbbell at opposing ends of said barbell
adapter such that said barbell adapter engages each of said first
dumbbell and said second dumbbell opposing said second end cap of
said first dumbbell and said second dumbbell.
11. The encapsulated weight system of claim 6, wherein said stop
means releasably engages at least one of said first dumbbell and
said second dumbbell on an end opposing said first end cap.
12. The encapsulated weight system of claim 11, further comprising:
a barbell adapter being arranged and configured to releasably
receive said first dumbbell and said second dumbbell at opposing
ends of said barbell adapter.
13. An encapsulated weight system for resistance training,
comprising: a first dumbbell comprising a center portion having
opposing ends and a borehole disposed axially therein forming an
interior load area defined by a length and a diameter, said first
dumbbell having a first end cap being adapted to releasably engage
one of said opposing ends of said center portion; a second dumbbell
comprising a center portion having opposing ends and a borehole
disposed axially therein forming an interior load area defined by a
length and a diameter, said second dumbbell having a first end cap
being adapted to releasably engage one of said opposing ends of
said center portion; a barbell adapter being arranged and
configured to releasably receive said fist dumbbell and said second
dumbbell at opposing ends of said barbell adapter; a plurality of
weight capsules, each of said plurality of weight capsules being
arranged and configured to be disposed within said interior load
area of said first dumbbell and said second dumbbell; and a
plurality of spacer capsules, each of said spacer capsules being
arranged and configured to be disposed within said interior load
area of said first dumbbell and said second dumbbell; wherein said
first dumbbell is releasably fixed to an end of said barbell
adapter such that said first end cap of said first dumbbell opposes
said barbell adapter and said first end cap of said second dumbbell
opposes said barbell adapter and a combination of said capsules is
disposed in said first dumbbell between said barbell adapter and
said first end cap of said first dumbbell and a combination of said
capsules is disposed in said second dumbbell between said barbell
adapter and said first end cap of said second dumbbell.
14. The encapsulated weight system of claim 13, further comprising:
a stop means for containing at least one of said plurality of
capsules in said interior load area into which said capsule is
disposed.
15. The encapsulated weight system of claim 14 wherein said stop
means comprises at least one of said first end cap of said first
dumbbell and said first end cap of said second dumbbell.
16. The encapsulated weight system of claim 13, further comprising:
at least one second end cap arranged and configured to engage one
of said first dumbbell and said second dumbbell opposing said first
end cap arranged and configured to engage the same of said first
dumbbell and said second dumbbell.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S.
utility application entitled "Encapsulated Weight System," having
Ser. No. 10/027,110, filed on Dec. 20, 2001, which is entirely
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is generally related to resistance
weight training systems and apparatus and, more particularly, is
related to an encapsulated weight system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Working out, such as engaging in cardiovascular exercise and
resistance weight training, is increasing in popularity and is a
common way for people to maintain physical health and well being.
Gymnasium facilities and health clubs provide access to various
apparatus, such as treadmills, stationary bicycles, and free weight
sets, to readily facilitate such exercise. Gym facilities, however,
are not always either accessible or desirable to an individual
wishing to engage in such exercise activities. Furthermore, gyms
often require memberships that can be expensive and limited to
particular locations, which can make them less desirable. While one
can readily engage in cardiovascular exercise without a gym,
through, for example, running, biking, or rowing outdoors,
resistance weight training without the use of the apparatus
commonly available at a gym, such as free weights, can be more
difficult.
[0004] In particular, proper resistance weight training requires a
variety of weighted apparatus, each in a range of weights for
training various muscle groups. For example, although a shorter,
dumbbell-type weight may be used to train both the biceps, triceps
and shoulder muscles, each muscle group may require a different
weight for appropriate training. Furthermore, during the same
training session, one may desire to train a muscle group requiring
a longer barbell-type weight, thereby requiring yet a different
configuration of training apparatus as well as a different amount
of weight. Traditional weights typically available at a gym and for
home use consist of a bar having weighted members placed at
opposing ends of the bar. This conventional configuration
distributes stress somewhat unevenly to muscles.
[0005] Where one desires to engage in resistance weight training at
home, the individual needs to acquire a variety of weight
configurations as well as a variety of weight amounts for each
configuration, in order to train properly. This can be both
expensive as well as space consuming in the home. Traveling also
introduces a challenge to consistent weight training. It is often
expensive to pay for a one time visit to a gym that typically
requires membership, and sometimes is even not allowed by the
facility. Furthermore, traveling with a variety of weight
configurations as well as the varying weight amounts is difficult
and hotel gymnasium facilities are often deficient.
[0006] Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry
to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An encapsulated weight system for resistance training
comprises a first dumbbell having a center portion with a borehole
disposed axially therein. The borehole forms an interior load area
defined by a length and a diameter. The first dumbbell further
comprises at least a first end cap arranged and configured to
releasably engage an end of the center portion, thereby covering
the end of the interior load area. At least one weight capsule is
provided and substantially corresponds to the diameter of the
interior load area and to at least a portion of the length of the
interior load area. At least one spacer capsule is provided and
substantially corresponds to the diameter of the interior load area
and to at least a portion of the length of the interior load
area.
[0008] In another embodiment, the encapsulated weight system of the
present invention comprises a pair of dumbbells and a barbell
adapter. The barbell adapter is arranged and configured to
releasably receive on opposing ends thereof a center portion of
each of the dumbbells to form a substantially elongated barbell.
Where center portions of the pair of dumbbells are not releasably
fixed on opposing ends of the barbell adapter, the system can be
configured as a pair of dumbbells.
[0009] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the
present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in
the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features, and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be
protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with
reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.
Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded side perspective view of an
encapsulated weight system of the present invention in a barbell
configuration.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a cut-away side perspective view of an
embodiment of a first dumbbell comprising a portion of the
encapsulated weight system illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 2A illustrates a cut-away side perspective view of an
embodiment of a first dumbbell comprising a portion of the
encapsulated weight system illustrates in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a barbell
adapter comprising a portion of the encapsulated weight system
illustrated in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0015] An embodiment of the encapsulated weight system 10 is
illustrated in FIG. 1. The system 10 comprises a first dumbbell 12,
a second dumbbell 12', and a barbell adapter 14. The encapsulated
weight system 10 can be arranged and configured as a barbell upon
fixing portions of the first dumbbell 12 and the second dumbbell
12' to opposing ends of the barbell adapter 14 thereby forming a
substantially elongated bar. A free end of the first dumbbell 12
can be capped with a first end cap 16 and the free end of the
second dumbbell 12' can similarly be capped by a first end cap 16'.
The components of the encapsulated weight system 10 can comprise
any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, hard rubber, or the
like. It is preferable, however, that the components themselves are
somewhat heavy thereby adding to the effectiveness of the system 10
as a weight training device. The encapsulated weight system 10 can
also be arranged and configured to form at least one dumbbell 12
(FIG. 2). The system 10 also comprises a weight capsule 30 and a
spacer capsule 32.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates the first dumbbell 12 in greater detail
and the encapsulated weight system 10 as arranged in a dumbbell
configuration. Although the first dumbbell 12 will be described
herein in detail, it should be understood that the second dumbbell
12' comprises substantially similar features and elements as the
first dumbbell 12. The first dumbbell 12 comprises a substantially
cylindrical center portion 13 having a borehole disposed
substantially axially therein and forming an interior load area 20.
The dumbbell 12 optionally comprises a stop 22 disposed toward an
end of the center portion 13 and arranged and configured to
interrupt the diameter of the interior load area 20. The stop 22
can comprise a ridge or ring extending inwardly in the interior
load area 20 thereby decreasing the diameter of the interior load
area 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2A, a pin 23 extending the
diameter of the interior load area 20, a tapering of the diameter
of the interior load area 20 or any suitable member or
configuration effective to prevent an article substantially
corresponding to the diameter of the interior load area 20 from
passing beyond the stop 22.
[0017] Dumbbell 12 further comprises a first end cap 16 and a
second end cap 18 arranged and configured to releasably engage
opposing ends of the center portion 13 and cover opposing ends of
the interior load area 20. In one configuration, each of the first
end cap 16 and the second end cap 18 comprise a threaded member 24
extending therefrom and substantially corresponding to the diameter
of the interior load area 20. The interior load area 20 comprises
an interior threaded portion 26 toward each of the opposing ends
thereof. It is preferred that the threaded member 24 is arranged
and configured to engage the threaded portion 26 disposed in the
interior load area 20. The first end cap 16 and the second end cap
18 can also comprise a snap fit member, or any suitable member.
[0018] In one configuration, one of the first end cap 16 and the
second end cap 18 comprises the stop 22. As an example, where the
first end cap 16 comprises the stop 22, the first end cap 16 can be
removably or non-removably fixed to the dumbbell 12. Where the
first end cap 16 is removably fixed to the dumbbell 12 the first
end cap 16 can be optionally marked, such as by color coding, or
the like, to indicate to a user that the first end cap 16 is the
stop 22.
[0019] The dumbbell 12 can comprise a grip 28 disposed around the
exterior of the center portion 13. The grip 28 can comprise a wrap
of any suitable material, such as rubber or the like, a textured or
knurled area formed in the material of the center portion 13 itself
(as shown), or any suitable means to assist a user in maintaining a
strong, steady hold of the dumbbell 12. It is preferable that the
grip 28 includes a substantial area to assist in relieving stress
applied to relatively small bones in the palm of a user's hand. It
should be noted that the grip 28 also assists a user in maintaining
a solid grip of the system 10 as disposed in a barbell
configuration.
[0020] The encapsulated weight system 10 of the present invention
also comprises at least one weight capsule 30 and at least one
spacer capsule 32. Both the weight capsule 30 and the spacer
capsule 32 preferably substantially correspond to the diameter of
the interior load area 20 and can be easily inserted and removed
into the interior load area 20 through an opening in the end of the
center portion 13 corresponding to the first end cap 16. It is
preferable that the encapsulated weight system 10 includes a
plurality of weight capsules 30 as well as a plurality of spacer
capsules 32. As such, the weight of the center portion 13 can be
altered between a range of weights as a function of the number and
combination of weight capsules 30 and spacer capsules 32 disposed
in the interior load area 20. A user traveling with the system 10
need only travel with the weight capsules 30 and/or spacer capsules
32 needed.
[0021] The weight capsules 30 can comprise any suitable weight and
can be solid or hollow. Similarly, the spacer capsules 32 can
comprise any suitable weight, but are preferably lighter in weight
than the weight capsules 30. Spacer capsules 32 can be, for
example, hollow enclosed capsules (FIG. 2), hollow tubes (FIG. 2A)
or cubes, or light weight solid members. Furthermore, the capsules
30, 32 can comprise any suitable material, such as, for example,
metal, plastic, a combination thereof, or the like. In use, any
combination of the weight capsules 30 and spacer capsules 32 can be
disposed within the interior load area 20 of the first dumbbell 12
and/or the second dumbbell 12'. In another embodiment the barbell
adapter 14 can be arranged and configured to receive weight
capsules 30, spacer capsules 32, or any combination thereof.
[0022] In a dumbbell configuration, the desired combination of
weight capsules 30 and spacer capsules 32 are disposed within the
interior load area 20 of the dumbbell 12. The first end cap 16 is
disposed on the end of the center portion 13 opposing the stop 22.
The capsules 30, 32 are pinned between the optional stop 22 and the
threaded portion 24 of the first end cap 16. The second end cap 18
is placed on the center portion 13 to balance the dumbbell 12.
Where the stop 22 is not included, the capsules 30, 32 disposed
within the interior load area 20 of the dumbbell 12 are pinned
between the threaded portion 24 of the first end cap 16 and the
threaded portion 24 of the second end cap 18. The second dumbbell
12' can be assembled in a similar manner.
[0023] In a barbell configuration, the center portion 13 of the
first barbell 12 is removably attached to one end of the barbell
adapter 14. The center portion 13 of the second barbell 12' is
removably fixed to the opposing end of the barbell adapter 14. The
desired combination of weight capsules 30 and spacer capsules 32
are disposed within the interior load area 20 of the center portion
13 of both the first barbell 12 and the second barbell 12'. Where a
stop 22 is included in the center portion 13 of the dumbbell 12,
12', it is preferable that the barbell adapter 14 is fixed to the
center portion 13 of the first dumbbell 12 and the second dumbbell
12' at the end toward the stop 22. The first end cap 16 is
removably fixed to the center portion 13 of the first dumbbell 12
and the center portion 13 of the second dumbbell 12' to balance the
barbell. The capsules 30, 32 are slidably pinned between the stop
22 and the threaded member 24 of the first end cap 16 of both the
first barbell 12 and the second barbell 12'. Where the stop 22 is
not included, the capsules 30, 32 are slidably pinned between the
threaded member 34 of the barbell adapter 14 and the threaded
member 24 of the first end cap 16 of each of the first dumbbell 12
and the second dumbbell 12'.
[0024] As discussed previously, the first dumbbell 12 and the
second dumbbell 12' can be releasably fixed to a barbell adapter 14
(FIG. 3) to form a barbell. The tri-bar design provides for a
barbell that consumes relatively little storage space. The barbell
adapter 14 comprises a threaded member 34 protruding from opposing
ends of the barbell adapter 14. The threaded member 34 is arranged
and configured to engage the threaded portion 26 disposed in the
interior load area 20 of the first dumbbell 12 and the second
dumbbell 12'. The first dumbbell 12 and the second dumbbell 12' can
be releasably fixed to the barbell adapter 14 at opposing ends
thereof upon engaging the threaded member 34 of the barbell adapter
14 with the threaded portion 26 of the first dumbbell 12 and the
second dumbbell 12'. It is preferable that the dumbbell 12 engages
the threaded member 34 of the barbell adapter 14 toward the stop 22
disposed in the dumbbell 12. In this configuration, the desired
combination of weight capsules 30 and spacer capsules 32 are
disposed in the interior load area 20 of the first dumbbell 12 and
the second dumbbell 12'.
[0025] The combination of capsules 30, 32 in each of the first
dumbbell 12 and the second dumbbell 12' is the same, such as to
evenly weight the barbell. The optional stop 22 contributes to
evenly loading the first dumbbell 12 and the second dumbbell 12' by
leading the user to load the capsules 30, 32 into the interior load
area 20 of the dumbbells 12, 12' from the same end with respect to
attachment of the barbell adapter 14. The barbell adapter 14 can be
solid, hollow, or partially hollow and can comprise any suitable
material and weight. The barbell adapter 14 can also be arranged
and configured to receive a weight capsule 30, a spacer capsule 32
or any combination thereof.
[0026] It should be noted that the center portion 13, first end cap
16, second end cap 18, and barbell adapter 14 can alone comprise
any desired weight easily alterable with the inclusion of weight
capsules 30 and/or a combination of weight capsules 30 and spacer
capsules 32 disposed within the interior load area 20 of the
dumbbell 12.
[0027] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
of the present invention, particularly, any "preferred"
embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations,
merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the
invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the
above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing
substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All
such modifications and variations are intended to be included
herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present
invention and protected by the following claims.
* * * * *