U.S. patent application number 12/669362 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-08 for double-functional band member for dumbbell component and dumbbell component using the same.
Invention is credited to Shaowei Ma.
Application Number | 20100173757 12/669362 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40259307 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100173757 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ma; Shaowei |
July 8, 2010 |
DOUBLE-FUNCTIONAL BAND MEMBER FOR DUMBBELL COMPONENT AND DUMBBELL
COMPONENT USING THE SAME
Abstract
The present invention provides a dual-functional strap fitting
for dumbbell assembly comprising: a middle strap; a first fabric
strap and a second fabric strap coupled respectively to the middle
strap, each of the first fabric strap and the second fabric strap
including a thickened end; two buckles each including a slot,
wherein the two buckles are slidably positioned on the first fabric
strap and the second fabric strap through the slots, respectively,
and the width of the slot is less than the thickness of the
thickened end; fastening means positioned on a surface of the first
fabric strap, a surface of the second fabric strap and a surface of
the middle strap; and a coupling device positioned in the middle of
the middle strap. The dual-functional strap fitting for the
dumbbell assembly according to the present invention combines the
functions of a handle strap and a coupling strap. Consequently, the
cost for the dumbbell assembly is reduced. Moreover, since there is
no need to switch between the straps, the dumbbell assembly can be
used with ease.
Inventors: |
Ma; Shaowei; (Shanghai,
CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAMRE, SCHUMANN, MUELLER & LARSON, P.C.
P.O. BOX 2902
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0902
US
|
Family ID: |
40259307 |
Appl. No.: |
12/669362 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
May 21, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN08/71024 |
371 Date: |
January 15, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4035 20151001;
A63B 21/4017 20151001; A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 21/0726
20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B
21/4019 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/93 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 17, 2007 |
CN |
200710043908.0 |
Claims
1. A dual-functional strap fitting for dumbbell assembly
comprising: a middle strap; a first fabric strap and a second
fabric strap coupled respectively to the middle strap, each of the
first fabric strap and the second fabric strap including a
thickened end; two buckles each including a slot, wherein the two
buckles are slidably positioned on the first fabric strap and the
second fabric strap through the slots, respectively, and the width
of the slot is less than the thickness of the thickened end;
fastening means positioned on a surface of the first fabric strap,
a surface of the second fabric strap and a surface of the middle
strap; and a coupling device positioned in the middle of the middle
strap.
2. The dual-functional strap fitting for dumbbell assembly of claim
1, wherein the middle strap is made of a flexible and elastic
material.
3. The dual-functional strap fitting for dumbbell assembly of claim
2, wherein the first fabric strap, the second fabric strap and the
middle strap are made of a long fabric strap covered with a
flexible and elastic material in the middle.
4. The dual-functional strap fitting for dumbbell assembly of claim
1, wherein the fastening means is a nylon fastening tape.
5. The dual-functional strap fitting for dumbbell assembly of claim
1, wherein the coupling device is a connector in "B" shape for
coupling to a coupling strap of an additional exercise member.
6. The dual-functional strap fitting for dumbbell assembly of claim
5, wherein the connector is coupled to the middle strap by a
loop.
7. The dual-functional strap fitting for dumbbell assembly of claim
1, wherein the coupling device is a shackle for coupling to a
coupling hook of an additional exercise member.
8. The dual-functional strap fitting for dumbbell assembly of claim
5, wherein the additional exercise member is an elastic rubber
tube.
9. A dumbbell assembly, comprising a dumbbell comprising: a handle;
two ends which are movable relative to the handle; and a strap
fitting removably coupled to the two ends of the dumbbell, the
strap fitting comprises: a middle strap; a first fabric strap and a
second fabric strap coupled respectively to the middle strap, each
of the first fabric strap and the second fabric strap including a
thickened end; two buckles each including a slot, wherein the two
buckles are slidably positioned on the first fabric strap and the
second fabric strap through the slots, respectively, and the width
of the slot is less than the thickness of the thickened end;
fastening means positioned on a surface of the first fabric strap,
a surface of the second fabric strap and a surface of the middle
strap; and a coupling device positioned in the middle of the middle
strap.
10. The dumbbell assembly of claim 9, wherein it further comprises
an additional exercise member coupled to the strap fitting by the
coupling device.
11. The dual-functional strap fitting for dumbbell assembly of
claim 7, wherein the additional exercise member is an elastic
rubber tube.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a fitting for
dumbbell, and more specifically, to a dual-functional strap fitting
which can be used as a handle strap or a coupling strap and a
dumbbell assembly equipped with same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Nowadays, a dumbbell with a handle strap has gained
popularity in the market, in which the handle strap is connected to
both ends of the handle of the dumbbell. A user, who tends to do
any kinds of exercise, can hold the dumbbell handle with his hand
being constrained by the handle strap so that the dumbbell is used
at a safest condition.
[0003] In order to facilitate the disassembling and assembling of
the handle strap from or onto the dumbbell and to provide
additional functions, applicant of the present application filed CN
patent applications, entitled "MULTIFUNCTIONAL DUMBBELL ASSEMBLY"
on Dec. 8, 2005 (Application No. 200510111238.2; Publication No.
CN1775333A) and on Jan. 27, 2006 (Application No. 200610023727.7;
Publication No. CN1817389A), the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference as a part of the disclosure.
[0004] In the above patent applications, the two ends of the
dumbbell, while maintaining at a status of not being taken off, are
movable relative to the dumbbell handle. Therefore, a rapid
disassembling and assembling of a handle strap or of an additional
exercise member can be realized. However, a handle strap and a
coupling strap for coupling to the additional exercise member,
which serve different exercise purposes, are manufactured and used
separately, thus resulting in a high cost. Moreover, a switch or
changeover between the straps is required when the handle strap or
the coupling strap is being used, which brings inconvenience to the
user.
SUMMARY
[0005] To overcome the foregoing deficiencies, the present
invention is aimed at providing a strap fitting which combines the
function of a handle strap and a coupling strap such that the cost
for the dumbbell assembly is reduced and the dumbbell assembly is
easier to use.
[0006] To this end, a dual-functional strap fitting for dumbbell
assembly is provided according to the present invention. The
dual-functional strap fitting for dumbbell assembly comprises: a
middle strap; a first fabric strap and a second fabric strap
coupled respectively to the middle strap, each of the first fabric
strap and the second fabric strap including a thickened end; two
buckles each including a slot, wherein the two buckles are slidably
positioned on the first fabric strap and the second fabric strap
through the slots, respectively, and the width of the slot is less
than the thickness of the thickened end; fastening means positioned
on a surface of the first fabric strap, a surface of the second
fabric strap and a surface of the middle strap; and a coupling
device positioned in the middle of the middle strap.
[0007] A dumbbell assembly is also provided according to the
present invention. The dumbbell assembly comprises: a handle; two
ends which are movable relative to the handle; and a strap fitting
removably coupled to the two ends of the dumbbell. The strap
fitting comprises: a middle strap; a first fabric strap and a
second fabric strap coupled respectively to the middle strap, each
of the first fabric strap and the second fabric strap including a
thickened end; two buckles each including a slot, wherein the two
buckles are slidably positioned on the first fabric strap and the
second fabric strap through the slots, respectively, and the width
of the slot is less than the thickness of the thickened end;
fastening means positioned on a surface of the first fabric strap,
a surface of the second fabric strap and a surface of the middle
strap; and a coupling device positioned in the middle of the middle
strap.
[0008] The dual-functional strap fitting for the dumbbell assembly
according to the present invention combines the functions of a
handle strap and a coupling strap. Consequently, the cost for the
dumbbell assembly is reduced. Moreover, since there is no need to
switch between the straps, the dumbbell assembly can be used with
ease.
[0009] The purposes, features and advantages of the present
invention can become more readily appreciated by reference to the
following description of the present invention, when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a strap fitting according to
a first embodiment of the present invention, where a first fabric
strap at one end is detached from a middle soft strap;
[0011] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the strap fitting,
where a first fabric strap and a second fabric strap at two ends
are both detached from a middle soft strap;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view in which the strap fitting
serves as a handle strap for coupling to a multifunctional
dumbbell;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view in which the strap fitting of
the multifunctional dumbbell is extended for use as a coupling
strap;
[0014] FIG. 5 is another perspective view in which the strap
fitting of the multifunctional dumbbell is extended for use as a
coupling strap;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view in which the strap fitting of
the multifunctional dumbbell is coupled to the coupling fabric
strap of an elastic rubber tube;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a strap fitting according to
a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the strap fitting when
seen from another angle;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view in which the strap fitting is
coupled to a multifunctional dumbbell, where a first fabric strap
at one end of the strap fitting is detached from a middle soft
strap;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view in which the strap fitting of
a multifunctional dumbbell is extended for use as a coupling strap,
where a first fabric strap and a second fabric strap at two ends of
the strap fitting are detached from a middle soft strap; and
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view in which the strap fitting of
the multifunctional dumbbell is extended for use as a coupling
strap, where the strap fitting is coupled to a coupling hook of an
elastic rubber tube.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a strap fitting 1
according to a first embodiment of the present invention mainly
includes a first fabric strap 2, a second fabric strap 3, buckles
4, a middle soft strap 5, a connector 6 and nylon fastening tapes
7.
[0022] The first fabric strap 2 and the second fabric strap 3 are
located respectively at two ends of the strap fitting 1 and are
coupled to the middle soft strap 5. The middle soft strap 5 is made
of a flexible and elastic material. The first fabric strap 2, the
second fabric strap 3 and the middle soft strap 5 can be
constituted by a long fabric strap covered with (by sewing or by
bonding) a flexible and elastic material.
[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a surface of the first fabric
strap 2, a surface of the second fabric strap 3 and a surface of
the middle soft strap are provided with nylon fastening tapes 7.
When the first fabric strap 2 and the second fabric strap 3 are
turned over, the nylon fastening tapes 7 can be used to connect the
fabric straps to the middle soft strap 5.
[0024] Two buckles 4 can be slidably positioned at the first fabric
strap 2 and the second fabric strap 3. Specifically, the first and
the second fabric straps pass through the slot 41 on the buckle 4
and can slide through the slot freely. In other words, the buckles
4 can change their positions arbitrarily on the first fabric strap
2 and the second fabric strap 3 so that the length of the whole
strap fitting 1 can be adjusted. As shown from the left side of
FIG. 2, when the buckle 4 moves to a thickened end 21 of the fabric
strap, the thickened end 21 can not pass through the slot 41, since
it is thicker than the width of the slot 41. The buckle 4 can thus
be blocked.
[0025] In addition, a coupling device is provided at the middle of
the middle soft strap 5. The coupling device is a connector 6 in
shape which is used to couple to the coupling strap of an
additional exercise member.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a strap fitting 1 for coupling to the
multifunctional dumbbell 7 and for being used as a handle strap.
The multifunctional dumbbell 7 includes a handle and two ends which
are movable relative to the handle. The two buckles 4 of the strap
fitting 1 are removably coupled to the two ends of the
multifunctional dumbbell 7. The details of the connection structure
between the buckles 4 and the multifunctional dumbbell 7 can refer
to CN1775333A and CN1817389A, which are omitted herein for brevity.
As illustrated in the figure, in the case where the strap fitting 1
is used as a handle strap for the dumbbell, the first fabric strap
2 and the second fabric strap 3 are turned over around the buckles
4 and are stuck or connected to the middle soft strap 5 by the
nylon fastening tapes 7. When in use, a user's hand can hold the
handle of the dumbbell, with being constrained by the strap fitting
1 which is in a slightly arc shape. As mentioned above, the length
of the strap fitting 1 is adjustable. The strap fitting 1 can be
fixed at a desired length by virtue of the nylon fastening tapes 7.
Thus, the tensity between the strap fitting 1 (handle strap) and
the back of the hand can be adjusted.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a view in which the strap fitting 1 of the
multifunctional dumbbell 7 is extended for use as a coupling strap.
As illustrated in the figure, in the case where the strap fitting 1
is used as a coupling strap for the dumbbell, the first fabric
strap 2 and the second fabric strap 3 are extended or spread and
are no longer stuck to the middle soft strap 5 by the nylon
fastening tapes 7. The thickened end 21 is blocked by the buckle
4.
[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the connector 6 is preferably
coupled to the middle soft strap 5 by a loop 8 for easy connection.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, once the fabric strap on one end of the
additional exercise member (e.g., an elastic rubber tube 9 as shown
in the figure) passes through the connector 6 in "" shape and is
drawn tightly, one end of the elastic rubber tube 9 can be couple
to the multifunctional dumbbell 7. Thus, a pulling exerciser is
constituted. When in use, as long as the other end of the elastic
rubber tube is secured (e.g., stepped by a foot), stretch and
retract exercise can be done by holding the dumbbell handle.
[0029] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate a strap fitting 1A according to
a second embodiment of the present invention. The structure of the
strap fitting 1A is substantially similar to that of the strap
fitting 1 in the first embodiment, except that the connector 6 in
"" shape is replaced with a shackle 6A. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a
view in which the strap fitting 1A is coupled to a multifunctional
dumbbell and the first fabric strap and the second fabric strap is
extended gradually such that the strap fitting 1A can be used as a
coupling strap. The operation is identical to those in the first
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6.
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 11, after the strap fitting coupled
to the multifunctional dumbbell is extended completely, one end of
the elastic rubber tube 9A can be coupled to the multifunctional
dumbbell 7 as long as a hook 91A on the one end of the elastic
rubber tube 9A hook up to the shackle 6A. Thus, a pulling exerciser
is constituted. Similarly, when in use, as long as the other end of
the elastic rubber tube is secured, stretch and retract exercise
can be done by holding the dumbbell handle.
[0031] Although the dual-functional strap fitting for dumbbell
assembly is described in connection with two preferred embodiments,
it is appreciated that variations and modifications can be made
based on the above disclosure by an ordinary person skilled in the
art. For instance, the nylon fastening tapes 7 for sticking the
first fabric strap 2 and the second fabric strap 3 to the middle
soft strap 5 can be replaced with a buckling member of other type
such as buttons. The middle soft strap 5 can be in a non-soft form,
for example, a "middle strap" can be formed directly by the fabric
strap. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be
determined by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *