U.S. patent application number 13/594092 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-02 for dumbbell with eccentric bar.
The applicant listed for this patent is Simon Kassemi. Invention is credited to Simon Kassemi.
Application Number | 20140005013 13/594092 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49778719 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140005013 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kassemi; Simon |
January 2, 2014 |
Dumbbell with Eccentric Bar
Abstract
A dumbbell incorporates an eccentric handhold portion of a bar
to elevate the handhold portion to an elevated position. Elevating
the handhold farther from the ground increases the effectiveness of
push-ups and push-up rows by increasing the range of motion over
conventional dumbbells. When the dumbbell is placed on the floor,
the elevated handhold allows a user to more comfortably put their
feet between the floor and the handhold, allowing the dumbbell to
function as a foothold for sit-ups. Additionally, the dumbbell
retains the functionality and usability of a conventional dumbbell,
and may be used for a variety of other exercises, including, but
not limited to, curls, dumbbell presses, and shoulder presses.
Inventors: |
Kassemi; Simon; (APO,
AP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kassemi; Simon |
APO |
AP |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49778719 |
Appl. No.: |
13/594092 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61665170 |
Jun 27, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/108 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0062 20200801;
A63B 23/0211 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/0726
20130101; A63B 23/1236 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/108 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/072 20060101
A63B021/072 |
Claims
1. A dumbbell comprising: a first weight having a first footprint
and a first central axis perpendicular to the first footprint; a
second weight having a second footprint and a second central axis
perpendicular to the second footprint; and a single bar having a
first end and a second end, opposite the first end and connected
through a central portion, wherein the first end is coupled to the
first weight and the second end is coupled to the second weight
such that the first weight and the second weight are coaxial and
the central portion of the single bar is offset from the first
central axis and the second central axis.
2. The dumbbell of claim 1, wherein the first end of the single bar
extends from the first weight at the first central axis at a first
bend angle with respect to the first central axis and the second
end of the single bar extends from the second weight at the second
central axis with respect to the second central axis at a second
bend angle to offset the central portion from the first central
axis and the second central axis.
3. The dumbbell of claim 2, wherein the first bend angle is in a
first range of 40.degree. to 50.degree. with respect to the first
central axis and the second bend angle is in a second range of
40.degree. to 50.degree. with respect to the second central
axis.
4. The dumbbell of claim 3, wherein the first bend angle is equal
to the second bend angle.
5. The dumbbell of claim 1, wherein the central portion of the
single bar is cylindrical in shape with a bar central axis oriented
parallel to the first central axis and the second central axis.
6. The dumbbell of claim 1, wherein the single bar is cylindrical
in shape with a bar central axis oriented parallel to the first
central axis and the second central axis.
7. The dumbbell of claim 1 further comprising a handgrip mounted
around the central portion of the single bar.
8. The dumbbell of claim 7, wherein the handgrip is rotatable with
respect to the single bar.
9. The dumbbell of claim 7, wherein a gripping surface on an outer
surface of the handgrip is textured.
10. The dumbbell of claim 7, wherein the handgrip comprises an
inner layer having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter
of the central portion of the bar and an outer layer wrapped around
the inner layer.
11. The dumbbell of claim 7, wherein the single bar and the
handgrip lie completely within the first footprint of the first
weight and the second footprint of the second weight.
12. The dumbbell of claim 1, wherein the single bar lies completely
within the first footprint of the first weight and the second
footprint of the second weight.
13. The dumbbell of claim 1, wherein the first weight has a first
planar surface parallel to the first central axis and the second
weight has a second planar surface parallel to the second central
axis such that when the first planar surface and the second planar
surface rest on a flat surface, the central portion of the single
bar is offset above the first central axis and the second central
axis in a vertical plane, with the first central axis, the second
central axis, and a central portion central axis lying in a
vertical plane perpendicular to the first planar surface and the
second planar surface.
14. A method of using a first dumbbell and a second dumbbell, each
dumbbell comprising a first weight having a first footprint and a
first central axis perpendicular to the first footprint, a second
weight having a second footprint and a second central axis
perpendicular to the second footprint, and a single bar having a
first end and a second end, opposite the first end and connected
through a central portion, wherein the first end is coupled to the
first weight and the second end is coupled to the second weight
such that the first weight and the second weight are coaxial and
the central portion of the single bar is offset from the first
central axis and the second central axis, the method comprising: a)
placing the first dumbbell on a flat surface with the central
portion of the first dumbbell in a first elevated position; b)
placing the second dumbbell on a flat surface with the central
portion of the second dumbbell in a second elevated position; c)
grasping the central portion of the first dumbbell with a first
hand; d) grasping the central portion of the second dumbbell with a
second hand; and e) performing at least one pushup while grasping
the dumbbells.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising: f) performing at
least one row while grasping the dumbbells.
16. The method of claim 14 further comprising: f) placing at least
one foot under the central portion of the first dumbbell; and g)
performing at least one sit-up with the at least one foot under the
central portion of the first dumbbell.
17. A method of using a dumbbell comprising a first weight having a
first footprint and a first central axis perpendicular to the first
footprint, a second weight having a second footprint and a second
central axis perpendicular to the second footprint, and a single
bar having a first end and a second end, opposite the first end and
connected through a central portion, wherein the first end is
coupled to the first weight and the second end is coupled to the
second weight such that the first weight and the second weight are
coaxial and the central portion of the single bar is offset from
the first central axis and the second central axis, the method
comprising: a) placing the dumbbell on a flat surface with the
central portion in an elevated position; b) placing at least one
foot under the central portion of the dumbbell; and c) performing
at least one sit-up with the at least one foot under the central
portion of the dumbbell.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising: d) grasping the
central portion of the dumbbell with a hand; and e) performing at
least one curl while grasping the dumbbell.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims one or more inventions which were
disclosed in Provisional Application No. 61/665,170, filed Jun. 27,
2012, entitled "BENT DUMBBELL". The benefit under 35 USC
.sctn.119(e) of the United States provisional application is hereby
claimed, and the aforementioned application is hereby incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention pertains to the field of physical fitness.
More particularly, the invention pertains to a dumbbell with an
eccentric bar connecting the weighted ends.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] A conventional dumbbell is sized to be held in one hand by a
straight, typically cylindrical, bar connecting two weights on
either ends of the bar. The bar extends from the center of each
weight. Some dumbbells have a fixed weight, whereas in other
dumbbells the weights on the ends of the bar may be exchangeable to
change the weight of the dumbbell. Dumbbells are conventionally
used for weightlifting and strength training.
[0006] When performing push-ups and using the floor as a platform,
the range of up and down movement of the chest is limited to the
length of the exerciser's arm or arms. Similarly, performing a
push-up row with a standard dumbbell limits the range of up and
down movement of the chest to the length of the exerciser's arm or
arms plus the distance from the floor to the standard dumbbell's
handhold. Also, performing sit-ups without a foothold is very
difficult and can result in poor form.
[0007] Dumbbells with eccentric extensions between the weights are
known in the art.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 734,062, entitled "Dumb-Bell" and issued Jul.
21, 1903 to Harris, discloses a dumbbell with a pair of arms
extending from the centered handle. The arms extend radially a
distance greater than the radius of the weights. A bolt attaches a
second handle to the distal ends of the arms. The second handle is
slidable to adjust its distance from the first handle.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,922, entitled "Dumbbell" and issued Oct.
20, 1998 to Eckmann, discloses a dumbbell with a central bar and a
guard-handle spaced from the bar a distance to allow the insertion
of a user's fingers between the guard-handle and the bar.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3,734,493, entitled "Sit-Up Exercise
Apparatus" and issued May 22, 1973 to Hasekian, discloses a
multipurpose weighted exercising device including a dumbbell with a
short element connecting two weighted elements, a platform parallel
to the connecting element with each end secured to one end of the
weighted elements, and a U-shaped restraining strap secured at each
end of the platform and in the middle of the platform to permit the
insertion of the user's feet between the U-shaped strap elements
and the platform.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,780, entitled "Hand Grasp Device" and
issued Sep. 6, 1998 to Hayes, discloses a device which facilitates
the user's grasp and ability to lift a weight, such as a dumbbell
with the hand in a palm down position. The user grasps a grip
member in an overhand fashion. A rest member supports and
distributes a load on the back of the user's hand. As the grip
member is grasped by the user and the device is lifted in an upward
direction, the grip member moves toward the rest member until the
back of the user's hand firmly contacts the rest member.
[0012] The above-mentioned patent publications are hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] A dumbbell incorporates an eccentric handhold portion of a
bar to elevate the handhold portion to an elevated position.
Elevating the handhold farther from the ground increases the
effectiveness of push-ups and push-up rows by increasing the range
of motion over conventional dumbbells. When the dumbbell is placed
on the floor, the elevated handhold allows a user to more
comfortably put their feet between the floor and the handhold,
allowing the dumbbell to function as a foothold for sit-ups.
Additionally, the dumbbell retains the functionality and usability
of a conventional dumbbell, and may be used for a variety of other
exercises, including, but not limited to, curls, dumbbell presses,
and shoulder presses.
[0014] A dumbbell includes a first weight, a second weight, and a
single bar. The first weight has a first footprint and a first
central axis perpendicular to the first footprint. The second
weight has a second footprint and a second central axis
perpendicular to the second footprint. A single bar has a first end
and a second end, opposite the first end and connected through a
central portion. The first end is coupled to the first weight and
the second end is coupled to the second weight such that the first
weight and the second weight are coaxial and the central portion of
the single bar is offset from the first central axis and the second
central axis.
[0015] A method of using a dumbbell includes placing the dumbbell
on a flat surface with the central portion in an elevated position,
placing at least one foot under the central portion of the
dumbbell, and performing at least one sit-up with a foot under the
central portion of the dumbbell.
[0016] A method of using a pair of dumbbells includes placing the
first dumbbell on a flat surface with the central portion of the
first dumbbell in a first elevated position, placing the second
dumbbell on a flat surface with the central portion of the second
dumbbell in a second elevated position, grasping the central
portion of the first dumbbell with a first hand, grasping the
central portion of the second dumbbell with a second hand, and
performing at least one pushup while grasping the dumbbells.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 shows schematically a dumbbell with a bent bar in an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 shows schematically a dumbbell with a bent bar and a
rotatable handgrip in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a schematic partial cross sectional view of the
dumbbell of FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of the circle region 4 of FIG.
3.
[0021] FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross sectional view of the
dumbbell of FIG. 2 along line 5-5 of FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 6 shows schematically a dumbbell with an eccentric
straight bar in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 shows a schematic partial cross sectional view a
dumbbell with an eccentric straight bar and a rotatable handgrip in
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross sectional view of the
dumbbell of FIG. 7 along line 8-8.
[0025] FIG. 9 shows use of a pair of dumbbells for push-ups in an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 shows use of a dumbbell for sit-ups in an embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The dumbbell handgrip of the present invention differs from
a conventional dumbbell handgrip, which is located on a straight
bar extending from the center of each weight, in that it is located
at or near the top of the weights, which affords the dumbbell
unique functionality as a multifunctional exercise tool. The result
is a handgrip that is elevated from the center of each weighted
end. In some embodiments, the dumbbell bar is angled upward at the
connections to the weights and flattens out at the handgrip portion
in the center of the bar. In some embodiments, the dumbbell
includes a free-moving handgrip with weighted masses on each end.
In these embodiments, the handgrip is designed to rotate freely as
the dumbbell is rotated.
[0028] The bend in the handgrip expands the functions and utility
of the dumbbell in comparison to a conventional dumbbell. The
elevated handgrip is ideal for push-ups and push-up dumbbell rows,
in that it extends the downward range of the user by elevating the
user's chest further from the floor, and provides the user with
weighted resistance for the row exercise. With the dumbbell resting
on the floor and the handgrip in an elevated position, the user may
also place his or her feet between the floor and the handgrip to
provide weighted resistance for sit-ups or crunches and help keep
the user's feet on the floor.
[0029] The free-rotation of the handgrip reduces stress on the
user's wrist when the dumbbell is used to perform curls, tricep
extensions, and many other traditional dumbbell exercises. In some
embodiments, overlapping a two-layer cylindrical tube on top of the
central portion of the dumbbell bar creates the free-rotation for
the handgrip. The outer layer of the tube, which is the part
intended to be grasped by the user, is preferably made of a
material that is easy to hold and comfortable to squeeze tightly.
In some embodiments, the outer layer is made of rubber. The inner
layer of the tube is preferably made of a material that minimizes
friction with the bar. In some embodiments, the inner layer is
plastic or metal. The tube has a circumference slightly larger than
the bar to reduce friction and allow freedom of movement. As the
user holds the handgrip and rotates the bent dumbbell, as in a
curling motion, the handgrip rotates around the dumbbell such that
the user's wrist does not bend and the bar itself does not slide in
the user's hand.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a dumbbell 10 with a pair of substantially
equal weights 12, 14 on the ends of a bar 16. The bar 16 connects
to the weights 12, 14 at the central axes of each of the weights
12, 14 and is bent with two ends 16a, 16b connecting to the weights
at about a 45-degree angle. A handgrip portion 16c in the central
portion of the bar 16 is at about a 135-degree angle with respect
to the ends 16a, 16b. The weights 12, 14 have similar shapes and
sizes. The weights have a hexagonal cross section and have a flat
bottom surface 12a, 14a facing in the direction opposite the
direction that the bar 16 extends away from the central axis of the
weights so that when the dumbbell rests on a flat surface, the
handgrip portion 16c is elevated a maximum amount above the flat
surface. The top of the handgrip portion 16c is slightly lower than
the top surfaces 12b, 14b of the weights 12, 14.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a dumbbell 20 of a similar design as in FIG. 1,
except that the handgrip portion 16c of the bar 16 is covered with
a handgrip 22. The handgrip 22 is substantially cylindrical in
shape with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer
diameter of the handgrip portion 16c of the bar 16 so that the
handgrip 22 is freely rotatable around the bar 16. This allows the
handgrip portion 16c to rotate with respect to the handgrip 22 in
order to maintain the handgrip portion 16c in an elevated position,
rather than a user bending his or her wrist or allowing the
handgrip 22 to slide against the palm of the user's hand, when the
user does a curl with or otherwise rotates the dumbbell 20. In some
embodiments, the outer gripping surface 24 of the handgrip 22 is
textured to provide the user with a better gripping surface.
[0032] FIG. 3 shows a partial cross sectional view of the dumbbell
20 resting on a flat surface 30. In the illustrated position, the
handgrip portion 16c of the bar 16 and the handgrip 22 are in an
elevated position.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of the handgrip portion 16c of
the bar 16 and the handgrip 22. The handgrip is made of two
concentric substantially cylindrical layers. The outer layer 40
includes the gripping surface 24 that is gripped by the user. The
inner layer 42 contacts the inner surface of the outer layer 40.
The inner layer 42 also has an inner surface that slides against
the surface of the handgrip portion 16c of the bar, which allows
the handgrip 22 to rotate with respect to the handgrip portion 16c
of the bar 16. The inner surface of the inner layer 42 has a
slightly larger diameter than the diameter of the handgrip portion
16c of the bar 16.
[0034] The hexagonal cross sectional shape of the weights is best
seen in the view of FIG. 5. FIG. 5 also shows that the bar 16 lies
completely within the footprint of the weight. Also, the top of the
gripping surface 24 of the handgrip 22 is at about the same height
as the top surface 14b of the weight 14. The bar 16 and the
handgrip 22 preferably fall within the footprints of the weights so
that the bar never supports the weight of the weights 12, 14, when
the dumbbell is placed on a flat surface, regardless of the
orientation of the weights on the surface.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows a dumbbell 60 with a pair of substantially
equal weights 62, 64 on the ends of a bar 66. The bar 16 is located
off center with respect to the central axes of the weights 62, 64.
The weights 62, 64 have similar shapes and sizes. The weights have
a hexagonal cross section and have a flat bottom surface 62a, 64a
facing in the direction opposite the direction of the surfaces 62b,
64b that are closest to where the bar 66 connects to the weights
62, 64 so that when the bottom surfaces 62a, 64a of the dumbbell
rest on a flat surface, the bar 66 is elevated a maximum amount
above the flat surface. The top of the bar 66 is slightly lower
than the top surfaces 62b, 64b of the weights 62, 64.
[0036] FIG. 7 shows a partial cross sectional view of a dumbbell 70
of a similar design as in FIG. 6, except that the central portion
of the bar 66 is covered with a handgrip 72. The handgrip 72 is
substantially cylindrical in shape with an inner diameter slightly
larger than the outer diameter of the central portion of the bar 66
so that the handgrip 72 is freely rotatable around the bar 66. This
allows the bar 66 to rotate with respect to the handgrip 72 in
order to maintain the bar 66 in an elevated position, rather than a
user bending his or her wrist or allowing the handgrip 72 to slide
against the palm of the user's hand, when the user does a curl with
or otherwise rotates the dumbbell 70. In some embodiments, the
outer gripping surface 74 of the handgrip 72 is textured to provide
the user with a better gripping surface. The handgrip is made of
two concentric substantially cylindrical layers. The outer layer 76
includes the gripping surface 74 that is gripped by the user. The
inner layer 78 contacts the inner surface of the outer layer 76.
The inner layer 78 also has an inner surface that slides against
the surface of the bar 66, which allows the handgrip 72 to rotate
with respect to the bar 66. The inner surface of the inner layer 78
has a slightly larger diameter than the diameter of the central
portion of the bar 66. FIG. 7 shows the dumbbell 70 resting on a
flat surface 80. In the illustrated position, the bar 66 and the
handgrip 72 are in an elevated position.
[0037] The hexagonal cross sectional shape of the weights is best
seen in the view of FIG. 8. FIG. 8 also shows that the bar 66 lies
completely within the footprint of the weight. Also, the top of the
gripping surface 74 of the handgrip 72 is at about the same height
as the top surface 64b of the weight 64. The bar 66 and the
handgrip 72 preferably fall within the footprints of the weights so
that the bar 66 never supports the weight of the weights 62, 64,
when the dumbbell is placed on a flat surface, regardless of the
orientation of the weights on the surface.
[0038] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show two preferred uses for the dumbbell
10, 20. In FIG. 9, the user 90 is in position to do either simply
push-ups or push-up rows. The user is gripping two dumbbells 20,
one in each hand, with the dumbbells 20 resting on a flat surface
and with the handgrip portions of the bars 16 in an elevated
position. In FIG. 10, the user is in position to do either sit-ups
or crunches. The user 100 has each foot positioned under the
handgrip portion of a bar in an elevated position so that the
dumbbells 10 provide a counterweight to prevent the user's feet
from lifting up during the sit-ups or crunches.
[0039] In some embodiments, the dumbbell is manufactured by
creating a cast in the shape and size of the dumbbell, then pouring
molten metal into the cast. The size of the cast is selected to
produce a dumbbell of a predetermined weight. In one embodiment,
the dumbbell weights 20 pounds. In another embodiment, the dumbbell
weights 40 pounds. The rotatable handgrip may be cut from metal or
plastic tubing and then placed around the handgrip portion of the
dumbbell bar.
[0040] Various other shapes of the weights and the bar may be used
within the spirit of the present invention. Although the weights
preferably always have a flat surface to support the dumbbell when
the handgrip portion is in an elevated position, the remaining
profile or portions of the remaining profile of the weights may be
curved. Although the drawings show weights with six flat sides, any
number of sides greater that two may be used. The remaining profile
of the weights also may have an irregular shape within the spirit
of the present invention. Although the angle of the bent portion of
the bar is shown as about 45 degrees, a range of angles may be used
within the spirit of the present invention. In some embodiments,
the angle of the bent portion is between 40 and 50 degrees.
Alternatively the bent portions may have multiple angled portions
or may be replaced with a curved portion. In some embodiments, the
bar is curved along its entire length. In some embodiments, the
curve is an arc. In some embodiments, only the ends of the bar are
curved and the central portion is straight. Although the handgrip
portion of the bar is shown as straight and cylindrical in the
drawings, the handgrip portion may be curved, angled, tapered, or
irregularly shaped within the spirit of the present invention.
[0041] Although the bar and handgrip portion of the dumbbell are
shown within the footprints of the weights in the drawings, at
least the outer surface of the handgrip portion may extend outside
the footprints of the weights in some embodiments. In some of these
embodiments, at least the central portion of the bar may also
extend outside the footprints of the weights. In some of these
embodiments, the handgrip portion may be located completely outside
the footprints of the weights. This may provide additional
elevation to the handgrip portion and additional space below the
central portion of the bar in an elevated position.
[0042] Although the weights are shown as being substantially
identical in size and shape to each other in the drawings, the
weights may have different sizes and shapes, including, but not
limited to, different footprints, different thicknesses, or
different masses, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, this
may cause the central axes of the two weights to be non-horizontal
when the dumbbell is placed on a flat surface. In such embodiments,
as in the illustrated embodiments, the center of the central
portion of the bar is offset from the central axes of the two
weights.
[0043] Although the elevated positions are shown with the dumbbell
oriented to achieve the highest elevated position of the gripping
portion, an elevated position may refer to any position of the
dumbbell where the center of the gripping portion is located above
a plane that includes the central axes of the weights and a
horizontal axis perpendicular to the central axes. For example with
reference to FIG. 3, if the dumbbell is rotated by 60 degrees in
either direction with respect to the flat surface, the gripping
portion is still in an elevated position with the center of the
gripping portion located above a plane that includes the central
axes of the weights and a horizontal axis perpendicular to the
central axes.
[0044] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of
the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the
application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to
details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the
scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features
regarded as essential to the invention.
* * * * *