U.S. patent application number 17/151477 was filed with the patent office on 2022-07-21 for free weight training device with labyrinth-type game and method of exercise and entertainment.
The applicant listed for this patent is Talla Thiam. Invention is credited to Talla Thiam.
Application Number | 20220226696 17/151477 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220226696 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thiam; Talla |
July 21, 2022 |
Free Weight Training Device with Labyrinth-Type Game and Method of
Exercise and Entertainment
Abstract
A free weight training device with labyrinth-type game and
method of exercise and entertainment comprises a unique dumbbell
defined by a pair of weight members joined by an elongated handle.
The dumbbell is configured, so a user can develop muscle groups
associated with standard weight lifting. This can include exercise
movements that involve articulating muscles to move the dumbbell in
a repetitive exercise motion. The dumbbell has integrated therein,
a labyrinth-type game operational--directly on the outer face of at
least one of the weight members. The labyrinth-type game includes
at least one target area and at least one corresponding game piece.
The handle is gripped and the weight members are tilted about a
vertical axis to urge the game piece towards the target area,
directly on the outer face of the weight members. The articulation
of the dumbbell in this manner develops wrist muscles, while also
entertaining the user.
Inventors: |
Thiam; Talla; (Oklahoma
City, OK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Thiam; Talla |
Oklahoma City |
OK |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/151477 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2021 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00; A63F 9/00 20060101 A63F009/00; A63B 21/072 20060101
A63B021/072 |
Claims
1. A free weight training device with labyrinth-type game, the
device comprising: a pair of weight members defined by an inner
face, an outer face, and a wall joining the faces, at least one of
the outer faces comprising at least one target area; a handle
having a first end and a second end, each of the ends joining the
inner face of one of the pair of weight members, the handle being
configured to enable a user to grip and position the weight members
at a plurality of different configurations; a housing encapsulating
at least one of the outer faces of the weight members; and at least
one game piece disposed inside the housing, the game piece being
free moving across the outer face of the weight member, the game
piece being operational to engage the target area, whereby
manipulation of the weight members urges the at least one game
piece to engage the at least one target area.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the target area is defined by a
depression or an elevation.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the target area is defined by a
geometrically-shaped depression.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the game piece is defined by a
geometric shape corresponding to the at least one
geometrically-shaped depression.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the outer
faces comprises a pathway, or a maze, or both.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the game piece is defined by a
spherical shape.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the spherically-shaped game piece
rolls along the pathway or the maze.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the outer face of the weight
members, or the game piece, or both are magnetized.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a clear
domed structure.
10. The device of claim 1, further comprising multiple inner weight
members joined with the handle, and facing the inner face of the
weight members.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the pair of weight members are
detachable from the ends of the handle.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the weight members are
fabricated from at least one of the following: metal, metal alloys,
neoprene, plastic, and rubber.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the weight members are defined
by a circular shape, a hexagonal shape, a square shape, a
triangular shape, and an irregular shape, the weight members
further being defined by a weight between 1 to 50 pounds.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the outer faces
comprises a gameboard disposed in a parallel, flush relationship
with the outer face.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein the weight members are tilted
about a vertical axis to urge the game piece towards the target
area.
16. A free weight training device with labyrinth-type game, the
device comprising: a dumbbell having: a pair of weight members
defined by an inner face, an outer face, and a wall joining the
faces, at least one of the outer faces comprising at least one
target area defining a geometrically-shaped depression; a handle
having a first end and a second end, each of the ends joining the
inner face of one of the pair of weight members, the handle being
configured to enable a user to grip and position the weight members
at a plurality of different configurations; a housing encapsulating
at least one of the outer faces of the weight members; and at least
one geometrically-shaped game piece corresponding to at least one
of the target areas, the geometrically-shaped game piece disposed
inside the housing, the game piece being free moving across the
outer face of the weight member, the game piece being operational
to engage the target area, whereby the weight members are tilted
about a vertical axis to urge the game piece towards the target
area.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the at least one of the outer
faces comprises a gameboard, the gameboard including a pathway, or
a maze, or both.
18. The device of claim 16, further comprising multiple inner
weight members joined with the handle, and facing the inner face of
the weight members.
19. The device of claim 16, wherein the pair of weight members are
detachable from the ends of the handle.
20. A method of exercise and entertainment with a free weight
training device, the method comprising: providing a free weight
device, the free weight device having a pair of weight members
defined by an inner face and an outer face, at least one of the
outer faces comprising at least one target area and a game piece,
the free weight device further having a handle joining the inner
face of one of the pair of weight members; gripping the handle in
preparation for performing an exercise movement; manipulating the
handle to perform the exercise movement; orienting the free weight,
such that the handle aligns with a vertical axis; tilting the
handle, such that the game piece is urged towards the at least one
target area; and engaging the target area with the game piece,
while performing the exercise movement.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefits of U.S. provisional
application filed Feb. 19, 2020 and entitled Dumbbell, which
provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a free weight
training device with labyrinth-type game and method of exercise and
entertainment. More so, the present invention relates to a dumbbell
having a pair of weight members joined by an elongated handle,
useful for performing free weight exercises to develop muscle
groups; and further, forming on the outer face of at least one of
the weight members, a labyrinth-type game comprising at least one
game piece that is urged towards a target area through manipulation
of the weight members, such that the wrist muscles develop and the
user is entertained while exercising.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The following background information may present examples of
specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation,
approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be
helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of
the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present
invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or
implied therein or inferred thereupon.
[0004] Typically, gymnasiums utilize weights and equipment of
varying types and sizes that assist users in building body muscle.
One common exercise equipment is a dumbbell, which include a short,
straight handle interposed between two weighted sides. The dumbbell
is typically utilized in gyms and generally include a uniform size
and length which allow the devices to be placed or stacked onto
dumbbell stands capable of holding multiple dumbbells of different
weights. It is known that dumbbells are rigid devices, the
conventional design can act to restrict a user from performing
certain exercises that require the rotation of the hand or wrist of
a, as doing so would cause the dumbbell to impact another portion
of the users' body. However, the dumbbell is limited to standard
exercises, not providing entertainment during use.
[0005] Other proposals have involved free weight exercise systems.
The problem with these exercise systems is that they do not provide
an additional device or game that distracts and entertains the user
while exercising. Also, the exercise systems are not adapted to
work the wrist muscles. Even though the above exercise systems meet
some of the needs of the market, a free weight training device with
labyrinth-type game and method of exercise and entertainment that
includes a dumbbell having a pair of weight members joined by an
elongated handle, useful for performing free weight exercises to
develop muscle groups; and further, forming on the outer face of at
least one of the weight members, a labyrinth-type game comprising
at least one game piece that is urged towards a target area through
manipulation of the weight members, such that the wrist muscles
develop and the user is entertained while exercising, is still
desired.
SUMMARY
[0006] Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally
directed to a free weight training device with labyrinth-type game
and method of exercise and entertainment. The free weight training
device comprises a unique dumbbell having a pair of weight members
joined by an elongated handle. The dumbbell is configured, such
that a user can develop muscle groups associated with standard
weight lifting techniques by articulating the muscles to move the
dumbbell in a repetitive exercise motion. The dumbbell also
comprises a labyrinth-type game operational directly on the outer
face of at least one of the weight members. The labyrinth-type game
involves urging a game piece towards a target area on the outer
face of the weight members. The articulation of the dumbbell in
this manner helps develop the wrist muscles, while also
entertaining the user.
[0007] In one aspect, a free weight training device with
labyrinth-type game, comprises: [0008] a pair of weight members
defined by an inner face, an outer face, and a wall joining the
faces, at least one of the outer faces comprising at least one
target area; [0009] a handle having a first end and a second end,
each of the ends joining the inner face of one of the pair of
weight members, the handle being configured to enable a user to
grip and position the weight members at a plurality of different
configurations; [0010] a housing encapsulating at least one of the
outer faces of the weight members [0011] a game piece disposed
inside the housing, the game piece being free moving across the
outer face of the weight member, the game piece being operational
to engage the target area, [0012] whereby manipulation of the
weight members urges the game piece to engage the target area.
[0013] In another aspect, at least one of the outer faces comprises
a gameboard disposed in a parallel, flush relationship with the
outer face.
[0014] In another aspect, the pair of weight members comprises
weight for a dumbbell.
[0015] In another aspect, the target area is defined by a
depression.
[0016] In another aspect, the target area is defined by a
geometrically-shaped depression.
[0017] In another aspect, the game piece is defined by a geometric
shape corresponding to the at least one geometrically-shaped
depression.
[0018] In another aspect, at least one of the outer faces comprises
at least one target area and a pathway.
[0019] In another aspect, the game piece is defined by a spherical
shape.
[0020] In another aspect, the spherically-shaped game piece rolls
along the pathway.
[0021] In another aspect, the outer face, or the game piece, or
both are magnetized.
[0022] In another aspect, the housing comprises a clear domed
structure.
[0023] In another aspect, the handle comprises an elongated
handle.
[0024] In another aspect, the weight members are tilted about a
vertical axis to urge the game piece towards the target area.
[0025] In another aspect, the weight members are fabricated from at
least one of the following: metal, metal alloys, neoprene, and
rubber.
[0026] In another aspect, the weight members are defined by a
circular shape and a weight between 5 to 50 pounds.
[0027] One objective of the present invention is to provide a free
weight exercise device that provides resistance to the muscles and
requires the stabilizer muscles to work hard to keep the user
steady while performing the exercise movement.
[0028] Another objective is to integrate a labyrinth-type game
directly into the weight members, such that a user can be
entertained manipulating the game piece towards the target
area.
[0029] Yet another objective is to work the mist muscles while
playing the labyrinth-type game.
[0030] Yet another objective is to develop hand-eye coordination
while playing the labyrinth-type game.
[0031] Yet another objective is to keep the mind occupied with the
labyrinth-type game, while exercising.
[0032] Yet another objective is to make weight lifting fun, so as
to distract the user from the muscle pain of lifting the
weights.
[0033] An exemplary objective is to provide an inexpensive to
manufacture free weight device.
[0034] Additional objectives are to provide multiple types of games
in the labyrinth-type game.
[0035] Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages
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 disclosure, and be protected by the
accompanying claims and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary free
weight training device, showing a dumbbell embodiment, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the free weight training
device, showing the weight members joined by a handle, the game
pieces, and the housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the free weight
training device disposed along a vertical axis, in preparation for
playing the labyrinth-type game, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0040] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate perspective views of the free weight
training device disposed along a vertical axis, where FIG. 4A shows
the game pieces in a chaotic state and the wrist tilting the weight
members, and FIG. 4B shows the game pieces urged into their
corresponding target areas, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method of
entrainment and exercise with a free weight training device, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
various views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or
the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used
herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described
herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.
All of the implementations described below are exemplary
implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to
make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended
to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the
claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "left," "rear," "right," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be
bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding
technical field, background, brief summary or the following
detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific
devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and
described in the following specification, are simply exemplary
embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended
claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics
relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to
be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0044] A free weight training device 100 with labyrinth-type game
and method 500 of exercise and entertainment is referenced in FIGS.
1-5. The free weight training device 100 with labyrinth-type game,
hereafter "device 100" comprises a unique dumbbell 118, known in
the art of free weight exercise, which is defined by a pair of
weight members 102a-b joined by a handle 104. The dumbbell 118 is
configured, such that a user can develop muscle groups associated
with standard weight lifting techniques. This can include exercise
movements that involve articulating the muscles to move the
dumbbell 118 in a repetitive exercise motion; thereby working the
larger muscles of the body, i.e., biceps, triceps, shoulders,
chest. However, in alternative embodiments, the device 100 may
utilize a kettle ball, a bar bell, or other free weight known in
the art, in place of a dumbbell.
[0045] Additionally, the dumbbell 118 has integrated therein, a
labyrinth-type game, which is operational directly on at least one
of the outer faces 106a, 106b of the weight members 102a, 102b. The
labyrinth-type game is a simple form of entertainment used to
develop spatial reasoning, hand eye coordination; or simply to
provide basic entertainment to keep one's mind off something. In
one possible embodiment, the labyrinth-type game comprises at least
one target area 112a-d and at least one corresponding game piece
200a-d.
[0046] The game piece 200a-d is manipulated on either the outer
face, or a gameboard 302 of some sorts, in order to engage the
target area 112a-d. In one exemplary use, the game piece 200a-d is
urged to move through a pathway, a maze, or simply a flat surface
to reach the target area 112a-d. In general, to urge the game piece
200a-d towards the target area 112a-d, the handle 104 is gripped
and the weight members 102a-b are tilted about a vertical axis 300
until the desired outcome is achieved. The articulation of the
dumbbell in this manner helps develop the wrist muscles, while also
entertaining the user during the more strenuous exercises with the
dumbbell. In this unique invention, the labyrinth-type game is
operational directly on the outer face 106a-b of the weight members
102a-b.
[0047] As FIG. 1 references, the device 100 comprises a pair of
weight members 102a-b that are defined by an inner face 108a-b, an
outer face 106a-b, and a wall 110a-b joining the faces 108a-b,
106a-b. The inter faces of each weight member orient towards each
other. In one non-limiting embodiment, the pair of weight members
102a, 102b comprises weight for a dumbbell. In another possible
embodiment, the weight members 102a-b are fabricated from at least
one of the following: metal, metal alloys, neoprene, and rubber. In
another embodiment, the weight members 102a, 102b are defined by a
circular shape and a weight between 5 to 50 pounds. However, in
other embodiments, different shapes and weights of weight members
102a-b can be used. For example, a square shaped weight member
defined by a central hole which the ends of the handle 104 pass
through.
[0048] As FIG. 2 illustrates, the device 100 also includes a handle
104 juxta positioned between the weight members 102a-b. The handle
104 has a first end 114a and an opposing second end 114b. Each of
the ends 114a-b joins with the inner face 108a, 108b of one of the
weight members 102a, 102b. This junction may be a fixed connection,
or a detachable attachment therebetween. In other embodiments, the
weight members 102a-b define a central hole through which the ends
of the handle 104 pass. In yet another embodiment, the handle 104
can have a curved or arced configuration to provide different
angles of exercise and, and thereby exercise different muscles.
[0049] The disposition of the handle 104 is arranged, so as to
enable a user to grip and position the weight members 102a-b at a
plurality of different configurations. In one non-limiting
embodiment, the handle 104 comprises an elongated handle 104,
sufficiently sized to enable one, or two hands to grip while
lifting the weight members 102a-b. In another non-limiting
embodiment, the handle 104 is a cylindrical metal shaft, having a
length between 6'' to 72''. In this manner, the handle 104 enables
the weight members 102a-b to be lifted in multiple exercise styles
to develop the biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest, and other body
muscle groups.
[0050] When the handle 104 is gripped to move the weight members
102a-b in an exercise motion, resistance is generated in the
muscles, and stabilizer muscles have to work hard to keep the user
steady while performing the exercise movement. This is the essence
of developing muscle. Exemplary exercise motions that can be
performed with the device 100 may include, without limitation,
bicep curl, bench press, shoulder press, one-arm swing, calf raise,
lunge, and triceps kickback. In one embodiment, multiple inner
weight members (not shown) are used with the pair of weight members
102a-b to increase the weight during exercise. Individual inner
weight members can be added/removed to increase/decrease the weight
during exercise.
[0051] Looking now at FIG. 3, at least one of the outer faces 106b
for the weight members 102a-b serves as the platform for the
labyrinth-type game. In one embodiment, the outer face 106a-b
comprises at least one target area 112a-d, which serves as the
objective while playing the game. The user tilts the handle 104,
causing the outer face 106a-b to orient away from a vertical axis
300. In some embodiments, a game piece 200a-d is disposed within
the confines of the housing 116. The game piece 200a-d is a
component that is manipulated across the surface of the outer face
106a-b of the weight members 102a-b in a strategic manner to engage
the target area 112a-d. This results in a game in which the goal is
to urge a game piece 200a-d toward the target area 112a-d by
tilting, rolling, shaking, or waving the weight members 102a-b.
[0052] In some embodiments, the target area 112a-d may be defined
by a depression, hole, or simply an image that indicate the target
where the game piece 200a-d should move towards. In another
embodiment, however, the target area 112a-d forms a
geometrically-shaped depression. The geometrically-shaped
depression, while serving as the target area 112a-d, may include,
without limitation, a star shape 112a, a square shape 112b, a
circle shape 112c, a triangle shape 112d, a moon shape, and an
irregular shape. However, the target area 112a-d could also be a
walled in space with a gap that allows entrance of the game piece
200a-d.
[0053] In some embodiments, the game piece 200a-d is defined by a
geometric shape corresponding to the at least one
geometrically-shaped depression (See FIG. 3). In one non-limiting
embodiment, the game piece 200a-d is defined by a spherical shape,
such as a marble. In some embodiments, at least one of the outer
faces 106a-b comprises a pathway, or a maze along which the game
piece 200a-d is urged towards the target area 112a-d. Thus, in the
spherical shape configuration, the spherically-shaped game piece
rolls along the pathway towards the spherically shaped target area
112a-d, i.e., depression, hole, etc.
[0054] In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the outer
faces 106a-b comprises a gameboard 302 that is disposed in a
parallel, flush relationship with the outer face 106a-b (See FIG.
3). The gameboard 302 is a separate component from the weight
member, and can be applied thereto through an adhesive or
magnetization. The gameboard 302 also displays a target area
112a-d, but may utilize more graphics, textures, and colors to
create enhanced entertainment. The gameboard 302 can also show the
pathway or the maze.
[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the device 100 provides a housing
116 that encapsulates at least one of the outer faces 106a, 106b of
the weight members 102a, 102b. The housing 116 helps retain the
target area 112a-d and the game piece 200a-d contained on the outer
face 106a-b of the weight members 102a-b. In this manner, the game
piece 200a-d does not fall off the edges of the outer face 106a-b
of the weight members 102a-b. The housing 116 protrudes from the
outer face 106a-b of the weight members 102a-b. The housing 116 may
also increase the weight of the weight members 102a-b. In one
non-limiting embodiment, the housing 116 comprises a clear domed
structure. The domed structure can be attached at the edges through
a screw, bolt, magnet, or other fastening mechanism.
[0056] In one possible operational configuration, the handle 104 is
gripped by one hand and the weight members 102a-b are tilted about
a vertical axis 300 to urge the game piece 200a-d towards the
target area 112a-d. This type of manipulation can be performed
while the user is performing a standard exercise movement to
develop the muscles. However, this type of tilting manipulation can
also be used independently of exercise, whereby the user playing
the labyrinth-type game.
[0057] In some embodiments, the game piece 200a-d is configured to
be a free moving piece, that is urged, trough gravitational forces,
by the tilting of the weight members 102a-b, across the outer face
106a-b of the weight member. For example, the game piece 200a-d can
slide, roll, jump, or be forcibly urged across or over the outer
face 106a-b of the weight members 102a-b, towards the target area
112a-d. In this manner, manipulation of the weight members 102a-b
urges the game piece 200a-d to engage the target area 112a-d. In an
alternative embodiment, the outer face 106a-b, or the game piece
200a-d, or both are magnetized.
[0058] Multiple types of games are possible through this
labyrinth-type game. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a
circle-shaped game piece, a star-shape game piece 200a, a
square-shaped game piece 200b, and a triangle-shaped game piece
200d, which rest on the outer face 106a-b of the weight members
102a-b. These geometrically shaped game pieces are urged into their
corresponding target areas 112a-d, i.e., star-shaped depression,
square-shaped depression, square-shaped depression, and
triangle-shaped depression. Initially, the geometric game pieces
200a-d are in a chaotic state, dislodged from their respective
target area 112a-d (FIG. 4A). The user simply tilts the weight
member about the vertical axis 300 until each game piece 200a-d
rests flush in its appropriate target area 112a-d (FIG. 4B).
[0059] In another example of a labyrinth-type game, the outer face
106a-b of the weight member has a maze that comprises walls, or
channels, that travel along the pathway and intersect each other
for multiple paths. A marble, serving as the game piece 200a-d, is
urged to roll along one of many pathways in order to reach the
target goal of a spherical shape depression or whole at the end of
the path. In alternative embodiments, any labyrinth-type game that
involves urging game pieces 200a-d towards a target area 112a-d or
in a desired unitary configuration, may be used. In an alternative
embodiment, the game piece 200a-d and outer face 106a-b of the
weight member are magnetized, so as to enable greater control of
the game piece 200a-d while manipulating the weight members
102a-b.
[0060] In yet another type of labyrinth-type game, the target area
comprises a protruding area. The objective of this embodiment of
the labyrinth-type game is to slide the game piece by tilting and
lifting the weight members, until the game piece engages the
elevated area. In yet another embodiment, any labyrinth-type game
that involves manipulation of a game piece towards any type of
target area may be used.
[0061] Those skilled in the art will recognize that gripping the
handle 104 and manipulating the weight members 102a-b in order to
urge the game piece 200a-d towards the target area 112a-d is
effective for: developing the wrist muscles while playing the
labyrinth-type game; developing hand-eye coordination while playing
the labyrinth-type game; keeping the mind occupied with the
labyrinth-type game, while exercising; and distracting the user
from the muscle pain of lifting the weights.
[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method 500 of exercise and
entertainment with a free weight training device 100. In one
possible embodiment, the method 500 comprises an initial Step 502
of providing a free weight device 100, the free weight device 100
having a pair of weight members 102a-b defined by an inner face
108a-b and an outer face 106a-b, at least one of the outer faces
106a-b comprising at least one target area 112a-d and a game piece
200a-d, the free weight device 100 further having a handle 104
joining the inner face 108a-b of one of the pair of weight members
102a-b. The free weight device 100 can include a dumbbell 118, a
barbell, or any other free weight known in the art. For example,
FIG. 1 illustrates a dumbbell embodiment of the present
invention.
[0063] Step 504 comprises gripping the handle 104 in preparation
for performing an exercise movement. The handle 104 can be gripped
with one hand with the knuckles facing outwardly, inwardly,
upwardly. or downwardly. One or two hands can be used to group the
handle 104, depending on the length of the handle 104 and the type
of physical exercise being performed. In another embodiment, a Step
506 may include manipulating the handle 104 to perform the exercise
movement. Depending on the type of exercise the handle 104 is
gripped firmly in the arms, legs, neck, or torso are moved to
achieve the desired physical exercise.
[0064] Another Step 508 may include orienting the free weight, such
that the handle 104 aligns with a vertical axis 300. This vertical
orientation helps stabilize the labyrinth-type game on the outer
phase of the weight member, which in this case includes the top
weight member. A Step 510 includes tilting the handle 104, such
that the game piece 200a-d is urged towards the at least one target
area 112a-d. Any number of tilts, gyrations, up-and-down motions,
vibrations, rotational movement, and other articulations of the
wrist and arm can be used to urge the game piece 200a-d towards the
desired target area 112a-d. A final Step 512 comprises engaging the
target area 112a-d with the game piece 200a-d, while performing the
exercise movement. The engagement can include resting the game
piece 200a-d flush inside its respective target area 112a-d i.e., a
depression, for example. However, the target area 112a-d could also
be a walled in space with a gap that allows entrance of the game
piece 200a-d.
[0065] In conclusion, the free weight training device 100 comprises
a unique dumbbell 118 defined by a pair of weight members 102a-b
joined by an elongated handle 104. The dumbbell is configured, so a
user can develop muscle groups associated with standard weight
lifting. This can include exercise movements that involve
articulating muscles to move the dumbbell in a repetitive exercise
motion. The dumbbell has integrated therein, a labyrinth-type game
operational--directly on the outer face 106a-b of at least one of
the weight members 102a-b. The labyrinth-type game includes at
least one target area 112a-d and at least one corresponding game
piece 200a-d. The handle 104 is gripped and the weight members
102a-b are tilted about a vertical axis 300 to urge the game piece
200a-d towards the target area 112a-d, directly on the outer face
106a-b of the weight members 102a-b. The articulation of the
dumbbell in this manner develops wrist muscles, while also
entertaining the user.
[0066] These and other advantages of the invention will be further
understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference
to the following written specification, claims and appended
drawings.
[0067] Because many modifications, variations, and changes in
detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the
invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing
description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted
as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the
invention should be determined by the appended claims and their
legal equivalence.
* * * * *