Patent Application
20240342541
The present invention claims priority to UK application number GB2310106.6, “entitled Dumbbell having multiple linking members to connect two spaced apart weight members” filed on Jul. 1, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety at least by reference.
The present invention relates generally to sports equipment but more particularly to a dumbbell having multiple linking members to connect two spaced apart weight members.
Dumbbells and kettlebells have been central fixtures in weight training and fitness for centuries, evolving through various designs and applications to meet diverse exercise needs. Traditionally, dumbbells consist of a short bar with a weight fixed at each end, used primarily for strength training by lifting the weight directly. Kettlebells, originating in Russia during the 1700s, are equipped with a single handle attached to a weighted ball, making them ideal for dynamic movements that blend strength training with cardiovascular benefits.
Historically, kettlebells have been celebrated for their utility in strongman competitions and later in mainstream fitness regimes, especially for exercises like the clean and jerk. These movements take advantage of the kettlebell's unique ability to create momentum, but also highlight a significant drawback: the impact of the kettlebell on the user's wrist during dynamic movements. This repeated impact can cause pain and injury, an issue not adequately addressed by conventional equipment designs.
On the other hand, while dumbbells offer more stability and control, they are not optimized for movements typical of kettlebell exercises, such as swings or snatches, due to their rigid, balanced structure. This limitation often prevents users from engaging in these beneficial exercises when only dumbbells are available, or forces them to adapt awkwardly, which can lead to ineffective workouts or injuries.
Recent attempts to bridge the functionalities of these two types of equipment have led to innovations, but none have fully addressed the need for a versatile, ergonomic design that minimizes injury risk while maximizing exercise potential. There is a distinct gap in the market for a device that combines the stability and control of dumbbells with the dynamic capabilities of kettlebells, all while ensuring user safety and comfort.
The present invention aims to fill this gap by introducing a novel dumbbell design with multiple linking members that connect two spaced-apart weight members. This configuration allows for the use of the equipment as both a traditional dumbbell and a kettlebell without the aforementioned disadvantages, promoting ergonomic handling and versatile functionality.
The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a dumbbell with enhanced versatility and ergonomic features, allowing it to be used both as a traditional dumbbell and a kettlebell. This dual functionality aims to overcome the limitations of existing fitness equipment by offering a design that minimizes the risk of injury and maximizes the effectiveness of various exercises.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a dumbbell that reduces the risk of injury to the user's wrists and forearms by integrating multiple linking members that are strategically spaced and shaped to prevent painful impacts during exercise.
It is another object of the present invention to enable the dumbbell to be used for a wide range of exercises traditionally performed with both dumbbells and kettlebells, thus expanding the utility of the equipment without the need for additional pieces.
It is yet another object of the present invention to enable a user improved control and balance during the transitions between exercises traditionally used with the use of dumbbells and those of with the use of kettlebells, facilitating smoother and safer exercise routines.
In order to do so, a dumbbell is provided, comprising: a pair of spaced-apart weight members; a central linking member connecting the weight members; and two lateral linking members, each connecting the weight members; wherein the central linking member is oriented diagonally relative to the lateral linking members to facilitate ergonomic handling of the dumbbell. In one embodiment, the lateral linking members are arcuate in shape to provide a gap between the central linking member and each of the lateral linking members, thereby reducing the risk of wrist impact during use.
In one embodiment, the central linking member and the lateral linking members are configured to allow gripping by one or both hands of a user, enabling the dumbbell to be used in a manner similar to both a traditional dumbbell and a kettlebell. In one embodiment, at least one of the weight members includes a flat surface to prevent the dumbbell from rolling when placed on a flat surface. In one embodiment, the weight members are adjustable in weight.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present disclosure so that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood and so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention, which will be described hereinafter, form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific methods and structures may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein to specifically provide a dumbbell having multiple linking members to connect two spaced apart weight members.
It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of
describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as to mean “at least one.” The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.
Referring now to any of the accompanying
In some embodiments, linking the weight members 12 are three linking members: a central linking member 14 and two lateral linking members 16. Advantageously, the central linking member 14 is positioned to allow a diagonal orientation, optimizing the grip position during various exercises. This diagonal setting not only facilitates a natural hand position but also contributes to the ergonomic benefits by aligning with the natural wrist and arm angles, reducing stress and potential injury.
Each lateral linking member 16 features an arcuate or bow like design, which enhances the separation between the linking members. This separation is critical in preventing contact between the user's wrist and the equipment during dynamic exercises such as kettlebell swings or jerks, where traditional designs might cause impact injuries. Instead, any contact made is with the forearm, where increased muscle and tissue can absorb impact more safely and comfortably. For example, as best seen in
The configuration offers several functional benefits. Firstly, the dumbbell 10 can be used for traditional weightlifting exercises as well as dynamic kettlebell movements. This dual functionality makes it a valuable tool for varied workout routines, eliminating the need for multiple sets of equipment. Secondly, the varied positioning of the linking members allows users to engage different muscle groups more effectively while maintaining comfort and safety. The ergonomic design reduces the risk of injury commonly associated with improper equipment use.
Furthermore, the strategic placement of the weight members 12 and the linking members ensures a balanced weight distribution. This balance is crucial when the dumbbell is used in dynamic movements, providing stability and control, which enhances the effectiveness of the workout.
In some embodiments, as best seen in
Additionally, the design of the dumbbell allows for an accommodation of a plurality of different fitness exercises as shown in
Advantageously, the dumbbell 10 of the present invention provides a practical, safe, and effective solution for a wide range of exercises, addressing the limitations of current fitness equipment while enhancing user engagement and safety.
Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. In other words, the terminology and phraseology used in this description and the abstract are for illustrative purposes and should not be considered limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternative embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although shown are only two spaced apart weight members 12, it should be understood that, just like regular dumbbells, there can be more than two weight members 12 as illustrated. Or, alternatively, the two spaced apart weight members 12 can be bigger so as to weigh more. In such a case, different sized dumbbells would fill a rack.
It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counterclockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.
In addition, references to “first,” “second,” “third,” and so fourth members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2310106.6 | Jun 2022 | GB | national |
