Patent Application
20220226696
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In one aspect, a free weight training device with labyrinth-type game, comprises:
In another aspect, at least one of the outer faces comprises a gameboard disposed in a parallel, flush relationship with the outer face.
In another aspect, the pair of weight members comprises weight for a dumbbell.
In another aspect, the target area is defined by a depression.
In another aspect, the target area is defined by a geometrically-shaped depression.
In another aspect, the game piece is defined by a geometric shape corresponding to the at least one geometrically-shaped depression.
In another aspect, at least one of the outer faces comprises at least one target area and a pathway.
In another aspect, the game piece is defined by a spherical shape.
In another aspect, the spherically-shaped game piece rolls along the pathway.
In another aspect, the outer face, or the game piece, or both are magnetized.
In another aspect, the housing comprises a clear domed structure.
In another aspect, the handle comprises an elongated handle.
In another aspect, the weight members are tilted about a vertical axis to urge the game piece towards the target area.
In another aspect, the weight members are fabricated from at least one of the following: metal, metal alloys, neoprene, and rubber.
In another aspect, the weight members are defined by a circular shape and a weight between 5 to 50 pounds.
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.
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.
Yet another objective is to work the mist muscles while playing the labyrinth-type game.
Yet another objective is to develop hand-eye coordination while playing the labyrinth-type game.
Yet another objective is to keep the mind occupied with the labyrinth-type game, while exercising.
Yet another objective is to make weight lifting fun, so as to distract the user from the muscle pain of lifting the weights.
An exemplary objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture free weight device.
Additional objectives are to provide multiple types of games in the labyrinth-type game.
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.
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.
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
A free weight training device 100 with labyrinth-type game and method 500 of exercise and entertainment is referenced in
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.
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.
As
As
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.
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.
Looking now at
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.
In some embodiments, the game piece 200a-d is defined by a geometric shape corresponding to the at least one geometrically-shaped depression (See
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
As illustrated in
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.
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.
Multiple types of games are possible through this labyrinth-type game. For example, as shown in
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
