HANDLE FOR A DUMBBELL

Abstract

A dumbbell includes a handle and two weights joined to two ends of the handle, where the handle has an elongated cross-sectional shape in a cross-section cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle. The shape may be a rectangle with rounded corners, an oval, a racetrack shape, an egg shape, etc. The weights may be fixedly joined to the handle, or the ends of the handle may be configured to receive weights that are removably mounted on the handle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to dumbbells, and in particular, it relates to dumbbells with a handle having an elongated cross-sectional shape.

Dumbbells typically have a handle and two heads (weights) at its ends. The weights may be fixedly joined to the handle, or removably mounted on the handle. The handle typically has a circular cross-sectional shape. U.S. Design Pat. No. D405484 discloses a dumbbell where the handle is a hexagonal shape in the cross-section.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an improved dumbbell or dumbbell handle.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the descriptions that follow and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims thereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides a dumbbell which includes a handle and two weights joined to two ends of the handle, where the handle has an elongated cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the weights are fixedly joined to the handle. In some other embodiments, the end segments of the handle are configured to receive weights that are removably mounted on the handle.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a dumbbell according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view thereof; FIG. 2 is a front elevational view thereof; FIG. 3 is a top elevational view thereof; FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view thereof; and FIG. 5 is a cut-away view thereof taken along line A-A of FIG. 2 and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 6 illustrates a dumbbell handle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A dumbbell according to a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The dumbbell includes a bar shaped handle 12 extending in a longitudinal direction, and two heads (weights) 14 joined to the two longitudinal ends of the handle. The heads may have any suitable shapes. As shown in FIG. 5, the handle 12 has an elongated shape in a cross-section cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle. As used in this disclosure, an “elongated shape” is a two-dimensional shape in which the largest extent along a first direction is greater than the largest extent along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction by a non-negligible amount, such as at least 5%.

In some embodiments, the elongated shape is mirror symmetrical about a center line running in the first direction, or mirror symmetrical about a center line running in the second direction, or mirror symmetrical about both center lines. In specific embodiments, the elongated shape may be a rectangle with rounded corners, an oval, a racetrack shape, an egg shape, etc.

Preferably, at least a center segment of the handle (e.g., 3-7 inches) has a uniform cross-section having the elongated shape.

The handle may be formed of any suitable materials, such as plastic, rubber, metal, metal coated with a polymer coating, etc.

An elongated cross-sectional shape for a dumbbell handle is more ergonomic than a circular cross-sectional shape. When a human hand forms a gripping formation, where the fingers are bent with the thumb pointed opposite to the other fingers, the hollow space formed inside the hand is often an elongated shape. Therefore, a dumbbell handle with an elongated cross-sectional shape may be more easily, more comfortably, and/or more securely gripped by the user.

FIG. 6 illustrates a dumbbell handle 20 having an elongated cross-sectional shape according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The center segment 22 of the handle has an elongated cross-sectional shape similar to that described above. The two end segments 24 of the handle are adapted to receive one or more weight plates 28 on each side and to secure them to the handle. For example, the handle may have two flanges 26 or other suitable blocking members respectively located at a suitable distance from the two ends, which function to limit the position of the weight plates mounted on the handle. Further, each end segment may be threaded to receive a locking nut for securing the weight plates, or have a series of holes to receive a locking pin for securing the weight plates, or is provided with other suitable mechanisms for securing the weight plates.

Further, the elongated cross-sectional shape may be used in other exercise equipment that requires hand gripping, such as barbells, kettlebells, etc.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modification and variations can be made in the dumbbell handle of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A dumbbell comprising: a handle extending in a longitudinal direction; andtwo weights respectively joined to two longitudinal ends of the handle,wherein a center segment of the handle has an elongated cross-sectional shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle.

2. The dumbbell of claim 1, wherein the elongated cross-sectional shape is a rectangle with rounded corners, an oval, a racetrack shape, or an egg shape.

3. The dumbbell of claim 1, wherein the two weights are fixedly joined to the handle.

4. The dumbbell of claim 1, wherein the two weights are removably mounted on the handle.

5. A dumbbell handle, comprising a center segment and two end segments extending in a longitudinal direction, and two flanges located between the center segment and the two end segments, wherein the two end segments are configured to receive weight plates, and wherein the center segment has an elongated cross-sectional shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

6. The dumbbell handle of claim 5, wherein the elongated cross-sectional shape is a rectangle with rounded corners, an oval, a racetrack shape, or an egg shape.