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.

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 §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&#39;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&#39;s arm or arms plus the distance from the floor to the standard dumbbell&#39;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&#39;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&#39;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&#39;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&#39;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&#39;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&#39;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&#39;s feet on the floor. 
         [0029]    The free-rotation of the handgrip reduces stress on the user&#39;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&#39;s wrist does not bend and the bar itself does not slide in the user&#39;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  16   a,    16   b  connecting to the weights at about a  45 -degree angle. A handgrip portion  16   c  in the central portion of the bar  16  is at about a  135 -degree angle with respect to the ends  16   a,    16   b.  The weights  12 ,  14  have similar shapes and sizes. The weights have a hexagonal cross section and have a flat bottom surface  12   a,    14   a  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  16   c  is elevated a maximum amount above the flat surface. The top of the handgrip portion  16   c  is slightly lower than the top surfaces  12   b,    14   b  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  16   c  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  16   c  of the bar  16  so that the handgrip  22  is freely rotatable around the bar  16 . This allows the handgrip portion  16   c  to rotate with respect to the handgrip  22  in order to maintain the handgrip portion  16   c  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&#39;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  16   c  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  16   c  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  16   c  of the bar, which allows the handgrip  22  to rotate with respect to the handgrip portion  16   c  of the bar  16 . The inner surface of the inner layer  42  has a slightly larger diameter than the diameter of the handgrip portion  16   c  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  14   b  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  62   a,    64   a  facing in the direction opposite the direction of the surfaces  62   b,    64   b  that are closest to where the bar  66  connects to the weights  62 ,  64  so that when the bottom surfaces  62   a,    64   a  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  62   b,    64   b  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&#39;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  64   b  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&#39;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.