Abstract:
A hand-held exercise weight system has integral self protective features within each weight system. Each weight system has an activation button located near the user&#39;s thumb. One (1) weight system is equipped with a loud audible alarm to signal for help in times of duress. The other weight system is equipped with an ultrasonic dog repellent system, which deters any possible attacking canines. Each weight system is provided with a user replaceable battery, and is self-contained and waterproof. Each weight system has a weighted body that is detachable from the system.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/863,635, filed Aug. 8, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a pair of hand-held weights to be used while exercising, wherein each weight body is configured to receive a deterrent device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Modern concerns over health and physical fitness have produced an abundance of people who religiously participate in a variety of exercise regimens in order to stay in shape. One (1) of the most popular exercise activities is running or jogging. The muscular and cardiovascular workout associated with this activity makes it an effective means by which to stay fit. To further enhance their workout, many people carry hand-held weights in order to help build upper body strength as well as increase endurance. Unfortunately, many runners and joggers are the victims of physical assault by either humans or animals, such as canines. While devices such as pepper spray, shock systems, ultrasonic canine repelling systems, and the like, can be carried by the runner or jogger, such devices take time to access and activate. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which runners and joggers can be provided both an increased physical workout as well as physical protection. The development of the present invention fulfills this need. 
     The invention is a handheld exercise weight system with integral self protective features, and preferably comes as a pair to be held in each hand. Each weight system is provided with an activation button to activate the system. One (1) weight is equipped with a loud audible alarm to signal for help in times of duress such as during an assault, mugging, or the like. The other weight is equipped with an ultrasonic dog repellent system, which repels any possible attacking canine. The user simply presses the respective button on either hand-held weight, and is rewarded with immediate assistance. Each weight is provided with a user replaceable battery, and is completely self-contained and waterproof. 
     Prior art in this field consists of hand-held weights that sound an alarm or emit a protective spray. These prior art hand-held weights include dumbbell shaped weights with the internal electronics, speakers, and dispensing units incorporated and integrated with the weights themselves. A user is, therefore, unable to separate the weight portion from the audio and dispensing portions, if it is desirous to do so. Other apparatuses exist that a user may carry while jogging or running to assist with fending off an attack, but these do not serve a dual purpose of acting as a deterrent and increase the physical workout. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a device that serves as both a hand-held weight and a deterrent for assailants while a user is jogging or walking outdoors. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a sound emitting device attached to a hand-held weight to enable a user to avail the sound to deter assailants. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a means to emit sound that will deter either a human or a canine assailant. 
     It is a further object of this invention to afford a user the ability to detach or attach the sound emitting device from the hand-held weight, at a user&#39;s discretion, so as to enable a user to carry just the hand-held weight, just the sound emitting device, or both the hand-held weight and the sound emitting device together. 
     An added benefit is to provide a waterproof structure to protect the internal electronics of the sound emitting device. 
     An additional benefit is to provide a modified end to each hand-held weight to provide supplementary dexterity and comfort for a user carrying the invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The system comprises a pair of hand-held weights, each having sound emitting capabilities, wherein each hand-held weight is configured to be the handle for the system. Bottom ends of each handle are provided with modified spherical ends to conform to a maximum level of dexterity and comfort for a user. A top end of each handle is fitted into a socket of a sound emitting head. One (1) sound emitting head preferably emits sound waves at a frequency that is different than that of the other sound emitting head. A first sound emitting head preferably emits sound within the audio frequency range, which is heard by an average human. A second sound emitting head preferably emits sound within the ultrasound frequency range, which is heard by an average canine. 
     Each sound emitting head is a casing with a hollow construction. The casing houses the electronic components necessary to operate the sound emitters. An end of each casing is provided with a removable cap to grant access to an interior of the casing, wherein a battery compartment is located. Electrical circuitry is routed from an interior of each casing to an activation button disposed on a side surface of the casing. When activated, electrical power is supplied to at least one (1) speaker from at least one (1) battery, both of which are located within the casing, to emit a sound. The sound is directed from each speaker to an exterior of the system via a plurality of sound channels disposed through a surface of the casing. The electronics and each speaker of the first sound emitting head are configured to emit sound within the audio frequency range typically heard by a human. The electronics and each speaker of the second sound emitting head are configured to emit sound within the ultrasound frequency range typically heard by a canine. 
     The system is envisioned to be employed while jogging or walking outdoors. The weighed nature of each hand-held weight provides added benefit to a persons exercise routine. The quick access to the sound emission means of each hand-held weight provides added security for a user. If advanced upon in a hostile manner, a user simply activates the first sound emitter head to sound an alarm for others to hear. Alternatively, a user activates the second sound emitter head to deter a canine attack. A user may also carry a first sound emitter head on one (1) weight and a second sound emitter head on another weight so as to have the capability to emit both sounds simultaneously. Moreover, a user may merely carry a weighted handle without a sound emitting head attached. Similarly, a user may merely carry a sound emitting head without a weighted handle attached. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a deterrent system  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the deterrent system  10  depicted with the handle assemblies  60  detached from the alarm head assembly  20  and from the ultrasonic head assembly  40  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of the alarm weight  12  along a line A-A as shown on  FIG. 2  of the deterrent system  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of the ultrasonic weight  14  along a line B-B as shown on  FIG. 2  of the deterrent system  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  system 
               12  alarm weight 
               14  ultrasonic weight 
               20  alarm head assembly 
               21  head 
               22  cavity 
               23  internal thread 
               24  end cap 
               25  external thread 
               26  saddle 
               27  socket 
               28  socket slot 
               31  battery 
               32  battery holder 
               33  alarm circuit 
               34  speaker 
               35  sound channel 
               36  activation button 
               40  ultrasonic head assembly 
               42  ultrasonic wave generator 
               44  amplifier 
               46  ultrasonic speaker 
               60  handle assembly 
               62  body A 
               64  body B 
               66  shaft reduction 
               68  end 
               72  insert 
               76  indicia 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a hand-held exercise weight and deterrent system (herein referred to as the “system”)  10 , which provides a means to increase the benefits of a physical exercise regimen conducted with the use of additional resistance devices while having a system available to thwart an attack from a human or an animal assailant. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , plan and isometric views, respectively, of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  is comprised of a pair of hand-held weight bodies  62 ,  64 , supplied in two (2) optional mass configurations, attached to sound producing modules which, because of the difference in the frequency of sound produced by each, can be referred to as an alarm weight  12  and an ultrasonic weight  14 . The weight bodies  62 ,  64  are configured in the handle assembly  60  generally as metal cylinders of different diameters having a modified spherical end  68  to improve the grip of the handle assembly  60 . The handle assembly  60  is retained in the socket  27  of each of the alarm head assembly  20  and the ultrasonic head assembly  40  by means of a plurality of raised, rectangular inserts  72  formed with the handle assembly  60  fitted into a corresponding number of socket slots  28  and rotated such that the inserts  72  travel along a ramp feature of the socket slots  28  and result in an interference fit between the end of the handle assembly  60  and the closed end of the socket  27 . The weight body A  62  is the lesser of the two (2) optional masses and is formed with a uniform diameter along the length of the shaft and is preferably a weight of approximately one pound (1 lb.). The weight body B  64  has a larger mass by virtue of being formed with a larger diameter from the end  68  to the shaft reduction  66  whereupon the diameter is reduced to be accommodated in the socket  27  of the alarm head assembly  20  or the ultrasonic head assembly  40 . The preferred size of weight body B  64  is approximately two pounds (2 lbs.). 
     The alarm head assembly  20  is comprised preferably of a thermoplastic material and constructed from a plurality of injection molded parts to form a cylindrical head  21 , closed at one (1) end, to form a hollow cavity  22  for the disposition of those electrical and electronic parts which make up the alarm circuitry. The other end of the head  21  is further processed to incorporate internal threads  23 , or other such grooves formed with a ramp feature, to accommodate the external threads  25 , or other such projection features, of an end cap  24  which can be mated together and secured to the head  21  with a rotational motion. Disposed on the exterior of the head  21  and positioned at a mid-point along the length of the head  21  is the socket  27 , formed to receive the handle assembly  60 , and provided with a saddle  26  feature to accommodate the curvature of the head  21  to facilitate the permanent fastening thereto with an adhesive or other bonding material. The configuration of the alarm head assembly  20  is such as to maintain a waterproof structure, and prevents infiltration of water from an exterior of the system  10 . 
     The preferred method of use of the system  10  maintains that the alarm weight  12  be grasped in the left hand of the user. Disposed at a mid-point along length of the head  21  of the alarm head assembly  20  in proximity of the thumb of the user&#39;s left hand is an activation button  36  which when depressed will complete the electrical circuitry within the alarm head assembly  20  and cause a loud audible sound to be emitted from at least one (1) speaker  34 . This sound will attract the attention of other people in the vicinity of the user and discourage an assault by a human attacker. The activation button  36  may be depressed by the user&#39;s thumb or a part of the other weight. 
     The ultrasonic head assembly  40  is similar in appearance and construction to the alarm head assembly  20  with many of the same features such as end cap  24 , socket  27 , and activation button  36 . The difference between the head assemblies  20 ,  40  is that the ultrasonic head assembly  40  contains the circuitry to emit a high frequency signal, in the range of twenty kilohertz (20 kHz) to twenty five kilohertz (25 kHz), when the activation button  36  is depressed in order to fend off a canine attack. The ultrasonic weight  14  would be grasped in a user&#39;s right hand. The configuration of the ultrasonic head assembly  40  is such as to maintain a waterproof structure, and prevents infiltration of water from an exterior of the system  10 . 
     Either or both of the alarm head assembly  20  and the ultrasonic head assembly  40  may include indicia  76  which may provide script or logos based upon a user&#39;s preference and may include images such as, but not limited to, sports names/logos, personal names, symbols, pictures, directions for use, and the like to further customize and personalize the system further comprising a variety of colors and patterns. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a section view of the alarm weight  12  along line A-A as seen in  FIG. 2  of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The alarm head assembly  20  contains at least one (1) removable battery  31  contained in a battery holder  32 . Each battery  31  is connected through the activation button  36  to the alarm circuit  33  which will transmit an electrical signal to a speaker  34  when activated. A plurality of sound channels  35  is disposed in the otherwise closed end of the head  21  through which the sound will travel. The closed end of the head  21  could alternately be provided with an end cap  24  with similar closing features as the other end without limiting the scope of the system  10 . However, since the closed end of the head  21  contains no serviceable items, such as the battery  31 , it would not be particularly beneficial. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a section view of the ultrasonic weight  14  along line B-B as seen in  FIG. 2  of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The ultrasonic head assembly  40  also contains a removable battery  31  contained in a battery holder  32 . A battery  31  is connected through the activation button  36  to the ultrasonic wave generator  42  which will transmit an electrical signal to at least one (1) ultrasonic speaker  46  through at least one (1) amplifier  44  when activated. A plurality of sound channels  35  is disposed in the otherwise closed end of the head  21  through which the sound will travel. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the enabled user in a simple and straightforward manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be configured as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring a model of the system  10  having a desired style to suit a user&#39;s taste; installing a battery  31  of the proper size and voltage into the battery holder  32  of each of the alarm head assembly  20  and the ultrasonic head assembly  40 ; installing the handle assemblies  60  having the selected optional weight (weight body A  62 , or weight body B  64 ); grasping the alarm weight  12  in the left hand with the activation button  36  oriented toward the left thumb; grasping the ultrasonic weight  14  in the right hand with the activation button  36  oriented toward the right thumb; running or jogging along a preselected course; depressing the activation button  36  on the alarm weight  12  in the left hand if a human assailant is encountered; depressing the activation button  36  on the ultrasonic weight  14  in the right hand if a canine assailant is encountered; and returning to safety. 
     In the event that an assailant of any type is encountered it may be difficult to remember which activation button  36  will emit the desired sound. This situation can be quickly and safely address by depressing both activation buttons  36 . The system  10  can also be operated similarly with either body  62 ,  64  in either right or left hand of a user. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit to the precise forms disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain principles and practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.