Abstract:
Roll-able dumbbells are disclosed. An improved roll-able dumbbell utilizing gravitation and roll-resistance is presented having a handle and a plurality of circular weights attached to its ends. Regular dumbbells are generally held in hands and lifted up and down. The improved roll-able hand weights, in addition to providing benefits of a regular dumbbell, can be held and rolled against a variety of horizontal, slanted or vertical surfaces in a multitude of body positions. Each entire circular weight, its outer segments and/or the surface layer can rotate independently in respect to the handle. In addition, rotational resistance can be influenced by the user by tightening/loosening the end caps or other means. The total weight of the improved roll-able hand weights can also be adjusted by the user, who can select proper number and combination of individual components.

Description:
[0001]    This application is filed within one year of, and claims priority to Provisional Application Serial No. 60/453,471, filed Mar. 10, 2003. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    This invention relates generally to physical fitness and therapeutic devices and, more specifically, to Roll-able dumbbells  
           [0004]    2. Description of Related Art  
           [0005]    Dumbbells are highly popular and very effective if used properly, but until now they have been utilized almost exclusively as weights. The roll-able hand-weights of the present invention are braking away from this unwritten rule and provide a tool for a multitude of additional workout routines, especially floor exercises aimed at shaping and strengthening primarily the arms and torso of the user. The roll-able dumbbells of the present invention can be used in prophylactic as well as therapeutic mobility and stretching exercises requiring a high degree of control.  
           [0006]    There is a variety of highly specialized fitness equipment available on the market today. However, there is still a need for simple and more universal/multipurpose devices. Roll-able hand-weights of the present invention are designed to fill that need.  
           [0007]    The roll-able dumbbells combine the advantages of the conventional dumbbells and a number of roll-able devices usually to strengthen abdominal area of the body. The “AB-slide” is a highly promoted on TV fitness gadget. It seems to be popular and effective but it is also known to have some adverse effects. Many users develop back pain after using the AB-Slide. The reason for that is because both arms of the user are “locked” onto the device and the torso muscles have to repeatedly initiate and maintain an unnatural one-dimensional/straight-line back and forth-movement.  
           [0008]    It is more natural for the arms and torso muscles to follow curved lines and work in smaller groups independently, as it is the case when working out with dumbbells. The improved roll-able hand-weights of the present invention allow, and even encourage, this natural movement and make the muscle responses more predictable, more controllable and safer. Thus, the roll-able hand-weights open the field to a multitude of very attractive, effective and safer exercises.  
           [0009]    The roll-able hand-weights come with an option to select the weight for each dumbbell to a desired level by attaching heavier circular weights, heavier end caps and/or a higher number of standard circular weights/wheels to each end of the handle.  
           [0010]    In addition, the amount on drag on the rolling dumbbells can be regulated to suit the strength, fitness and comfort level of each individual user. The amount of drag should be selectable gradually between zero and the point of complete engagement or dialed incrementally between freewheeling, low resistance, medium resistance, high resistance and the locked position.  
           [0011]    The improved weight-selectable hand-weights with adjustable roll-resistance of the present invention allow the user to utilize own body weight and to select the desired kind and level of exercise from a vast array of possibilities.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    In light of the aforementioned problems associated with the prior devices, it is an object of the present invention to provide Roll-able dumbbells. In accordance with the present invention, there are provided improved hand weights with selectable weight and rolling capabilities. Weight can be adjusted by selecting proper size and number of specially weighted wheels. Wheels can rotate independently. Rotational resistance can be selected for each wheel individually via end caps.  
           [0013]    An improved roll-able dumbbell utilizing gravitation and roll-resistance is presented having a soft grip around the midsection of the shaft and a plurality of circular weights/wheels attached to its ends. The handle consists of a padded grip segment and two reduced diameter, flattened or semicircular shaft segments extending to each side and are internally threaded The circular weights are mounted on the shaft segments of the handle. The weights rotate preferably on a bearing and are sandwiched between friction discs/pressure plates. End-caps keep the weights/wheels in place. The end caps screw into the threaded opening at the end of each shaft and can be manually rotated to increase or reduce the rotational resistance of the circular weights via the pressure plates. A pair of improved roll-able dumbbells of the present invention can be used, besides regular lifting and flexing, for a multitude of highly effective floor exercises.  
           [0014]    It is an object of the present invention to provide novel, simple, inexpensive/good value, durable and easily portable piece of exercise equipment with minimum bulk and mass, which can be used for a great variety of physical exercises and targeted workouts for different strength and fitness levels.  
           [0015]    It is another object of the present invention to provide improved roll-able hand weights with selectable weight/weighted wheels for different fitness levels.  
           [0016]    It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide improved roll-able hand weights that utilize body weight of the user to fortify the strength building effect on different muscle groups.  
           [0017]    It is another more particular object of the present invention to provide improved roll-able hand weights that can be used for a variety of stretching exercises, thus improving joint strength, mobility and range of motion.  
           [0018]    It is a still more particular object of the present invention to provide improved roll-able hand weights that enable users to simulate motions/movements and activate various muscle groups in a unique way not achievable by any other piece of equipment.  
           [0019]    It is an even more particular object of the present invention to provide roll-able hand weights which can be used for a multitude of effective floor exercises and in addition, have a selectable amount of rotational resistance to allow better customization of individual workouts.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, of which:  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 1 is a front view of the improved roll-able dumbbell of the present invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the roll-able dumbbell of FIG. 1, taken along the vertical plane on center axis;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3 is a front view of the improved roll-able dumbbell of FIGS. 1 and 2 with two circular weights on each side;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4 is a partial front cross-sectional view of one end of the roll-able dumbbell of FIG. 3;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5 is a front view of the improved roll-able dumbbell of the present invention with two circular weights and a heavy end cap on each side;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 6 is a partial front cross-sectional view of one end of the roll-able dumbbell of FIG. 5;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 7 is a front view of the roll-able dumbbell of FIGS. 5 and 6 with one circular weight and a heavy end cap on each side;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the roll-able dumbbell of FIG. 7 along vertical plane A; and  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 9 is a front cross-sectional view of another alternate embodiment of the roll-able dumbbell of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0030]    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 generic principles of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to provide Roll-able dumbbells.  
         [0031]    There are numerous possible embodiments, which are encompassed by the scope of the present invention, but for the purpose of demonstrating the main novel features the following embodiment is discussed in greater detail.  
         [0032]    The improved roll-able dumbbell  10  is shown in frontal view in FIG. 1 where it can be seen that a handle  20  connects to a tapered spacer  30 , followed by circular weight  50 , friction washer  35  and end-cap  40 A on each side. The end-caps  40 A show external ridges around the grip area  41 . These ridges improve grip when the user manually rotates the end-caps. Tightening the end-caps  40 A slightly against the friction washers  35  secures the end caps  40 A in place.  
         [0033]    A cross-section of dumbbell  10  is shown in FIG. 2 in which it is visible that the midsection  21  of the handle  20  is surrounded by the grip layer  25 . The handle  20  extends from the midsection  21  and continues along the center axis X toward each side in a reduced diameter shaft  22  and terminates in a, further reduced in diameter, externally threaded section  24  on each end. The circular weight  50  consists of the inner ring  53 , a plurality of rolling elements  58 , the outer ring  52  and the external surface layer  51 . This arrangement allows the outer ring  52  with the external surface layer  51  to rotate via rolling elements  58  around the inner ring  53 . It can be seen that one circular weight  50 , one tapered spacer  30  and one friction washer  35  is mounted on each shaft  22 . It can also be seen that the internally threaded locknut  60  is screwed onto each of the externally threaded section  24  and pushes the friction washer  35  against the inner ring  53  thus securing the friction washer  35 , the inner ring  53  and the tapered spacer  30  to the handle  20 . The internally threaded light end-cap  40 A is screwed onto the externally threaded section  24  as well.  
         [0034]    When the user holds the improved dumbbell by the handle  20  firmly in the hand and rolls it on a surface (floor) either surface layer  51  makes contact with the floor and rotates together with either outer ring  52  independently of the handle  20  and all other components. Conversely, the handle  20  can be rotated independently by hand while the circular weights  50  remain in still contact with the surface. Since the circular weights  50  can also rotate independently from each other, any curve can be followed along the surface. Even circular motion of the entire dumbbell  10  around a vertical axis is possible. Those features allow the user to create and follow own natural motion patterns in highly individualized exercise routines instead of predetermined mechanical and one-dimensional movements many exercise machines require.  
         [0035]    It is important that every piece of fitness equipment is to some degree adjustable and able to accommodate users of various body size, strength and fitness levels.  
         [0036]    The improved roll-able dumbbell of the present invention addresses the problem by incorporating numerous options for weight and size variations. Noting that size and choice of material for the individual components of the improved roll-able dumbbell will naturally influence the weight of the entire unit, the focus of the discussion will remain on add-ons and interchangeability of components.  
         [0037]    Looking at the FIG. 3 it can be noticed that the tapered spacers  30  have been replaced with a pair of washers  36  and an additional pair of circular weights  50  has been added to the dumbbell. This way the total weight of the dumbbell has been increased substantially.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 4 gives a more detailed cross-sectional view of the right segment of the dumbbell from FIG. 3. This segment includes washer  36 , a pair of circular weights  50  and friction washer  35  on the shaft  22  and lock nut  60  and the light end-cap  40 A on the threaded section  24 .  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 5 shows the improved roll-able dumbbell  10  of the present invention as in FIG. 3 but with the exception that here the light end caps  40 A have been replaced with the heavy end caps  40 B. This further increases the total weight of the dumbbell.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 6 gives a more detailed cross-sectional view of the right segment of the dumbbell from FIG. 5.  
         [0041]    To further illustrate another possible combination of components influencing the weight of the dumbbell  10 , FIG. 7 shows the improved roll-able dumbbell of the present invention with heavy end caps  40 B, single circular weight  50  and tapered spacers  30  on each side of the handle  20 .  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the circular roll-able weight  50  on the shaft  22  and demonstrates how the inner ring  53  and the outer ring  52  can rotate independently via the rolling elements  58 . A closer look at the profile of shaft  22  reveals that the profile is not completely circular. The reason behind it is that it is necessary for the tapered spacers, and friction washers, which have a central hole matching the profile of the shaft, to be fixed in respect to the shaft and not rotate with the outer ring  52 .  
         [0043]    Turning now to the friction mechanism of the present invention we will need to go back and take another look at the FIG. 6. It can be seen that the circular weight  50  consists of the inner ring  53 , a plurality of rolling elements  58 , the outer ring  52  with the friction surface  56  and the surface layer  51 .  
         [0044]    Tightening the internally threaded end-caps  40 B slightly against the friction washer  35  secures the end caps  40 B in place. Tightening the end-caps  40 B further causes the friction washers  35  to move/bend toward the sidewall  56  of the outer ring  52  and apply force, thus producing surface friction between the friction disc  35  and the sidewall  56  of the outer ring  52  resulting in gradually increasing rotational resistance on the circular weight  50 . The friction can be gradually increased to the point, where the rotation of the circular weight  50  is completely inhibited. The “friction engagement position” in which the friction washer  35  is clearly in contact with the sidewall  56  of the outer ring  52  is shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and  7 . Conversely, the friction can be reduced gradually by turning the endcap in the opposite direction to the point, where friction washer  35  is no more in contact with the sidewall  56  of the outer ring  52  and the circular weight  50  can rotate freely as shown in FIGS. 1, 2,  3 , and  4 .  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 9 depicts the device of the present invention having an alternate end cap and wheel design. As shown here, friction (rotational resistance) in this embodiment can be also adjusted incrementally by having ball-elements  96  incorporated into the tension collar  90  as shown in FIG. 9. The ball-plungers  96  lock into indentations  38  formed on the outer surfaces of the wheels  50 . In this version, the wheels  50  are bounded by new rings  36 A and  36 B; these function as pressure plates to distribute the force created by the tension collars  90  across the faces (both inner and outer) of the wheels  50 . By dispersing these ball-detents around the circular face of the plates  36 B, it should be apparent that the tension collar  90  will be caused to stop in its rotation every time a ball element  96  reaches an indentation in the plate  36 B. This provides the user will good tactile sensation as he or she tightens the tension collars  90 , as well as retaining the tension collars  90  in the positions that they are left in. Because the ball elements  96  are biased against the plates  36 B by biasing elements  95 , such as the springs shown, it is a simple matter to twist the tension collar  90  with additional force, which will cause the ball elements  96  to be forced into the bores formed in the tension collars  90  (until such time as the tension collar is rotated to a point where another indentation in the plates  36 B aligns with the ball element).  
         [0046]    The locking cap  60 B has and externally threaded bolt  29  embedded within it. The bolt  29  locks onto the handle end, like the lock nut  60  previously described in connection with other drawing figures, and has among its functions preventing the circular weights/wheels  50  and the pressure plates  36  from sliding off of the shaft. Furthermore, and as discussed above in the discussion connected with FIG. 8, the handle end portion  22  may have a flattened side—the pressure plates  36  (in these circumstances) will have a corresponding flat side as well. The engagement of these two flat sides will prevent the pressure plates  36  from rotating relative to the handle end  22  (i.e. when the wheels rotate).  
         [0047]    The externally threaded section  83  of the locking cap  60 B is designed to receive the internally threaded portion  91  of the tension collar  90 . Of course, the result is that turning the tension collar  90  will cause the engaged threads  91  to drive the collar  90  towards or away from the wheels  50 , thereby either increasing or decreasing the friction force between the elements (and the resistance to rolling in the wheels  50 ).  
         [0048]    The foam ring  85  covers the remaining threaded section of the locking cap  60 B and helps retain the tension collar  90  against excessive retracting and wobbling in retracted position.  
         [0049]    There are many options as to how rotational resistance/drag on the circular weights can be produced and adjusted. There can be a plurality of friction disks on each side of the weights. Also coil or spring tension, among other things can be utilized to create desired effect. There are also numerous ways to achieve rotation on the circular weights and to influence the total weight of the roll-able hand weights.  
         [0050]    The present embodiments of this invention are thus to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive; the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description.  
         [0051]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.