Abstract:
A dumbbell comprising a first weight having a screw on lid; a second weight member having an aperture for storing personal items; and a padded cross-member which facilitates the holding of the object.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY  
       [0001]     This Application derives priority from U.S. Ser. No. 60/510,927 filed Oct. 15, 2003. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention is directed to the field of dumbbell covers. In particular, the present invention is directed to dumbbells having removable covers on both sides which include squeeze halves which cover the middle bar of the dumbbell.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Millions of people engage in daily exercise in order to stay healthy. A large number of people run and exercise with hand held weights. These weights facilitate strength and cardiovascular conditioning, as the individual swings his or her arms. The invention makes dumbbells more fun, colorful and convenient, so adults, young people and children will utilize them and exercise, including walking and jogging more frequently and easily.  
         [0004]     A number of patents have issued to the area of dumbbell covers. U.S. Pat. No. D 343,660 is directed towards the ornamental design for a combined dumbbell and container, as shown and described in the patent. U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,184 is directed to a travel dumbbell consisting of two end plates positioned between at least one water fillable weight on each end of an elongated bar for support and stabilization. A collar is removably mounted on each end of the bar to retain the end plates and the at least one water fillable weight on each end of the bar. A carrying case is also provided and sized to receive at least one disassembled travel dumbbell therein.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,794 discloses a jogger&#39;s fluid weighted exercising jug having a handle and fluid weight chambers to each side or end thereof and a dispensing connection actuatable by the teeth of the jogger to partake of a nutritional liquid from within the jug without having to stop jogging. The overall geometric configuration of the jug generally resembles a dumbbell.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,946 is directed to a variable resistance refillable exercise apparatus including a generally hollow container having an outer surface and an interior volume, top and bottom generally bulbous end sections and a reduced circumference waist section between the end sections such that the container is generally dumbbell-shaped. A container fill opening is formed in the container extending between the outer surface and interior volume for filling the container with fluids and/or solids, and a cap is provided for removably sealing the container fill opening. A handle extends between and connects the top and bottom generally bulbous end sections, the handle including a gripping device such as finger-shaped depressions for facilitating gripping of the handle. A weight scale is printed on the container, the weight scale including a plurality of generally parallel lines and at least one weight amount marking adjacent the lines, the weight scale facilitating measurement of a specific amount of fluid and/or solids within the container to determine the amount of resistance to lifting the container. Finally, a strap is detachably and adjustably mounted on the container whereby the container may be removably attached to a user of the exercise apparatus.  
         [0007]     While there have been a number of dumbbell covers, none provide abilities to both provide storage areas and to increase the weight of the dumbbells with weighted inserts.  
         [0008]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a dumbbell support system which enables the dumbbell to hold a variety of personal items such as money.  
         [0009]     It is a further object of the invention to provide a dumbbell which provide for the addition of more weight.  
         [0010]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide, a dumbbell which is marked to provide safety for the user.  
         [0011]     These and other objects of the present invention will become clear from the detailed description which follows.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     The present invention is generally directed to a dumbbell with removable covers on both sides and polyurethane foam squeeze halves covering middle region. The invention will make dumbbells more fun, colorful and convenient by allowing personal items to be stored in the dumbbell while using it for walking, jogging, and the like.  
         [0013]     In accordance with the invention, a dumbbell comprising a first weight having a screw on lid; a second weight member having an aperture for storing personal items; and a padded cross-member which facilitates the holding of the object.  
         [0014]     In a further embodiment, the invention is a dumbbell comprising a first weight having a screw on lid; a second weight member having an aperture for storing personal items; and a padded cross-member which facilitates the holding of the object.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0015]     FIGS.  1  to  1   b  are perspective views of the dumbbells of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIGS. 2 and 2   b  are perspective views of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the present invention which illustrates the mechanisms for holding items.  
         [0018]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are exploded views of the present invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0019]     The present invention is directed to make the covers of the two sides of a dumbbell removable so as to facilitate the addition of added weight. The present invention is specifically directed to a hand held dumbbell  10  having brightly colored plastic covers  12 . The dumbbells have reflective plastic paper strips  14  which make holding the invention while walking at night safe using the present invention.  
         [0020]     A critical feature of the invention is the inclusion of storage areas  16  where users of the invention can put personal belongings including keys, wallets, flashlights, cell phones, snacks and money. Further, small children can insert small toys, little books, crayons and flashing lighting rings and objects powered by batteries. The storage areas may be covered by screw on caps  18 .  
         [0021]     In the preferred embodiment, the central bar  20  is covered with a polyurethane foam squeeze material  22  and comprises two halves. The user can buy the material separately and attach them to the middle of the stick. The user of the invention allows the users to squeeze this wrapping when they are walking or jogging.  
         [0022]     The invention envisions multiple sizes including regular, small and even miniature. One size may be adapted for males and females aged twelve and up, the second smaller sized for children aged six through eleven, the mini sized ones may be used by preschoolers. The invention is preferably constructed from solid cast-iron coated with vinyl or other painted or colored layers. The diameter of the stick is inches and the length of the middle stick should be such that it can be held and supported by the hand of the user.  
         [0023]     The diameter of the drum on each is should preferably be 3 to 6 inches the height of the drum is 3 to 4 inches in width. In addition, small weights around four pounds can be added into a second removable area. The invention preferably weighs between two and five pounds, the diameter of the middle bar is preferable wide enough to and of sufficient diameter to support the hands of multiple users.  
         [0024]     For all sizes, there is spiral threading  21  on the outside of the drum at each side (so the plastic covers can be screwed down over the drum). The color of the inner drum is preferably one of a plurality of colors, the top two-thirds of the external surface, including the middle stick, such as green, orange, white, silver, etc. Red is a preferred color for safety reasons. If the plastic cover is not screwed down to the end of the spiral thread, the red color would be exposed to remind the user to tighten the cover.  
         [0025]     The plastic covers may comprise brightly colored plastic covers with spiral threading along the inside of the round collar. This enables the cover may be screwed down to cover the drum on either side. In a preferred embodiment, two circular reflective strips  40  may be glued to the cover, one is on the face of the cover, the other one is on the round collar. This can make the people holding the invention safe during nights. The circular edge between the cover face and the round collar is also curved to prevent sharp edges.  
         [0026]     The middle bar is covered with polyurethane foam squeeze ball material, divided into two halves  25  with back glue. Wax paper covers the back glue. Users can simply peel off the wax paper and attach a half to the middle stick of the system, then, attach the other half to the middle bar  20 .  
         [0027]     In one embodiment plastic covers can be doubled and tripled. The height of the covers will typically be twice or three times as high as the regular cover, so people can store more items or bigger objects in the drum on each side of the invention. Inner vertical strips on the upper part of the double up and triple up covers prevent people from using the extra space to store weight disc rings for safety reasons.  
         [0028]     The invention can further include a cartoon and action figures, company logos, maps, personal names, etc. Inside the circular reflective strip of the cover on each side is the area for the users to decorate the cover with stickers. The invention includes two oval warning stickers which are attached to the external surface of the collar of the drum on each side to remind the user to put that side upward when unscrewing the cover on that side and to warn that no children under three years of age should use this equipment.  
         [0029]     The device can also include musical trinkets, toys and light flashing objects  42  which can fit into the drums on each side to make little kids like to hold the invention and exercise. As shown in  FIG. 4   b,  the invention can also include one, two, three or four pound disks  38 . These can be placed on each side of the drums when the middle bar is removed or uncoupled.  
         [0030]     The invention can also include hook-up rings  36  with hooks: metal rings which fit the external surface of the drum and have hooks which can be hooked to restrain dogs, purses, etc. When using the hook-up rings, screw down the ring along the spiral threading outside of the drum on each side before putting on the plastic cover.  
         [0031]     An emergency kit can be placed in the drum on either side. The invention can include a special-shaped plastic cover. The shape could be company logos, turtle backs, Texas map, space ship, etc. A plurality of custom-made covers can be used as souvenirs, given to employees and customers by big corporations, governments, schools, social and charitable organizations, churches and clubs. The invention can be hooked with the hook-up ring, so people can carry the device over their shoulders. If two hook-up rings are attached, one on each side, the device could be used as a purse carried over the shoulders.  
         [0032]     The present invention has been described with reference to the enclosed preferred embodiment. It is to be appreciated that the true nature and scope of the invention is to be determined with reference to claims appended hereto.