Patent Publication Number: US-2022226696-A1

Title: Free Weight Training Device with Labyrinth-Type Game and Method of Exercise and Entertainment

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefits of U.S. provisional application filed Feb. 19, 2020 and entitled Dumbbell, which provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a free weight training device with labyrinth-type game and method of exercise and entertainment. More so, the present invention relates to a dumbbell having a pair of weight members joined by an elongated handle, useful for performing free weight exercises to develop muscle groups; and further, forming on the outer face of at least one of the weight members, a labyrinth-type game comprising at least one game piece that is urged towards a target area through manipulation of the weight members, such that the wrist muscles develop and the user is entertained while exercising. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. 
     Typically, gymnasiums utilize weights and equipment of varying types and sizes that assist users in building body muscle. One common exercise equipment is a dumbbell, which include a short, straight handle interposed between two weighted sides. The dumbbell is typically utilized in gyms and generally include a uniform size and length which allow the devices to be placed or stacked onto dumbbell stands capable of holding multiple dumbbells of different weights. It is known that dumbbells are rigid devices, the conventional design can act to restrict a user from performing certain exercises that require the rotation of the hand or wrist of a, as doing so would cause the dumbbell to impact another portion of the users&#39; body. However, the dumbbell is limited to standard exercises, not providing entertainment during use. 
     Other proposals have involved free weight exercise systems. The problem with these exercise systems is that they do not provide an additional device or game that distracts and entertains the user while exercising. Also, the exercise systems are not adapted to work the wrist muscles. Even though the above exercise systems meet some of the needs of the market, a free weight training device with labyrinth-type game and method of exercise and entertainment that includes a dumbbell having a pair of weight members joined by an elongated handle, useful for performing free weight exercises to develop muscle groups; and further, forming on the outer face of at least one of the weight members, a labyrinth-type game comprising at least one game piece that is urged towards a target area through manipulation of the weight members, such that the wrist muscles develop and the user is entertained while exercising, is still desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a free weight training device with labyrinth-type game and method of exercise and entertainment. The free weight training device comprises a unique dumbbell having a pair of weight members joined by an elongated handle. The dumbbell is configured, such that a user can develop muscle groups associated with standard weight lifting techniques by articulating the muscles to move the dumbbell in a repetitive exercise motion. The dumbbell also comprises a labyrinth-type game operational directly on the outer face of at least one of the weight members. The labyrinth-type game involves urging a game piece towards a target area on the outer face of the weight members. The articulation of the dumbbell in this manner helps develop the wrist muscles, while also entertaining the user. 
     In one aspect, a free weight training device with labyrinth-type game, comprises:
         a pair of weight members defined by an inner face, an outer face, and a wall joining the faces, at least one of the outer faces comprising at least one target area;   a handle having a first end and a second end, each of the ends joining the inner face of one of the pair of weight members, the handle being configured to enable a user to grip and position the weight members at a plurality of different configurations;   a housing encapsulating at least one of the outer faces of the weight members   a game piece disposed inside the housing, the game piece being free moving across the outer face of the weight member, the game piece being operational to engage the target area,   whereby manipulation of the weight members urges the game piece to engage the target area.       

     In another aspect, at least one of the outer faces comprises a gameboard disposed in a parallel, flush relationship with the outer face. 
     In another aspect, the pair of weight members comprises weight for a dumbbell. 
     In another aspect, the target area is defined by a depression. 
     In another aspect, the target area is defined by a geometrically-shaped depression. 
     In another aspect, the game piece is defined by a geometric shape corresponding to the at least one geometrically-shaped depression. 
     In another aspect, at least one of the outer faces comprises at least one target area and a pathway. 
     In another aspect, the game piece is defined by a spherical shape. 
     In another aspect, the spherically-shaped game piece rolls along the pathway. 
     In another aspect, the outer face, or the game piece, or both are magnetized. 
     In another aspect, the housing comprises a clear domed structure. 
     In another aspect, the handle comprises an elongated handle. 
     In another aspect, the weight members are tilted about a vertical axis to urge the game piece towards the target area. 
     In another aspect, the weight members are fabricated from at least one of the following: metal, metal alloys, neoprene, and rubber. 
     In another aspect, the weight members are defined by a circular shape and a weight between 5 to 50 pounds. 
     One objective of the present invention is to provide a free weight exercise device that provides resistance to the muscles and requires the stabilizer muscles to work hard to keep the user steady while performing the exercise movement. 
     Another objective is to integrate a labyrinth-type game directly into the weight members, such that a user can be entertained manipulating the game piece towards the target area. 
     Yet another objective is to work the mist muscles while playing the labyrinth-type game. 
     Yet another objective is to develop hand-eye coordination while playing the labyrinth-type game. 
     Yet another objective is to keep the mind occupied with the labyrinth-type game, while exercising. 
     Yet another objective is to make weight lifting fun, so as to distract the user from the muscle pain of lifting the weights. 
     An exemplary objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture free weight device. 
     Additional objectives are to provide multiple types of games in the labyrinth-type game. 
     Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary free weight training device, showing a dumbbell embodiment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the free weight training device, showing the weight members joined by a handle, the game pieces, and the housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the free weight training device disposed along a vertical axis, in preparation for playing the labyrinth-type game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrate perspective views of the free weight training device disposed along a vertical axis, where  FIG. 4A  shows the game pieces in a chaotic state and the wrist tilting the weight members, and  FIG. 4B  shows the game pieces urged into their corresponding target areas, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method of entrainment and exercise with a free weight training device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     A free weight training device  100  with labyrinth-type game and method  500  of exercise and entertainment is referenced in  FIGS. 1-5 . The free weight training device  100  with labyrinth-type game, hereafter “device  100 ” comprises a unique dumbbell  118 , known in the art of free weight exercise, which is defined by a pair of weight members  102   a - b  joined by a handle  104 . The dumbbell  118  is configured, such that a user can develop muscle groups associated with standard weight lifting techniques. This can include exercise movements that involve articulating the muscles to move the dumbbell  118  in a repetitive exercise motion; thereby working the larger muscles of the body, i.e., biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest. However, in alternative embodiments, the device  100  may utilize a kettle ball, a bar bell, or other free weight known in the art, in place of a dumbbell. 
     Additionally, the dumbbell  118  has integrated therein, a labyrinth-type game, which is operational directly on at least one of the outer faces  106   a ,  106   b  of the weight members  102   a ,  102   b . The labyrinth-type game is a simple form of entertainment used to develop spatial reasoning, hand eye coordination; or simply to provide basic entertainment to keep one&#39;s mind off something. In one possible embodiment, the labyrinth-type game comprises at least one target area  112   a - d  and at least one corresponding game piece  200   a - d.    
     The game piece  200   a - d  is manipulated on either the outer face, or a gameboard  302  of some sorts, in order to engage the target area  112   a - d . In one exemplary use, the game piece  200   a - d  is urged to move through a pathway, a maze, or simply a flat surface to reach the target area  112   a - d . In general, to urge the game piece  200   a - d  towards the target area  112   a - d , the handle  104  is gripped and the weight members  102   a - b  are tilted about a vertical axis  300  until the desired outcome is achieved. The articulation of the dumbbell in this manner helps develop the wrist muscles, while also entertaining the user during the more strenuous exercises with the dumbbell. In this unique invention, the labyrinth-type game is operational directly on the outer face  106   a - b  of the weight members  102   a - b.    
     As  FIG. 1  references, the device  100  comprises a pair of weight members  102   a - b  that are defined by an inner face  108   a - b , an outer face  106   a - b , and a wall  110   a - b  joining the faces  108   a - b ,  106   a - b . The inter faces of each weight member orient towards each other. In one non-limiting embodiment, the pair of weight members  102   a ,  102   b  comprises weight for a dumbbell. In another possible embodiment, the weight members  102   a - b  are fabricated from at least one of the following: metal, metal alloys, neoprene, and rubber. In another embodiment, the weight members  102   a ,  102   b  are defined by a circular shape and a weight between 5 to 50 pounds. However, in other embodiments, different shapes and weights of weight members  102   a - b  can be used. For example, a square shaped weight member defined by a central hole which the ends of the handle  104  pass through. 
     As  FIG. 2  illustrates, the device  100  also includes a handle  104  juxta positioned between the weight members  102   a - b . The handle  104  has a first end  114   a  and an opposing second end  114   b . Each of the ends  114   a - b  joins with the inner face  108   a ,  108   b  of one of the weight members  102   a ,  102   b . This junction may be a fixed connection, or a detachable attachment therebetween. In other embodiments, the weight members  102   a - b  define a central hole through which the ends of the handle  104  pass. In yet another embodiment, the handle  104  can have a curved or arced configuration to provide different angles of exercise and, and thereby exercise different muscles. 
     The disposition of the handle  104  is arranged, so as to enable a user to grip and position the weight members  102   a - b  at a plurality of different configurations. In one non-limiting embodiment, the handle  104  comprises an elongated handle  104 , sufficiently sized to enable one, or two hands to grip while lifting the weight members  102   a - b . In another non-limiting embodiment, the handle  104  is a cylindrical metal shaft, having a length between 6″ to 72″. In this manner, the handle  104  enables the weight members  102   a - b  to be lifted in multiple exercise styles to develop the biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest, and other body muscle groups. 
     When the handle  104  is gripped to move the weight members  102   a - b  in an exercise motion, resistance is generated in the muscles, and stabilizer muscles have to work hard to keep the user steady while performing the exercise movement. This is the essence of developing muscle. Exemplary exercise motions that can be performed with the device  100  may include, without limitation, bicep curl, bench press, shoulder press, one-arm swing, calf raise, lunge, and triceps kickback. In one embodiment, multiple inner weight members (not shown) are used with the pair of weight members  102   a - b  to increase the weight during exercise. Individual inner weight members can be added/removed to increase/decrease the weight during exercise. 
     Looking now at  FIG. 3 , at least one of the outer faces  106   b  for the weight members  102   a - b  serves as the platform for the labyrinth-type game. In one embodiment, the outer face  106   a - b  comprises at least one target area  112   a - d , which serves as the objective while playing the game. The user tilts the handle  104 , causing the outer face  106   a - b  to orient away from a vertical axis  300 . In some embodiments, a game piece  200   a - d  is disposed within the confines of the housing  116 . The game piece  200   a - d  is a component that is manipulated across the surface of the outer face  106   a - b  of the weight members  102   a - b  in a strategic manner to engage the target area  112   a - d . This results in a game in which the goal is to urge a game piece  200   a - d  toward the target area  112   a - d  by tilting, rolling, shaking, or waving the weight members  102   a - b.    
     In some embodiments, the target area  112   a - d  may be defined by a depression, hole, or simply an image that indicate the target where the game piece  200   a - d  should move towards. In another embodiment, however, the target area  112   a - d  forms a geometrically-shaped depression. The geometrically-shaped depression, while serving as the target area  112   a - d , may include, without limitation, a star shape  112   a , a square shape  112   b , a circle shape  112   c , a triangle shape  112   d , a moon shape, and an irregular shape. However, the target area  112   a - d  could also be a walled in space with a gap that allows entrance of the game piece  200   a - d.    
     In some embodiments, the game piece  200   a - d  is defined by a geometric shape corresponding to the at least one geometrically-shaped depression (See  FIG. 3 ). In one non-limiting embodiment, the game piece  200   a - d  is defined by a spherical shape, such as a marble. In some embodiments, at least one of the outer faces  106   a - b  comprises a pathway, or a maze along which the game piece  200   a - d  is urged towards the target area  112   a - d . Thus, in the spherical shape configuration, the spherically-shaped game piece rolls along the pathway towards the spherically shaped target area  112   a - d , i.e., depression, hole, etc. 
     In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the outer faces  106   a - b  comprises a gameboard  302  that is disposed in a parallel, flush relationship with the outer face  106   a - b  (See  FIG. 3 ). The gameboard  302  is a separate component from the weight member, and can be applied thereto through an adhesive or magnetization. The gameboard  302  also displays a target area  112   a - d , but may utilize more graphics, textures, and colors to create enhanced entertainment. The gameboard  302  can also show the pathway or the maze. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the device  100  provides a housing  116  that encapsulates at least one of the outer faces  106   a ,  106   b  of the weight members  102   a ,  102   b . The housing  116  helps retain the target area  112   a - d  and the game piece  200   a - d  contained on the outer face  106   a - b  of the weight members  102   a - b . In this manner, the game piece  200   a - d  does not fall off the edges of the outer face  106   a - b  of the weight members  102   a - b . The housing  116  protrudes from the outer face  106   a - b  of the weight members  102   a - b . The housing  116  may also increase the weight of the weight members  102   a - b . In one non-limiting embodiment, the housing  116  comprises a clear domed structure. The domed structure can be attached at the edges through a screw, bolt, magnet, or other fastening mechanism. 
     In one possible operational configuration, the handle  104  is gripped by one hand and the weight members  102   a - b  are tilted about a vertical axis  300  to urge the game piece  200   a - d  towards the target area  112   a - d . This type of manipulation can be performed while the user is performing a standard exercise movement to develop the muscles. However, this type of tilting manipulation can also be used independently of exercise, whereby the user playing the labyrinth-type game. 
     In some embodiments, the game piece  200   a - d  is configured to be a free moving piece, that is urged, trough gravitational forces, by the tilting of the weight members  102   a - b , across the outer face  106   a - b  of the weight member. For example, the game piece  200   a - d  can slide, roll, jump, or be forcibly urged across or over the outer face  106   a - b  of the weight members  102   a - b , towards the target area  112   a - d . In this manner, manipulation of the weight members  102   a - b  urges the game piece  200   a - d  to engage the target area  112   a - d . In an alternative embodiment, the outer face  106   a - b , or the game piece  200   a - d , or both are magnetized. 
     Multiple types of games are possible through this labyrinth-type game. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a circle-shaped game piece, a star-shape game piece  200   a , a square-shaped game piece  200   b , and a triangle-shaped game piece  200   d , which rest on the outer face  106   a - b  of the weight members  102   a - b . These geometrically shaped game pieces are urged into their corresponding target areas  112   a - d , i.e., star-shaped depression, square-shaped depression, square-shaped depression, and triangle-shaped depression. Initially, the geometric game pieces  200   a - d  are in a chaotic state, dislodged from their respective target area  112   a - d  ( FIG. 4A ). The user simply tilts the weight member about the vertical axis  300  until each game piece  200   a - d  rests flush in its appropriate target area  112   a - d  ( FIG. 4B ). 
     In another example of a labyrinth-type game, the outer face  106   a - b  of the weight member has a maze that comprises walls, or channels, that travel along the pathway and intersect each other for multiple paths. A marble, serving as the game piece  200   a - d , is urged to roll along one of many pathways in order to reach the target goal of a spherical shape depression or whole at the end of the path. In alternative embodiments, any labyrinth-type game that involves urging game pieces  200   a - d  towards a target area  112   a - d  or in a desired unitary configuration, may be used. In an alternative embodiment, the game piece  200   a - d  and outer face  106   a - b  of the weight member are magnetized, so as to enable greater control of the game piece  200   a - d  while manipulating the weight members  102   a - b.    
     In yet another type of labyrinth-type game, the target area comprises a protruding area. The objective of this embodiment of the labyrinth-type game is to slide the game piece by tilting and lifting the weight members, until the game piece engages the elevated area. In yet another embodiment, any labyrinth-type game that involves manipulation of a game piece towards any type of target area may be used. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that gripping the handle  104  and manipulating the weight members  102   a - b  in order to urge the game piece  200   a - d  towards the target area  112   a - d  is effective for: developing the wrist muscles while playing the labyrinth-type game; developing hand-eye coordination while playing the labyrinth-type game; keeping the mind occupied with the labyrinth-type game, while exercising; and distracting the user from the muscle pain of lifting the weights. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary method  500  of exercise and entertainment with a free weight training device  100 . In one possible embodiment, the method  500  comprises an initial Step  502  of providing a free weight device  100 , the free weight device  100  having a pair of weight members  102   a - b  defined by an inner face  108   a - b  and an outer face  106   a - b , at least one of the outer faces  106   a - b  comprising at least one target area  112   a - d  and a game piece  200   a - d , the free weight device  100  further having a handle  104  joining the inner face  108   a - b  of one of the pair of weight members  102   a - b . The free weight device  100  can include a dumbbell  118 , a barbell, or any other free weight known in the art. For example,  FIG. 1  illustrates a dumbbell embodiment of the present invention. 
     Step  504  comprises gripping the handle  104  in preparation for performing an exercise movement. The handle  104  can be gripped with one hand with the knuckles facing outwardly, inwardly, upwardly. or downwardly. One or two hands can be used to group the handle  104 , depending on the length of the handle  104  and the type of physical exercise being performed. In another embodiment, a Step  506  may include manipulating the handle  104  to perform the exercise movement. Depending on the type of exercise the handle  104  is gripped firmly in the arms, legs, neck, or torso are moved to achieve the desired physical exercise. 
     Another Step  508  may include orienting the free weight, such that the handle  104  aligns with a vertical axis  300 . This vertical orientation helps stabilize the labyrinth-type game on the outer phase of the weight member, which in this case includes the top weight member. A Step  510  includes tilting the handle  104 , such that the game piece  200   a - d  is urged towards the at least one target area  112   a - d . Any number of tilts, gyrations, up-and-down motions, vibrations, rotational movement, and other articulations of the wrist and arm can be used to urge the game piece  200   a - d  towards the desired target area  112   a - d . A final Step  512  comprises engaging the target area  112   a - d  with the game piece  200   a - d , while performing the exercise movement. The engagement can include resting the game piece  200   a - d  flush inside its respective target area  112   a - d  i.e., a depression, for example. However, the target area  112   a - d  could also be a walled in space with a gap that allows entrance of the game piece  200   a - d.    
     In conclusion, the free weight training device  100  comprises a unique dumbbell  118  defined by a pair of weight members  102   a - b  joined by an elongated handle  104 . The dumbbell is configured, so a user can develop muscle groups associated with standard weight lifting. This can include exercise movements that involve articulating muscles to move the dumbbell in a repetitive exercise motion. The dumbbell has integrated therein, a labyrinth-type game operational—directly on the outer face  106   a - b  of at least one of the weight members  102   a - b . The labyrinth-type game includes at least one target area  112   a - d  and at least one corresponding game piece  200   a - d . The handle  104  is gripped and the weight members  102   a - b  are tilted about a vertical axis  300  to urge the game piece  200   a - d  towards the target area  112   a - d , directly on the outer face  106   a - b  of the weight members  102   a - b . The articulation of the dumbbell in this manner develops wrist muscles, while also entertaining the user. 
     These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings. 
     Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.