Abstract:
Dumbbells with resistance bands suitable for performing a variety of exercises are described. The dumbbells with resistance bands include a pair of resistance bands that are affixed to opposing ends of dumbbell weights. Each dumbbell weight includes a means to adjust the length of a band as well as a locking mechanism. The length of each band may be adjusted and locked to provide varying levels of resistance.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/675,058, filed Jul. 24, 2012, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to exercise equipment. More particularly the disclosed subject matter relates to dumbbells with resistance bands that are suitable for performing a variety of exercises. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Fitness and health concerns are among the areas of highest concern in today&#39;s society. Health club memberships are at an all time high. People are striving to maintain a balanced life style, which includes a healthy one. This proves to be difficult in our modern society. Most of us work in a service industry, which forces us to become more sedentary than we would like. Yet, we are very busy, and find it difficult to allocate enough time to make up for the lack in physical activity we experience. This is especially true when the time required to satisfy our work obligations is compounded with other duties such as family, children, yard work, and the like. Our exercise routines must consist of extremely efficient workouts to make up for our sedentary lifestyles without taking away from the normal tasks that we need to do throughout the day. Weight training with free weights is a common and beneficial form of exercise. One (1) type of free weight is a dumbbell that can be used individually or in pairs. Resistance training, another common form of exercise, can be performed with elastic bands or hydraulic resistance machinery among other types of equipment. One (1) problem encountered during exercise is how to combine weight training with resistance training in order to have a more productive workout. Makeshift devices that combine these two (2) forms of exercise can be haphazard and prone to cause more harm than good. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which a combined weight and resistance training can be achieved within one device. The development of the present invention fulfills this need. 
     Prior art in this field consists of either a resistance band or a weight, but not both. Exercise machines exist that do provide both resistance and weight training, but a user must first have access to such an elaborate and expensive machine. Furthermore, a user must reconfigure the machine or his position in order to exploit either a resistance or weight workout. Dumbbells have existed for many years and are a great mobile device to provide weight training. A user can achieve some resistance training with a dumbbell, but this again requires re-positioning the body or merely resisting the drop/fall of the weight as one lowers the dumbbell during a rep. Similarly, resistance bands can achieve some weight training, but the same problems are encountered as described with the dumbbell. It is an objective of this invention to provide weight and resistance training in the same motion, without re-configuring the device or re-positioning the body. It is a further objective of this invention to exploit the dual weight/resistance training to create an efficient workout for a user. It is a further objective of this invention to enable a user to selectively adjust the length and tension of the bands providing resistance while the device is in use. An additional benefit is to provide a weight/resistance device that is highly mobile and simplified. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The principles of the present invention provide for strength training devices that incorporate both free weights and bands. Such devices enable exercise routines that incorporate the best of both free weights and bands and which would be difficult or impossible to do with just weights or just bands. Beneficially such devices can be made relatively low in cost while taking up relatively little space. Ideally the devices allow quick and easy changing of bands as well as the almost natural feel of free weights. 
     Dumbbells with resistance bands that are in accord with the present invention include a first dumbbell having a first weight with a first tensioning section having a first slot. The first dumbbell also includes a second weight having a second tensioning section with a second slot and a first rod-shaped elongated handle that connects the first weight to the second weight. Such dumbbells with resistance bands further include a second dumbbell having a third weight with a third tensioning section having a third slot. The second dumbbell further includes a fourth weight having a fourth tensioning section with a fourth slot and a second rod-shaped elongated handle connecting the third weight to the fourth weight. A first elastic band is wrapped around the first handle and extends from the first slot. The first elastic band is also wrapped around the second handle and extends from the third slot. In addition, a second elastic band is wrapped around the first handle and extends from the second slot. The second elastic band is also wrapped around the second handle and extends from the fourth slot. 
     The dumbbells with resistance bands may include a padded cover over the first handle and possibly indicia on the first handle. In practice, the first weight may be cylindrical and/or it may be internally filled. Preferably the first handle is rotatable relative to the first weight and it may include a band aperture for receiving the first band such that when the first handle rotates the first band wraps around the first handle. In that case the first tensioning section may include a band accumulation cavity that houses the wrapped band. 
     Preferably, the dumbbells with resistance bands include a locking mechanism that passes through the first weight to lock the first handle in place relative to the first weight. Beneficially, that locking mechanism is spring biased to lock the first handle in place relative to the first weight. In practice, the locking mechanism includes a post, the first handle includes a post aperture, and when the post is in the post aperture the first handle is locked in place relative to the first weight. The locking mechanism may also include an actuator button that is operatively connected to the post such that the post is removed from the post aperture when the actuator button is pulled. Ideally, the actuator button is external accessible on the first weight. 
     The first handle may include a retaining ring, the first weight may include a retaining ring slot, and the retaining ring is biased into the retaining ring slot. The locking mechanism may also include a retaining bolt inserted in the first handle. That retaining bolt provides a locking mechanism mount for retaining the locking mechanism to the first handle. Usefully, the tension of the first band depends on how much of the first band forms the wrapped band. The tension of the first band is reduced when the wrapped band is reduced. Usefully, the first elastic band is removable and it may be comprised of rubber. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention 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 an environmental view of a dumbbell with resistance bands  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective of the dumbbell with resistance bands  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a side view of an end portion of the dumbbell with resistance bands  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a sectional view of the dumbbell with resistance bands  10  taken along line A-A (see  FIG. 2 ), depicting insertion of a band  25 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3   c  is another sectional view of the dumbbell with resistance bands  10  taken along line A-A (see  FIG. 2 ), depicting internal winding of the band  25 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  dumbbell with resistance bands 
               11  user 
               20  dumbbell 
               21  weighted portion 
               22  locking mechanism 
               23   a  tensioning section 
               23   b  band accumulation cavity 
               24  slot 
               25  band 
               26  post 
               27  post aperture 
               28   a  retaining ring 
               28   b  retaining ring slot 
               29  handle 
               30  band aperture 
               40  cover 
               42  indicia 
               43  actuator button 
               44  spring cavity 
               46  retaining bolt 
               48  retaining washer 
               50  spring 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3   c . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. 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 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. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the dumbbell with resistance bands (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  provides enhanced exercising equipment comprising a pair of specially designed dumbbells  20 . Each dumbbell  20  comprises a pair of weighted portions  21 , a pair of tensioning sections  23   a , a handle  29 , and a pair of connecting elastic bands  25 . The bands  25  provide resistance training while pulling the dumbbells  20  apart. The resistance along with the weight of the dumbbells  20  provides an enhanced workout. A user  11  is envisioned to perform various exercises which maximize a full body and free range workout such as, but not limited to: butterflies, shoulder presses, chest presses, bicep curls, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The dumbbells  20  are interconnected by bands  25  to provide combined weight and resistance training. Each weighted portion  21  is comprised of a cylinder-shaped metal member preferably fabricated from titanium; however, other metal materials may be utilized. Additionally, the dumbbells  20  may be filled internally with materials such as sand without limiting the scope of the invention. Between each pair of weighted portions  21  is a rod-shaped handle  29  which provides a surface area for the user  11  to grip. The handles  29  are envisioned to comprise a padded gel or rubber cover  40  being adhesively or otherwise bonded thereto an outer surface to provide comfort to the user  11  while in use. The cover  40  may also provide indicia  42  to 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, and the like to further customize and personalize the apparatus  10  further comprising a variety of colors and patterns. 
     The tensioning section  23   a  comprises an integral portion of the weighted portion  21  also being cylindrical in shape and protruding from an inward surface between the weighted portion  21  and the handle  29 . Each tensioning section  23   a  provides an inner band accumulating cavity  23   b  for accumulating a section of the band  25  so as to adjust an exposed length of said band  25  (see  FIGS. 3   a  through  3   c ). 
     The bands  25  are fabricated from an elastic rubber material, yet other materials may be utilized without limiting the scope of the invention. The bands  25  are removably attached to the dumbbells  20  and may be replaced with additional accessory bands  25  providing different degrees of elasticity so as to increase or decrease the resistance workout. It is further envisioned for the apparatus  10  be provide with other accessory bands  25  having different lengths which enable attachment onto a stationary structure, a user&#39;s feet, or the like, thereby enabling the performance of additional exercises. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b , and  3   c , front and sectional views of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The two (2) weighted portions  21  of each dumbbell  20  are envisioned to be identical; therefore, a single end portion of the dumbbell  20  is shown here for illustration purposes. The apparatus  10  provides internal features which enable a user  11  to removably attach a band  25  as well as select an exposed length of said band  25 . 
     Attachment and securement of the band  25  to the dumbbell  20  is accomplished by inserting an end portion of said band  25  through a slot portion  24  located along a side surface of the tensioning section  23   a , and subsequently into a band aperture feature  30  formed in the handle  29 . The handle  29  is then rotated with respect to the weighted portion  21  causing the band  25  to be wound around a portion of the handle  29  located within the cylindrical band accumulation cavity  23   b . Upon winding a desired length of the band  25  within said band accumulation cavity  23   b , a locking mechanism  22  is released to secure the position of the handle  29 . The procedure is to be repeated for each end of each band  25  until the apparatus  10  is configured with desired band lengths. 
     The lengthening or shortening of the bands  25  is envisioned to increase or decrease the resistant dynamic of the apparatus  10 . A shorter length of the bands  25  is envisioned to increase the resistance and a longer length of said bands  25  is envisioned to decrease the resistance. Each handle  29  is rotatingly captivated within a weighted portion  21  via retaining ring  28   a  and corresponding retaining ring slot  28   b  portions, respectively. The weighted portion  21  further provides a means to selectively arrest rotation of said handle  29  within the weighted portion  21  via a locking mechanism  22 . 
     When a desired length of a band  25  is obtained, a respective locking mechanism  22  is engaged to fix the length of said band  25 . Each locking mechanism  22  comprises an actuator button  43 , a central cylindrical spring cavity  44 , a retaining bolt  46 , a retaining washer  48 , and a spring  50 . Each locking mechanism  22  comprises a cylindrically-shaped structure which extends downwardly into a top surface of the weighted portion  21 . Each locking mechanism  22  comprises a spring-returned actuator button  43  upon an upper surface, and a pair of posts  26  along a bottom perimeter edge. As the actuator button  43  is lifted up or released to a lowered position, the posts  26  engage or disengage corresponding post aperture portions  27 . The post apertures  27  are arranged in an equally-spaced circular pattern along a top surface of the handle  29 . The internal spring cavity  44  provides a spring-return function to maintain engagement of the posts  26  with corresponding post apertures  27 , thereby securing the handle  29  in a selected position. 
     The spring cavity  44  provides a means to return the locking mechanism  22  to a lowered and engaged state. The spring cavity  44  contains the retaining bolt  46 , retaining washer  48 , and spring  80  portions within. The retaining bolt  46  is preferably a shoulder bolt, which is threadingly attached to an end portion of the handle  29 . Said retaining bolt  46  provides a mounting means to a retaining washer  48  and a subjacent coil-type spring  80  which in turn acts upon an inner bottom surface portion of the spring cavity  44  to bias the locking mechanism  22  downwardly to an engaged position. To wind the band  25 , a user  11  releases the locking mechanism  22  by lifting the actuator button  43 , rotates the handle  29  to shorten or lengthen the band  25 , and releases the actuator button  43  to reengage the posts  26  with the post apertures  27 . 
     It is understood that other non-rotating locking devices may be utilized within the apparatus  10  without deviating from the teachings of the apparatus  10 , and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. 
     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 common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed and utilized as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring a model of the apparatus  10  having a desired number of bands  25  having respective desired elasticity characteristics; selecting a desired pair of bands  25  based upon a particular exercise routine and a user&#39;s preference; attaching an end portion of a band  25  to a dumbbell  20  by aligning the slot portion  24  of the tensioning section  23   a  with the band aperture portion  30  of the handle  29 ; inserting the end portion of the band  25  through the slot  24  and into the band aperture  30 ; pulling upwardly upon the actuator button portion  43  of the locking mechanism  22  to disengage the posts  26  and post apertures  27 ; adjusting the length of the band  25  by rotating the handle  29 ; securing the handle  29  in position by releasing the actuator button  43  to engage the post  26  and post aperture  27  portions; repeating the above steps for the remaining ends of the bands  25  and remaining dumbbell  20 ; grasping and motioning the handle portions  29  of each dumbbell  20  to perform a desired exercise; and, benefiting from various combined weight and resistance exercises afforded a user  11  of the present invention  10 . 
     To enable the performance of additional workouts, the band portions  25  of the apparatus  10  may be replaced with additional accessory bands  25  comprising different degrees of elasticity so as to increase or decrease the resistance element of the workout. Furthermore, a user  11  may install additional accessory bands  25  having different lengths which enable attachment or looping of said bands  25  to a structure or a body part such as a foot, thereby enabling the performance of even more exercises. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.