Adjustable Apparatus for Addition of Weights to Dumbbells

Abstract

An adjustable apparatus for the addition of weight(s) to dumbbells. The adjustable apparatus works in a group of four apparati employing strategically arranged straps which loop around the additional weights and the weighted mass on the end of each of a pair of dumbbells. The straps of each apparati pass through a disc. The disc can serve to fasten additional weight to a dumbbell end and/or to retain smaller increments of weight within it.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to exercise equipment and, more specifically, to devices that allow addition of weight to dumbbells used in weight training exercises.

Resistance training can strengthen the body and aid in gain and maintenance of lean muscle and bone mass. Resistance for this type of training can be provided by various plate loaded and selectorized machines along with more traditional free weights. “Free weights” most commonly refers to devices such as dumbbells and barbells carrying weight plates which are used to add resistance to various exercises. While there are a variety of beneficial resistance training programs, free weights provide the most functional form of training, more closely mimicking tasks of daily living than machines.

Dumbbells provide an excellent means to balance the strength and functionality gained by each side of the body from training. During times of injury, some individuals find it more comfortable on their joints to train with dumbbells than with barbells, which are more restrictive in the motions they allow. For highly advanced bodybuilders, athletes, powerlifters, and strongmen, it is not uncommon for dumbbells as high as 200 lbs to be desired for shoulder shrugs, overhead strongman events, dumbbell rows, and other pressing exercises. Most commercial gyms provide dumbbells that go from 5-100 pounds in 5 pound increments. This amounts to 20 pairs of dumbbells and 2100 pounds of total weight. This volume of dumbbells also takes up a great deal of space. Some gyms provide dumbbells up to 150 pounds, but few provide dumbbells heavier than this. Among gyms that do provide dumbbells over 100 pounds, it is commonplace for dumbbells heavier than 100 pounds to progress in 10 pound increments rather than 5 pound increments as with the lighter dumbbells to save space.

The aforementioned description on the dumbbell provisions of most gyms creates several dilemmas for gym users. For new exercisers, it can often be difficult to progress to the next heaviest dumbbell in 5 pound increments. This means that for two-arm/dumbbell exercises the increase is 10 pounds and for one-arm/dumbbell exercises the increase is 5 pounds. Barbells provide increases of5 pounds via two 2.5 pound weight plates and in rare cases there are gyms with 1.25 pound plates allowing 2.5 pound increases. The inability to increase the resistance per dumbbell by amounts smaller than 5-10 pounds each can delay a new or advanced lifter from progressing consistently. Progressing consistently is the key to making gains from resistance training. In the case of the novice lifter the body is having a hard time becoming accustomed to the heavier weight. With the advanced lifter, the body is so highly trained that it is nearing a plateau. If smaller progressions can be made these plateaus can be avoided much longer and novice lifters can progress more easily. Beyond the need to have smaller progressions in dumbbell weights, advanced lifters often desire dumbbells heavier than their gym provides. When the advanced lifter maxes out the dumbbell provisions of their gym they are forced to resort to other exercises, often missing out on doing dumbbell exercises they enjoy and get good results from. For lifters who are privileged enough to have dumbbells as heavy as they desire at their home gym, traveling and using other gyms presents the dilemma of maintaining one's current training program with insufficient dumbbell weight. It would be desirable if there were products that allowed for infinite weight increments, larger dumbbells with less resources, and the ability to rarely or never have to worry about the dumbbell selection at another gym.

Currently there are products on the market that allow for more diverse dumbbell increments such as quick-release securing devices in adjustable dumbbells as well as various forms of magnetic incremental weights. These devices have limitations because they have a tendency to allow the weights to come off of the dumbbell which could lead to injury. In addition these devices can be unpredictable and dangerous when dropped. Dropping of dumbbells is necessary at times when using heavy weights for safety, particularly when spotters are not available. Adjustable dumbbells are rarely found in commercial gyms and it would be a considerable challenge for a member owning such dumbbells to bring these heavy items into the gym. Magnetic devices also do not work or work poorly on dumbbells and other gym equipment that are coated/covered in urethane/rubber as is common in many commercial gyms. Magnetic devices are only reliable to provide additional and incremental weight on steel/metal gym equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages by providing means for infinite weight increments and larger dumbbells using the existing weight plates found in commercial gyms all in designs that are easy to travel with. The application herein describes a device that works in a set of four to add additional weight to commercial dumbbells. One unit of the four identical or similar components of the device will hereafter be referred to as “the invention.” The invention is novel its ability to adhere its own weighted element or other weighted elements such as weight plates to a dumbbell while fitting a variety of dumbbell sizes and materials (ex. Steel/iron, urethane coated, rubber) and possessing the potential to add a significant amount of weight in a large variety of increments. The present invention can be relatively light allowing the inventions to travel with serious lifters desiring to maintain their present training regimen even when traveling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Side view of elastic employing version of the invention depicting disc/pouch anchoring protected strap like apparati in sheaths.

FIG. 2 Side view of elastic employing version of the invention installed on an existing dumbbell end and adding additional weight plates to a dumbbell between the disc/pouch and dumbbell end.

FIG. 3 Upside down side view of elastic employing version of the invention with detail of pouch for installation of incremental weights.

FIG. 4 Top view of elastic employing version of the invention showing details of elastic strap like apparati and associated protective sheaths before installation onto a dumbbell end.

FIG. 5 Underside view of elastic employing version of the invention showing details of elastic strap like apparati and associated protective sheaths passing through strategically placed openings in disc/pouch.

FIG. 6 Top view of fixed length cinch strap employing version of the invention showing details of a version employing fixed length hook and loop strap like apparati before installation onto a dumbbell end.

FIG. 7 Underside view of fixed length cinch strap employing version of the invention showing details of a version employing fixed length hook and loop strap like apparati passing through strategically placed openings in disc/pouch.

FIG. 8 Side view of elastic employing version of the invention depicting preparation for criss-crossing of two pairs of strap like apparati prior to installation on an existing dumbbell.

FIG. 9 Side view of fixed length cinch strap employing version of the invention installed on an existing dumbbell end and adding additional weight plates to dumbbell between the disc/pouch and dumbbell end.

FIG. 10 Top view of fixed length cinch strap employing version of the invention installed on an existing dumbbell end and adding additional weight plates to dumbbell between the disc/pouch and dumbbell end.

FIG. 11 Inside/handle view of fixed length cinch strap employing version of the invention installed on an existing dumbbell end and adding additional weight plates to dumbbell between the disc/pouch and dumbbell end via straps looping around dumbbell end.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the detailed description that follows, identical components have been given the same reference numerals. When a preferred range is given this means preferably at least the smallest number of the range and preferably not more than the larger number of the range.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 11, the present invention provides as semi-rigged circular disc or pouch like component 1 employed in the invention as a means of spacing strap like apparati 2 to allow proper attachment of said pouch/disc 1 to an existing dumbbell 3. As one skilled in the art would appreciate, said discs 1 could be made of but not limited to, heavy duty cloths and textiles, rubber, other elastomers, mesh, steel, or other metals, to fasten itself and/or additional weight to an existing dumbbell 3. The disc or pouch component 1 can be constructed from cutting appropriately sized shapes of the aforementioned materials via means including, but not limited to blades, rotary power tools, water jet cutting, or die-cutting. The invention can utilize a disc shaped pouch like design to store a wide variety of weighted implements 4 inside 5, allowing a virtually infinite variety of weight increments both with and without the use of existing weight implements, such as weight plates 6, found in gyms. As one skilled in the art would appreciate, weighted implements 4 that maybe provided with the invention for placement inside 5 the pouch or disc 1 or between the pouch/disc 1 and the existing dumbbell 3 can vary and could include, but are not limited to various metals, elastomers, rubber, or other dense materials in various shapes such as flat rectangles or ovals. Incremental weighted implements 4 for insertion into the pouch or placement between the pouch and dumbbell end are preferably between 0.25 pounds and 4.5 pounds so as to provide useful increments missed by the dumbbell provisions of most gyms and to allow for progression in weight at virtually any level of resistance training experience. Less preferably, weighted implements 4 could be <0.25 pounds and >4.5 pounds.

In circumstances where required, assembly of the disc or pouch component 1 can be accomplished via a variety of related means including, but not limited to adhesives, stitching, clamps, hook and loop, zippers, snaps, and buckles. Preferably the disc 1 is constructed in a circular shape so as to best mimic the shape of most dumbbell ends. As one skilled in the art would appreciate, discs 1 could also fit most dumbbells while being of less desirable shapes such as squares, hexagons, octagons, or ovals. The diameter if each circular disc 1 is preferably between 4 and 9 inches. Less preferably, the disc 1 diameter could be <4 inches or >9 inches. Preferably the disc or pouch 1 is reinforced around its edges 7 to better secure any incremental weights enclosed within. Incremental weighted implements 4 are secured inside the disc or pouch like component 1 preferably via a hook and loop combination inside the pouch at the top and bottom layers 8, sealing off an opening in the pouch 1 where said implements 4 are inserted 5. Additionally it is preferred that a loop containing flap 9 be implemented to fold over the opening 5 in the pouch 1 and fasten to a hook containing portion 10 on the underside of the disc or pouch like component 1 to better secure the weighted implements 4 in the pouch 1. Less preferably, different nonpermanent fastening strategies could be used to close the opening 5 in the pouch 1 as one skilled in the art will appreciate—these different strategies include, but are not limited to zippers, snaps, clasps, clamps, tapes, and buckles. It is preferable in some cases, although not always required, for the top surface of the disc or pouch 1 to be covered with an additional textile or elastomer layer 11 so as to protect the strap like apparati 2 that are criss-crossed on top of and passing down through it. Preferably this layer 11 or an additional layer of covering on top provides increased durability as well as a potential surface to which logo/artwork, or straps/flaps 9 used to seal off the disc/pouch 1 could be attached. Preferably the opening 5 in which to slide in incremental weights 4 is between a layer which separates the sealing off of the strapped region and a top-most layer(s) 11. The total amount of textile-like layers utilized to create the disc/pouch 1 is preferably between 2 and 8. Less preferably <2 or >8 layers could be employed. The pouch/disc 1 can also employ an adapter or recessed portion 12 to accommodate various end cap/bolt designs used to secures plates within existing commercial dumbbells 3. This adapted or recessed portion 12 ensures a better fit, avoiding or limiting a situation wherein the invention is suspended off the outermost plate of a dumbbell end 3 by the end cap, and thus not in full contact with the end plate across its entire surface. The adapter 12 is preferably made of a metal, rubber or other heavy duty elastomer or material. As one skilled in the art would appreciate, less desirably the adapter piece could be made from another textile, neoprene, wood, foam, or similar material. As one skilled in the art would appreciate, weight plates with a very smooth surface can easily slide when stacked on top of one another. To address this issue, the invention can employ thin pieces of tacky non-skid material 13. Such pieces of material 13 can be placed between stacked weight plates to reduced slippage during use and for when the dumbbell 3, invention, and associated weight plates 6 are dropped for safety during resistance training These non-skid pieces can be constructed of the following, although not limited to, rubber, textile, specialty or coated webbing, or other elastomer. Non-skid adapter pieces can function in a variety of shapes and sizes.

The invention employs said previously mentioned strap like apparati 2 passing through preferably 2-12 strategically placed holes or slits 14 within soft or semi rigid to rigid circular or similarly shaped discs 1. The invention can utilize a variety of strap-like apparati 2 to carry out its function, including, but not limited to cinch straps 15, hook and loop straps, possibly employing cinch rings 16, preferably of metal, or elastic 17 or bungee cords. The preferred strap apparati 2 for adding or “capping” large amounts of weights to a dumbbell end 3 under the disc/pouch 1 are heavy duty hook and loop cinch straps 15 with minimal stretch. Preferably the straps 2 are adjustable to allow use with a wide variety of dumbbell sizes and to allow various amount of weight and models of weight plates 6 and weighted implements 4 to be added to each dumbbell end 3. Capping additional weight results in weight plates 6 or other weighted implements 4 bound between the disc/pouch 1 and the dumbbell end 3. The binding is achieved by the strap like apparati 2. In another alternative embodiment, the preferred strap apparati 2 for adding smaller amounts of weight plates 6 and incremental weights 4 within 5 the pouch 1 are elastic 17 to allow proper fit on a variety of dumbbell sizes 3 and very fast installation. Preferably the elastic 17 can achieve a wide variety of lengths by being of the high quality braided variety, most preferably incorporating other materials such as nylon or cordura. Less desirably, due to more limited length change capacity, woven and knitted elastics can be used. Hole 14 arrangements in the disc/pouch typically, but may not always, allow for each strap like apparati to pass through two holes, forming a loop 18, so as to provide an “enveloped” or “enclosed” effect to each modified dumbbell end 3. Such loops 18 maybe enclosed by a variety of means, including, but not limited to, stitching, hook and loop, buckles 19, clasps, and snaps. Each strap like apparatus 2 will be adhered to each disc 1 via means that include, but are not limited to small openings that allow minimal slippage, knots, clamps, adhesives, and/or stitching. Loops 18 may come apart to ease installation and/or future modifications of loop 18 length.

In the elastic 17 encompassing version of the invention, tubular or double layered webbing or textile designed to protect the elastic by forming a tube/sheath 20 to shield from abrasion and impact is employed. Additionally, a wider section of tubular or double layered webbing or textile 21 designed to further protect the outer half of the loop 18 of the elastic 17 sliding inside from abrasion and impact when stretched beyond resting length is preferred. The design of this wider double layered/tubular section 21 is such that preferably when the elastic 17 returns to resting length the wide double layered/tubular section 21 slides back over the thinner double layered/tubular ends 20 protruding from the bottom of the disc/pouch 1. Such sliding over allows the elastic 17 to return to resting length without (or with little difficulty) getting bunched within the protective webbings/textiles 20,21. Returning the elastic loops 17,18 made of, but not limited to, heavy duty cloths and textiles, rubber, other elastomers, steel, or other metals to their resting length makes the inventions more compact for transport between uses, preserves elasticity, and allows for a better fit of universal sized inventions on smaller dumbbells where the elastics 17,18 are not stretched beyond resting length.

For any of the fixed length straps 15 or elastics 18 employed in the invention, there are places where a thin high friction material 13 including, but not limited to rubber, textile, speciality or coated webbing, or other elastomer is used on the inside surfaces that come into contact with the dumbbell end 3. This provides anti-skid properties to the sections to which it is employed so that when wrapping around the dumbbell end 3, slippage on the sides and underside of the dumbbell end is minimized when contact is made between components of the invention and the dumbbell end 3. Use of an anti-skid material as mentioned also minimizes displacement of the inventions when being used on dumbbells 3 that must be dropped to the floor after a resistance training exercise set. Alternatively, or in addition to an added non-skid material 13, another desirable design employs coated webbing or textile products which have their own anti-skid properties built in.

The preferred width for the strap like apparati 2 used in the invention is 0.5 to 4 inches. Less preferably, strap apparati 2<0.5 inches and >4 inches could be employed. Strap 2 length is preferably from 1 to 7 feet in length, to suit the dumbbells 3 it is used with. Less preferably <1 foot or >7 foot long straps 2 could be used. As one skilled in the art would appreciate, either the fixed length 15 or elastic straps 17 could employ components that allow for further adjustment of their length such as 1) various clamps or bands which can anchor a crimped section of the straps; 2) single and double adjust buckles 19 which allow for slippage/tightening and then anchoring; 3) and other similar designs including, but not limited to hook and loop. As one skilled in the art would appreciate, the strategic hole design 7 for straps 2 to pass through the disc/pouch 1 may include, but is not limited to hexagonal, octagonal, circular, linear, or square arrangements so as to allow an adequate number of straps (preferably one to eight) 2 to fasten the disc/pouch 1 and any additional weights 6 to the dumbbell 3 securely. Various strap arrangements also provide advantages for providing a good fit on different commercial dumbbell 3 designs. FIG. 6 provides a top view of an unexhausted depiction of various hole 7 patterns of a semi-rigged circular or similar shaped disc/pouch like component 1 employed in the invention as a means of spacing strap like apparati 2 to allow proper attachment of said pouch/disc 1 to an existing dumbbell 3. Note the addition of weight plates 6/implements 4 between the pouch/disc and the end of the dumbbell 3 or the stand alone functionality of the pouch/disc 1 to provide a small increase in weight via its own weight/and or small weighted implements 4 inserted 5 securely into the pouch 1 making a wide variety of weight progressions possible.

Additionally, for a more secure fit when large amounts of weight plate(s) 6 are being added to a dumbbell end 3 it is commonplace to use an additional cinch strap oriented perpendicular to the other straps around the dumbbell end in a toroidal manner 22. This additional strap 22 limits side to side movement of the weighted mass 6 that was added to the dumbbell end 3 by the invention. In addition to all of the aforementioned methods to fasten additional weighted implements to an existing dumbbell, modifications of the existing design or similar but distinct variations can be employed such that a sock like apparatus made of heavy duty textiles which shortens in length and width around added weights, elastic materials, or related material that envelops or encases the dumbbell's end and added weight implements. In all components various techniques such as box stitching, zig zag stitching, reinforcement, multiple layers, or other strategic assembly methods may be used to enhance durability of the invention.

Using the invention in groups of four to add additional weight to existing dumbbells (4 dumbbells ends) 3 is similar when employing the heavy duty cinch strap (or related fixed length) version 15 or when employing the elastic 17 version. Some differences in installation are present, however, and will now be further examined. In both embodiments, the ideal scenario for installation involves standing each dumbbell 3 on end, installing one invention, then standing each dumbbell 3 on the end that is now employing the invention so that an invention can be installed on the remaining end. In the former embodiment, the disc 1 with strap like apparati 2 protruding through it is placed on top of the dumbbell end 3 with additional weight plates 6 to be attached to it stacked on top of the dumbbell end 3. The first strap 2 is pulled through its cinching ring and pulled tight (or otherwise tightened in similar fixed length versions), while simultaneously centering the disc/pouch 1 with the other hand and/or stepwise tightening. This step is repeated for the remaining straps 2 until the desired number has been tightened/cinched around the dumbbell end 3 and added weights 6. Preferably care is taken so that not all straps are wrapped around the same side of the dumbbell handle, but rather are staggered on different sides of the dumbbell handle 23. To eliminate or minimize interference with the hand when in use, and most importantly to ensure a secure fit, the straps of the invention should pass as close to the dumbbell handle as possible 23 when being tightened and fitted. Alternatively, other installation processes can be used, however, the aforementioned process generally leads to the most consistency in obtaining a secure and balanced fit. In most cases, due to the amount of weight added, it is advised that for a more secure fit an additional cinch strap oriented perpendicular to the other strap apparati around the dumbbell end is cinched around the dumbbell end in a toroidal manner 22.

In the latter, elastic incorporating embodiment 17, although various fasteners 19 used to form loops with the elastics may allow for opening of the loops 18 for alternative installation processes, the installation process generally most efficient will now be described. The user begins holding the disc/pouch 1 with four loops 18 dangling below over an end of a dumbbell 3 stood on end. As previously mentioned it is possible for a small amount of weight 6 to be stacked on top of the dumbbell end 3 between the disc/pouch 1 and the dumbbell end 3. Only small amounts of weight 6 (ideally not >7.5 pounds) may be added between the disc/pouch 1 and dumbbell end 3. This is due to the elastic nature of the invention which provides a less tight and secure “capping” effect, however in this sacrifice, gains the advantage of faster installation than the cinch strap containing embodiment 15. Again, the elastic embodiment 17 is designed primarily for making small incremental increases in dumbbell weight, not large increases in total dumbbell weight. Once held over the dumbbell end 3, preferably two parallel loops are criss-crossed such that one loops inside of the other 24. This crossed pair of loops 24 is then stretched down over the dumbbell end 3 and/or any added weight plates 6. This is the preferred first step of the installation. Alternatively, different combinations of strap stretching and crossing may be employed depending upon the number of loops 19 are contained in each invention. While use of two loops 24 may provide suitable security for lighter use, it is recommended that additional loops 25 be wrapped around the dumbbell end 3 and/or any added weight plates 6. In a preferred arrangement would involve two other loops 25 oriented parallel to each other, but perpendicular to the loops 24 currently wrapped around the dumbbell end 3 and/or any added weight plates 6 would then be installed. When looking down upon the loops 25 about to be installed, preferably the right of the two loops 26 is pulled to the left, up and over the disc/pouch 1, and down around the dumbbell end 3. The left of the two loops 27 is pulled to the right, up and over the disc/pouch 1, and down around the dumbbell end 3. As with the crossing mentioned earlier, this opposite side wrapping tends to create a more reliable and secure fit of the invention. To eliminate or minimize interference with the hand when in use and most importantly to ensure a secure fit, the loops of the invention should pass as close to the dumbbell handle as possible when being fitted. Safety is always a foremost consideration when resistance training. As such, for a more secure fit an additional cinch or tightenable strap oriented perpendicular to the other loops around the dumbbell end can cinched around the dumbbell end in a toroidal manner 22.

The invention described herein fits most preferably dumbbells between 5 and 150 pounds. The adjustability of the invention is a designed property ensured by the adjustable straps 15 and or elastic loops 17 that can stretch to various lengths. The invention may also have utility in fitting larger such as up to 200 pounds or more and smaller dumbbells depending upon the additional weights added via its use. The invention is designed for universality, but alternative embodiments might employ several sizes of each of the versions presented so as to have several sizes that provide the most specific fit for smaller dumbbell size ranges whether they be heavier or lighter dumbbells. The invention described herein is designed to be highly adaptable for use with a variety of dumbbell sizes and brands. In the cinch strap employing embodiment 15, the invention has been tested to provide excellent to acceptable performance when adding 0-30 pounds to each dumbbell end 3 (0-60 pounds total) although it has been tested to provide satisfactory performance adding up to 50 pounds to each dumbbell end. In the elastic employing embodiment 17, the invention has been tested to provide excellent to acceptable performance when adding 0-7.5 pounds to each dumbbell end 3 (0-15 pounds total), although once again, additional weight can likely be used with satisfactory performance.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limited correspondingly in scope, but includes all changes and modifications coming within the spirit and terms of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. Adjustable Apparatuses for Addition of Weights to Dumbbells containing a semi-rigged disc or pouch like component designed to provide an anchoring spot for strap like apparati, weight in itself, and/or a pouch for insertion of smaller incremental weights for use with dumbbells.

2. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the semi-rigged disc or pouch like component is preferably, but not limited to circular (4-9″ diameter), oval, rectangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, or of related shape and constructed of heavy duty cloths and textiles, rubber, other elastomers, mesh, steel, or other metals.

3. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the semi-rigged disc or pouch like component contains an opening/pouch sealed off by some form of fastener and/or protective flap and thus making the pouch able to house weighted implements preferably, but not limited to between 0.1 and 10 pounds.

4. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the semi-rigged disc or pouch like component is composed of preferably, but not limited to 2-8 layers and anchors 2-12 strap like apparati.

5. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pouch/disc employs an adapter or recessed portion to accommodate various end caps/bolts found in commercial and homemade dumbbells and used to hold weight plates on each dumbbell end and ensure a better fit for the inventions.

6. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the strap like apparati (preferably, but not limited to 0.5-5 in in width, 1-7 ft in length) are made preferably from, but not limited to various textiles or elastics and form multiple loops closed via various fasteners such as hook and loop, stitching, buckles, clasps, and/or snaps and made adjustable via their elasticity or cinching rings for adjustable tightening.

7. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the strap like apparati may be protected via tubular or tube oriented webbing or other textiles or elastomers that slide over them.

8. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the strap like apparati employ an anti-skid material to allow for a easier installation of the inventions and more stable fitting during use and any dropping of dumbbells employing said inventions.

9. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the strap like apparati are anchored in a strategic paired slot design preferably in forms that are, but not limited to, square, circular, hexagonal, or octagonal in arrangement.

10. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disc/pouch anchors its own associated weight, added incremental weights attached to it, and/or additional weighted implements such as weight plates between itself and a dumbbell end.

11. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 6, wherein additional strap like apparati are employed perpendicular to the other straps and tightened in a toroidal manner so as to provide a more secure fit.

12. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the invention as a whole can be designed as a one size fits all products so as to preferably fit most any dumbbell between 5 and 200 pounds (although not limited to this range) or in multiple sizes to allow more specific fits of different versions of the invention on smaller ranges of dumbbell sizes.

13. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the various versions of the invention can lead to any desired small progression in dumbbell weight or the addition of significant amounts of weight to a dumbbell, such as up to, but not limited to, 100 pounds.

14. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the strap like apparati are non-elastic and are installed by placing the disc with straps protruding through it is placed on top of the dumbbell end with any additional weights to be attached to it stack on top. With straps tightened by pulling them through their respective cinching rings and pulled tight in a strategic arrangement and often employing the addition of an additional cinch strap oriented perpendicular to the other strap apparati around the dumbbell end is cinched around the dumbbell end in a toroidal manner.

15. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the strap like apparati are elastic and are installed by holding the disc/pouch with four loops dangling below over an end of a dumbbell stood on end and criss crossing parallel loops such that one loops inside of the other and the crossed pair of loops is then stretched down over the dumbbell end and/or any added weight plates/implements with step repeated for any additional pairs of loops and often employing the addition of an additional cinch strap oriented perpendicular to the other strap apparati around the dumbbell end is cinched around the dumbbell end in a toroidal manner.

16. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 1, wherein any of the components are streamlined, made to stow inside of each other or in close formation with one another for transport and between use.

17. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 1, wherein any form of textile, strap, elastomer, or other adjustable device is used to “cap” additional weight to a dumbbell end via capping free weighted implements or containing them within inherently or via addition.

18. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 1, wherein any form of thin non-skid material is provided along with the apparatus to lie between each added weight plate to minimize movement of added weight during use.

19. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 1, wherein metal or other similar rigid material and/or a hemming process is employed on the ends of webbing or tubular webbing section to better allow sliding of one tubular piece within another.

20. The dumbbell apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus compliments components of existing dumbbells designed to “receive” a capping-like component such as the apparatus. That is, that dumbbell manufacturers would create dumbbells with embedded cinching rings or anchors to which the aforementioned apparatus of some similar embodiment could be fastened. Such collaborative designs are claimed by this patent's assignee/inventor.