Adaptive handle for dual grip dumbbell
An adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use includes: a) a first adaptive handle member having a top frame component and a bottom frame component and having a central half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component and having left half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component, and having a right half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component; b) a second adaptive handle member having a top frame component and a bottom frame component and having a central half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component and having left half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component, and having a right half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component; and, c) locking mechanism on at least one of the first adaptive handle member and the second adaptive handle member.
a. Field of Invention
The invention relates generally to a device that will enable the user of a conventional dumbbell to convert it for use with both hands (dual grip), as well as for foot use. This drastically increases the number of and types of exercises that may be performed with conventional dumbbells.
b. Description of Related Art
The following patents are representative of barbell exercise device adaptations:
U.S. Pat. No. Des. D474,819 S to John A. Panicali describes an adaptive handle for a hexagon dumbbell to go from single hand grip to dual grip design.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,017 to Jaeger describes a weight lifting apparatus that provides a dumbbell having a pair of outer weights connected by a central bar extending therebetween, and an auxiliary add-on weight member having a central handle extending between outer legs removably attached to the bar and extending transversely to the bar adjacent the inside facing surfaces of the outer weights. The outer legs are releasably attached to the central bar by clips providing easy attachment with a push-on motion in a direction transverse to the bar, and easy release with a pull-off motion in a direction transverse to the bar.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,318 to Tracy describes a weight for a barbell that comprises a pair of hinged halves which are moveable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the two halves form an opening for receiving the bar. In the opened position, the two halves permit the weight to be either removed or mounted on the bar without sliding the weight off the end of the bar.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,119 to Arnold describes a pair of exercise devices for respectively performing the “curl” and “fly” exercise. Each device utilizes a clamping assembly for receiving a range of user selectable free weights therein. Each clamping assembly is associated with a support assembly for the lower arm of the user. Upon the user grouping a handle the “curl” and “fly” exercises are performed with the clamped weight of the respective devices offering resistance thereto.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,345 to Frey describes an exercise apparatus for an arm of a user which includes a support having a first part for supporting and extending along a portion of the lower arm of the user and a second part having an outwardly curved portion for supporting the wrist of the user in an extended position to increase the work load on the upper arm or biceps during exercise.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,607 to Carpenter describes an exercise device that is shown formed from a weight having a C-shaped cross-section with an inner diameter large enough to fit over and at least partially about the bar of a dumbbell. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of weights are joined by a hinge to permit them to open about the bar and to then close upon it.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,484 to Carpenter describes an auxiliary handle for a dumbbell includes a pair of weighted hook members each joined to a handle by a threaded stud. The hook members are adapted to engage the handle of a dumbbell. The studs are oppositely threaded so that rotation of the handle in one direction moves the hook members away from each other and into engagement with the dumbbell weights, thus securing the auxiliary handle to the dumbbell. The auxiliary handle may be used by a spotter to assist in handling the dumbbell.
Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONThe present invention is an adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use. It includes: a) a first adaptive handle member having a top frame component and a bottom frame component and having a central half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component and having left half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component, and having a right half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component; b) a second adaptive handle member having a top frame component and a bottom frame component and having a central half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component and having left half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component, and having a right half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component; and, c) locking means on at least one of the first adaptive handle member and the second adaptive handle member, adapted to lock the first adaptive handle member and the second adaptive handle member together in alignment with one another.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the locking means has a first locking component located on the first adaptive handle and a second locking component on the second adaptive handle that corresponds and interconnects with the first locking component.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the left half pipe and the right half pipe of the first adaptive handle member and the left half pipe and the right half pipe of the second adaptive handle member are ergonomic and include hand grips.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the left half pipe and the right half pipe of the first adaptive handle member and the left half pipe and the right half pipe of the second adaptive handle member are semi-circular half pipes.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the left half pipe and the right half pipe of the first adaptive handle member and the left half pipe and the right half pipe of the second adaptive handle member are semi-oval half pipes.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the left half pipe and the right half pipe of the first adaptive handle member and the left half pipe and the right half pipe of the second adaptive handle member are padded half pipes.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the locking means is a permanent locking mechanism. In other preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the locking means is an unlockable locking mechanism.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the first adaptive handle member and the second adaptive handle member are hingedly connected to one another.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, at least one of the left half pipe and the right half pipe includes a foot strap adjacent thereto.
In different preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use includes: a) a first adaptive handle member having a top frame component and a bottom frame component and having a central half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component and having left handle extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component, and having a right handle extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component; b) a second adaptive handle member having at least a central half pipe corresponding to and adapted for connection to the central half pipe of the first adaptive handle member; and, c) locking means on at least one of the first adaptive handle member and the second adaptive handle member, adapted to lock the first adaptive handle member and the second adaptive handle member together in alignment with one another.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use described in paragraph [00020] above, the locking means has a first locking component located on the first adaptive handle and a second locking component on the second adaptive handle that corresponds and interconnects with the first locking component.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use described in paragraph [00020] above, the left handle and the right handle of the first adaptive handle member are ergonomic and include hand grips.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use described in paragraph [00020] above, the central half pipe of the first adaptive handle member and the central half pipe of the second adaptive handle member are semi-circular half pipes.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use described in paragraph [00020] above, the central half pipe of the first adaptive handle member and the central half pipe of the second adaptive handle member are semi-oval half pipes.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use described in paragraph [00020] above, the left handle and the right handle of the first adaptive handle member are padded handles.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use described in paragraph [00020] above, the locking means is a permanent locking mechanism. In other preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use described in paragraph [00020] above, the locking means is an unlockable locking mechanism.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use described in paragraph [00020] above, the first adaptive handle member and the second adaptive handle member are hingedly connected to one another.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use described in paragraph [00020] above, at least one of the left handle and the right handle includes a foot strap adjacent thereto.
Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detail description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
In 2002, the inventor herein developed an adaptive handle for a hexagon dumbbell that enabled a user to go from the single hand grip of a hexagon dumbbell to a dual grip using the adaptive handle and then quickly removing the adaptive handle to return to single hand use. The quick fit, quick removal of the adaptive handle invention enabled a user to quickly go from single hand exercises to dual hand exercises and back again. Thus, the device set forth in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 474,819 S shows two identical pieces (FIG. 8) that are held together by hand by the user. This easy release, quick change feature was a critical aspect of that invention so that the dumbbell could be used with or without the invention.
It has now been discovered that an adaptive handle for most dumbbells, hexagon or otherwise, with a locking mechanism, could be used not only for hand held dumbbell exercises, but also for dumbbell exercises using the feet. By proper spacing of the hand grips and preferably with foot ergonomic features, the present invention device is both an adaptable handle for dual grip usage as well as for foot usage.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views,
The adaptive handle for dual grip dumbbells includes a first adaptive handle member 10, a second adaptive handle member 20, and locking means. The adaptive handle for dual grip dumbbells is illustrated with an hexagonal dumbbell 40 for lifting with the adaptive handle.
The first adaptive handle member 10 has a top frame component 3 and a bottom frame component 1. A central half pipe 7 extends from the top frame component 3 to the bottom frame component 1. A left half pipe 5 extends from the top frame component 3 to the bottom frame component 1. A right half pipe 9 extends from the top frame component 3 to the bottom frame component 1.
The left half pipe 5 and the right half pipe 9 are ergonomically positioned for comfortable dual grip exercises. The left half pipe 5 and the right half pipe 9 are semi-circular in shape. The half-pipes may also be semi-oval, half-square, half-hexagonal, half-rectangular, or semi-polygonal. Irregular shapes could also be employed.
The second adaptive handle member 20 has a top frame component 23 and a bottom frame component 21. A central half pipe 27 extends from the top frame component 23 to the bottom frame component 21. A left half pipe 25 extends from the top frame component 23 to the bottom frame component 21. A right half pipe 29 extends from the top frame component 23 to the bottom frame component 21.
The left half pipe 25 and the right half pipe 29 are ergonomically positioned for comfortable dual grip exercises. The left half pipe 25 and the right half pipe 29 are semi-circular in shape. The half-pipes may also be semi-oval, half-square, half-hexagonal, half-rectangular, or semi-polygonal. Irregular shapes could also be employed.
The locking means includes a male component 31, 33, 35 and 37 on the second adaptive handle member 20 and female component 11, 13, 15 and 17 on the second adaptive handle 10 member. The locking means is adapted to lock the first adaptive handle member and the second adaptive handle member together in alignment with one another. The male component 31, 33, 35 and 37 correspond and interconnect with the female component 11, 13, 15 and 17, respectively. The locking means may be located on at least one of the first adaptive handle member 10 and the second adaptive handle member 20. In this case, the locking mechanism is unlockable by disconnecting the male component 31, 33, 35 and 37 from the female component 11, 13, 15 and 17.
When the left half pipe 5 and the right half pipe 9 of the first adaptive handle member 10 are locked into place with the left half pipe 25 and the right half pipe 29 of the second adaptive handle member 20, respectively, a hand grip is formed.
In this embodiment, the adaptive handle is temporarily locked since the locking means can disconnect the two adaptive members.
Referring specifically to
The first adaptive handle member 10 includes a central half pipe 7, a left half pipe 5 and a right half pipe 9. The first adaptive handle member shows the bottom frame component 1.
The second adaptive handle member 20 has a bottom frame component 21. The second adaptive handle member 20 includes a central half pipe 27, a left half pipe 25 and a right half pipe 29.
The first adaptive handle member 303 has the central half pipe 315 corresponding and adapted for connection to the central half pipe 313 of the second adaptive handle member 301.
The second adaptive handle member 301 has a top frame component 307 and a bottom frame component 305. A central half pipe 313 extends from the top frame component 307 to the bottom frame component 305. A left handle 305 extends from the top frame component 307 to the bottom frame component 305. A right handle 311 extends from the top frame component 307 to the bottom frame component 305. The left handle 305 and the right handle 311 are circular in shape.
The left handle 305 and the right handle 311 are ergonomically positioned for comfortable dual grip exercises. Furthermore, the left handle 305 and the right handle 311 are sized and shaped to be hand grips.
The locking means includes recess female component 317, 319 on the first adaptive handle member 303 and locking protrusion male component on the second adaptive handle member 301. The male component may be conical pop-ins which mate with the recess female component 317, 319. The locking means is adapted to lock the first adaptive handle member 303 and the second adaptive handle member 301 together in alignment with one another. The male component correspond and interconnect with the female component 317, 319, respectively. In this case, the locking mechanism is locked in permanently with the conical pop-ins.
Moreover, the length in this embodiment of the adaptive handle member relative to the length of the pipes is much greater than in any of the arrangements in the other embodiments.
The adaptive handle for dual grip dumbbells 500 includes an upper adaptive handle member. The adaptive handle for dual grip dumbbells 500 is illustrated with an hexagonal dumbbell 530 for lifting with the adaptive handle.
The upper adaptive handle member has a top frame component 501 and a bottom frame component 503. A central pipe 507 extends from the top frame component 501 to the bottom frame component 501. A left pipe 509 extends from the top frame component 501 to the bottom frame component 501. A right pipe 511 extends from the top frame component 501 to the bottom frame component 503.
The left pipe 509 and the right pipe 511 are ergonomically positioned for comfortable dual grip exercises. The left pipe 509 and the right pipe 511 are circular in shape. Moreover the left pipe 509 and the right pipe 511 include padded areas 513, 515, respectively. The padded areas 513, 515 are composed on a porous material, a foam, or other such material.
Because, as shown, the two adaptive handles are together in place, a hand grip is formed.
In use, a user places ones foot under one of the two end pipes and places one's toes between the end pipe and the central pipe as illustrated by foot 520 in phantom. The user then raises the device with the lower leg.
Strap 611 with buckle 615 is attached to the adaptive handle for dual grip dumbbells 600 proximate to the left pipe 607. Strap 613 with buckle 617 is attached to the adaptive handle for dual grip dumbbells 600 proximate the right pipe 609. The straps 611, 613 are employed to strap around a limb of a user. When both straps are utilized by a user, two feet may be used for lifting the weights.
In this embodiment, the left pipe 707 and the right pipe 709 are oval in shape. Furthermore, the adaptive handle for dual grip dumbbells 700 is permanently locked.
The adaptive handle for dual grip dumbbells 800 includes a first adaptive handle member 802, a second adaptive handle member 804 and locking means 803, 807. The adaptive handle for dual grip dumbbells is illustrated with an hexagonal dumbbell 810 for lifting with the adaptive handle.
The first adaptive handle member 802 has a top frame component 805 and a bottom frame component 801. A central half pipe 813 extends from the top frame component 805 to the bottom frame component 801. A left half pipe 811 extends from the top frame component 805 to the bottom frame component 801. A right half pipe 815 extends from the top frame component 805 to the bottom frame component 801.
The left half pipe 811 and the right half pipe 815 are ergonomically positioned for comfortable dual grip exercises. The left half pipe 811 and the right half pipe 815 are semi-circular in shape. The half-pipes may also be semi-oval, half-square, half-hexagonal, half-rectangular, or semi-polygonal. Irregular shapes could also be employed. Furthermore, the left half pipe 811 and the right half pipe 815 may be padded.
The second adaptive handle member 804 has a top frame component 833 and a bottom frame component 831. A central half pipe 819 extends from the top frame component 833 to the bottom frame component 831. A left half pipe 817 extends from the top frame component 833 to the bottom frame component 831. A right half pipe 821 extends from the top frame component 833 to the bottom frame component 831.
The left half pipe 817 and the right half pipe 821 are ergonomically positioned for comfortable dual grip exercises. The left half pipe 817 and the right half pipe 821 are semi-circular in shape. The half-pipes may also be semi-oval, half-square, half-hexagonal, half-rectangular, or semi-polygonal. Irregular shapes could also be employed. Furthermore, the left half pipe 817 and the right half pipe 821 may be padded.
The locking means 803 and 807 is a hinge, which permanently connects the first adaptive handle member 802 to the second adaptive handle member 804 at the tops 805, 833 and at the bottoms 801, 831, respectively. The locking means is adapted to lock the first adaptive handle member and the second adaptive handle member together in alignment with one another. Furthermore, there is a securing means 823, 825, 827 and 829 at a side opposite the locking means 807, 805 for securing the side opposite the locking means. The securing means includes a male component 823, 825 protruding from the first adaptive handle member 820 and a female component 827, 829 recessing into the second adaptive handle member 800. The male component 823, 825 corresponds and interconnects with the female component 827, 829, respectively. In this case, the adaptive handle is permanently locked by the male component 823, 825 protrusions which are conical pop-ins.
When the left half pipe 811 and the right half pipe 815 of the first adaptive handle member 802 are locked into place with the left half pipe 817 and the right half pipe 821 of the second adaptive handle member 804, respectively, a hand grip is formed.
Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the term “half pipe” is used herein to describe the half pipe or tube segments in the drawings. However, it should be understood that exactly half of a tube is not necessary, i.e., a 180° section, and other sections not exactly one half cross section must be included. Just as in snowboarding wherein a half pipe is seldom exactly 180°, in the present invention, other half pipes, such as 40%, 48%, 55% or 62% of a tube cross section, or any other portion that is close to and functions as a half pipe, will be included. Importantly, if there are connected half pipes and one represents, for example, 43% of the cross section, then the other connecting half pipe must be 57% for them to interconnect. Also, while the half pipes are shown to be circular or oval, other shapes could be used without exceeding the present invention scope, such as square, hexagonal, rectangular, other polygonal, or irregular shapes could be employed.
Claims
1. An adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, which comprises:
- a) a first adaptive handle member having a top frame component and a bottom frame component and having a central half pipe extending from said top frame component to said bottom frame component and having left half pipe extending from said top frame component to said bottom frame component, and having a right half pipe extending from said top frame component to said bottom frame component;
- b) a second adaptive handle member having a top frame component and a bottom frame component and having a central half pipe extending from said top frame component to said bottom frame component and having left half pipe extending from said top frame component to said bottom frame component, and having a right half pipe extending from said top frame component to said bottom frame component; and,
- c) locking means on at least one of said first adaptive handle member and said second adaptive handle member, adapted to lock said first adaptive handle member and said second adaptive handle member together in alignment with one another.
2. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 1 wherein said locking means has a first locking component located on said first adaptive handle and a second locking component on said second adaptive handle that corresponds and interconnects with said first locking component.
3. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 1 wherein said left half pipe and said right half pipe of said first adaptive handle member and said left half pipe and said right half pipe of said second adaptive handle member are ergonomic and include hand grips.
4. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 1 wherein said left half pipe and said right half pipe of said first adaptive handle member and said left half pipe and said right half pipe of said second adaptive handle member are semi-circular half pipes.
5. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 1 wherein said left half pipe and said right half pipe of said first adaptive handle member and said left half pipe and said right half pipe of said second adaptive handle member are semi-oval half pipes.
6. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 1 wherein said left half pipe and said right half pipe of said first adaptive handle member and said left half pipe and said right half pipe of said second adaptive handle member are padded half pipes.
7. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 1 wherein said locking means is a permanent locking mechanism.
8. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 1 wherein said locking means is an unlockable locking mechanism.
9. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 1 wherein said first adaptive handle member and said second adaptive handle member are hingedly connected to one another.
10. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 1 wherein at least one of said left half pipe and said right half pipe includes a foot strap adjacent thereto.
11. An adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use which comprises:
- a) a first adaptive handle member having a top frame component and a bottom frame component and having a central half pipe extending from said top frame component to said bottom frame component and having left handle extending from said top frame component to said bottom frame component, and having a right handle extending from said top frame component to said bottom frame component;
- b) a second adaptive handle member having at least a central half pipe corresponding to and adapted for connection to said central half pipe of said first adaptive handle member; and,
- c) locking means on at least one of said first adaptive handle member and said second adaptive handle member, adapted to lock said first adaptive handle member and said second adaptive handle member together in alignment with one another.
12. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 11 wherein said locking means has a first locking component located on said first adaptive handle and a second locking component on said second adaptive handle that corresponds and interconnects with said first locking component.
13. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 11 wherein said left handle and said right handle of said first adaptive handle member are ergonomic and include hand grips.
14. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 11 wherein said central half pipe of said first adaptive handle member and said central half pipe of said second adaptive handle member are semi-circular half pipes.
15. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 11 wherein said central half pipe of said first adaptive handle member and said central half pipe of said second adaptive handle member are semi-oval half pipes.
16. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 11 wherein said left handle and said right handle of said first adaptive handle member are padded handles.
17. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 11 wherein said locking means is a permanent locking mechanism.
18. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 11 wherein said locking means is an unlockable locking mechanism.
19. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 11 wherein said first adaptive handle member and said second adaptive handle member are hingedly connected to one another.
20. The adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use of claim 11 wherein at least one of said left handle and said right handle includes a foot strap adjacent thereto.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 10, 2008
Publication Date: Oct 15, 2009
Inventor: John A. Panicali (Colts Neck, NJ)
Application Number: 12/082,319
International Classification: A63B 21/072 (20060101);
