WO2013101247A1 - Multi-grip dumbbell - Google Patents

The current application is directed to a multi-grip dumbbell. One example multi-grip dumbbell includes a central dumbbell handle, a first weighted head interconnected to the central dumbbell handle in proximity to a first end of the central dumbbell handle, and a second weighted head interconnected to the central dumbbell handle in proximity to a second end of the central dumbbell handle. The first weighted head has approximately the same weight as the second weighted head. The first weighted head includes a first end dumbbell handle and two side dumbbell handles. Similarly, the second weighted head includes a second end dumbbell handle and two side dumbbell handles.

MULTI-GRIP DUMBBELL

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part to Application No. 1 1/827,419, filed July 1 1 , 2007.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application is directed to the field of exercise equipment, and, in particular, to a multi-grip dumbbell.

BACKGROUND

Athletes, exercisers, and physical-therapy patients ("users") often use exercise equipment to increase muscle mass, increase cardiovascular fitness, and/or aid with muscle rehabilitation. Many users prefer to use free weights, including dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells, rather than complex weight-lifting machines. A large variety of exercises may be performed using free weights, and free weights are generally less expensive and need less storage and usage space than other types of exercise equipment. Additionally, free-weight exercises allow a user to move weights without restrictive poles, weight-and-pulley systems, and other types of guidance systems commonly used by complex mechanical exercise equipment. Accordingly, in addition to promoting power, strength, and athletic performance, free-weight use may also promote balance and posture by developing stabilizing muscles.

Three commonly-used types of free weights include dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells. Dumbbells are typically one-handed free weights. Accordingly, exercises performed with dumbbells are generally performed by either gripping a single dumbbell with one hand, or gripping a pair of dumbbells with two hands. Dumbbells may be adjustable or fixed-weight. Figure 1A shows two example adjustable dumbbells. In Figure 1 A, two adjustable dumbbells 100 and 101 are shown. The adjustable dumbbell 100 includes a central handle 102 for gripping the adjustable dumbbell 100, a first removably-attached grouping of variably-sized weight plates 104 in proximity to a first end of the central handle 102, and a second removably-attached grouping of 11 068282

variably-sized weight plates 106 in proximity to a second end of the central handle 102. Typically, the first removably-attached grouping of variably-sized weight plates 104 and the second removably-attached grouping of variably-sized weight plates 106 are of approximately equal weight and the length of a gripping surface on the central handle 1 02 is typically not much longer than the width of a user's hand. Figure I B shows an example fixed-weight dumbbell. A fixed-weight dumbbell 108 includes a relatively short central handle, or core 1 10, for gripping the fixed-weight dumbbell 108 and permanently- attached weight knobs 1 12 and 1 14 at the opposite ends of the core 1 10.

A user may focus exercises, using either an adjustable or a fixed-weight dumbbell ("dumbbell'^"), on specific areas of the user's body. Figure 2 shows a series of example exercises performed using one or more dumbbells. Examples of different exercises that may be performed using a dumbbell include: (1 ) a flat bench dumbbell press 202; (2) a flat bench dumbbell fly 203; (3) an incline dumbbell press 204; (4) a single arm dumbbell row 205; (5) a shrug 216; (6) a seated dumbbell press 207; (7) a side lateral raise 208; (8) a seated alternate dumbbell bicep curl 209; and (9) a bicep concentration curl 210. In each of the exercises 202-210, each dumbbell is gripped by a central handle, which is maintained approximately in a horizontal orientation.

A user's grip around a central handle with a gripping surface not much longer than the width of a user's hand limits the number of available hand-gripping positions. Exercises performed using dumbbells are typically performed either using relatively low-weight dumbbells and/or maintaining dumbbells in a position such that a central handle is approximately in a horizontal orientation so as to maintain a user's wrist in a relatively straight orientation to reduce potential strain and injury. Figure 3 shows a series of exercises performed using dumbbells involving potentially unsafe wrist twisting. Figure 3 shows a user 302 performing a tricep dumbbell press 304 and a tricep kickout 306. When performing the tricep dumbbell press 304 or the tricep kickout 306, the user 302 may twist his or her wrist. Twisting of a wrist may lead to strain and injury. In addition, because a user typically grips a dumbbell around a relatively short central handle, group exercises, which involve passing a dumbbell between two or more users, and single-user exercises in which a user grips a dumbbell with two hands, may be difficult to perform. Furthermore, due to a limited number of available hand positions, exercises utilizing movements which employ several different hand positions, such as dynamic exercises, may be difficult to perform using a dumbbell.

Barbells are typically two-handed free weights. Exercises performed with barbells are generally performed by a user gripping a single barbell with two hands. Figure 4 shows an example barbell. A barbell 400 includes a central handle 402 for gripping the barbell 400 with two variably-spaced hands, a first group of variably-sized weight plates 404 in proximity to a first end of the central handle 402, and a second group of variably-sized weight plates in proximity to a second end of the central handle 402. As with dumbbells, the first group of variably-sized weight plates 404 and the second group of variably-sized weight plates 406 are typically of approximately equal weight.

Figure 5 shows a series of example exercises performed using barbells. Some exercises that may be performed using a barbell include: (1 ) a bench press 502; and (2) a barbell squat 504. Barbells are often heavier than dumbbells and, due to the relatively-long length of the central handle of a barbell, may be less stable and may create more torque while lifting. Consequently, barbell users often utilize a spotter to help avoid injury in the event that the barbell user is unable to maintain control of the barbell. The relatively-long length of a central handle for a barbell allows for more hand positions than a dumbbell. Therefore, dynamic exercises may be performed with barbells. However, the relatively-long length of a central handle for a barbell may make it difficult for a user to perform exercises involving horizontal twisting of the central handle, or exercises where the central handle of the barbell is positioned in an approximately perpendicular orientation. Additionally, the relatively-long length of a central handle may necessitate the use of a large amount of space for performing exercises.

Kettlebel Is are typically one-handed free weights. Kettlebel 1 exercises are generally performed by either gripping a single kettlebel! with one hand, or gripping a pair of kettlebells with two hands. Figure 6 shows an example keltlebell. A kettlebell 600 includes a ball with a flat bottom 602 attached to a curved handle 604 for gripping. The shape of a kettlebell creates a center of gravity low on a user's arm, enabling the user to safely perform exercises involving the twisting of the user's wrist, such as the wrist- twisting exercises shown in Figure 3. Consequently, exercises performed with kettlebells may be dynamic, powerful, and explosive. Figure 7 shows a series of example exercises performed using one or more kettlebells. Some example exercises that may be performed using one or more kettlebells include: (1) a kettlebell clean 702; (2) a single arm kettlebell row 704; (3) an alternating floor press 706; (4) a single arm kettlebell jerk 708; (5) a kettlebell swing 710; and (6) a kettlebell windmill 712. The ability to perform body motions that include wrist twisting allows a user to rapidly transition between a plurality of exercises, resulting in increased cardiovascular fitness and greater overall strength.

However, the configuration of a kettlebell often makes it difficult for a user to grip one kettlebell with two hands, limiting the gripping options available to the- user. In addition, the orientation of a user's grip on a curved handle makes it potentially unsafe for a user to transfer a kettlebell to another user while performing group exercises. Kettlebells are easily misused by users in ways that can lead to injury both to users and others in the proximity of a user and, even when properly used, can result in wrist soreness and abrasion to forearms. Kettlebells are also not readily available in a wide range of weights.

Additional excerise devices include medicine balls and weighted balls. These devices provide for a different range of excercises than the above-mentioned free weights.

Athletic trainers, coaches, physical therapists, and users continue to seek compact free weights that allow a user to safely perform a large number of different exercises, including one-handed exercises, two-handed exercises, dynamic exercises involving wrist-twisting, and exercises involving the passing of exercise equipment between two or more users.

SUMi ARY

The current application is directed to a multi-grip dumbbell. One example multi-grip dumbbell includes a central dumbbell handle, a first weighted head interconnected to the central dumbbell handle in proximity to a first end of the central dumbbell handle, and a second weighted head interconnected to the central dumbbell T U 2011/068282

5 handle in proximity to a second end of the central dumbbell handle. The first weighted head has approximately the same weight as the second weighted head. The first weighted head includes a first end dumbbell handle and two side dumbbell handles. Similarly, the second weighted head includes a second end dumbbell handle and two side dumbbell handles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures I A shows two example adjustable dumbbells.

Figure 1 B shows an example fixed-weight dumbbell.

Figure 2 shows a series of example exercises performed using dumbbells.

Figure 3 shows a series of exercises performed using dumbbells involving potentially unsafe wrist-twisting.

Figure 4 shows an example barbell.

Figure 5 shows a series of example exercises performed using barbells.

Figure 6 shows an example kettlebell.

Figure 7 shows a series of example exercises performed using kettlebells. Figure 8A shows a perspective view of a multi-grip dumbbell to which the current application is directed.

Figure 8B shows a side view of the multi-grip dumbbell shown in Figure 8A.

Figure 8C shows an end view of the multi-grip dumbbell shown in Figure

8A.

Figure 9 shows two different orientations of end dumbbell handles on the multi-grip dumbbell shown in Figure 8A.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of three multi-grip dumbbells with differently-sized weighted-head pairs.

Figures 1 1 A-1 1 C show a series of three one-handed gripping techniques using multi-grip dumbbells.

Figures 12A- 12C show a series of three different two-handed grips that a user may employ to perform a French curl using a multi-grip dumbbell. Figures 13A- 13C show a series of three alternate two-handed gripping positions that may be used while performing an exercise using a multi-grip dumbbell.

Figure 14 shows a user utilizing an asymmetric two-handed grip on a multi-grip dumbbell.

Figure 1 5 shows a first user passing to a second user a multi-grip dumbbell.

Figures 16A- 16C show a user performing a two-handed dynamic exercise using a multi-grip dumbbell.

Figure 17 shows yet another example of a multi-grip dumbbell to which the current application is directed.

Figure 1 8 provides an alternative view of the multi-grip dumbbell shown in Figure 1 7.

Figure 19 shows the multi-grip dumbbell of Figures 17- 1 8 following removal of the polymeric or tape-like end-handle cover and a bolt-hole cap from the end handle.

Figure 20 shows the multi-grip dumbbell as shown in Figure 19 with bolt

1 02 removed.

Figure 21 provides an exploded diagram of a weighted head of the multi- grip dumbbell shown in Figures 1 7-20.

Figure 22 shows another exploded view of the multi-grip dumbbell.

Figure 23 shows the central handle of the multi-grip dumbbell illustrated in Figures 17-22.

Figures 24A-B show additional examples of the multi-grip dumbbell to which the current application is directed.

Figures 25-26 illustrate a selectably rotatably mounted central-handle assembly for the version of the multi-grip dumbbell that allows the central handle to be selectably configured to rotate with respect to the weighted heads and inner-central- handle member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The current application is directed to a multi-grip dumbbell. The multi- grip dumbbell includes a central dumbbell handle and a weighted head in proximity to each of two ends of the central dumbbell handle. Each weighted head includes an end dumbbell handle and two side dumbbell handles. A user may grip one or more of a number of different dumbbell handles on one or more of the multi-grip dumbbells with either one or two hands. Once the user has a firm grip on one or more multi-grip dumbbells, the user may perform a variety of different exercises with the one or more multi-grip dumbbells, including one-handed exercises, two-handed exercises, dynamic exercises, passing exercises, and other types of exercises.

Figure 8A shows a perspective view of a multi-grip dumbbell that is an example of the multi-grip dumbbells to which the current application is directed. A multi-grip dumbbell 800 includes a central dumbbell handle 802, a first weighted head 804 in proximity to a first end of the central dumbbell handle 802, and a second weighted head 806 in proximity to a second end of the central dumbbell handle 802. The first weighted head 804 includes an end dumbbell handle 808 and two side dumbbell handles 810 and 812. Similarly, the second weighted head 806 includes an end dumbbell handle 814 and two side dumbbell handles 816 and 818. The term "weighted" refers to the fact that the weighted heads have relatively large masses, the inertia associated with which requires users to exert significant forces in order to move the multi-grip dumbbell. Weighted heads may include heads fabricated from metals or other dense materials, heads fabricated from materials with embedded dense inclusions, or heads fabricated from hollow shells filled with a material of relatively large mass, such as lead pellets. The term "weighted" does not refer simply to the fact that an object or material generally has a mass that, when acted on by gravity, produces a weight. For example, a head made from a hollow tube of polyethylene would not be considered to be a weighted head. Furthermore, dumbbells often have designed, fixed weights such as, for example, ten- pound dumbbells, 15-pound dumbbells, 20-pound dumbbells, and other such fixed weights. A weighted head therefore has a designed mass so that the combined masses of two weighted heads, the central dumbbell handle, and any other components of the multi- grip dumbbell together have a mass that, under the force of gravity, produces the desired fixed weight.

Figure 8B shows a side view of the multi-grip dumbbell shown in Figure 8A. The central dumbbell handle 802 interconnects to the first weighted head 804 and to the second weighted head 806. The central dumbbell handle 802 interconnects to the first weighted head 804 in proximity to the center of an interior surface of the first end dumbbell handle 808. Similarly, the central dumbbell handle 802 interconnects to the second weighted head 806 in proximity to the center of an interior surface of the second end dumbbell handle 814. In Figure 8B, the central dumbbell handle 802 is cylindrical and the first weighted head 804 and the second weighted head 806 are substantially planar. Additionally, the first weighted head 804 and the second weighted head 806 are approximately parallel to each other and approximately orthogonal to the central dumbbell handle 802. In alternate examples of multi-grip dumbbells, neither the first weighted head 804 nor the second weighted head 806 are substantially planar.

The side dumbbell handles, end dumbbell handles, and central dumbbell handle of a multi-grip dumbbell may also be weighted. In the above-described example dumbbells, the side dumbbell handles are weighted by virtue of comprising hand- accessible portions of the cylindrical rings of the weighted heads. In alternative examples, the weighting may be alternatively distributed, leaving the side dumbbell handles unweighted.

As discussed above, dumbbells are different from barbells. Barbells are generally intended for two-handed use, generally include removable weight plates, and are generally significantly heavier than dumbbells. By contrast, dumbbells are intended for single-handed use when gripped only by the central dumbbell handle, typically are lighter than barbells, and feature generally shorter central dumbbell handles. As shown in Figure 5. barbells are generally gripped by the central handle with both hands. Because of the relatively long length of the central handle and heavy weight of barbel ls, single-handed use of a barbell would generally be inconvenient and dangerous to a user. By contrast, dumbbells are generally used, as shown in Figure 2, by gripping the central handle of the dumbbell with one hand. Even when the central handle of a dumbbell is sufficiently long to accommodate two-handed use, two-handed use of a dumbbell would nonetheless be inconvenient. The inconvenience would result from the relatively large ratios of the diameters of the weighted heads to the. length of the central dumbbell handle, resulting in significant constraints and constrictions in arm movement and dumbbell positioning when the central dumbbell handle is gripped by two hands. When the central handle of a dumbbell is gripped by two hands, the large diameters of the weights heads constrain both of a user's arms to be nearly parallel and orthogonal to the long axis of the central dumbbell handle. This constraint limits possible movements by a user. In certain cases, two-handed gripping of a dumbbell handle may be employed in certain exercises. However, although two-handed gripping is possible, each dumbbell handle also can be gripped and moved conveniently and safely with only a single hand. Thus, to be clear, dumbbells and barbells are two different types of free-weight exercise devices with different physical characteristics and intended uses. The current application is directed to dumbbells, and not to barbells.

In one example multi-grip dumbbell, a central dumbbell handle is interconnected to a first weighted head and to a second weighted head by pressing a first portion of the central dumbbell handle into a first recess in proximity to the center of an inside surface of the first weighted head and pressing a second portion of the central dumbbell handle into a second recess in proximity to the center of an inside surface of the second weighted head. In alternate examples of multi-grip dumbbells, a central dumbbell handle is interconnected to a first weighted head and to a second weighted head by welding a central dumbbell handle in proximity to the center of an inside surface of the first weighted head and in proximity to the center of an inside surface of the second weighted head. Various other means exist for interconnecting a central dumbbell handle to a first weighted head and to a second weighted head, including both pressing and welding a central dumbbell handle in proximity to the center of an inside surface of a first weighted head and in proximity to the center of an inside surface of a second weighted head, screwing a central dumbbell handle to a recess in proximity to the center of both an inside surface of a first weighted head and in proximity to the center of an inside surface of a second weighted head, and bolting a central dumbbell handle fully inserted through a mounting aperture positioned in proximity to the center of a first weighted head and a mounting aperture positioned in proximity to the center of a second weighted head. Note that, in Figures 8A-8B, the weighted heads 804 and 806 are aligned such that the end dumbbell handles are each in the same orientation. However, in alternate examples of multi-grip dumbbells, the weighted heads are non-aligned, thus the end dumbbell handles are not in the same orientation.

Figure 8C shows an end view of the multi-grip dumbbell shown in Figure 8A. In Figure 8C, the first weighted head 804 is roughly disc-shaped, with the end dumbbell handle 808 bisecting the first weighted head 804. The end dumbbell handle 808 includes two opposing ends 820 and 822, each opposing end 820 and 822 forming an arc along the perimeter of the first weighted head 804. Each side dumbbell handle 810 and 812 is curved in shape to form an arc along the perimeter of the first weighted head 804, with one end of each side dumbbell handle 810 and 812 interconnecting to the end dumbbell handle 808 in proximity to each of the opposing ends 820 and 822 of the end dumbbell handle 808. Collectively, the two opposing arc-shaped side dumbbell handles 810 and 8 12 and the two opposing arc-shaped ends 820 and 822 of the end dumbbell handle 808 create the disc shape of the first weighted head 804. Note that, in the multi- grip dumbbell shown in Figures 8A-8C, there are two open regions between the end dumbbell handle 808 and each of the side dumbbell handles 810 and 812. The open regions are defined by being medial to each side dumbbell handle 810 and 812 and lateral to the end dumbbell handle 808 and provide space to accommodate a portion of a user's hand as a user grips the end dumbbell handle 808 and/or one or more of the side dumbbell handles 81 0 and 8 12.

In Figure 8C. the side dumbbell handles 810 and 812 are shown with round circumferences for gripping and are on opposite sides of the first weighted head 804 from one another. In one example multi-grip dumbbell, a weighted head is a unitary structure and is fabricated from a single mold. In alternate examples of multi-grip dumbbells, the end dumbbell handle and the side dumbbell handles are separate pieces that are fabricated separately and subsequently interconnected. In one example multi- grip dumbbell, each end of a side dumbbell handle is welded to an end dumbbell handle. Various other methods of interconnecting side dumbbell handles to an end dumbbell handle may be used, including using an epoxy, pressing one or more ends of a side dumbbell handle into one or more recesses within an end dumbbell handle, screwing a side dumbbell handle to an end dumbbell handle, or bolting a side dumbbell handle to an end dumbbell handle.

In one example multi-grip dumbbell, a weighted head for a multi-grip dumbbell is weighted such that the weight distribution in the weighted head is not affected by the orientation of an end dumbbell handle along an axis defined by the central dumbbell handle. Figure 9 shows two different orientations of end dumbbell handles on the multi-grip dumbbell shown in Figure 8A. A first orientation 902 shows the end dumbbell handles 808 and 814 positioned horizontally, while a second orientation 904 shows the end dumbbell handles 808 and 814 positioned vertically. The weight distribution of the multi-grip dumbbell 800 is approximately equal in all directions in planes perpendicular to an axis defined by a central dumbbell handle. Accordingly, the side dumbbell handles 810, 812, 816, and 818 are weighted such that, in either orientation 902 or 904, the distribution of weight in the first weighted head 804 and the second weighted head 806 remains similar when the multi-grip dumbbell 800 is lifted in a direction indicated by directional arrow 906. Thus, the multi-grip dumbbell 800 may be used in a manner that is similar to a dumbbell, with a user gripping a central dumbbell handle, without the need for orienting the multi-grip dumbbell so that the end dumbbell handles are in a specific orientation prior to use in order to obtain a specific center of gravity.

Multi-grip dumbbells may include a first weighted head and a second weighted head ("weighted-head pairs") of various similar sizes. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of three multi-grip dumbbells with differently-sized weighted-head pairs. Three multi-grip dumbbells 1001 - 1003 include weighted-head pairs 1005- 1007, respectively. In Figure 1 0, the weighted-head pair 1007 on the multi-grip dumbbell 1003 is larger in size than the weighted-head pair 1006 on the multi-grip dumbbell 1002. Similarly, the weighted-head pair 1005 on the multi-grip dumbbell 1001 is larger in size than the weighted-head pair 1007 on the multi-grip dumbbell 1003. In one multi-grip dumbbell, an increase in the size of a weighted-head pair results in an increase in weight of a corresponding multi-grip dumbbell. In one multi-grip dumbbell, changes in the size of weighted heads for variously weighted multi-grip dumbbells also results in changes in the circumference of the corresponding side dumbbell handles. In another multi-grip dumbbell, despite changes in the size of weighted heads for variously weighted multi- grip dumbbells, the size of a corresponding central dumbbell handle remains a constant length and diameter.

To reiterate, the multi-grip dumbbell to which the present application is directed includes seven different dumbbell handles: (1 ) the central dumbbell handle (802 in Figure 8B); (2) a first pair of side dumbbell handles (810 and 812 in Figure 8C and 804 in Figure 813) on a first weighted head; (3) a second pair of side dumbbell handles on a second weighted head (806 in Figure 8B); (4) a first end dumbbell handle (808 in Figure 8C) within a first weighted head (804 in Figure 8B); and (5) a second end dumbbell handle within a second weighted head (806 in Figure 8B). These dumbbell handles are all designed for safe and biomechanically correct gripping by a user. Dumbbell handles are located in positions, for example, that allow a user to grip the handle without being constrained to adopt biomechanically inconvenient or dangerous body positions and so that, once gripped, the dumbbell can be safely lifted and moved. A multi-grip dumbbell handle is designed so that a user can grasp the dumbbell by the dumbbell handle with one hand and li t or move the dumbbell safely. By way of contrast, the central handle of a barbell cannot be considered to be a dumbbell handle, since a barbell cannot be safely grasped anywhere by one hand and moved or lifted, due to its relatively large mass and relatively long central handle that provides a long lever ami and high resulting torque due to the weighted plates unless the central handle is grasped exactly at a balance point along the central handle. In short, dumbbell handles are designed features of the multi- grip dumbbell that provide for safe and biomechanically feasible and efficient handling of the multi-grip dumbbell by a user using a single hand to grasp the multi-grip dumbbell. In the following discussion, the term "handle," when used to describe a handle of a multi- grip dumbbell, is understood to mean "dumbbell handle." Thus, in the following, the term "handle" is used interchangeably with the phrase "dumbbell handle." I-Iowever, as discussed above, a barbell handle is not equivalent to a dumbbell handle, so that the term "handle" when applied to a barbell cannot be used interchangeably with the phrase "dumbbell handle."

Multi-grip dumbbells may be used either singly or in pairs. Additionally, multi-grip dumbbells may be gripped with either one hand or with two hands in a number of di fferent ways, such as by using a central handle, using one or more side handles, and/or using one or more end handles. Figures 1 1 A-l I C show a series of three example one-handed gripping techniques using multi-grip dumbbells. Figure 1 1 A shows a user gripping a central handle of a multi-grip dumbbell. Figure 1 I B shows a user gripping a side handle of a multi-grip dumbbell. Figure 1 I C shows a user gripping an end handle of a multi-grip dumbbell. Note that, in Figures 1 1 A-l IB the central handle and side handles may be gripped such that a user^'s arm is in either a pronated or a supinated position. Note also that, in Figure 1 I C an end handle may be gripped from either an outer side of a weighted head, as shown in Figure 1 1 C. or from an inner side of a weighted head, opposite from the side shown in Figure 1 1 C.

Performing exercises by using a variety of different hand grips may introduce variations of leverage, torque, center of gravity, and overall difficulty which may improve overall strength, balance, and comfort. Figures 12A- 12C show a series of three different two-handed grips that a user may employ to perform a French curl using a multi-grip dumbbell. Figure 12A shows a first French-curl-gripping technique for a multi-grip dumbbell. In Figure 12A, a user 1202 is gripping a multi-grip dumbbell 1204 by maintaining the palms and fingers of his hands 1206 and 1208 in a flat orientation and placing his palms against an inner surface of a pair of side handles on a weighted head. Figure 12B shows a second French-curl gripping technique for a multi-grip dumbbell. In Figure 12B, the user 1202 is gripping the multi-grip dumbbell 1204 on an inner side of an end handle. The user 1202 is placing the palms of his hands 1206 and 1208 along an inner surface of a weighted head and wrapping his fingers into a first open region between the end handle and a first side handle, and wrapping his thumb into a second open region between the end handle and a second side handle. Figure 12C shows a third French-curl gripping technique for a multi-grip dumbbell. In Figure 12C, the user 1202 is holding the multi-grip dumbbell 1204 by gripping a pair of side handles on one of the weighted heads.

Alternate leverages may be created by utilizing various hand grips while performing a given exercise using a multi-grip dumbbell. Utilizing various hand grips may alter the difficulty of a given exercise by changing the center of gravity of a multi- grip dumbbell and consequently changing the leverage available to the user while performing the given exercise. Figures 13A- 13C show a series of three alternate two- handed gripping positions that may be used while performing an exercise using a multi- grip dumbbell. Figure 13A shows a first two-handed gripping position for performing an exercise using a multi-grip dumbbell. In Figure 13 A, a user 1302 is gripping a multi-grip dumbbell 1304 by placing a first hand 1306 on a side handle 1 308 on a first weighted head 1310 and placing a second hand 1312 on a side handle 13 14 on a second weighted head 1 316. Figure 13B shows a second two-handed gripping position for performing the exercise shown in Figure 13A using a multi-grip dumbbell. In Figure 13B, the user 1302 is gripping the multi-grip dumbbell 1304 by placing his first hand (1306 in Figure 1 3A) on the side handle ( 1308 Figure 13 A) on the first weighted head 1310 and placing his second hand 1312 on the side handle 13 18 on the first weighted head 13 10. Figure 13C shows a third two-handed gripping position for performing the exercise shown in Figure 13A using a multi-grip dumbbell. In Figure 13C, the user 1302 is gripping the multi-grip dumbbell 1 304 by placing his first hand 1306 on an outer surface of an end handle 1320 on the weighted head 13 10 and placing his second hand 1 312 on an outer surface of an end handle 1322 on the weighted head 1316.

Alternate two-handed gripping techniques may also be utilized to perform asymmetric exercises wherein two symmetric muscles, such as two biceps, are exercised differently while both gripping the same free weight. Figure 14 shows a user utilizing an asymmetric two-handed grip on a multi-grip dumbbell. In Figure 14, a user 1404 is holding a multi-grip dumbbell 1404. The user's first hand 1406 is gripping a side handle 1408 on a first weighted head 1410 while the user's second hand 1412 is gripping a side handle 1414 on an opposite side of a second weighted head 1416. Various other types of asymmetric two-handed gripping techniques may also be utilized, including placing a first hand on a side handle and a second hand on a central handle, placing a first hand on a side handle and a second hand on an end handle, placing a first hand on a central handle and a second hand on an end handle, and other asymmetric two-handed gripping techniques.

Providing multiple handles on a multi-grip dumbbell may facilitate the passin of one or more multi-grip dumbbells between two or more users. Figure 15 shows a first user passing to a second user a multi-grip dumbbell. n Figure 15, a first user 1 502 is passing a multi-grip dumbbell 1504 to a second user 1506. The first user 1502 is gripping the multi-grip dumbbell 1504 by a side handle 1508 on a first weighted head 1510. The second user 1506 is gripping the multi-grip dumbbell 1504 by a side handle 1 12 on the first weighted head 1510. Various alternate passing techniques may be utilized, including a first user gripping a multi-grip dumbbell by a side handle on a first weighted head and a second user gripping the multi-grip dumbbell by a side handle on a second weighted head, a first user gripping a multi-grip dumbbell by a central handle and a second user gripping the multi-grip dumbbell by a side handle, a first user gripping a multi-grip dumbbell by a side handle and a second user gripping the multi-grip dumbbell by a central handle, a first user gripping a multi-grip dumbbell by a central handle and a second user gripping the multi-grip dumbbell by an end handle, a first user gripping a multi-grip dumbbell by an end handle and a second user gripping the multi- grip dumbbell by a central handle, a first user gripping a multi-grip dumbbell by an end handle and a second user gripping the multi-grip dumbbell by an end handle, a first user gripping a multi-grip dumbbell by a side handle and a second user gripping the multi-grip dumbbell by an end handle, a first user gripping a multi-grip dumbbell by an end handle and a second user gripping the multi-grip dumbbell by a side handle, and various other passing techniques. Note that the passing technique shown in Figure 15, as well as the various other passing techniques listed above, utilizes a one-handed passing of a multi- grip dumbbell. A multi-grip dumbbell may also be passed using two hands using various combinations of the central handle, end handles, and side handles. Using two hands may be safer than using one hand because multiple grips may be used to promote a better grip and to distribute the weight of a multi-grip dumbbell. Providing multiple handles on a multi-grip dumbbell may facilitate the performance of dynamic exercises that involve multiple movements and that may not be safe to perform with a standard dumbbell or kettlebell and may also not be feasible to perform with a barbell. Figures 16A- 16C show a user performing a two-handed dynamic exercise using a multi-grip dumbbell. In Figure 16A, a user 1602 is gripping a multi-grip dumbbell 1604 by a side handle on each of two weighted heads. The user 1602 is holding the multi-grip dumbbell 1604 to his left and is moving the multi-grip dumbbell 1604 upward in an arced direction, represented in Figure 16A by a directional arrow 1606. In Figure 16.B. the user 1602 is holding the multi-grip dumbbell 1604 over his head and is moving the multi-grip dumbbell 1604 downward in an arc, represented in Figure 16B by arrow 1608. In Figure 16C, the user 1602 is holding the multi-grip dumbbell 1604 to his right and is moving the multi-grip dumbbell 1604 upward in an arc, represented in Figure 16C by an arrow 1610. Providing multiple handles on a multi-grip dumbbell also facilitates the performance of other dynamic exercises that involve multiple movements, such as continually rotating different grips on a multi-grip dumbbell using either one or two hands, or flipping a multi-grip dumbbell in the air, thus rotating from a Inst grip to a second grip on the same location or on a different location on the multi-grip dumbbell using either one or two hands.

Providing multiple handles on a multi-grip dumbbell promotes safety. Spotting may be utilized by either a user or a third party. For example, a user may utilize multiple grips to perform an exercise by lifting a multi-grip dumbbell by a first handle with a Fust hand, while using a second hand on a different handle to provide self- assistance, for example, when a user becomes fatigued using the first hand. Additionally, a user may perform an exercise using one or two hands on one or two grips while a third- party spotter uses one or two other grips to spot the user and provide assistance when needed. In addition to promoting safety, providing a spotter may also improve strength by allowing a user to lift heavier weights or perform additional repetitions when a user begins to become fatigued.

Multi-grip dumbbells can also be used for exercises in which users traditionally use medicine balls and weighted balls. One example exercise that traditional involves medicine balls is the Mason twist, for which a multi-grip dumbbell is well suited..

Figure 17 shows yet another example of a multi-grip dumbbell lo which the current application is directed. The multi-grip dumbbell 1 700 shown in Figure 17 is a ten-pound fixed-weight multi-grip dumbbell. As with the previously described multi-grip dumbbells, the more refined and more elegantly styled multi-grip dumbbell 1 700 includes seven separate and distinct dumbbell handles: ( 1) a contoured central handle; (2) a first side handle 1704; (3) a second side handle 1706; (4) a third side handle 1708: (5) a fourth side handle 1710: (6) a first end handle 1712; and (7) a second end handle 1714. The cylindrical rings of the weighted heads 1716 and 1718 are cast steel with rubber over- molding to provide for relatively high-friction contact with surfaces on which the dumbbell is placed or rolled, to protect the cast metal from exposure to water, water vapor, and other environmental substances that could initiate corrosion or other degradation, and to prevent abrasion or other damages to surfaces on which the multi-grip dumbbell is placed or across which the multi-grip dumbbell is rolled. The end handles, discussed in more detail below, are cast or molded structures overmolded with a polymeric material. End handles can have a different color than the weighted-head cylindrical rings and can also have a different texture and other properties that differ from corresponding properties of the weighted-head cylindrical rings. The contoured central handle 1 702 includes annular grip features 1720- 1724 that, in one example multi-grip dumbbell, are shrunk by cooling to be securely mounted within complementary annular impressions in the contoured central handle following initial expansion of the annular grip features by heating. The circular cross-section of the contoured central handle 1 702 has a continuously varying diameter with respect to position along the central handle, with greatest diameters near the center of the central handle and at the ends of the central handle proximal to end handles of the weighted heads. The central handle may be cast steel or aluminum, in certain examples of multi-grip dumbbells. Alternatively, the central handle may be hollow. The central handle may be overmolded with polymeric material, as with the circular rings of the weighted heads, may alternatively have a polished stainless-steel or aluminum surface, or may have various polymeric coatings to provide a resilient, bright-polished-metal or matt-metal appearance. In one example set of fixed-weight multi-grip dumbbells, with weights of five pounds, ten pounds, and 15 pounds, the length of the central handle varies from 6 and 5/8 inches to 36 inches over the weight range.

In alternative examples of the elegant multi-grip dumbbell shown in

Figure 17, the weighted heads may be single-piece cast weighted heads rather than annular weight-head rings with separately fabricated end handles. Alternatively, the weight-head rings may be hollow tubes that may be additionally filled with suitable dense material to achieve a desired weight. In either solid or hollow-tubing implementations, any of various different metal alloys can be employed for fabricating of the weighted heads and central handle.

Figure 1 8 provides an alternative view of the multi-grip dumbbell shown in Figure 17. As shown in Figure 1 8, each end handle, such as end handle 1804, may include a strip of tape or polymeric material 1806 that is affixed within a complementarily shaped depression in the end handle that serves as an end-handle cover to cover internal features, discussed below, and to provide coloring and labeling for the multi-grip dumbbell.

Figure 19 shows the multi-grip dumbbell of Figures 17- 18 following removal of the polymeric or tape-like end-handle cover and a bolt-hole cap from the end handle. Removal of the end-handle cover and bolt-hole cap reveals the head of a bolt 1902 within the end handle that fastens the central handle to weighted head 1708.

Figure 20 shows the multi-grip dumbbell as shown in Figure 19 with bolt 1902 removed. As shown in Figure 20, bolt 1902 is secured with a lock washer 2002. Bolt 1902 passes through an aperture 2004 in a weight-plate bracket, discussed below, and threads into a complementary threaded receptacle within the central handle.

Figure 21 provides an exploded diagram of a weighted head of the multi- grip dumbbell shown in Figures 1 7-20. The weight-head ring 2102 comprises a circular cylindrical ring that, as discussed above, is overmolded with rubber or another polymeric material. A crossing member is cast together with the outer ring, to form a one-piece ring-and-crossing-member component, in certain implementations, or alternatively may 2011/068282

19 be separately fashioned and welded or otherwise securely fixed to the cylindrical ring. The crossing member includes a mounting aperture. 2106 complementary to a raised feature on the end of the central handle. A weight-plate bracket 2108 includes an aperture 2004 through which the threaded body of bolt ( 1902 in Figure 20) passes. The crossing member 2104 and weight-plate bracket 2108 are both securely positioned within the end-handle 21 10 that may be molded from plastic or various reinforced materials, cast from a metal alloy, or assembled from plastic or metal components. A bolt-hole cap 21 12 fits into the bolt-hold-cap aperture 21 14 of the end handle 21 10 to cover the bolt head.

Figure 22 shows another exploded view of the multi-grip dumbbell. In this view, the polymeric or tape-like end-handle covers 2202 and 2204 are shown to the left and right, respectively, of the left bolt 2206 and right bolt 2208 that secure the left weighted head 2210 and the right weighted head 2212, respectively, to the central handle 2214.

Figure 23 shows the central handle of the multi-grip dumbbell illustrated in Figures 1 7-22. The raised features 2302 and 2304 that fit within horizontal-member apertures 2106 within the left and right weighted heads are clearly seen in Figure 23. The contour of the central handle may be varied in different implementations to provide desired shapes for gripping as well as to enhance the appearance of the multi-grip dumbbell.

Figures 24A-B show additional examples of the multi-grip dumbbell to which the current application is directed. Figure 24A shows another example of the multi-grip dumbbell to which the current application is directed. Like the multi-grip dumbbell shown in Figures 12-23, the multi-grip dumbbell shown in Figure 24 features overmolded cylindrical weight-head rings 2402 and 2404, overmolded end handles 2406 and 2408, and a contoured central handle 2410 that is also overmolded to produce lateral grip features 2412-241 5. This type multi-grip dumbbell, like the multi-grip dumbbell shown in Figures 1 7-23, has been found to be most suitable for fixed-weight multi-grip dumbbells of weights five. ten. and 15 pounds. For heavier multi-grip dumbbells. including 20-pound, 25-pound, and 30-pound multi-grip dumbbells, cast one-piece 1 068282

20 weighted heads are found, in many cases, to be more suitable. Figure 24B shows a 30- pound multi-grip dumbbell featuring one-piece cast weighted heads.

In yet an additional example of a multi-grip dumbbell, the center handle is selectably rotatably mounted, rather than Fixedly mounted, to the weighted heads. The central handle is mounted so that, in one selectable configuration, the handle does not rotate and acts as if it were fixedly mounted to the weighted heads. However, in a second selectable conFiguration, the handle can be held by a user in a constant orientation while the multi-grip dumbbell is rolled across a surface, the multi-grip-dumbbell weighted heads and an internal central-handle member rotating as the dumbbell rolls across a surface while an outer portion of the central handle is held in a fixed orientation by the user. Alternatively, the outer portion of the central handle may be viewed as rotating with respect to the interior member of the central handle and the weighted heads.

Figures 25-26 illustrate a selectably rotatably mounted central-handle assembly for the version of the multi-grip dumbbell that allows the central handle to be selectably configured to rotate with respect to the weighted heads and inner-central- handle member. The selectably rotatably mounted central-handle assembly is shown in an exploded view in Figure 25. The assembly includes an outer, hollow central handle 2502 that, when selected for rotatable mounting, rotates with respect to the weighted heads and an inner central-handle member 2504 that is fixedly mounted to end-handle brackets 2506 and 2508. The assembly further includes mounting nuts and lock washers 2510 and 2512 that secure the inner-central-handle member 2504 to end-handle brackets 2506 and 2508, and twistable collars 2514 and 2516 that fit over end portions 251 8 and 2520 of the outer central handle 2502. The twistable collars include inner locking-ball tracks 2522-2525 parallel to the long axis of the inner-central-handle member that, when positioned above a locking ball positioned between the twistable collars and end portions of the outer central handle 251 8 and 2520, release pressure on the locking ball allowing the outer central handle to rotate with respect to the inner-central-handle member 2504. The locking balls 2526 and 2528 are shown as small balls in Figure 25. However, when the twistable collars are rotated so that the locking ball is not positioned within one of the tracks 2522-2525, the locking ball is pushed downward into a lengthwise groove of the 1 068282

21 inner-central-handle member 2504 to fix the position of the outer central handle with respect to that of the inner-central-handle member. Figure 26 provides greater detail with respect to the central-handle rotation selection mechanism involving the locking ball. When the locking ball is positioned within one of inner locking-ball tracks 2522-2525, as shown in inset 2602, the locking ball does not engage with the inner-cenlral-handle member 2504, allowing the outer central handle 2502 to rotate freely with respect to the weighted heads. However, as shown in inset 2604, when the twistable collars are twisted so that the locking ball does not lie within one of tracks 2522-2525, the locking ball is depressed downward into one of the lengthwise grooves within the inner-central-handle member 2504.

Alternatively, a simple lock-pin mechanism may be included to provide selectably rolatable mounting of the outer central handle in another version of the multi- grip dumbbell. In this case, when not inwardly depressed, one or more locking pins do not engage the inner-central-handle member or the weighted heads but, when depressed, the locking pins engage either the inner-central-handle member or the weighted heads to fix the position of the outer central handle position with respect to that of the weighted heads or inner-central-handle member. The locking pins may additionally be spring loaded to operate like a radio button, so that each time a locking pin is depressed, the locking pin adopt a different selection mode, a sequence of lock-pin depressions toggling the central handle back and forth between rotatable and fixed mountings.

Many different alternative examples of multi-grip dumbbells to which the current application is directed are envisioned for implementation. As one example, the weighted heads may be alternatively shaped, rather than being circular. In one alternative example implementation, the weighted heads may be square or rectangular shaped. Alternatively, the weighted heads may be hexagonally or triangularly shaped. In yet additional examples and implementations, the weighted heads may be elliptical, rather than circular. Many different polymeric materials with different textures, colors, and other characteristics may be selected for overmolding various components of the multi- grip dumbbell. As discussed above, a variety of different metal alloys, weight-filled plastics, or even ceramics may be used to fabricated the weighted heads and the central handle. These materials would likely include composite materials with reinforcing fibers or networks to provide adequate rigidity and durability.

Additional modifications within the spirit of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, a multi-grip dumbbell may be either an adjustable-weight dumbbell or a fixed-weight dumbbell. Accordingly, weighted heads may be either removably or permanently attached to a central handle. Multiple weighted ends may be attached in proximity to each end of a central handle. A multi-grip dumbbell may be composed of a number of different materials, including steel, cast iron, urethane, plastic, foam, chrome, and other durable materials. A multi-grip dumbbell may also be composed of a number of different vanity materials, including gold, silver, platinum, titanium, and other vanity materials. Weighted heads may be of shapes other than disc-shaped, such as an octagonal-shaped or dodecahedral -shaped. Weighted heads may be fabricated in a number of different colours. End handles may be chamfered and/or grooved. Side handles may be arc-shaped or of some other partially-polygonal shape, such as a partially-octagonal-shaped or partially-dodecahedral-shaped. Side handles may include a non-round circumference, such as a U-shaped circumference, an oval circumference, or some other shaped circumference suitable for gripping. More than two side handles may be positioned on a weighted head. A central handle may include knurling and/or tapering to promote a tighter grip. A side handle may include knurling and/or tapering to promote a tighter grip. An end handle may include knurling and/or tapering to promote a tighter grip. The length of a central handle may range from two inches to three feet. The diameter of a weighted head may range from two inches to three feet. A multi-grip dumbbell may be coated with a resilient coating, including rubber, polyurethane, plastic, neoprene, non-chip paint, chrome plating, or other resilient coating to minimize the danger of injury and/or to enhance the appearance of the multi-grip dumbbell. The resilient coating may be pigmented.

It is appreciated that the previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

1 . A multi-grip dumbbell comprising:

a central dumbbell handle having a first end and a second end;

a first weighted head interconnected to the central dumbbell handle in proximity to the first end of the central dumbbell handle, the first weighted head including at least one additional dumbbell handle; and

a second weighted head interconnected to the central dumbbell handle in proximity to the second end of the central dumbbell handle, the second weighted head including at least one additional dumbbell handle.

2. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 1

wherein the first weighted head includes a first side dumbbell handle and a second side dumbbell handle; and

wherein the second weighted head includes a third side dumbbell handle and a fourth side dumbbell handle.

3. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 1

wherein the first weighted head includes a first end dumbbell handle; and wherein the second weighted head includes a second end dumbbell handle.

4. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 1

wherein the first weighted head includes a first side dumbbell handle, a second side dumbbell handle, and a first end dumbbell handle; and

wherein the second weighted head includes a third side dumbbell handle, a fourth side dumbbell handle, and a second end dumbbell handle.

5. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 4 wherein the central dumbbell handle is contoured, having a continuously varying cross-section diameter.

6. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 5 wherein the central dumbbell handle includes annular grip features.

7. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 5 wherein the central dumbbell handle includes lateral grip features.

8. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 4 wherein the cylindrical ring in each weighted head is one of:

circularl shaped;

elliptical ly shaped;

triangularly shaped,

hexagonal ly shaped, and

rectangularly shaped.

9. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 4 wherein the first weighted head and the second weighted head each includes a cylindrical ring and a crossing member.

10. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 9 wherein each crossing member includes a mounting aperture into which a complementary feature at the end of the central dumbbell handle is mounted.

1 1. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 10 wherein an end dumbbell handle is mounted about each crossing member.

12. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 1 1 wherein a weight-plate bracket is included in each end dumbbell handle, the weight-plate bracket having an aperture through which a bolt passes to securely mount the end dumbbell handle and weighted head including the end dumbbell handle to the central dumbbell handle.

13. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 4 wherein each weighted head is fabricated as a single-piece casting.

14. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 4 wherein the weighted-heads, end dumbbell handles, and/or central dumbbell handle are over molded with a rubber, plastic, or other polymeric material.

15. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 4 wherein the weighted-heads, end dumbbell handles, and/or central dumbbell handle are fabricated from one or more of:

a metal or metal alloy, including iron, steel, and stainless steel;

a plastic or polymeric material; and

a structured material, including fiberglass, with embedded reinforcing fibers.

16. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 4 wherein the central dumbbell handle includes an outer, hollow central-dumbbell handle member that is selectably rotatably mounted to the multi-grip dumbbell.

17. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 16 wherein, when a selection feature is configured in a first position, the position of the outer, hollow central-dumbbell handle member is fixed with respect to an inner central-dumbbell handle member to which the weighted heads are fixedly mounted, and when the selection feature is configured in a second position, the position of the outer, hollow central-dumbbell handle member is not fixed with respect to the inner central-dumbbell handle member, allowing the outer, hollow central-dumbbell handle member to rotate with respect to the weighted heads and inner central-dumbbell handle member.

1 8. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 17 wherein the selection feature is one of:

one or more locking pins; and

one or more locking balls and corresponding twistable collars with inner locking- ball tracks.