Dumbbell weight training device with high-strength handle assembly

Abstract

A dumbbell weight training device has a high strength handle assembly adapted to prevent damage in the event that a dumbbell falls from a ground elevation. The handle assembly includes a first disc-shaped clamp and an opposing disc-shaped clamp to which first and second stacks of weight sheets are attached. A lift handle to which a lift force is applied and a pair of handle stiffeners extend in parallel alignment with each other between the first and opposite disc clamps of the handle assembly. The lift handle and the pair of handle stiffeners are arranged in a triangular configuration between the disc clamps. When not in use, the dumbbell may be placed and held within a dumbbell storage tray having a support frame on which the first and second stacks of weight sheets and the first and opposite disc-shaped hoops are seated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dumbbell of the type commonly found in fitness centers, used as a weight training device. The dumbbell is adapted to carry a first and second stack of weight plates, which are detachably and selectively connected to each other and to opposite ends of a handle assembly. The handle assembly has a high-strength structural construction to reduce damage if the dumbbell is dropped from a height on the ground. When not in use, the dumbbell can be placed and retained in a dumbbell storage tray. Background Art

[0002] Dumbbells are weight training devices that have long been used by bodybuilders and exercise-conscious people as part of a weight training program to improve their physical strength. Conventional dumbbells typically include cylindrical gripping handles that carry one or more weights at each of their opposite ends. Sometimes, during exercise, a dumbbell may fall because it is too heavy to be lifted or because the person is not careful when suddenly lifting the dumbbell. If a heavy dumbbell is dropped from above the ground, the handle may be damaged because the outer edge of the weight drops and hits a hard surface. Therefore, it is desirable to have an improved dumbbell with a high-strength handle assembly that is configured to prevent damage when the weight carried by the dumbbell is accidentally dropped from a height above the ground. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In general, an improved dumbbell of the type commonly found in fitness centers or used as a weight training device is disclosed. The improved dumbbell includes a handle assembly comprising a cylindrical grip handle and disc-shaped collars connected to each of the opposite ends of the handle. First and second stacks of weight plates are selectively and removably coupled to each other and to the collars of the handle assembly via a V-shaped coupling body, which is slidably and removably received within opposing V-shaped coupling receptacles. The handle assembly advantageously includes a pair of grip reinforcement rods extending parallel to each other and to the grip handles between the collars at opposite ends of the grip handle. The grip handles and the pair of grip reinforcement rods are connected between the collars in a triangular configuration (e.g., an equilateral triangle configuration) to reduce impact forces transmitted to the grip handles in the event the dumbbell is accidentally dropped from a height, thereby preventing damage to the handle assembly.

[0004] A pair of additional weights are configured to be removably attached to the clamps of the dumbbell's handle assembly at V-shaped coupling bodies that protrude from corresponding ones of the clamps. Each additional weight is smaller in size and weight than the weights in the first and second stacks of weights that are removably coupled to one another. The additional weights allow a user to incrementally increase the amount of weight to be lifted using the dumbbell's handle assembly. Each disc-shaped additional weight has a pair of legs separated from one another by a V-shaped opening that mates with the V-shaped coupling body of the handle assembly.

[0005] A dumbbell storage tray is provided, on which the dumbbells are placed when not in use. The dumbbell storage tray has a pair of side walls located at opposite ends thereof, and the first and second stacks of weight plates are retained between the pair of side walls. A pair of cylindrical weight plate support posts extend between the pair of side walls, and the first and second stacks of weight plates are placed on the pair of cylindrical weight plate support posts. Each weight plate support post is surrounded by a pair of brackets, and the disc clamp of the handle assembly is placed on the pair of brackets. A pair of vertically extending recesses are formed in each side wall to accommodate a pair of legs from one of the pair of additional weight plates therein, so that the pair of additional weight plates and the first and second stacks of weight plates can remain in place on the dumbbell storage tray until they are needed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 An improved dumbbell is shown which is placed on a dumbbell storage tray when not in use and has first and second stacks of weight plates which are removably and selectively coupled to each other and to a pair of disc-shaped clamps located at opposite ends of a handle assembly;

[0007] Figure 2 The dumbbell storage tray is shown separated. Figure 1 An exploded view of the improved dumbbell;

[0008] Figure 3 is an exploded view showing the first and second stacks of weight plates separated from each other and from the handle assembly;

[0009] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the handle assembly of the improved dumbbell;

[0010] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a handle assembly and a pair of additional weight plates detachably coupled to a disc-shaped clamp of the handle assembly;

[0011] Figure 6A pair of weight plates from one of a first stack or a second stack of weight plates of a dumbbell are shown, the pair of weight plates being to be removably and selectively coupled to one another;

[0012] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 a left side exploded view of one of the pair of weight plates shown; and

[0013] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Exploded view of right side of weight stack shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] First, refer to the accompanying Figures 1 to 5 , wherein a dumbbell 1 of the type used as a personal exercise and weight training device is shown. The dumbbell shown and disclosed would typically be found in a fitness center or at home, being lifted repeatedly by a person seeking to improve their physical appearance, strength, and fitness. Although it is contemplated that Figures 1 to 5 The dumbbell 1 shown in the figure is to be grasped and lifted by a user with one hand, but the teachings of the present invention are also applicable to barbells and kettlebells of the type to be grasped and lifted by a user with both hands. As will be disclosed later, the dumbbell 1 is uniquely adapted to prevent it from being damaged by a user accidentally dropping it from a height above a hard surface during exercise.

[0015] To this end, the improved dumbbell 1 has a high-strength handle assembly 2, which includes a cylindrical grip handle 3 (at Figures 3 to 5 As best shown in FIG, the cylindrical grip handle 3 extends between a pair of opposing disc-shaped clamps 5 and 6 at the center of the disc-shaped clamps 5 and 6. The handle 3 of the handle assembly 2 is sized to be grasped in a single hand of a user. In the case where the teachings of the present invention are applied to a barbell, the length of the handle 3 will be extended to accommodate the user's hands. As an important feature of the present invention, and as Figure 4 As best shown in FIG, a pair of handle reinforcement bars 7-1 and 7-2 extend between the pair of clamps 5 and 6 of the handle assembly 2, between the opposing outside edges of the clamps 5 and 6. A variable number (e.g., 8) of identical weight plates, labeled 8-1 ... 8-8, can be removably connected to each other and to the clamps 5 and 6 at opposite ends of the grip handle 3, depending on the user's experience and the weightlifting exercise he is about to begin.

[0016] During use of the dumbbell 1, any number of first stacks of weight plates (e.g., 8-1 ... 8-4) consisting of half the total number of weight plates is coupled to one of the clamps 5, and the same number of second stacks of weight plates (e.g., 8-1 ... 8-8) consisting of the remaining number of weight plates is coupled to the other clamp 6. Since the number of weight plates 8-1 ... 8-8 carried by the dumbbell 1 can be varied in the manner described below, the total weight of the dumbbell can be selectively and gradually varied for customization to suit the user's weight training program.

[0017] Each of the weights 8-1 ... 8-8 is preferably cast from metal or plastic and has a generally disc-shaped body with a desired thickness of one inch. Figures 1 to 3 The weight plates 8-1 ... 8-8 shown in the figure ideally have the same shape and weight. However, the exact number of weight plates to be carried by dumbbell 1 and the specific weight and shape of each weight plate are matters of personal choice necessary to meet the needs of the individual during his or her weightlifting workout.

[0018] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A high-strength handle assembly 2 of a dumbbell 1 is shown without any weight plates attached to a pair of clamps 5 and 6 thereof. Each clamp 5 and 6 is preferably circular and made of metal, having a corresponding internal coupling hole 10 and 11 extending through its center. Coupling holes 10 and 11 are sized and shaped to receive opposite ends of a cylindrical gripping handle 3 therein. The gripping handle 3 has a threaded hole 12 extending axially therethrough for receiving a first threaded fastener 14 and a second threaded fastener 15 at opposite ends of the threaded hole 12 through the internal coupling holes 10 and 11 of the clamps 5 and 6 for holding the handle 3 in place between the opposing pair of clamps.

[0019] The first clamp 5 of the pair of disc-shaped clamps has a pair of outer rod reinforcement holes 16 and 17 formed therein and located at the circumference of the first clamp 5. The second clamp 6 also has a pair of outer rod reinforcement holes 18 and 19 formed therein and located at the circumference of the second clamp 6. Each of the pair of handle reinforcement rods 7-1 and 7-2 has a corresponding axially extending threaded hole 21 and 22. A first threaded fastener 24 extends through the outer rod reinforcement hole 16 located at the circumference of the first clamp 5 so as to be received by one end of the threaded hole 21 extending through the first handle reinforcement rod 7-1. A second threaded fastener 26 extends through the outer rod reinforcement hole 18 located at the circumference of the second clamp 6 so as to be received by the opposite end of the threaded hole 21 extending through the first handle reinforcement rod 7-1, thereby holding the first handle reinforcement rod 7-1 in place between the opposing pair of clamps 5 and 6 of the handle assembly 2.

[0020] The third threaded fastener 28 extends through the outer rod reinforcement hole 17 located at the circumference of the first clamp 5 so as to be received by one end of the threaded hole 22 extending through the second handle reinforcement rod 7-2. The fourth threaded fastener 30 extends through the outer rod reinforcement hole 19 located at the circumference of the second clamp 6 so as to be received by the opposite other end of the threaded hole 22 extending through the second handle reinforcement rod 7-2, thereby holding the second handle reinforcement rod 7-2 in place between the opposing pair of clamps 5 and 6 at the handle assembly 2.

[0021] Figure 5 The assembled configuration of the handle assembly 2 of the dumbbell 1 is shown, wherein the gripping handle 3 and the pair of grip reinforcing rods 7-1 and 7-2 extend parallel to each other and are connected between the opposing pair of clamps 5 and 6. In this case, and as an important feature of the present invention, the gripping handle 3 located at the center and the pair of grip reinforcing rods 7-1 and 7-2 located at the outer edges (i.e., circumferences) of the pair of disc-shaped clamps 5 and 6 are oriented in a triangular configuration. In particular, and as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As best shown in FIG, the inner coupling hole 10 and the outer rod reinforcement holes 16 and 17 form the corners of a first equilateral triangle at the first clamp 5, and the inner coupling hole 11 and the outer rod reinforcement holes 18 and 19 form the corners of a second equilateral triangle at the second clamp 6. In addition, the grip handle 3 and the handle reinforcement rods 7-1 and 7-2 can be removed from the handle assembly 2 independently of each other.

[0022] Due to the aforementioned triangular orientation of the handle assembly 3 and the pair of parallel-aligned handle reinforcement bars 7-1 and 7-2 extending between the opposing clamps 5 and 6, the handle assembly 2 is provided with enhanced structural reinforcement compared to existing handle assemblies found in conventional dumbbells. That is, impact forces that would normally be directly applied to the gripping handles 3 are deflected away from the gripping handles by the handle reinforcement bars 7-1 and 7-2, thereby better resisting breakage and collapse in the event that the clamps 5 and 6 are inadvertently dropped by the user on their edges during weightlifting exercises, as well as in the event that they are dropped from a height on the ground onto a hard surface.

[0023] like Figure 4As best shown in FIG, each of the pair of clamps 5 and 6 has a V-shaped coupler receptacle 34 extending diagonally across the outer side of the clamp. The diagonally extending V-shaped coupler receptacle 34 of each disc-shaped clamp (e.g., 6) is located midway between the outer rod reinforcement holes (e.g., 18 and 19) connected to the handle reinforcement rods 7-1 and 7-2 at the circumference of the clamp 6. The coupler receptacle 34 is configured to receive a corresponding V-shaped insert 36-1 and 36-2 and a V-shaped coupler body 38-1 and 38-2 therein. Each insert 36-1 and 36-2 has a mounting hole 40 and 42 formed therethrough, and each coupler body 38-1 and 38-2 also has a mounting hole 44 and 46 formed therethrough.

[0024] The insert 36-1 and the coupling body 38-1 are retained one above the other within the coupling receptacle (not shown) of the first clamp 5 by the aforementioned first threaded fastener 14, which passes through the mounting holes 44 and 40 and the coupling hole 10 at the center of the first clamp 5 so as to be received by the first end of the gripping handle 3. The insert 36-2 and the coupling body 38-2 are retained one above the other within the coupling receptacle 34 of the second clamp 6 by the aforementioned second threaded fastener 15, which passes through the mounting holes 46 and 42 and the coupling hole 11 at the center of the second clamp 6 so as to be received by the opposite end of the gripping handle 3. The insert 36 provides stability to the coupling bodies 38-1 and 38-2 and limits movement of the coupling bodies 38-1 and 38-2 within their coupling receptacles 34.

[0025] In order to further Figure 4 V-shaped coupling bodies 38-1 and 38-2 are shown stabilized within their respective V-shaped coupling receptacles 34, with a first pair of threaded fasteners 48 extending through a corresponding first pair of holes 50 formed through the top of the first disc-shaped clamp 5 and a first pair of holes 52 formed through the top of the insert 36-1. The first pair of fasteners 48 are ultimately received by a pair of axially aligned threaded holes 54 formed in the top of the coupling body 38-1. Similarly, a second pair of threaded fasteners 56 extend through a corresponding second pair of holes 58 formed through the top of the second disc-shaped clamp 6 and a second pair of holes 60 formed through the top of the insert 36-2. The second pair of fasteners 56 are ultimately received by a pair of axially aligned threaded holes (not shown) formed in the top of the coupling body 38-2.

[0026] Each V-shaped coupling body 38-1 and 38-2, attached to one of the clamps 5 and 6 of the handle assembly 2, is tapered to have a relatively wide head 62 located on the circumference of the top of the corresponding one of the clamps 5 and 6, and a relatively narrow tail 64 located diagonally inward from the head 62 adjacent the circumference of the bottom of the clamp. A guide rail 66 extends along each of the opposite sides of the tapered V-shaped coupling bodies 38-1 and 38-2. A locking pin extension channel 68 extends transversely through each coupling body 38-1 and 38-2 to be located between the relatively wide head 62 and the relatively narrow tail 64 thereof.

[0027] In order to reduce the weight of the handle assembly 2 of the dumbbell 1, the area of ​​each disc-shaped clamp 5 and 6 is hollow between the V-shaped seat 34 and its circumference. However, as will be seen in reference Figure 5 As explained above, the weight of the handle assembly 2 can be increased by attaching additional weight plates 140 and 142 to each of the outer sides of the clamps 5 and 6.

[0028] Now refer to the accompanying drawings Figures 6 to 8 to describe the same disc weight (in Figure 2 8-8), these weight plates are selectively and removably connected to each other and to one or the other of the clamps 5 and 6 at opposite ends of the grip handle 3 of the dumbbell 1. Each weight plate (e.g., 8-6 and 8-7) includes an inner side 72 and an outer side 74 that are opposite to each other. A tapered and generally V-shaped coupling receptacle 76 is recessed in the inner side 72 of each weight plate. The V-shaped coupling receptacle 76 has a relatively wide head 78 and a relatively narrow tail 80, the head 78 being located on the circumference at the top of the disc-shaped weight plate 8-7 and the tail 80 being oriented diagonally inward from the head 78. The locking block cavity 82 (at Figure 7 and 8 A locking cartridge 84 is formed in the weight plate 8-7 between its inner side 72 and outer side 74 to receive the locking cartridge cavity 82. A locking pin receiving opening 86 extends between the locking cartridge 84 and the V-shaped coupling receptacle 76.

[0029] The diagonally extending and tapered V-shaped coupling body 88 (in the Figure 6 ) protrudes outwardly from the outer side 74 of the weight plate 8-7 so as to be positioned opposite the coupling receptacle 76 recessed into the inner side 72. The V-shaped coupling body 88 of the weight plate 8-7 is sized and shaped to correspond to the opposite coupling receptacle 76 and ( Figures 3 to 5) V-shaped coupling bodies 38-1 and 38-2 are sized and shaped to match each other, and the V-shaped coupling bodies 38-1 and 38-2 protrude outwardly from the clamps 5 and 6 connected to opposite ends of the gripping handle 3 of the handle assembly 2. Similar to the V-shaped coupling receptacle 76 at the inner side 72 of the weight plate 8-7, the V-shaped coupling body 88 at the outer side 74 of the disc-shaped weight plate 8-6 has a relatively wide head 90 and a relatively narrow tail 92, with the head 90 being located on the circumference at the top of the weight plate 8-6 and the tail 92 being oriented diagonally inward from the head 90. A locking pin receiving channel 93 extends laterally through the tail 92 of the coupling body 88 for a purpose that will be explained later. A mounting hole 94 is formed through the head 90 at the top of the coupling body 88 to receive therein a locking pin receiving channel 93. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The indicator plug shown visually identifies the weight of the weight plate.

[0030] Figures 1 to 3 The concave V-shaped coupling receptacles 76 and the outwardly protruding V-shaped coupling bodies 88 at the mutually opposite inner and outer sides 72 and 74 of each weight plate 8-1 ... 8-8 are sized and shaped relative to each other so that the coupling body 88 at the outer side 74 of any weight plate (e.g., 8-6) can slide downwardly to be received and engaged by the coupling receptacle 76 at the inner side 72 of the adjacent weight plate (e.g., 8-7), thereby, the pair of adjacent weight plates 8-6 and 8-7 are detachably connected to each other face to face so as to be lifted together by the dumbbell 1. To facilitate the sliding connection and mating engagement of the coupling bodies 88 with the coupling receptacles 76 so that the adjacent weight plates remain face to face, locking grooves 96 are formed along opposite sides of each V-shaped coupling receptacle 76 to slidably receive and releasably capture corresponding guide rails 98 extending along opposite sides of each V-shaped coupling body 88 in the locking grooves 96. The slidable and mating engagement of the coupling body 88 and its guide rails 98 from one weight plate 8-6 to the coupling receptacle 76 and locking groove 96 of the adjacent weight plate 8-7 is commonly referred to as a male / female dovetail connection.

[0031] In this regard, the weight sheets from each of the aforementioned first and second stacks of weight sheets (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 8-4 and 8-5 in the figure) are detachably connected to corresponding ones of the clamps 5 and 6 connected to the opposite ends of the gripping handle 3 of the handle assembly 2. That is, the V-shaped coupling bodies 38-1 and 38-2 protruding outward from the clamps 5 and 6 can slide downward toward the V-shaped coupling receptacles 76 recessed into the inner side surfaces 72 of the weight plates 8-4 and 8-5 and be removably received by the V-shaped coupling receptacles 76. By means of the ( Figure 5) guide rails 66 and extending along the sides of the coupling receptacles 76 of the weight plates 8-4 and 8-5 ( Figure 6 ) locking groove 96, the coupling bodies 38-1 and 38-2 are coupled to the coupling receptacle 76 by the same dovetail connection as described above.

[0032] Briefly refer to the accompanying drawings Figure 7 and Figure 8 , shows an exploded view of one of the plurality of weight plates (e.g., 8-7) having a metal (e.g., steel) core 100 including the aforementioned locking block cavity 82 formed therein to accommodate the locking block 84 therein. The core 100 of the weight plate 8-7 is preferably disc-shaped and is manufactured with a filling hole 102 formed therein. The presence of one or more filling holes (e.g., 102) in the core 100 enables the weight of the weight plate 8-7 to be controlled. That is, in order to be able to provide a variety of weight plates with different weights without having to change the physical size and weighting of each weight plate, the filling hole 102 can be filled with a plug (in Figure 8 The plug 103 can be made of metal or any other compatible material so that the weight of each weight piece is different, thereby providing the user with a variety of weights that can be obtained from the same size weight piece.

[0033] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Also shown is an option in which the inner side 72 and outer side 74 of each weight piece (e.g., 8-7) can be attached to opposite sides of the core 100 by fasteners or adhesive. In this example, the inner side 72 and outer side 74 are front and rear shields that cover the interior of the core 100 and provide a flat surface on which indicia can be written for instructional or advertising purposes. The front and rear shield faces 72 and 74 contain V-shaped openings that mate with the V-shaped coupling receptacles 76 and V-shaped coupling bodies 88 of the core 100 of the weight pieces 8-7.

[0034] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As best shown in FIG. 1 , each weight plate 8-1 . . . 8-8 of the dumbbell 1 has a locking block 84 operable to lock the first weight plate (e.g., Figure 6 8-6) is removably and selectively connected to an additional (ie, adjacent) weight plate (eg, Figure 6 The user can operate any number of locking tabs, one at a time, depending on the number of weights to be added to and lifted by the dumbbell 1 during a workout.

[0035] The locking tabs 84 of the weight plates 8-1 ... 8-8 may be the same as the locking tabs shown and described in applicant's U.S. Patent No. 7,588,520 issued on September 15, 2009, the details of which are incorporated herein by reference. However, in brief, each locking tab 84 includes a locking pin (at Figure 6 The locking pin 104 is adapted to be pushed or pulled between a retracted position located inside the locking block 84 and an axially extended position by a reciprocating switch control knob 106, in which the locking pin 104 moves outward from the locking block 84 of the weight plate 8-6 and passes through the retracted position located inside the locking block 84. Figure 7 The locking pin receiving opening 86 of the weight plate 8 - 7 enters the coupling receptacle 76 formed in the inner side 72 of the adjacent weight plate 8 - 7 .

[0036] In particular, when the switch control knob 106 is pulled in the first direction, the locking pin 104 is correspondingly pushed to its axially extended position, in which the locking pin 104 passes through the locking pin receiving channel 93 in the coupling body 88 of the weight plate 8-6, and the coupling body 88 of the weight plate 8-6 is removably received in the coupling receptacle 76 of the weight plate 8-7. Therefore, the coupling body 88 is held in place in the coupling receptacle 76 by the locking pin 104, so that the adjacent weight plates 8-6 and 8-7 are detachably coupled to each other so as to be lifted together. It is understood that Figure 3 All of the weight plates 8 - 1 . . . 8 - 8 may be similarly coupled together and to the clamps 5 and 6 of the handle assembly 2 without requiring a coupling rod extending longitudinally therethrough.

[0037] Reference again Figure 1 and Figure 2 , which shows a dumbbell storage tray 120 to be placed on a flat surface to accommodate a dumbbell 1 having a handle assembly 2 located therein. Figure 3 The stack of weights 8-1 ... 8-4 and the stack of weights 8-5 ... 8-8 are shown between and coupled to the stack of weights 8-1 ... 8-4 and the stack of weights 8-5 ... 8-8. That is, the first stack of weights 8-1 ... 8-4 is coupled to the clamp 5 on one side of the handle assembly 2, and the second stack of weights 8-5 ... 8-8 is coupled to the clamp 6 on the opposite side of the handle assembly 2.

[0038] The dumbbell storage tray 120 includes a pair of side walls 122 and 124 on opposite sides thereof. When not in use, the dumbbell 1 is stored between the side walls 122 and 124. A pair of tubular weight support posts 126 and 128 extend between the side walls 122 and 124. When the dumbbell 1 is not in use, the first stack of weights 8-1 ... 8-4 and the second stack of weights 8-5 ... 8-8 are placed on the tubular weight support posts 126 and 128. Each of the tubular weight support posts 126 and 128 is surrounded at one end by a pair of arched brackets 130 and 132. The arched brackets 130 and 132 are arranged in parallel and spaced-apart alignment with each other and are positioned below the disc-shaped clamps 5 and 6 of the handle assembly 2. When the dumbbell 1 is placed in the dumbbell storage tray 120 and the weight plates 8 - 1 . . . 8 - 8 are placed on the weight plate support posts 126 and 128 , the clamps 5 and 6 are simultaneously placed in and supported by the brackets 130 and 132 .

[0039] like Figure 2 As best shown in FIG, vertical grooves 134 and 136 extend downwardly through each of the side walls 122 and 124 of the dumbbell storage tray 120. The vertical grooves 134 and 136 are configured to slidably receive the corresponding V-shaped coupling bodies 88 of the first weight plate 8-1 and the last weight plate 8-8 from the weight plates 8-1 ... 8-8 therein, thereby stabilizing the dumbbell 1 and holding it in place within the dumbbell tray 120.

[0040] like Figure 5 As best shown in FIG, a pair of optional additional weight plates 140 and 142 can be removably attached to the disc-shaped clamps 5 and 6 of the handle assembly 2. The additional weight plates 140 and 142 are ideally smaller in size and lighter in weight than the remaining weight plates 8-1 ... 8-8 carried by the dumbbell 1. By way of example only, if each weight plate 8-1 ... 8-8 is 5 pounds, each additional weight plate 140 and 142 can be 1 pound. With the foregoing, the user can increase the weight to be lifted in small increments, which is smaller than the weight of the full-size weight plates, to suit his or her workout needs.

[0041] Each additional weight piece 140 and 142 preferably has a disc shape with V-shaped openings 144 and 145 formed therein and extending downward from the circumference at the top thereof and extending diagonally between the corresponding pair of legs 146 and 147. However, weight piece configurations other than the weight piece configuration having the above-described pair of legs 146 and 147 may be used. The size and configuration of the V-shaped openings 144 and 145 are set to match the size and shape of the V-shaped coupler bodies 38-1 and 38-2 protruding from the clamps 5 and 6 of the handle assembly 2. Thus, as Figure 5 As best shown in FIG, the weight that can be lifted using the handle assembly 2 can be increased by mounting additional weight pieces 140 and 142 on the clamps 5 and 6 of the handle assembly 2. In this case, the V-shaped coupler bodies 38-1 and 38-2 that protrude from the clamps 5 and 6 are slidably received by the V-shaped openings 144 and 145 so that the additional weight pieces 140 and 142 are positioned on the clamps 5 and 6 and cover the open areas formed in the clamps 5 and 6. A mating channel 148 extends around the periphery of each V-shaped opening 144 and 145 of each additional weight piece 140 and 142 so as to engage with the guide rail ( Figure 5 The magnet 149 or snap fastener recessed into the additional weight pieces 140 and 142 holds the weight piece in place against the clamps 5 and 6 of the handle assembly 2.

[0042] like Figure 2 As best shown in FIG, each side wall 122 and 124 of the dumbbell storage tray 120 has a pair of recesses 150 and 152 formed side by side therein. A vertical groove 134 extending downwardly through the first side wall 122 is located between the pair of recesses 150, and a vertical groove 136 extending downwardly through the opposite side wall 124 is located between the pair of recesses 152. Figure 1 As best shown in FIG, the paired recesses 150 and 152 in the side walls 122 and 124 are sized to receive downwardly therein the corresponding paired legs (e.g., 147) of the additional weight plates (e.g., 142). Thus, the additional weight plates 140 and 142 can be conveniently held in place on the storage tray 120 along with the handle assembly 2 and weight plates 8-1 ... 8-8 of the dumbbell 1.

Claims

1. A dumbbell (1) for use during weightlifting exercises, comprising: A handle assembly (2) having a first side (5) and an opposite side (6) and a gripping handle (3) extending between the first side and the opposite side, the dumbbell being gripped and lifted at the gripping handle: a first number of weight plates (8-1...8-4) coupled to the handle assembly (2) at the first side (5) of the handle assembly (2) and configured to be lifted by the dumbbell in response to a lifting force applied to the grip handle; and a second number of weight plates (8-5...8-8) coupled to the handle assembly (2) at the opposite side (6) of the handle assembly (2) and lifted along with the first number of weight plates by the dumbbell in response to the lifting force applied to the grip handles, The handle assembly (2) also has at least a first handle reinforcement bar (7-1) extending with the grip handle between the first side and the opposite side of the handle assembly.

2. The dumbbell (1) according to claim 1, the handle assembly (2) further having a second handle reinforcement rod (7-2) extending between the first side and the opposite side of the handle assembly together with the gripping handle (3) and the first handle reinforcement rod (7-1).

3. The dumbbell (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The gripping handle (3) and the first handle reinforcement bar (7-1) and the second handle reinforcement bar (7-2) of the handle assembly extend in parallel alignment with each other between the first side (5) and the opposite side (6) of the handle assembly.

4. The dumbbell (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The gripping handle (3) of the handle assembly (2) and the first handle reinforcement rod (7-1) and the second handle reinforcement rod (7-2) are arranged in a triangular configuration with each other between the first side (5) and the opposite side (6) of the handle assembly.

5. The dumbbell (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The gripping handle (3) of the handle assembly and the first handle reinforcement rod (7-1) and the second handle reinforcement rod (7-2) are arranged in an equilateral triangle configuration with each other.

6. The dumbbell (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The first side (5) and the opposite side (6) of the handle assembly (2) are a first circular clamp and an opposite circular clamp, each of the first circular clamp and the opposite circular clamp having a center and a circumference around the center, the gripping handle (3) of the handle assembly extends between the respective centers of the first circular clamp and the opposite circular clamp, and the first handle reinforcement rod (7-1) and the second handle reinforcement rod (7-2) of the handle assembly extend between points on the respective circumferences of the first circular clamp and the opposite circular clamp.

7. The dumbbell (1) according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the first side (5) and the opposite side (6) of the handle assembly (2) has a connector (38-1 and 38-2) protruding from the first side and the opposite side of the handle assembly, and each of the first number of weight plates (8-1...8-4) and the second number of weight plates (8-5...8-8) has a first weight plate (8-4 and 8-5), the first weight plate having a connector receptacle (76) recessed into the first weight plate, the connectors protruding from the first side and the opposite side of the handle assembly being received in the corresponding connector receptacles recessed into the first weight plates of each of the first number of weight plates and the second number of weight plates, whereby the first weight plate is connected to the first side and the opposite side of the handle assembly.

8. The dumbbell (1) according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the first side (5) and the opposite side (6) of the handle assembly (2) has a connector (38-1 and 38-2) protruding from the first side and the opposite side of the handle assembly, and each of the first number of weight plates and the second number of weight plates has a first weight plate (140 and 142), the first weight plate (140 and 142) having an area (144 and 145) removed from the first weight plate, and the area (144 and 145) is configured to slidably and removably accommodate a corresponding connector of the connectors (38-1 and 38-2) protruding from the first side and the opposite side of the handle assembly in the area (144 and 145), whereby the first weight plate is connected to the first side and the opposite side of the handle assembly.

9. The dumbbell (1) according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the couplers (38-1 and 38-2) protruding from the first side (5) and the opposite side (6) of the handle assembly (2) and each of the areas (144 and 145) removed from the first weight piece (140 and 142) of each of the first and second number of weight pieces have a V-shape.

10. The dumbbell (1) according to claim 8, wherein Each of the first number of weight pieces and the second number of weight pieces also has a second weight piece (8-4 and 8-5), which is connected to the first weight piece (140 and 142) of each of the first number of weight pieces and the second number of weight pieces, and the first weight piece and the second weight piece have different sizes and different weights relative to each other.

11. The dumbbell (1) according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first side (5) and the opposite side (6) of the handle assembly (2) has a connector body (38-1 and 38-2) protruding from the first side and the opposite side of the handle assembly, and each of the first number of weight plates (8-1...8-4) and the second number of weight plates (8-5...8-8) includes a first weight plate (8-4 and 8-5), the first weight plates (8-4 and 8-5) having a coupling receptacle (76) formed in the first weight plate, the connector bodies of the first side and the opposite side of the handle assembly being removably received in opposing coupling receptacles of the coupling receptacles of the first weight plates of the first number of weight plates and the second number of weight plates, whereby the first weight plates are coupled to the handle assembly so as to be lifted together.

12. The dumbbell (1) according to claim 11, wherein The coupling bodies (38-1 and 38-2) are removably connected to the first side (5) and the opposite side (6) of the handle assembly (2).

13. The dumbbell (1) according to claim 11, wherein Each first weight plate (8-4 and 8-5) of the first number of weight plates (8-1...8-4) and the second number of weight plates (8-5...8-8) has a locking housing (84), the locking housing (84) including a locking pin (104) and a switch knob (106), the switch knob being in communication with the locking pin and the switch knob being operable to move the locking pin between a retracted position located inside the locking housing and an extended position located outside the locking housing and to form a locking engagement with the connector body (38-1 and 38-2) protruding from a corresponding one of the first side (5) and the opposite side (6) of the handle assembly (2), whereby the first weight plate is connected to the handle assembly.

14. The dumbbell (1) according to claim 11, wherein Each first weight plate (8-4 and 8-5) of the first number of weight plates (8-1...8-4) and the second number of weight plates (8-5...8-8) comprises a disc-shaped core (100) having a first face and an opposite face, a flat front cover (72) covering the first face, and a flat rear cover (74) covering the opposite face, the flat front cover of the first weight plate having an opening, through which the connector bodies (38-1 and 38-2) protruding from the first side and the opposite side of the handle assembly (2) pass and are received by corresponding coupling receptacles in the coupling receptacles (76) of the first weight plate.

15. The dumbbell (1) according to claim 14, wherein The disc-shaped core (100) of each of the first weight pieces (8-4 and 8-5) of the first number of weight pieces (8-1 ... 8-4) and the second number of weight pieces (8-5 ... 8-8) has a filling hole (102) formed therein so that each of the first weight pieces has a first weight, and the dumbbell further includes a filling plug (103) located in a corresponding filling hole of the filling holes so that the first weight pieces have a heavier weight.

16. A combination comprising: A dumbbell (1) for use during weightlifting exercises, the dumbbell comprising: a handle assembly (2) having a first side (5) and an opposite side (6) and a gripping handle (3) extending between the first side and the opposite side, the dumbbell being gripped and lifted at the gripping handle; a first plurality of weight plates (8-1 . . . 8-4) coupled to the handle assembly (2) at the first side (5) of the handle assembly (2) and configured to be lifted by the dumbbell in response to a lifting force applied to the grip handle; a second plurality of weight plates (8-5...8-8) coupled to the handle assembly (2) at the opposite side (6) of the handle assembly (2) to be lifted along with the first plurality of weight plates by the dumbbell in response to the lifting force applied to the grip handle; and A dumbbell storage tray (120) is provided in which the dumbbell is placed when not in use, the dumbbell storage tray having a first side wall (122) and an opposite side wall (124), the dumbbell being located between the first side wall and the opposite side wall, a first weight plate (8-1) of the first plurality of weight plates being coupled to the first side wall (122), and a last weight plate (8-8) of the second plurality of weight plates being coupled to the opposite side wall (124).

17. The combination according to claim 16, wherein: Each of the first side wall (122) and the opposite side wall (124) of the dumbbell storage tray (120) has grooves (134 and 136) formed therein, and each of the first weight plate (8-1) and the last weight plate (8-8) of the first plurality of weight plates and the second plurality of weight plates of the dumbbell (1) has a coupler (88) to couple to the first side wall (122) and the opposite side wall (124) at corresponding grooves in the grooves (134 and 136) formed therein.

18. The combination according to claim 16, wherein: Each of the first side wall (122) and the opposite side wall (124) of the dumbbell storage tray (120) has recesses (150 and 152) formed therein, one of the first plurality of weight plates (140) of the dumbbell (1) being disconnected from the first side (5) of the handle assembly (2) and being removably received in the recess (150) formed in the first side wall (122), and one of the second plurality of weight plates (142) of the dumbbell being disconnected from the second side (6) of the handle assembly (2) and being removably received in the recess (152) formed in the opposite side wall (124).

19. The combination according to claim 16, wherein: The dumbbell storage tray (120) has at least one weight plate support column (126 and 128) extending between the first side wall (122) and the opposite side wall (124) of the dumbbell storage tray, and the first plurality of weight plates (8-1...8-4) and the second plurality of weight plates (8-5...8-8) of the dumbbell (1) are placed on the weight plate support column.

20. The combination according to claim 19, wherein The dumbbell storage tray (120) also has a pair of handle assembly brackets (130 and 132) attached to the at least one weight plate support column (126 and 128), the first side (5) and the opposite side (6) of the handle assembly (2) being positioned within respective ones of the pair of handle assembly brackets.

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