US20060122041A1

US20060122041A1 - Adjustable hand weight assembly

Info

Publication number: US20060122041A1
Application number: US11/293,993
Authority: US
Inventors: Lisa Kay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-12-03
Filing date: 2005-12-05
Publication date: 2006-06-08

Abstract

An adjustable hand weight assembly includes a base weight and a removable add-on weight. The base weight has opposing major surfaces. The major surfaces define a respective front and back of the base weight. A handle is formed with the base weight for lifting the weight assembly. The base weight defines an open, recessed weight cell formed with the front. The add-on weight is received and releasably held within the cell of the base weight.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an adjustable hand weight assembly. The invention is applicable for use in a variety of weight training exercises, and is conveniently transported to and from the gym, or while traveling on business trips and vacations. The invention provides a single safely-secured weight assembly which can be readily converted to adjust the amount of weight being lifted by the user. The invention is also easy and comfortable to handle, and has an aesthetically pleasing appearance. To facilitate transport, the invention further comprises a portable carrying case designed for holding the various components of the weight assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an adjustable hand weight assembly which is convenient to use, and which can be easily converted between various weight amounts.
It is another object of the invention to provide an adjustable weight assembly which is applicable for use in a variety of weight training exercises.
It is another object of the invention to provide an adjustable weight assembly which has a number of strategically located gripping areas.
It is another object of the invention to provide an adjustable weight assembly which has a novel, streamlined design.
It is another object of the invention to provide an adjustable weight assembly which is designed for storage in a portable carrying case.
It is another object of the invention to provide a portable carrying case especially designed for receiving and transporting an adjustable weight assembly.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing an adjustable hand weight assembly. The hand weight assembly includes a base weight having opposing major surfaces. The major surfaces define a respective front and back of the base weight. A handle is formed with the base weight for lifting the weight assembly. The base weight defines an open, recessed weight cell formed with the front. The weight cell is adapted for receiving and holding a separate add-on weight. Means are provided for releasably securing the add-on weight within the cell of the base weight.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the base weight is generally disk-shaped.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base weight weighs between 2.5 and 20 lbs.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, opposing hand grips are formed with respective opposite side edges of the base weight.
In another embodiment, the invention is an adjustable hand weight assembly comprising a base weight and a removable add-on weight. The base weight has opposing major surfaces. The major surfaces define a respective front and back of the base weight. A handle is formed with the base weight for lifting the weight assembly. The base weight defines an open, recessed weight cell formed with the front. The add-on weight is received and held within the cell of the base weight. Means are provided for releasably securing the add-on weight within the cell of the base weight.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the add-on weight has a generally annular inner periphery forming a central through-bore, and at least one hand opening to facilitate gripping.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the add-on weight further includes a locking tab extending from the inner periphery radially inward into an area of the through-bore.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base weight has a mounting track located within the weight cell and designed to receive the locking tab of the add-on weight.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting track has a notch through which the locking tab passes upon application of the add-on weight to the base weight. After application, the add-on weight is rotated into the mounting track to secure the add-on weight to the base weight.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base weight has a spring-loaded detent located within the weight cell and adapted for entering a complementary hole formed with the add-on weight. The add-on weight and base weight are releasably locked together upon mating alignment of the detent and hole.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the add-on weight weighs between 2.5 and 10.0 lbs.
Preferably, the add-on weight resides entirely within the weight cell, and does not project outwardly from either one of the front and back of the base weight.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base weight is generally disk-shaped.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base weight weighs between 2.5 and 20 lbs.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, opposing hand grips are formed with respective opposite side edges of the base weight.
In another embodiment, the invention is an adjustable hand weight assembly combined with a portable carrying case. The hand weight assembly, such as previously described, is adapted for storage and transport inside the carrying case.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrying case has divided compartments for separately storing the base weight and the add-on weight of the weight assembly.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrying case has at least one wheel and a handle.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrying case has rigid top and bottom halves which cooperate to enclose and contain the weight assembly during storage and transport.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the top half of the carrying case defines a generally flat and textured top surface designed to support the weight of a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable hand weight assembly according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a top view of the hand weight assembly;
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the hand weight assembly;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the hand weight assembly;
FIG. 5 is a back view of the hand weight assembly;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the hand weight assembly showing the add-on plate removed from the base weight;
FIG. 7 is a front view of the hand weight assembly with the add-on weight applied to the base weight but prior to locking;
FIG. 8 is a front view of the hand weight assembly with the add-on weight applied to the base weight and rotated to a locked position;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portable carrying case for storing and transporting the weight assembly; and
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the carrying case with the top closed, and the handle extended.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

Referring now specifically to the drawings, an adjustable hand weight assembly according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The hand weight assembly 10 is highly versatile, and especially applicable for convenient use at home or when traveling.
As best shown in FIGS. 1-5, the hand weight assembly 10 comprises a relatively thin and generally disk-shaped base weight 11 having a top 12, bottom 14, opposing sides 15 and 16, and opposing outside major surfaces 17 and 18. The outside major surfaces 17 and 18 define a respective front and back of the base weight 11. An integrally-formed handle 20 extends outwardly from the base weight 11, generally parallel to the front and back 17, 18. Preferably, the handle 20 has a comfortable, textured grip 21 spaced from the top 12 of the base weight 11 and formed of a cushioned slip-resistant material, such as neoprene or other natural or synthetic rubber. According to one embodiment, the overall thickness of the base weight 11 is between 2 and 3 inches. The base weight 11 is preferably made available in a wide variety of weights ranging from between 2.5 and 20 pounds (lbs).
For added versatility, the sides 15, 16 of the base weight 11 have respective contoured neoprene grip areas for holding the weight assembly 10 with both hands during exercise. A through-bore 24 is also formed with the base weight 11 to facilitate handling.
Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, the base weight 11 preferably comprises an open, recessed weight cell 25 designed for receiving and holding a separate add-on weight plate 30. The add-on plate 30 has an outside perimeter flange 31, a generally annular inner periphery 32, and hand openings 33 and 34. The hand openings 33, 34 facilitate handling and allow convenient usage of the add-on plate 30 by itself separate from the base weight 11, if desired.
For use in combination with the base weight 11, the add-on plate 30 comprises locking tabs 35 and 36 which extends radially inward at the inner periphery 32, and which aligns and mates with a mounting track 40 located within the weight cell 25 of the base weight 11. The mounting track 40 has notches 41, 42 through which the locking tabs 35, 36 pass (See FIG. 7) upon application of the add-on plate 30 to the base weight 11. As best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, after application, the add-on weight 30 is rotated clockwise into the mounting track 40 as indicated at arrow 44 such that the locking tabs 35, 36 locate behind respective holding walls 46, 47 of the mounting track 40. This secures the add-on weight 30 to the base weight 11. Additionally, the base weight 11 preferably has a spring-loaded, depressable detent 51 located within the weight cell 25 and adapted for entering into one of two complementary holes 52, 53 formed with the add-on plate 30. Upon mating alignment of the detent 51 and selected hole 52, 53, the base weight 11 and add-on weight 30 are releasably locked together to form a single weight unit. Preferably, the add-on plate 30 resides entirely within the weight cell 25, and does not project outwardly from either the front 17 or back 18 of the base weight 11.
To release the add-on plate 30, the spring-loaded detent 51 is depressed and the plate 30 rotated counterclockwise to realign the locking tabs 35, 36 and notches 41, 42 formed with the mounting track 40. Once aligned, the plate 30 is easily removed from the weight cell 25. Like the base weight 11, the add-on plate 30 is preferably made available in a wide variety of weights ranging from between 2.5 and 10 pounds (lbs).
For convenient storage and transport, the weight assembly 10 is preferably located in a portable carrying case 60 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The carrying case 60 has rigid top and bottom halves 61, 62, and divided interior compartments 64 for separately storing several base weights 11 and add-on plates 30 of different weights. The top and bottom halves 61, 62 are pivotably attached together along adjacent side edges, and have complementary closures 65, 66 located on opposite side edges for closing the case 60. Preferably, the top and bottom halves 61, 62 are formed a highly durable PVC or other molded plastic. To facilitate transport, the carrying case 60 also has a pair of wheels 67 and an extendable handle 68. When the case 60 is closed, as shown in FIG. 10, the top surface 69 of the top half 61 forms a step applicable for certain muscle training and aerobic conditioning. Alternatively, the top half 61 may be removed from the case 60 and used by itself as an exercise step. The top surface 69 is preferably textured and comprises a slip-resistant rubber covering.
An adjustable hand weight assembly and carrying case are described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable hand weight assembly, comprising:

a base weight having opposing major surfaces, the major surfaces defining a respective front and back of said base weight;

a handle formed with said base weight;

said base weight defining an open, recessed weight cell formed with said front, and adapted for receiving and holding a separate add-on weight; and

means for releasably securing the add-on weight within the cell of said base weight.

2. An adjustable hand weight assembly according to claim 1, wherein said base weight is generally disk-shaped.

3. An adjustable hand weight assembly according to claim 1, wherein said base weight weighs between 2.5 and 20 lbs.

4. An adjustable hand weight assembly according to claim 1, and comprising opposing hand grips formed with respective opposite side edges of said base weight.

5. An adjustable hand weight assembly, comprising:

a handle formed with said base weight;

said base weight defining an open, recessed weight cell formed with said front;

a removable add-on weight received and held within the cell of said base weight; and

means for releasably securing said add-on weight within the cell of said base weight.

6. An adjustable hand weight assembly according to claim 5, wherein said add-on weight comprises a generally annular inner periphery forming a central through-bore, and at least one hand opening to facilitate gripping.

7. An adjustable hand weight assembly according to claim 6, wherein said add-on weight further comprises a locking tab extending radially inward at said inner periphery.

8. An adjustable hand weight assembly according to claim 7, wherein said base weight comprises a mounting track located within said weight cell and designed to receive the locking tab of said add-on weight.

9. An adjustable hand weight assembly according to claim 8, wherein said mounting track comprises a notch through which said locking tab passes upon application of said add-on weight to said base weight, such that after application, said add-on weight is rotated into said mounting track to secure said add-on weight to said base weight.

10. An adjustable hand weight assembly according to claim 9, wherein said base weight comprises a spring-loaded detent located within said weight cell and adapted for entering a complementary hole formed with said add-on weight, whereby said add-on weight and said base weight are releasably locked together upon mating alignment of said detent and hole.

11. An adjustable hand weight assembly according to claim 5, wherein said add-on weight weighs between 2.5 and 10.0 lbs.

12. An adjustable hand weight assembly according to claim 5, wherein said add-on weight resides entirely within said weight cell, and does not project outwardly from either one of the front and back of said base weight.

13. An adjustable hand weight assembly according to claim 5, wherein said base weight is generally disk-shaped.

14. An adjustable hand weight assembly according to claim 5, wherein said base weight weighs between 2.5 and 20 lbs.

15. An adjustable hand weight assembly according to claim 5, and comprising opposing hand grips formed with respective opposite side edges of said base weight.

16. In combination with a portable carrying case, an adjustable hand weight assembly adapted for storage and transport inside said carrying case, said hand weight assembly comprising:

a base weight having an opposing front and back;

handle formed with said base weight;

said base weight defining an open, recessed weight cell formed with said front;

17. A combination according to claim 16, wherein said carrying case comprises divided compartments for separately storing said base weight and said add-on weight.

18. A combination according to claim 16, wherein said carrying case comprises at least one wheel and a handle.

19. A combination according to claim 16, wherein said carrying case comprises rigid top and bottom halves cooperating to enclose said weight assembly therein during storage and transport.

20. A combination according to claim 19, wherein the top half of said carrying case defines a generally flat and textured top surface designed to support the weight of a user.