GB2599730A

GB2599730A - Weighted article

Info

Publication number: GB2599730A
Application number: GB2016171.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Weir Ross; Peter Caine Michael; Nicholas Lock Mark
Original assignee: Escape Fitness Ltd
Current assignee: Escape Fitness Ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-12
Filing date: 2020-10-12
Publication date: 2022-04-13
Also published as: WO2022078833A1; GB202016171D0

Abstract

Weighted article (dumbbell) 10 comprising a handle 12 and a pair of integrally formed weight plates 14/16 held at either end of the handle. The handle and weight plates are substantially flat or planar in profile. The handle and weight plates may be curved. The connection 20 between the handle and weight plates may be curved. The upper or lower surface of the handle and weight plates may comprise a first attachment interface 22 where the other of the upper or lower surface has a second attachment interface (fig 3, 24). The attachment interface may be magnetic. Another embodiment is for a handheld weight system comprising a plurality of weight structures with a planar profile and being stackable. These weight structures are retained in a stacked configuration by an engagement interface between adjacent weight structures.

Description

WEIGHTED ARTICLE

FIELD

The present invention relates to a weighted article. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hand held weighted article for use in resistance-based exercise.

BACKGROUND

Hand held weighted articles are abundant in both commercial and home gyms. A common type of hand held weighted article is a dumbbell. Dumbbells typically comprise a cylindrical handle portion for gripping the dumbbell with one hand and either fixed or removable weights. In the case of removable weights, they tend to be in the form of weight plates, or discs. In the case of fixed weights, they may be profiled with a circular, hexagonal or octagonal, form factor.

In a commercial setting, dumbbells are generally stored within specific racks to: i) store the dumbbells in weight order so that it is easy to select a dumbbell of the desired weight; and ii) provide an effective and efficient way of keeping the gym floor clear. Dumbbells, particularly heavier weight dumbbells, can be quite bulky thus taking up a lot of space. Even lightweight dumbbells can have a bulky form factor making them impractical to store in small spaces.

Dumbbells, and other hand held weighted articles, are used to provide weight-based resistance to movement to increase the intensity of exercise. Dumbbells are used in strength building, toning, shaping and firming exercises, as well as to increase the cardiovascular intensity of other exercises such as running or walking.

An object of the invention is to provide a hand held weighted article that can be used in a plurality of exercise activities and conveniently stored.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the invention provides a weighted article comprising a handle portion and a pair of integrally formed weight plates, one at each end of the handle portion, wherein the handle portion and weight plates are substantially flat, or planar, in profile.

As described above, hand held weights, i.e., dumbbells are typically cylindrical in profile with opposing weight plates that increase in diameter as their weight increases. Dumbbells have been manufactured in this format for many years and are the key item of exercise equipment for many activities both in commercial gyms and at home. One of the main drawbacks of conventional dumbbells is the amount of space that is needed to store even a selection of a few different weights, i.e., lkg, 2kg and 3kg. The present invention helps alleviate the issue of storage space by providing hand held weights of a flat profile that can be stacked and take up comparatively less space than dumbbells of the same weight.

In one embodiment, a longitudinal axis is defined between the pair of weight plates passing through the handle portion and the handle portion and weight plates are curved along the longitudinal axis such that when the weighted article is placed on a surface the handle portion is spaced away from the surface.

Use of a flat hand weights may make it difficult for some people to be able to grasp the hand weights when they are placed on a flat surface. By curving the weight plates along the longitudinal axis, the handle portion is lifted away from the flat surface thus providing a gap between the handle portion and the surface for a user to insert their fingers between.

In one embodiment, the handle portion connects to each of the pair of integrally formed weight plates by way of respective transitions that are angled or curved upwardly away from each of the pair of weight plates.

As an alternative to the weight plates being curved along the longitudinal axis, a pair of angled or curved transitions can be used to lift the handle portion away from the surface and again provide a gap between the handle portion and the surface to insert their fingers between.

In one embodiment, the handle portion and weight plates each comprise an upper and a lower surface, wherein one of the upper or lower surface comprises a first attachment interface and the other of the upper or lower surface comprises a second attachment interface, different to the first attachment interface such that the first or second attachment interface of a first weighted article is engageable with the other of the first or second attachment interface of a second weighted article.

The substantially flat, or planar, profile of hand weights of the invention mean that they are suitable for being stacked both for storage to reduce the amount of storage to reduce the amoung of storage space required and also in use to provide variation in the available weight for exercise. For example, assuming that a user has access to three hand held-weights which have respective weights of lkg, 2kg and 3kg, the available combinations would be lkg, 2kg, 3kg, I kg+2kg, 2kg+3kg and I kg+3kg. In other words, five different weight variations would be available to the user through combination of the available hand-held weights In one embodiment, one or more weighted articles may be stacked and held together by engagement of the first or second attachment interface of the first weighted article and the other of the first or second attachment interface of the second weighted article.

In one embodiment, the weighted article further comprises a grip enhancing pattern disposed around the handle portion.

In one embodiment, the weighted article further comprises a grip enhancing pattern applied to the top surface and/or bottom surface of at least one of the pair of weight plates.

In one embodiment, the weighted article defines a geometric center point when said weighted article is in a rest position set lengthwise on a horizontal flat surface, and wherein a frame of reference is defined in said rest position including an x-axis extending through said center point, a y-axis perpendicular to the x-axis and a z-axis perpendicular to both the x-axis and the y-axis, wherein said weighted article is substantially symmetric with respect to an xy plane extending through the center point.

In one embodiment, the weighted article is substantially symmetric with respect to a yz plane extending through the center point.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first attachment interface and second attachment interface comprises a first magnet and the other of the first attachment interface and second attachment interface comprises a second magnet or a ferrous material.

Another aspect of the invention provides, a hand held weight system comprising a plurality of weight structures each having a substantially planar profile and being stackable and retained in a stacked configuration by an engagement interface between adjacent pairs of weight structures.

In one embodiment, each weight structure comprises a handle portion and a pair of integrally formed weight plates, one at each end of the handle portion.

In one embodiment, the plurality of weight structures can be lifted together by grasping the handle portion of each weight structure when the weight structures are retained in the stacked configuration.

In one embodiment, one, or more, of the plurality of the weight structures can be removed from the stacked configuration and lifted independently of the stacked configuration.

In one embodiment, each weight structure is of a different size in an x direction. In other embodiments, each weight structure is substantially the same size in the x direction.

In one embodiment, the handle portion and weight plates of each weight structure comprise an upper and a lower surface, wherein one of the upper or lower surface comprises a first attachment interface and the other of the upper or lower surface comprises a second attachment interface, different to the first attachment interface such that the first or second attachment interface of a first weight structure is engageable with the other of the first or second attachment interface of a second weight structure.

Other configurations, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.

DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. In the drawings: FIG 1 shows an isometric view of a weighted article according to aspects and embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the weighted article of FIG. I. FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the weighted article of FIGs. 1 and 2 FIG. 4 shows a side view of the weighted article of FIGs. Ito 3.

FIG. S shows an isometric view of a hand held weight system comprising a plurality of the weighted articles of FIGs. 1-3 in a stacked configuration.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the hand held weight system of FIG. 5. DESCRIPTION Referring to FIGs 1-3, a weighted article (10) comprises a handle (12) and a pair of weight plates (14, 16) respectively attached to each end of the handle (12). For clarity of description various directional adjectives such as "top" and "bottom" and "left" and "right-will be used herein with respect to the orientation of the weighted article (10) as illustrated in the drawings. It will be understood that these adjectives refer to the weighted article (10) at rest on a stable surface as illustrated and may not apply to the weighted article's (10) orientation while being used. The x, y and z reference lines and planes marked in the figures also refer to the illustrated orientation. The longitudinal axis L passing through a geometric center point (described below), the handle portion (12) and each of the weight plates (14, 16) is a self-contained reference regardless of orientation.

The handle portion (12) defines a geometric center point when the weighted article (10) is in the rest position. A frame of reference is defined in the rest position including an x-axis extending through said center point, a y-axis perpendicular to the x-axis and a z-axis perpendicular to both the x-axis and the y-axis. The weighted article shown in the figures is generally symmetrical around the x and y reference lines. In other embodiments, the weighted article (10) may be asymmetric around the x and or y center lines.

Each weight plate (14, 16) is defined by an upper surface (14a, 16a), lower surface (14b, 16b) and perimeter side wall (14c, 16c) on its left and right sides. The weight plates (14, 16) in the illustrated embodiments are octagonal in profile. It will be appreciated that the profile of the weight plates (14, 16) may be any other suitable shape, i.e., square, rectangular or hexagonal. The upper surface (14a, 16a) of each weight plate may be embossed or covered with a grip enhancing pattern (18). The grip enhancing pattern (18) may be formed integrally in the material of the weight plate (14, 16) or may applied through a separate manufacturing process after the shape of the weighted article (10) has been formed.

To aid lifting of the weighted article (10) off a flat surface when in the rest position, the handle (12) may be raised away from the surface in the y direction to provide a gap between the handle portion (12) and the surface for the user to slide their fingers under. This is achieved in the figures by a transition (20) between each end of the handle (12) and the respective weight plates (14, 16) that is angled or curved upwardly away from the upper surface of the weight plates (14, 16). Alternatively, the weight plates (14, 16) may be curved along a longitudinal axis defined by the handle (12) and the weight plates (14, 16). In each case the result is that the handle (12) is raised relative to any surface that the weighted article (10) is placed on.

As shown in FIGs. 5 and 6, weighted articles (10) of the invention are intended to be stacked in combinations of different weights to provide variability during exercise activities. To facilitate this, each weighted article (10) is provided with a first attachment interface (22) on or in its upper surface (14a, 16a) and a second attachment interface (24) on or in its lower surface (14b, 16b). In the figures, the first attachment interface (22) is a projection and the second attachment interface (24) is a recess or a depression. When a first weighted article (1 Oa) is stacked on top of a second weighted article (10b), the first attachment interface (22), i.e., the projection, is inserted into and engages the second attachment interface (24), i.e., the recess or depression. This provides a secure connection between the first weighted article (10a) and second weighted article (10b). It will be understood that any practical number of weighted articles (10) may be stacked together to provide a wide range of weight combinations for exercise. It will also be appreciated that the first attachment interface (22) and second attachment interface (24) may take the form of any cooperatively engageable features and are not limited to the example shown in the figures and described herein. In some embodiments, a magnet may be incorporated into each attachment feature (22, 24) or one of the attachment features (22, 24) may comprise a magnet and the other of the attachment features (22, 24) may comprise a ferrous material.

Weighted articles (10) of the invention may be formed in a conventional manner with a solid core, i.e., steel, iron or aluminum, with a flexible outer covering, i.e., neoprene or polyurethane. Alternatively, weighted articles (10) of the invention may be formed from a cured mix of recycled or reclaimed material as described in detail in European patent no. EP2760550. Such a construction may comprise an inner core and outer skin or just the core. The inner core material may be formed from high density particulate or powdered waste from scrap metal. Materials such as magnetite, recycled scrap steel, scrap chilled cast iron, or powdered lead waste (such as from lead batteries) may be used. Non-metallic high-density waste may also be used provided the appropriate overall density for the inner core can be arrived at. The high-density particulate or powdered waste material is mixed with a binder material, typically a polyurethane resin binder. Typically, the high-density particulate or powdered waste material is provided in a batch and the resin is mixed in the appropriate quantity to provide a paste or sludge with the particles distributed throughout the volume in the binder material. The appropriate mix for the binder to particle volume ratio and the particle size can be arrived at by trial and error and is dependent upon the high-density waste material used. A suitable metal particle size for the inner core can be between 0.6mm to 2.4mm with a resin percentage of 5% to 20% by weight. Heat at low temperatures may be used to accelerate the curing process.

The outer skin protects the inner weight section from damage and corrosion, as well as providing an aesthetically pleasing finish. The outer skin may be formed from the same material as the inner core or may be formed from neoprene or polyurethane, for example.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A weighted article comprising a handle portion and a pair of integrally formed weight plates, one at each end of the handle portion, wherein the handle portion and weight plates are substantially flat, or planar, in profile.
2 A weighted article according to claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis is defined between the pair of weight plates passing through the handle portion and the handle portion and weight plates are curved along the longitudinal axis such that when the weighted article is placed on a surface the handle portion is spaced away from the surface 3 A weighted article according to claim 1, wherein the handle portion connects to each of the pair of integrally formed weight plates by way of respective transitions that are angled or curved upwardly away from each of the pair of weight plates 4 A weighted article according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the handle portion and weight plates each comprise an upper and a lower surface, wherein one of the upper or lower surface comprises a first attachment interface and the other of the upper or lower surface comprises a second attachment interface, different to the first attachment interface such that the first or second attachment interface of a first weighted article is engageable with the other of the first or second attachment interface of a second weighted article.A weighted article according to claim 4, wherein one or more weighted articles may be stacked and held together by engagement of the first or second attachment interface of the first weighted article and the other of the first or second attachment interface of the second weighted article.6. A weighted article according to any preceding claim further comprising a grip enhancing pattern disposed around the handle portion.7 A weighted article according to any preceding claim further comprising a grip enhancing pattern applied to the top surface and/or bottom surface of at least one of the pair of weight plates.8 A weighted article according to any preceding claim, wherein said weighted article defines a geometric center point when said weighted article is in a rest position set lengthwise on a horizontal flat surface, and wherein a frame of reference is defined in said rest position including an x-axis extending through said center point, a y-axis perpendicular to the x-axis and a z-axis perpendicular to both the x-axis and the y-axis, wherein said weighted article is substantially symmetric with respect to an xy plane extending through the center point.9. A weighted article according to claim 8 wherein said weighted article is substantially symmetric with respect to a yz plane extending through the center point.A weighted article according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the first attachment interface and second attachment interface comprises a first magnet and the other of the first attachment interface and second attachment interface comprises a second magnet or a ferrous material.11. A hand held weight system comprising a plurality of weight structures each having a substantially planar profile and being stackable and retained in a stacked configuration by an engagement interface between adjacent pairs of weight structures 12. A hand held weight system according to claim 11, wherein each weight structure comprises a handle portion and a pair of integrally formed weight plates, one at each end of the handle portion 13 A hand held weight system according to claim 11 or claim 12, where the plurality of weight structures can be lifted together by grasping the handle portion of each weight structure when the weight structures are retained in the stacked configuration.14 A hand held weight system according to claim 13, wherein one, or more, of the plurality of the weight structures can be removed from the stacked configuration and lifted independently of the stacked configuration.15. A hand held weight system according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein each weight structure is of a different size in an x direction.16 A hand held weight system according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the handle portion and weight plates of each weight structure comprise an upper and a lower surface, wherein one of the upper or lower surface comprises a first attachment interface and the other of the upper or lower surface comprises a second attachment interface, different to the first attachment interface such that the first or second attachment interface of a first weight structure is engageable with the other of the first or second attachment interface of a second weight structure 17. A hand held weight system according to any of claims 11 to 16, wherein at least one of the first attachment interface and second attachment interface comprises a first magnet and the other of the first attachment interface and second attachment interface comprises a second magnet or a ferrous material.