EP2420294A2

EP2420294A2 - Dumbbell

Info

Publication number: EP2420294A2
Application number: EP10191369A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Xianyong Zeng
Original assignee: Orange International Trading (Tianjin) Inc
Current assignee: ORANGE INTERNATIONAL TRADING (TIANJIN) INC.
Priority date: 2010-08-17
Filing date: 2010-11-16
Publication date: 2012-02-22
Also published as: EP2420294A3

Abstract

A dumbbell consisting of a handle and two dumbbell heads mounted at both ends of the handle, an outer end cover being mounted at the outer side of the dumbbell head, wherein the dumbbell head consists of a plastic surface, a metallic iron core and a metallic fixed sleeve connected with the handle. The metallic iron core contains a metallic fixed steel sleeve, both side portions C of the outer cylindrical surface of the handle are provided with step M, and an inner end cover is movably mounted between the dumbbell head and the handle, wherein the inner end cover consists of a plastic body, a metallic reinforcing sheet and a metallic fixed sleeve, and wherein the plane/surface on one end of the metallic fixed steel sleeve is forced against the end of the handle, the plane/surface on the other end is forced against the end face of the metallic fixed sleeve in the dumbbell head, and wherein there is a first fastening means, i.e., a weld line, between the handle and the dumbbell; a second fastening means, i.e., a cylindrical bulgy portion on the outer end cover to secure the outer end cover to the dumbbell head; and a third fastening means, i.e., a glue layer, between the dumbbell head and the outer end cover for fastening the outer end cover and the dumbbell head. The design is simple in structure, solid in connection and safe for being used by different people.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The utility model relates to sports equipment, and more particularly to a dumbbell.

BACKGROUND

The conventional structures of the head and the handle for the polyurethane or rubber dumbbell and polyurethane or rubber barbell available on the market are:

1. as the structure of the self-made sample (seeing Fig.1), the female thread 1 of the dumbbell or barbell head is fastened together with the male thread 2 of the handle. Additional thread tightening agent is an option. The dumbbell head 3 is easy to loose during the test, and the outer end cover is easy to separate.
2. as the structure of the products in the patent GB2410197B (seeing Fig.2), the flange locking nut 26 and the dumbbell or barbell head are fastened together with the male thread 24 of the handle. Additional thread tightening agent is an option. The end cover 28 is fixed by the screw 30 to the handle 12 against the dumbbell head 16. The tag 34 is adhered to the outer end cover 28. The dumbbell head 16 and the outer end cover 28 of the dumbbell with such structure are easy to loose during the use or test, and the tag 34 is easy to fall off.
3. as the structure of the products in the patent 200720111128.0 (seeing Fig.3), the female and male threads 1b and 1a of the handle are fastened together with the female thread 2a of the dumbbell or barbell head as well as the locking nut 3. Additional thread tightening agent is an option. The dumbbell head 2 and the locking nut 3 of the dumbbell with such structure are easy to loose during the use or test.
4. as the structure of the products in the patent GB2439221B (seeing Fig.4), a simple steel sleeve 16 is inlaid to tightly fit with the handle 3 during the casting of the dumbbell or barbell head, or additionally, they are fastened together by the welding joints 20. The outer end cover 12 is riveted together with the protrusion 19 of the handle 3, or connected together by welding joint 22. A tag (not shown) is adhered to the outside of the outer end cover 12. The outer end cover 12 and the tag of the dumbbell with such structure are easy to fall off during the use or test, and the dumbbell head 7 is also easy to loose.

The dumbbell or barbell head and the handle of the dumbbell or barbell with the above conventional structures are easy to loose, wobble or rotate during test or repeated use, and some of the dumbbell or barbell heads even become disconnected from the handle, which causes the dumbbell or barbell not to be used any longer and even to damage the user or others. The tags or the outer end covers of some of the dumbbell or barbell heads are also easy to fall off. There is a need for improving the structure.

SUMMARY

The object of the utility model is to overcome the shortcomings existing in the prior art, thereby providing a dumbbell with simple structure and solid connection.
As conceived above, the technical solution of the utility model is: a dumbbell consisting of a handle and two dumbbell heads mounted at both ends of the handle, an outer end cover being mounted at the outer side of the dumbbell head, wherein the dumbbell head consists of a plastic surface, a metallic iron core and a metallic fixed sleeve connected with the handle, characterized in that the metallic iron core contains a metallic fixed steel sleeve, both side portions C of the outer cylindrical surface of the handle are provided with step M, and an inner end cover is movably mounted between the dumbbell head and the handle, wherein the inner end cover consists of a plastic body, an metallic reinforcing sheet and an metallic fixed sleeve, and wherein the plane/surface on one end of the metallic fixed steel sleeve is forced against the end of the handle, the plane/surface on the other end is forced against the end face of the metallic fixed sleeve in the dumbbell head, and wherein there is a first fastening means, i.e., a weld line, between the handle and the dumbbell; a second fastening means, i.e., a cylindrical bulgy portion on the outer end cover to secure the outer end cover to the dumbbell head; and a third fastening means, i.e., a glue layer, between the dumbbell head and the outer end cover for fastening the outer end cover and the dumbbell head.
The dimension of the outer diameter of the step M is less than that of the inner diameter of the inner cylindrical surface D of the dumbbell head.
The coupling between the portions C of the both sides of the outer cylindrical surface of the handle and the inner cylindrical surface D of the dumbbell head is interference fit.
The plane of the metallic fixed sleeve of the inner end cover is below the outer surface of the plastic body of the inner end cover. Recessed groove(s) and recessed mark(s) are disposed on the outer surface of the plastic body of the inner end cover, and the surface of the plastic body of the inner end cover has texture.
The metallic fixed steel sleeve is formed by flanging the fixed sleeve. A sawteeth-like flange face is formed after the flanging. The sawteeth of the flange face is inlaid into the iron core in the middle of the dumbbell head.
The metallic fixed steel sleeve has at least one flange face, and the metallic fixed steel sleeve is fixed with respect to the axis of the iron core.
There is at least one sawteeth or a discontinuous circumference profile on the circumferential direction of the metallic fixed steel sleeve, and the metallic fixed steel sleeve is fixed with respect to the radial direction, i.e. circumferential direction, of the iron core.
The plastic surface of the dumbbell head has texture. The end face of the dumbbell head is spherical, and Braille is provided on the end face of the inner side.
Several annular grooves are disposed on the outer cylindrical surface of the dumbbell head, and an inner cylindrical surface F is provided as part of the outer surface.
The surface of the outer end cover is several stepped regions and has texture.
The advantages of the utility model are:

1. The handle has a stepped portion and the stepped side B functions as a stop. The dumbbell head will not move towards the middle of the handle any longer when it reaches a certain position during the assembly of the dumbbell or barbell, so that a sufficient space for holding is provided.
2. If the metallic fixed steel sleeve of the invention is formed by flanging the fixed sleeve, a sufficient flange end face E is formed after flanging to significantly increase the welding area and can prevent the axial relative movement between the metallic fixed steel sleeve and the metallic iron core. The inlaying of the sawteeth of the flange face into the iron core can prevent the radial relative movement between the metallic fixed sleeve and the iron core. The face E of the metallic fixed steel sleeve in the dumbbell head can be welded well with the handle, thereby improving the poor weldability of the cast iron with the ordinary carbon steel.
The invention employs a three-step fastening, which thus makes the connection between the dumbbell head and the handle solid, not easy to loose, and enables more safe and reliable use.
3. The end face of the dumbbell head employs a spherical design, so that an intact surface is obtained during the mould-releasing to reduce the defect rate, thus reducing the production cost.
4. The end face of the dumbbell head is provided with Braille for the use of different people.
5. Annular grooves are disposed on the outer circular face of the dumbbell head. The different number of the annular grooves represents the different weight levels, thus making the dumbbell more convenient to use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Fig.1, 2, 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the conventional structure of the dumbbell or barbell.
Fig.5 is an exploded view showing one side of the utility model.
Fig.6 is an exploded view of the overall utility model.
Fig.7 is a schematic view of the structure of the inner end cover, wherein Fig.7-1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the inner end cover, Fig.7-2 is a plan view of the inner end cover, and Fig.7-3 is a schematic view of the outer surface of the inner end cover.
Fig.8 is a cross-sectional view of the dumbbell head and the fixed steel sleeve.
Fig.9 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the dumbbell head and the fixed steel sleeve.
Fig.10 is a schematic view of the outer end cover, wherein Fig.10-1 is a cross-sectional view of the outer end cover, and Fig. 10-2 is a front view of the outer end cover.
Fig.11 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the utility model.
Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the utility model.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Fig.5, a dumbbell consists of four parts: a handle 1, an inner end cover 3, a dumbbell head 4, and an outer end cover 5. It should be noted that both ends of the inventive structure is identical, thus only one end is described.
Referring to Fig.6, the handle 1 has a stepped portion and the stepped side B functions as a stop. The dumbbell head 4 will not move towards the middle of the handle 1 any longer when it reaches a certain position during the assembly of the dumbbell or barbell, so that a sufficient space for holding is provided.
Referring to Fig.7 and 11, the inner end cover 3 consists of three parts: a plastic body 3-1, a metallic reinforcing sheet 3-2, and a metallic fixed sleeve 3-3.
The metallic reinforcing sheet 3-2 in the inner end cover 3 is firstly welded to the metallic fixed sleeve 3-3 and then is cast with the plastic body 3-1 to form the inner end cover 3. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the inner end cover 3 can also be formed by other molding process, such as injection. Similarly, the metallic reinforcing sheet 3-2 and the metallic fixed sleeve 3-3 can be integral without welding. For example, the same shape can be formed by flanging the iron sheet to meet the requirements; other technology or other materials may also be used to form such shape to meet the requirements. The plastic body 3-1 of the inner end cover is formed of polyurethane material. Other materials and colors may also be used.
The plane A of the metallic fixed sleeve 3-3 of the inner end cover is below the outer surface of the plastic body 3-1 of the inner end cover, such that the metallic fixed sleeve 3-3 of the inner end cover 3 would be invisible after being assembled with the handle 1. There are two regions N on the outer surface L of the inner end cover 3. A different number of regions N may also be used. The region N consists of two part: the racetrack-shaped recessed groove 3-1-1 having clearly partitioning function and the recessed mark 3-1-2. The recessed groove with different shape may also be used. The region N is an embedded lump on the plastic die. If other patterns or marks are to be used, it is only needed to replace the die embedded lump of the region N, thereby decreasing the die cost of the product. Mark 3-1-2 with recession can avoid injuring hand or the mark being taken off in use.
The surface of the inner end cover 3 is textured, making it wearable, anti-slip, and beautiful. The inner end cover 3 and the dumbbell head 4 can be designed separately, with different colors, materials, and surface textures.
Referring to Fig.8, 9 and 11, the dumbbell head 4 consists of three parts: a plastic surface 4-1, a metallic iron core 4-2, and a metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3.
The metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3 is formed by flanging the fixed sleeve 4-3-1, after which a sufficient flange end face E is formed to significantly increase the welding area. The metallic iron core 4-2 is a cast part. The metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3 is the insert of the metallic iron core 4-2, and is inserted together during the casting process of the metallic iron core 4-2. The flange end face E of the metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3 can prevent the axial relative movement between the metallic iron core 4-2 and the metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3. The inlaying of the sawteeth of the flange face E into the iron core 4-3 can prevent the radial relative movement between the metallic fixed sleeve 4-3 and the iron core 4-2. In this way, the metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3 and the metallic iron core 4-2 will not loose permanently after molding together. The face E of the metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3 in the dumbbell head 4 can be well welded with the handle 1, thereby improving the poor weldability of the cast iron with the ordinary carbon steel. The flange face E is not necessarily formed into sawteeth, and other shapes are also possible. The flange face E can be formed at only one end or both ends. The flange face is formed by flanging process, or by welding process or other process.
Fig.9 is another embodiment of the present invention. The metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3 consists of a fixed sleeve 4-3-1 and a fixed iron sheet 4-3-2. The fixed sleeve 4-3-1 is low carbon steel metallic pipe, in which there is a flange end face E increasing welding area. This flange end face E is formed by flanging the fixed sleeve 4-3-1, or by welding. Other process may also be used. Flange end faces E may be provided on both ends of the fixed sleeve 4-3-1. The flange end face E can be rounded, and other shapes may also be used. The fixed iron sheet 4-3-2 is welded on the outer surface of the fixed sleeve 4-3-1. The fixed iron sheet 4-3-2 is square, and other non-circular shapes may also be used. The square fixed iron sheet 4-3-2 further prevents the axial relative movement between the metallic iron core 4-2 and the metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3, and also prevents the radial relative rotation between the metallic iron core 4-2 and the metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3 due to its square shape. In this way, the metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3 and the metallic iron core 4-2 will not loose permanently after molding together. The metallic fix steel sleeve 4-3 with the sawteeth flange end face E may not have the fixed iron sheet 4-3-2, since the sawteeth flange end face E can prevent not only the axial relative movement between the iron core 4-2 and the metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3, but also the axial relative movement between the iron core 4-2 and the metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3. The metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3 and the metallic iron core 4-2 will not loose permanently after molding together.
The plastic surface 4-1 is formed by coating the metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3 and the metallic iron core 4-2 with polyurethane during the casting process, thus forming the dumbbell head 4. The material of the plastic surface 4-1 can be either polyurethane or rubber. Other materials can also be used, and the plastic surface can be formed with different colors. The plastic surface 4-1 is formed by casting, and can also be formed by other molding process, such as injection. The end faces 4-1-4 and 4-1-3 of the plastic surface 4-1 are both spherical, so that an intact surface is obtained during the mould-releasing to reduce the defect rate, thus reducing the production cost. The end face 4-1-3 is provided with Braille 4-1-1 for the use of different people. Braille is evenly distributed in four groups. Different numbers and arrangements can also be used. The size of the marks of Braille 4-1-1 is consistent with the weight level of the dumbbell. Braille 4-1-1 is raised so as to be sensed more conveniently. Annular grooves are disposed on the outer circular face of the plastic surface 4-1. Different number of the annular grooves represents different weight levels, for example, one annular groove for 2-10 kilograms, two annular grooves for 12-20 kilograms, three annular grooves for 22-30 kilograms, four annular grooves for 32-40 kilograms, five annular grooves for 42-50 kilograms, six annular grooves for 52-60 kilograms. Other number of the annular grooves 4-1-2 can also be used to intuitively distinguish the weight levels of the dumbbell or barbell.
The surface of the plastic casing 4-1 is textured so as to be wearable, anti-slip, and also beautiful.
Referring to Fig. 10 and 11, the outer end cover 5 is an all plastic part and has three colors, and it is made of polyurethane. The material with the same property can also be used. The mark region 5-2 of the outer end cover 5 is below the outer end face 5-3, and the mark 5-1 is below the 5-2. The digital mark and the LOGO in the mark 5-1 are below the region 5-2, which can avoid the mark being damaged or being taken off, and can avoid selecting inconveniently due to unclearness or lack of the mark. Different numbers identify dumbbells with different levels. Different LOGOs can also be used. The mark 5-1 and the mark region 5-2 have different colors to enable the mark to be identified clearly and conveniently. The number in the mark 5-1 and the logo also have different colors, to allow them to be identified conveniently as well. Outer end cover 5 consists of three different colors and needs to be cast several times. The outer end cover 5 can also be formed by other molding process, such as injection, in a single step. An elongate cylindrical face G is disposed on the inner end face of the outer end cover 5 and fits well with the inner cylindrical face F of the dumbbell head 4.
The surface of the outer end cover 5 is textured so as to be wearable, anti-slip, and also beautiful. If the outer end cover 5 and the dumbbell head 4 are separately designed, they can be formed with different colors or materials, thus improving process.
The assembling of the dumbbell or barbell consists of four steps as follows:

Referring to Fig.6, the inner end cover 3 is assembled with the dumbbell head 4 and the inner plane J of the inner end cover 3 is adhered to the plane K with special glue, in order to achieve the purpose of pre-assembly.
Referring to Fig.7 and 11, after the inner end cover 3 and the dumbbell head 4 are assembled together, they are assembled with the handle 1 together by external pressure. The coupling between the inner cylindrical face D of the metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3 in the dumbbell head 4 and the outer cylindrical face C of the handle 1 is interference fit. The outer plane A of the inner end cover 3 and the stepped plane B of the handle 1 need to be pressed together, thus the inner end cover 3 is sandwiched between the handle 1 and the dumbbell head 4, and will not loose permanently.
Referring to Fig.11 and 12, the handle 1, the inner end cover 3 and the dumbbell head 4 are tightened again after assembly, that is, the metallic fixed steel sleeve 4-3 in the dumbbell head 4 is welded together with the outer end of the handle 1, and the flange end face E of the metallic steel sleeve 4-3 provides a sufficient wide welding area and is welded-circumferentially, thus forming the weld line 6. As a result, the handle 1, the inner end cover 3 and the dumbbell head 4 are more fastened tightly and will not loose permanently.
Referring to Fig.6 and 11, after the handle 1, the inner end cover 3 and the dumbbell head 4 have been fastened, they need to be assembled again with the outer end cover 5. The outer cylindrical face G of the outer end cover 5 is placed into the inner cylindrical face F of the dumbbell head 4. The plane H of the dumbbell head 4 needs to be pressed together with the inner plane I of the outer end cover 5. The coupling between the outer cylindrical face G and the inner cylindrical face F is also interference fit. A vacuum is formed in the cavity between the dumbbell head 4 and the outer end cover 5 after the outer cylindrical face G of the outer end cover 5 and the inner cylindrical face F of the dumbbell head 4 have been assembled. Thus, the dumbbell head 4 can fit closely with the outer end cover 5. For further fastening, special glue is used for bonding between the plane H of the dumbbell head 4 and the inner plane I of the outer end cover 5.

So far, the assembly procedure of the dumbbell or barbell is substantially completed.

Claims

A dumbbell consisting of a handle and two dumbbell heads mounted at both ends of the handle, an outer end cover being mounted at the outer side of the dumbbell head, wherein the dumbbell head consists of a plastic surface, a metallic iron core and a metallic fixed sleeve connected with the handle, characterized in that
the metallic iron core contains a metallic fixed steel sleeve, both side portions C of the outer cylindrical surface of the handle are provided with step M, and an inner end cover is movably mounted between the dumbbell head and the handle, wherein the inner end cover consists of a plastic body, a metallic reinforcing sheet and a metallic fixed sleeve, and wherein the plane/surface on one end of the metallic fixed steel sleeve is forced against the end of the handle, the plane/surface on the other end is forced against the end face of the metallic fixed sleeve in the dumbbell head, and wherein there is a first fastening means, i.e., a weld line, between the handle and the dumbbell; a second fastening means, i.e., a cylindrical bulgy portion on the outer end cover to secure the outer end cover to the dumbbell head; and a third fastening means, i.e., a glue layer, between the dumbbell head and the outer end cover for fastening the outer end cover and the dumbbell head.
The dumbbell according to claim 1 characterized in that the dimension of the outer diameter of the step M is less than that of the inner diameter of the inner cylindrical surface D of the dumbbell head.
The dumbbell according to claim 1 characterized in that the coupling between the portions C of the both sides of the outer cylindrical surface of the handle and the inner cylindrical surface D of the dumbbell head is interference fit.
The dumbbell according to claim 1 characterized in that the plane of the metallic fixed sleeve of the inner end cover is below the outer surface of the plastic body of the inner end cover, and wherein recessed grooves and recessed marks are disposed on the outer surface of the plastic body of the inner end cover, and the surface of the plastic body of the inner end cover has texture.
The dumbbell according to claim 1 characterized in that the metallic fixed steel sleeve is formed by flanging the fixed sleeve, a sawteeth-like flange face is formed after the flanging, and the sawteeth of the flange face is inlaid with the iron core in the middle of the dumbbell head.
The dumbbell according to claim 1 characterized in that the metallic fixed steel sleeve has at least one flange face, and the metallic fixed steel sleeve is fixed with respect to the axis of the iron core.
The dumbbell according to claim 1 characterized in that there is at least one sawteeth or a discontinuous circumference profile on the circumferential direction of the metallic fixed steel sleeve, and the metallic fixed steel sleeve is fixed with respect to the radial direction, i.e. circumferential direction, of the iron core.
The dumbbell according to claim 1 characterized in that the plastic surface of the dumbbell head has texture, and wherein the end face of the dumbbell head is spherical, and Braille is provided on the end face of the inner side.
The dumbbell according to claim 1 characterized in that several annular grooves are disposed on the outer cylindrical surface of the dumbbell head, and an inner cylindrical surface F is provided as part of the outer surface.
The dumbbell according to claim 1 characterized in that the surface of the outer end cover is several stepped regions and has texture.
A dumbbell consisting of a handle and two dumbbell head bodies mounted to both ends of the handle, characterized in that the inner side of the dumbbell head body is provided with Braille, and the cylindrical surface of the dumbbell head body is provided with several annular grooves representative of the weight levels.
The dumbbell according to claim 1 characterized in that the inner and outer end face of the dumbbell head body is spherical arc.
The dumbbell according to claim 1 characterized in that the inner end cover of the dumbbell head body is above the inner end face, and the edge of the inner end cover of the dumbbell head body is provided with oblique chamfer.
The dumbbell according to claim 1 characterized in that the surface of the inner end cover of the dumbbell head body is cast with dumbbell marks.
The dumbbell according to claim 1 characterized in that the outer end cover of the dumbbell head body is above the outer end face, the surface of the outer end cover of the dumbbell head body is provided with inward recessions at which weight levels and dumbbell marks are cast.
The dumbbell according to claim 1 characterized in that the handle is spindle-shaped.
The dumbbell according to claim 1 characterized in that a racetrack-shaped ellipse groove is disposed around the dumbbell marks.