US20140249001A1

US20140249001A1 - Dynamic Free Weights

Info

Publication number: US20140249001A1
Application number: US14/036,074
Authority: US
Inventors: Ilaria Malvezzi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-09-26
Filing date: 2013-09-25
Publication date: 2014-09-04

Abstract

The invention consists in a set of dynamic-free-weights with a theta shape ranging from 3 lbs to 20 lbs. The shape and weights are optimal to perform dynamic-functional movements safely and efficiently, the appearance of the set is refreshing, colorful and innovating.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/705,897, filed on Sep. 26, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dynamic-free-weights. The weights present an asymmetrical “theta” that provides maximum wrist stability and balance specifically appropriate for dynamic/functional movements. Weights are designed to use in a set.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The idea of a balanced hand weight appeared in February 2001 (U.S. Pat. No. D438,265 S) and in October 2003 (U.S. Pat. No. D480,438). The latest patent was issued to Paul J. Fenelon in February 2011 (U.S. Pat. No. 7,878,952 B2). These patents use a cylindrical model to design the free-weights. In order to reduce stress on the user, designers have turned to using a cylindrical shape. A comparison between the traditional dumbbell and the cylindrical weight shows the possibility of a reduction of the torque along the forearm axis. This axis is where the highest angular acceleration is reached. However, all of the preceding patents lack key design features that place an increased stress on joints in the hand, wrist, forearm, and shoulder. When a dumbbell or weight is placed in a hand, it is on average at a 10% angle with the user's forearm. In order to exercise, a user would level out the weight, causing stress on the user's hand, wrist, forearm, and shoulder during said exercise.
The typical cylindrical shape, as in the above patents, do not allow for a forearm to be in a relaxed position while exercising. As a result, they cause excessive torque along the kinetic chain, placing abnormal stress on the joints. This lack of functionality becomes a health risk, potentially resulting in repetitive stress injuries when using said weights in a dynamic manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention consists of a set of dynamic-free-weights, each weight having a shape of a theta. The free-weight curves along at least one axis so that the weight is evenly distributed along the weight's center of gravity. The shape and weights are optimal to perform dynamic-functional movements safely and efficiently, the appearance of the set is refreshing, colorful and innovating.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The weights consist in a hollow-cylinder with an inner handle. The measurements of the handle and the height of the hollow-cylinder generally remain uniform throughout the set insuring consistency in shapes, esthetic appearance, functionality and feeling when held in the hand.
The handle has an elliptical shape that allows stronger grip. The rubber coat creates a frictional force that helps securing the grip during movements preventing shifting of the hand and consequential loss of the stabilizing effects of the circular shape and purpose of the present invention.
The theta shape distributes the weight evenly around the center of mass (the palm of the hand) decreasing drastically the torque and momentum, forces that traditional dumbbells and even more kettle bells easily cause. Along the circular portion of the weight are two perimeter sections that extend outward from the handle. Each curving perimeter section curves along at least one axis of the structure. The angles in which the curving perimeters extend and curve with respect to one another varies as needed to distribute the weight evenly around the handle's center of gravity. The dynamic hand-weight decreases torque force at the wrist of 40% compared to a dumbbell of the same weight. Those forces consequentially provoke unwanted stress on tendons and ligament (friction and shear forces) of wrist and more proximal joints of the kinetic chain (elbow and shoulder), leading to increased risk of repetitive stress injuries, such as degenerative changes of the joints, carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist tendinitis, and Cumulative Trauma Disorders (“CTDs”). The circular/oval shape is recommended to promote wrist stabilization and greater muscle efficiency; it is mostly indicated for dynamic and functional exercises where the body simply needs an ergonomic-resistance to safely meet the desired anatomical adaptation.
The new dynamic weight was conceived in order to solve undesirable drawback from traditional dumbbells and circular weights. More than a 20% reduction of the torque during an arm axis movement is granted. When extended to 10-pound and 15-pound models, even greater torque reduction results, in the order of 40% and 60% of the torque reduction, respectively.
In one embodiment, the handle has a height (“H”) of approximately 4.9 inches and a diameter of approximately 0.6 inches. The inner and outer heights are approximately equal to one another. The inner cylinder of the theta shaped weight has a radius of approximately 2.5 inches. The outer side of the weight has a radius that increases in direct proportion to the target weight. Along the circular portion of the weight are two perimeter sections that curve to create a third dimension to the structure. The opening of the first curving perimeter section has a diameter of approximately 7.5 inches. The opening of the second curving perimeter section has a diameter of approximately 4.3 inches. The curving perimeter sections extend in opposite directions along the same axis as needed to distribute the weight evenly around the handle's center of gravity. As the weight increases, the thickness of the bell will increase maintaining its function and features. The physical characteristics and appearance will remain the proportionally the same throughout each set.
The distance between the handle and the height H of the hollow theta shape allows the hand to slide through and permits to be picked up easily from the floor and to be used as wrist-stabilizer to perform floor movements such as push-ups/planks and dips.
In another embodiment, the size and shape of the handles, the inner diameter and the height of the outside perimeters are the same for each weight. The only variant is the outside diameter that slightly increases as the weight increases. The handle has a slight elliptical shape that reinforces the grip. The dimensions of the handle can increase as the weight increases to fit both women and men hand sizes. Ergonomic studies suggest average ideal measurements that enhance grip strength without stressing the hand muscles. There is also an opening that is made for the user's arm. This is achieved through the use of the theta shape.
In another embodiment, the set of weights consists in a sets of weights not exceeding 20 pounds. For dynamic training routines where technique, coordination, neuromuscular stimuli, balance and agility are the goals over heavy weight traditional lifting, high-volume and low-intensity workouts are usually typical.
The relation between the dimension of the handles and the height of the circular rings is conceived to allow for another advantageous embodiment where the weight functions also as static-wrist-stabilizer for work floor. The fingers of the user's hand fit comfortably between the handle and the floor once put it down horizontally to perform exercises such as push-ups, planks, dips and many others. It is also easy to be picked up from the floor.
The relationship between the dimension of the handle and the distal perimeter is conceived to allow for another advantageous embodiment where the weight functions as s dynamic-wrist-stabilizer for work floor. The fingers of the hand again fit comfortably between the handle and the distal ring of the weight once put it down vertically to perform exercises such as pushups, planks, dips and many others. The contact surface being rounded offers the possibility to the wrist to adjust from radial to ulnar deviation according to the exercise choice. This characteristic allows more advanced wrist-stabilization/strengthening and core work.
While the invention could be made from various materials, preferred materials are steel or stainless steel, manufactured using single casting or die-casting coated with colored rubber.
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in detail, various substitutions and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as recited in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dynamic free weight with a theta shape. The axis labeled 1 is the forearm axis. Along that forearm axis, a hollow theta shape exists for the user's arm. The first curving perimeter section and second curving perimeter section each extend along the axis labeled 3, allowing for equal weight distribution around the center of gravity, and providing stability when placed upon a flat surface.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the dynamic free weight. This shows the ability of the dynamic free weights to compensate for an average 10% angle with the user's forearm that is created by when holding a dumbbell or cylindrical weight.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the dynamic free weight. This also shows a user using the weights for push-ups.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A balanced circular free weight, comprising:

A central gripping handle having a central bulge therein, said handle extending from the central bulge outwards to a first end and a second end;

A three-dimensional frame, wherein said handle is disposed within the frame and joins the frame;

A first curving perimeter section of the frame, wherein said first perimeter section is two-dimensional and is an end point of the frame;

A second curving perimeter section of the frame at an opposite end from the first perimeter section, wherein said second perimeter section is two-dimensional;

Wherein both the first curving perimeter section and the curving perimeter section each is otherwise than a circle and otherwise than an oval.

2. The device of claim 1, having a general stylized “theta” shape from at least one point of view.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a bumper disposed on an exterior of the frame, wherein the bumper is a contact surface with a floor surface, and the bumper is compressible when a force is applied onto the gripping handle and the bumper is in contact with the floor surface.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the first curving perimeter section and the second curving perimeter section are not parallel to each other.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first curving perimeter section and the second curving perimeter section are different shapes.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the first curving perimeter section and the second curving perimeter section each is a closed shape.