TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to handheld exercise equipment. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a device, system, and method or the like to provide enhanced resistance physical fitness training for handheld exercise equipment.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Handheld exercise equipment, such as dumbbells, kettle bells or the like are physical exercise equipment that can be used for resistance strength training as well as for physical therapy and/or rehabilitation associated training. Typically, handheld exercise equipment devices are designed for a user to contract a muscle or group of muscles to oppose the resistive force of gravity proportional to the weight attached to or built into the handheld exercise equipment.

[0003] Such handheld exercise equipment devices and methods of use are commonly designed to apply a one-way directional resistive load upon a muscle or a group of muscles in most exercising scenarios. There is a continuous need to provide improved resistance training equipment and methodology while providing a user with more options than just one-way directional resistance when using handheld exercise equipment. For example, a continuing need exists to provide multi-directional resistance options or multi-stage exercises which may be executed in a single compound movement. Specifically, there is a need for improved devices, systems, and methods to provide enhanced resistance physical fitness training for handheld exercise equipment apparatus such as dumbbells, kettle bells and/or devices that may connect to them, which provide more options than a one-way directional resistance apparatus, e.g ., by providing handheld exercise equipment devices with multi-directional resistance capabilities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0004] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of the present disclosure and, together with a general description of the device, system and method for performing compound multi-directional resistance exercises of the present disclosure given above and the detailed description herein, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure, wherein:

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view with parts separated of an illustrative system for performing compound multi-directional resistance exercises in accordance with the present disclosure, which shows a resistance device before connecting to a handheld weighted exercise device;

[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1;

[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another illustrative system in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 4 is a partially translucent view of the system of FIG. 3;

[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view with parts separated of a further illustrative system with a resistance device according to the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 5; [0011] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the system of FIG.6 taken along section line “7-7” in FIG. 6;

[0012] FIGs. 8 and 9 are perspective views illustrating aspects of a sequence of operational use of handheld exercise devices and resistance devices in accordance with the present disclosure, the two resistance devices are shown respectively connected to handheld fitness devices;

[0013] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating one operational use of a resistance device in accordance with the present disclosure, the resistance device is connected to a handheld fitness device;

[0014] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another illustrative resistance device in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0015] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of yet another illustrative resistance device in accordance with the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a system for performing compound multi-directional resistance exercises, including a handheld exercise device including a handle portion and at least one weighted portion connected to the handle portion, wherein the handheld exercise device is configured and dimensioned to create an exercise stimulus upon application of a first directional force generated by a muscle or group of muscles of a user, which first directional force is oriented substantially aligned with and opposed to the force of gravity exerted upon the weighted handheld exercise device; and at least one resistance device including a resistance element configured and dimensioned to compress upon application of a force exerted thereon, the at least one resistance device connected to the handheld exercise device to dispose the resistance element at an orientation such that a second directional force applied by a user to compress the resistance element against a surface is substantially non-aligned with the force of gravity. In aspects, the handheld exercise device is selected from the group consisting of dumbbells and kettlebells.

In other aspects the resistance device includes a sleeve configured to at least partially enclose the resistance element and further configured to connect the resistance element to the handheld exercise device. The sleeve may be expandable and further configured to removably attach the resistance element to the handheld exercise device.

In aspects, he resistance element is constructed from one or more of a compressible foam and a spring. In further aspects, the first and second resistance elements are configured and dimensioned to have different compressibility relative to each other. In other aspects, the first resistance element is a resilient foam having a first compressibility and the second resistance element is a resilient foam having a second compressibility different from the first compressibility.

In further aspects, the at least one resistance device comprises first resistance device including a first resistance element and a second resistance device including a second resistance element, the first and second resistance devices being connected to the handheld exercise device at different orientations with respect to the other. The present disclosure further provides a handheld exercise device for compound multi directional resistance exercises including a bar-shaped handle having a first end and a second end; a first weighted portion connected to the first end of the handle; a second weighted portion connected to the second end of the handle; and at least one resistance device configured and dimensioned such that at least a portion thereof is compressible sufficient to compress upon application of a force exerted thereon, the at least one resistance device connected to the first weighted portion at an orientation such that a first directional force applied to compress the at least one resistance device against a surface is substantially non- aligned with the force of gravity acting upon the handheld exercise device, wherein upon use the handheld exercise device creates a first and second exercise stimuli resulting from application of first and second directional forces generated by a muscle or group of muscles of a user, the first directional force being oriented substantially aligned with and opposed to the force of gravity exerted upon the handheld exercise device and the second directional force being oriented substantially non-aligned with the force of gravity causing the at least one resistance device to compress when contacted by a surface.

In aspects, the at least one resistance device includes a resistance element and a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is configured to connect the resistance element to the handheld exercise device such that the sleeve at least partially encloses the resistance element. In still further aspects, the sleeve is expandable and further configured to removably attach the resistance element to the handheld exercise device. In other aspects, the at least one resistance device includes one or more of a compressible foam and a spring. In further aspects, the at least one resistance device includes a first resistance device including a first compressible resistance element and a first sleeve, and a second compressible resistance device including a second resistance element and a second sleeve, the first resistance device being connected to the first weighted portion and the second resistance device being connected to the second weighted portion. In aspects, the first and second compressible resistance elements are configured and dimensioned to have different compressibility such that the force required to compress the first and second resistance elements the same predetermined amount differ from each other.

The present disclosure further provides a system for use with handheld exercise equipment including at least one pair of resistance devices, wherein each resistance device includes a compressible resistance element having a first predetermined compressibility; and an elastic sleeve having an opening formed at an end thereof to receive the compressible resistance element within the sleeve, wherein the sleeve is configured to attach the resistance device to a weighted portion of a handheld exercise device such that the sleeve at least partially encloses the resistance element. In further aspects, the system includes first and second pairs of resistance devices wherein the compressible resistance elements of the first pair of resistance devices has a first predetermined compressibility and the compressible resistance elements of the second pair of resistance devices having a second predetermined compressibility different from the first predetermined compressibility. In further aspects, the resistance elements are constructed from one or more of a compressible foam, rubber and a spring. PET ATT, ED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The resistance device and resistance system of the present disclosure is designed to improve and enhance human performance ( e.g ., to use during a workout or during a physical therapy session) as well as to create greater functionality and effectiveness with certain physical fitness equipment. While the present disclosure illustrates and describes the resistance device and system in conjunction with dumbbells, it may also be incorporated with other similar physical fitness equipment, for example, kettle bells.

[0017] The resistance device of the present disclosure, when connected to a portion of a fitness device, such as a dumbbell or implemented as a system including the fitness device, enables creating resistivity in more than one direction than that created by the normal usage of the particular fitness device when used alone. In aspects, the resistance device and/or the resistance system allows for force/resistance in multiple directions during exercise, e.g., force/resistance aligned with the force of gravity or non-aligned with the force of gravity. [0018] Referring initially to FIGs. 1 and 2, an illustrative example of a system used to perform compound multi-directional resistance exercises which includes a handheld exercise device, such as a dumbbell and a resistance device is shown. Generally, the resistance device 100 includes a resistance element as a body portion 110, which may be monolithically formed, and a connector, such as magnetic connector 130 which is configured to couple the resistance device 100 to the dumbbell 10.

[0019] In aspects, the body portion 110 may be configured as a resistance element, for example, a body portion may be a resistance element which may be constituted of a compressible material and configuration, such as, for example, foam, rubber, spring, and/or an air bellows. The body portion 110 is configured to exert a reactive force during contact and subsequent compression of body portion 110. For example, in use when a user contracts a targeted muscle or muscle group to apply a force, e.g ., lateral force to the body portion 110 by abutting the body portion 110 against any fixed object such as a wall or movable object, e.g. , an opposing dumbbell also having a body portion 110 affixed thereto.

[0020] Magnetic connector 130 is attached to proximal surface 116 by any suitable method, for example, adhesives. Magnetic connector 130 includes a proximal surface 132, a distal surface (not shown), a central surface 136, an opening 138, a channel 139, and defines a magnetic field 131. The proximal surface 132 and the distal surface of the magnetic connector 130 include substantially flat surfaces.

[0021] The central surface 136 of the magnetic connector 130 defines a cylindrical configuration and is disposed between the proximal surface 132 and the distal surface. The central surface 136 connects the proximal surface 132 and the distal surface, while wrapping symmetrically about the central longitudinal axis 140. The proximal surface 132 can connect to the dumbbell 10 or a portion thereof such as a weighted portion, such as weight-plate 11. [0022] The opening 138 of the magnetic connector 130 is a circular opening disposed at the center of the proximal surface 132 and may be configured to receive a portion of a handle portion such as bar 12. The magnet channel 139 is a tubular channel defined by the peripheral wall of magnet opening 138 and communicates the proximal surface 132 with the distal surface (not shown) and may be configured to receive a portion of bar 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic connector 130 is disposed in such way that channel 139 is in communication with the body opening 117 and the cavity 119 of the body portion 110.

[0023] In aspects, the magnetic connector 130 may be configured to removably attach resistance device 100 to dumbbell 10. Connector may be any other suitable for example, a sleeve, adhesive, screw, wire, zip-tie, elastic member, loop-and-hole fasteners, and/or combinations thereof or the like. In aspects, the body portion 110 may include a cylindrical shape and may define a proximal portion 112, a distal portion 114, and a central surface 111. The terms “proximal” and “distal” as used herein refer to the position of an element relative to the central portion along the length of bar 12, wherein “proximal” indicates elements closer to center of the bar 12 and “distal” indicates elements further away from the central portion along the length of bar 12. The resistance device 100 includes a proximal edge 113, which may be sharp or dull depending on a selected configuration and a proximal surface 116, disposed about the proximal potion 112. The proximal surface 116 may be flat. However, these configurations may vary depending on the application.

[0024] The distal portion 114 includes a distal edge 115 and a distal surface 118. The central surface 111 includes a cylindrical structure and is disposed between the proximal surface

116 and the distal surface 118 connecting the proximal edge 113 to the distal edge 115, while wrapping symmetrically about a central longitudinal axis 140 through dumbbell 10. In aspects, the body portion 110 may include a body opening 117, a channel 117c, and a cavity 119. The body opening 117 is configured and dimensioned to receive a portion of the dumbbell 10, such as the distal end of bar 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the body opening 117 is a circular opening disposed at the center of the proximal surface 116 and is configured for connecting to the channel 117c. The channel 117c of the body portion 110 is tubular and connects the body opening 117 with the cavity 119.

[0025] Turning now to FIGs. 3 - 5, a resistance device is shown generally as resistance device 200. Similar elements to those already shown and described in connection with aspects of FIGs. 1 and 2 may not be described again in detail further herein. Resistance device 200 includes a sleeve 230 defining a body 210 configure to encompass one or more resistance elements such as foam element 21 Of and a portion of the dumbbell 10, e.g. , weight-plate 11. In aspects, sleeve 230 may be configured as a removable sleeve to selectively attach and remove resistance device 200 from the dumbbell 10. In particular, the sleeve 230 may be configured to surround the foam element 21 Of and the weight-plate 11, simultaneously while keeping the foam element 210f securely connected to the dumbbell 10. Sleeve 230 may be formed of one or more various different materials depending upon the desired functionality, quality, durability and wear. For example, sleeve 230 may be formed of fabric such as stretchable synthetics, e.g., spandex fiber, one type of which is available under the DuPont Company brand name LYCRA ^® . Such materials are particularly useful for their directional stretching characteristics such as 2- way or 4-way stretching. Other materials which are more durable may also be used, for example, neoprene.

[0026] In aspects, the sleeve 230 defines an opening 244 and a pocket 245. The opening

244 and the pocket 245 are in fluid communication. The pocket 245 extends along the body

210. The opening 244 and the pocket 245 are configured to expand along with the body 210.

The body 210 is configured to be flexible enough to expand and receive the foam element 21 Of and the weight-plate 11. For example, the foam element 210f and the weight-plate 11 fit through the opening 244 during the expansion of the opening 244. Ultimately, the foam element 21 Of and the weight-plate 11 are received in the pocket 245, thereby holding the resistance device 200 tightly in place on the dumbbell 10. In aspects, the body 210 may be formed of material to enable the passing of a fluid, e.g ., the body 210 may allow the release of air, away from pocket 245, during compression of the resistance device 200.

[0027] Foam element 21 Of may be of a shape similar to the shape of the weight-plate

11, e.g. , if the weight-plate 11 is cylindrical, the foam element 21 Of can be cylindrical as well, as shown in FIG. 4, or may include other suitable shapes. In further aspects, the foam element

21 Of may be configured according to a selected type of application. For example, the thickness, and/or the shape, and/or the constitution of the foam element 21 Of may be associated with a selected type of training or exercise technique, e.g. , isometric plyometric.

[0028] In some aspects, the foam element 21 Of may include a polymer such as polyurethane, viscoelastic polyurethane, low resilience polyurethane, and/or the like. The foam element 21 Of, may be configured to apply a selective reactive force on a muscle or group of muscles of a user during compression of the resistance device 200. For example, the foam element 21 Of may be formed to produce a desired training effect, e.g. , the foam element 21 Of may be configured to perform according to an isometric exercise technique in which extended continuous force is applied wherein the foam is of different compressibility than, for example, for a plyometric exercise where shorter duration more explosive force is applied.

[0029] The foam element 21 Of may be configured as polyurethane foam, including selected attributes for density, anti -microbial etc. One particular foam which may be used is

Super Lux foam including a density between 2.60 - 2.80 pounds per cubic foot (PCF), a number of pounds of pressure/force ((ILD (LBS/CU FT)/ 25% at 4”) on an area of 50 in ² ) between 60- 70 lbs, a tensile stress of about 12 psi, a tear strength of about 1.2 ppi, an elongation % minimum of about 150%, a compression modulus or support factor (65% ILD divided by 25% ILD) over a compression set at 90% having a maximum of about 1.90 %.

[0030] Another foam which may be used is memory gel foam including a density between 3.7 - 4.3 pounds per cubic foot (PCF), a number of pounds of pressure/force ((ILD (LBS/CU FT)/ 25% at 4”) on an area of 50m ² ) between 11-17 lbs, a tensile stress of 5 psi, a tear strength of about 0.8 ppi, a compression modulus or support factor (65% ILD divided by 25% ILD) over a compression set at 90% having a maximum of about 10 %.

[0031] In aspects, as noted above, the foam element 21 Of can be exchangeable. Thus, during use of the resistance device 200, a user may be able to exchange one foam element 21 Of for another having different performance characteristics, e.g. , a foam element configured for a plyometric exercise technique may be exchanged for a foam element configured for an isometric exercise technique. In aspects, the user may be able to couple at least two foam elements to the dumbbell 10 via two sleeves 230, with each one of the foam elements connected to opposing ends of dumbbell 10. For example, during use, a first foam element 210f configured for a plyometric exercise technique may be couple to a first weight-plate 11 on one end of dumbbell 10 and a second foam element 21 Of configured for a plyometric exercise technique may be coupled to a second weight-plate 11 on the other end of dumbbell 10.

[0032] In some aspects, the resistance device 200 may further include a securing member, e.g., a cord, string which may be tied to secure or a continuous securing member such as elastic band 249. The elastic band 249 may be securely connected to a periphery of the opening 244 of the sleeve 230. In aspects, the sleeve 230 may be cinched to the weight-plate 11 and the foam element 21 Of, simultaneously, via the elastic band 249. In further aspects, the elastic band 249 may be an optional element, e.g ., when the stretchable characteristics of the sleeve material is strong enough to retain the body 210 firmly coupled to the dumbbell 10. [0033] Turning now to FIGs. 6 and 7, a resistance device of the present disclosure is shown generally as resistance device 300. The resistance device 300 may enclose a portion of the dumbbell 10 such as weight-plate 11 to form a system for performing compound multi directional resistance exercises. For example, the weight-plate 11 may be embedded within a portion of the resistance device 300 such a connecting portion 330 by any suitable forming technique, for example, an over molding method.

[0034] Turning now to FIGs. 8-10, exemplary methods associated with the use of the system for performing compound multi-directional resistance exercises will now be described in connection with a resistance device 100 attached to a dumbbell 10 for illustration purposes. The method of use of the system with other resistance devices described herein is similar and will not be separately described.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 8, resistance devices 100 are connected to opposing ends of separate dumbbells 10 prior to an exercise and in FIG. 9, are pressed one against the other by a user contracting a muscle or group of muscles, applying force to move dumbbells 10 towards a common point such as a point “P”. During compression of opposing dumbbells 10 against each other body portions compress and produce resistive forces, thereby opposing the force applied by the user and creating the desired resistance exercise effect. [0036] In aspects, a method of performing compound multi-directional resistance exercises includes applying a first directional force to a handheld exercise device having a handle and a weighted portion connected to the handle, the first directional force being substantially aligned with but opposite the force of gravity; and applying a second directional force to the handheld exercise device such that the force is oriented to compress a compressible resistance element of the handheld exercise device against a surface wherein the orientation of the second directional force is substantially non-aligned with the force of gravity.

[0037] In aspects, the method includes that second directional force is applied by a user to the handheld device such that the compressible resistance element is compressed in opposition to another compressible resistance element of another handheld exercise device held by the user. In further aspects, the compressible resistance element is constructed from one or more of a compressible foam and a spring.

[0038] In further aspects, the compressible resistance element is configured and dimensioned sufficient such that applying a second directional force creates a physical training effect which may include plyometric and isometric exercises. For example, a user may attach a matched pair of resistance devices, one to a weighted portion at one end of a first handheld exercise device such as dumbbell 10 (or a kettle bell — not separately shown) and the other to a weighted portion of a second handheld exercise device as shown in FIGs. 8 and 9. To perform a compound multi-directional resistance exercise, the user would contract the necessary muscle or muscle group to apply a first directional force on the handheld exercise devices in a first direction aligned with and in opposition to the force of gravity to move the handheld exercise device. Then, the user would contract the necessary muscle or muscle group to apply a second directional force on the handheld exercise device to cause the weighted ends of the devices, such as dumbbells 10 shown in FIGs. 8 and 9 to come into approximation with each other such that the resistance devices abut one another and the forces applied by the user on each dumbbell 10 are aligned with and in opposition to each other thereby creating a reactive force pushing against the opposing forces applied by the user on either handheld exercise device. The forces applied by the muscle contractions to approximate the dumbbells 10 may be gradual and maintain longer term opposing contact of the dumbbells 10 to create an isometric exercise effect. Alternatively, the forces applied by the muscle contractions to approximate the dumbbells 10 may be explosive to create a momentary opposing contact of the resistance devices thereby creating a plyometric exercise effect.

[0039] In aspects, a system is provided wherein there are two pairs of resistance devices, which may include one pair of resistance devices having a first pair of resistance elements with a first compressibility and another pair of resistance devices having a second pair of resistance elements having a second compressibility, different from the first. In such a manner, the first and second handheld exercise devices, such as dumbbells 10 can be connected to the resistance devices of the two pairs of resistance devices such that one end of each of two dumbbells 10 is connected to a resistance device having a resistance element with the first compressibility and the other end of each of two dumbbells 10 is connected to a resistance device having a resistance element with the second compressibility. In this configuration, a user can quickly change between performing exercises with different resistances as well as to optionally perform exercises to achieve an isometric or plyometric effect as detailed above. [0040] In another example, as shown in FIG. 10. During use, the resistance device 100 attached to dumbbell 10 is pressed against wall “W” in a first direction “C”. During compression of the resistance device 100 against the wall “W”, a reacting force is produced in the opposite direction “D”.

[0041] Referring to FIGs. 11 and 12 various alternative resistance devices are shown as resistance devices 400 and 500. Resistance devices 400 and 500 may include configurations and elements substantially similar to resistance devices 100 - 300 such as a magnetic connector and/or sleeve. As such, those elements will not be further described herein.

[0042] In aspects, a resistance device may be a combination of one or more resistive elements 400 as shown in FIG. 11. In aspects, resistance elements may be formed of multiple components, for example, a foam element as previously shown and described, but further including a plurality of voids or holes (not shown) configured to receive at least one resistance insert configured to modify resistive properties of the foam. For example, the foam may include holes configured to receive inserts configured as smaller pieces of foam or other compressible material. In another example, the foam may include pockets (not shown) configured to receive springs. In aspects, the resistance devices or body portions thereof may be formed of any suitable resilient materials and may be configured including a selected shape, for example, cylindrical as shown in FIG. 11 or frusto-conical FIG. 12, circular, polygons or other suitable shapes.

[0043] In aspects, at least two resistance devices 400 may be configured to connect one to another as shown in FIG. 11. In such a configuration, multiple body portions 410 may be by connectors such as those previously shown and described. [0044] Referring to FIG. 12, in aspects, the resistance device 500 may include a frusto- conically body portion 510 configured to connect to a magnetic connector such as magnetic connector 130. Such shapes can be configured and dimensioned to produce a desired varying force required to compress resistance device 500. As shown, the body portion 510 of the resistance devices 500 defines a central surface 511, a distal surface 518, a proximal surface

516, a distal edge 515, and a proximal edge 513. As a result, during use, the resistance force created as the user compresses laterally will increase in a different manner than that experienced when using other resistance device shapes, for example, cylindrical. The proximal surface 516 of the resistance device 500 is attached to the magnetic connector 130 and includes a disk-like configuration. The central surface 511 forms a frusto-conical shape. The central surface 511 tapers away from the proximal edge 513 towards the distal surface 518.

[0045] It should be understood that various aspects disclosed herein may be combined in different combinations than the combinations specifically presented in the description and accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that, depending on the example, certain acts or events of any of the processes or methods described herein may be performed in a different sequence, may be added, merged, or left out altogether ( e.g ., all described acts or events may not be necessary to carry out the techniques). Persons skilled in the art will understand that the structures and methods specifically described herein associated with the above described resistance device and illustrated in the accompanying figures are non-limiting exemplary aspects, and that the description, disclosure, and figures should be construed merely as exemplary of particular aspects. It is to be understood, therefore, that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise aspects described, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Additionally, it is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary aspects may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that such modifications and variations are also intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, any combination of any of the presently disclosed elements and features is within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described.