Fitness Weights Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel fitness weight device designed to allow users to customize dumbbell weights by filling the air chambers with air. The device comprises a dumbbell-styled weight with an inflatable air chamber. The devices can be inflated via a push button. Users can inflate the dumbbell devices to a desired weight for customized workouts. Once finished, the user can activate the air release valve to compact or retract the dumbbell for storage.

Claims

1. A fitness weight device that allows a user a more convenient and simple weight system for exercising in any location, the fitness weight device comprising: a dumbbell component comprising a handle and a pair of weight members; wherein each of the pair of weight members is attached to opposite ends of the handle; wherein the handle comprises a shell that defines an inner chamber; wherein a quantity of air is pumped into or out of the inner chamber; and further wherein the user can customize a weight of the dumbbell component.

2. The fitness weight device of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a grip.

3. The fitness weight device of claim 2 wherein the grip is textured for easy grasping by the user.

4. The fitness weight device of claim 2, wherein the grip comprises a sleeve of foam material.

5. The fitness weight device of claim 1, wherein the shell comprises an inner lining layer that defines the inner chamber and an outer skin layer that encloses and protects the inner lining layer.

6. The fitness weight device of claim 5, wherein the shell comprises an air inflation hole that extends through the shell and into the inner chamber.

7. The fitness weight device of claim 6, wherein a stopper is used to close the air inflation hole.

8. The fitness weight device of claim 7, wherein the stopper is sized and configured to correspond with the air inflation hole and air inflating pin for filling the inner chamber with the quantity of air.

9. The fitness weight device of claim 8, wherein the stopper comprises an air release valve to release the quantity of air from within the inner chamber.

10. The fitness weight device of claim 9 further comprising an inflate/deflate button that allows the inner chamber to fill with the quantity of air, or release the quantity of air from the inner chamber.

11. The fitness weight device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of LED lights positioned around the dumbbell component.

12. The fitness weight device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of indicia on the dumbbell component.

13. The fitness weight device of claim 1 further comprising a built-in rep counter to track a number of reps performed by the user with the dumbbell component.

14. A fitness weight device that allows a user a more convenient and simple weight system for exercising in any location, the fitness weight device comprising: a dumbbell component comprising a handle and a pair of weight members; wherein each of the pair of weight members is attached to opposite ends of the handle; wherein the handle comprises a shell that defines an inner chamber and a quantity of air may be pumped into or out of the inner chamber; wherein the shell comprises an inner lining layer that defines the inner chamber and an outer skin layer that encloses and protects the inner lining layer; wherein the shell comprises an air inflation hole that extends through the shell and into the inner chamber, and a stopper for closing the air inflation hole; wherein the stopper is sized and configured to correspond with the air inflation hole and the air inflating pin for filling the inner chamber with the quantity of air, and an air release valve to release the quantity of air from within the inner chamber; and further wherein the user can customize a weight of the dumbbell component by pressing an inflate/deflate button.

15. The fitness weight device of claim 14 further comprising a Bluetooth capability.

16. The fitness weight device of claim 15 further comprising a wireless communication module that is in communication with a smart device.

17. The fitness weight device of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of LED lights positioned around the dumbbell component.

18. The fitness weight device of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of indicia on the dumbbell component.

19. The fitness weight device of claim 14 further comprising a built-in rep counter to track a quantity of reps performed by the user with the fitness weight device.

20. A method of utilizing a customizable dumbbell weight to facilitate a simple and convenient workout in any location, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one dumbbell device comprising a dumbbell-styled weight and an inflatable air chamber; inflating the inflatable air chamber of the at least one dumbbell device to a desired weight for a customized workout; once finished with the customized workout, activating an air release valve to compact the at least one dumbbell device for storage; and placing the at least one dumbbell device in a desired storage or transportation area.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the fitness weight device of the present invention in both an inflated stated and ready for use and in a deflated state for compact storage in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of the fitness weight device of the present invention in use and illuminated in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing the rep counter of one potential embodiment of the fitness weight device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of the wireless communication module in communication with a smart device and one potential embodiment of the fitness weight device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart showing a method of utilizing the customizable dumbbell weights of the present invention to facilitate simple and convenient workouts in any location in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0033] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0034] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a fitness weight device that allows users to customize dumbbell weights by filling the air chambers with air. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a fitness weight device that provides users with improved workout equipment designed to inflate or retract. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a fitness weight device that comprises a button used to release air from the chamber to compact or retract the weight for storage. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that includes LED lights to facilitate workouts in dimly lit environments. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a fitness weight device that offers a more convenient weight system for exercising at home, while traveling, etc. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a fitness weight device that provides a simple and convenient workout in any location.

[0035] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel fitness weight device comprising a dumbbell-styled weight with an inflatable air chamber. The device can be inflated via a push button. Users can inflate the dumbbell device to a desired weight for customized workouts. Once finished, the user can activate the air release valve to compact or retract the dumbbell for storage. The present invention also includes a novel method of utilizing customizable dumbbell weights to facilitate simple and convenient workouts in any location. The method includes the steps of providing at least one dumbbell device comprising a dumbbell-styled weight and inflatable air chamber. The method also comprises inflating the dumbbell device to a desired weight for customized workouts. Further, the method comprises, once finished, activating the air release valve to compact the dumbbell device for storage. Finally, placing the dumbbell device in a desired storage and/or transportation area.

[0036] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the fitness weights device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the fitness weights device 100 is an improved dumbbell device that allows users to customize their dumbbell weights by filling the air chamber with air. The device 100 is especially designed to allow any suitable user as is known in the art, a more convenient and simple weight system for exercising in any location. More specifically, the device 100 comprises a dumbbell-styled weight with an inflatable air chamber. The device 100 can be inflated via a push button. Users can inflate the dumbbell device to a desired weight for customized workouts. Once finished, the user can activate the air release valve to compact or retract the dumbbell for storage.

[0037] In one embodiment, the fitness weight device 100 comprises a dumbbell component 102 that includes a handle 104 and a pair of weight members 106, each of which is attached to a respective one of two opposite ends 108 of the handle 104. Specifically, the handle 104 includes a pair of longitudinally spaced apart ends 108 interconnected by a generally centrally located grip 110. The grip 110 is shown in a position substantially coincident with the center of gravity of the dumbbell component 102, however, if desired, an alternate offset mounting position can be provided in order to create some leverage so as to effectively increase the training resistance.

[0038] In another embodiment, the handle 104 includes a resilient shell 112 that defines an inner chamber 114, and air is contained in the inner chamber 114 that has shock-absorbing and weighting properties. The shell 112 is made of a resilient material, such as rubber, thereby imparting the shell 112 with deformable and shape-restorable properties. In this embodiment, the shell 112 includes an inner lining layer 116 defining the inner chamber 114, an outer skin layer 118 enclosing and protecting the inner lining layer 116 to enhance the strength of the shell 112. Moreover, while the shell 112 is in a shape of a cylinder with a wall thickness of at least 2 mm in this embodiment, the shape of the shell 112 is not limited thereto in other embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the number of layers included in the shell 112 can vary depending on actual requirements, i.e., the desired resilience and strength and the cost of the weight member 106.

[0039] Suitable materials for manufacturing the shell 112 include resilient plastic, polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber, and polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc. Generally, the fitness weight device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or water permeable, or the shell 112 comprises a coating that is water resistant or water permeable.

[0040] In another embodiment, air is introduced into the inner chamber 114 via an air inflation hole 120 that extends through the shell 112 and into the inner chamber 114. A stopper 122 is used to close the air inflation hole 120. Specifically, the stopper 122 of each handle 104 and/or weight member 106 is configured with an air inflation hole 120 that permits filling a suitable amount of air into the inner chamber 114 via an air inflating pin 124 for improving resiliency and increased weight of the handle 104 and/or weight member 106. Further, once filled, a user can activate the air release valve 126 to release the air and to compact the dumbbell component 102 for storage.

[0041] A user fills the device 100 with air via pressing the inflate/deflate button 128. Thus, through the use of the shell 112 and the inner chamber 114 filling with air, a customizable, desired weight for the handle 104 and the weight member 106 can be achieved through the addition of air in appropriate proportions, thereby dispensing with the need to use different weights when exercising. Furthermore, after use, the air can be released via pressing the inflate/deflate button 128 and the dumbbell component 102 compacted down for storage.

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the fitness weight device 100 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the handle 104 is connected integrally to the outer skin layers of the shells of the weight members 106. While the weighted members 106 are shown to be solid in this embodiment, the weighted members 106 may be hollow and may be in spatial communication with the inner chambers of the handle 104 in other embodiments of the invention. Further, each weight member 106 can include a resilient shell 113 that defines an inner chamber 115. The inner chamber 115 is typically filled with air, as the handle 104 is.

[0043] In another embodiment, a coupling seat 200 is fixed to an outer surface of the shell 113 of each weight member 106 for threaded coupling with the handle 104. However, other coupling mechanisms may be employed between the shell 113 and the handle 104 in other embodiments of this invention.

[0044] In another embodiment, other materials can be inserted into the inner chamber 114 or 115 for weight bearing properties, such as, but are not limited to, water, sand, iron sand, natural ore powder, pebbles, etc., or any other suitable materials as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0045] In another embodiment, the fitness weight device 100 comprises a plurality of LED lights 202 positioned around the dumbbell component 102 for illumination and increased visibility in dimly lit workout areas. Any number of LED lights 202 can be utilized, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. The LED lights 202 would typically be battery powered, and/or could be rechargeable and used via any other suitable powering means as is known in the art.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the fitness weight device 100 of the present invention. In this embodiment, aside from choosing weight members 106 having a desired weight characteristic, it is possible to attach more than two weight members 106 to the handle 104 in order to achieve a desired exercising effect, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0047] In another embodiment, the handle 104 comprises a textured grip 300, finger grooves, or other tactile components to help a user grasp the weight during exercise. Further, the handle 104 is preferably coated or surrounded by a sleeve of foam material 302 for comfort, or other suitable material as is known in the art. In some embodiments, the handle 104 can comprise both a textured grip 300 and a sleeve of foam material 302, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0048] Further, the fitness weight device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 304 on the dumbbell component 102 and/or the handle 104. Specifically, the dumbbell component 102 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the outer skin layer 118, or any other indicia 304 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 304 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be fitness or weight/brand related.

[0049] In another embodiment, the fitness weight device 100 comprises a built-in rep counter 306 to track reps while exercising. The rep counter 306 can be positioned on the either weight member 106, or the handle 104, or any other suitable place on the dumbbell component 102 as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the fitness weight device 100 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the fitness weight device 100 comprises Bluetooth capability and is in communication with a wireless communication module 400 and smart device 402. Thus, the dumbbell component 102 can be controlled (i.e., inflated or deflated) via a user's smartphone 402. Specifically, the wireless communications module 400 would allow the device 100 to pair with a mobile application on a smart device 402. Once paired, a user could control the fitness weight device 100 via the mobile application.

[0051] In another embodiment, the fitness weight device 100 comprises a kettlebell (not shown), and includes a generally ball-shaped weight member and a handle having opposite ends secured to the resilient shell of the weight member using any suitable manner known in the art. The handle may be a rigid handle or a flexible handle. Typically, the weight member is configured to permit filling of air into the inner chamber of the shell via an air inflating pin in a manner similar to that stated supra.

[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of the method of utilizing customizable dumbbell weights to facilitate simple and convenient workouts in any location is described. The method includes the steps of at 500, providing at least one dumbbell device comprising a dumbbell-styled weight and inflatable air chamber. The method also comprises at 502, inflating the dumbbell device to a desired weight for customized workouts. Further, the method comprises at 504, once finished, activating the air release valve to compact the dumbbell device for storage. Finally, at 506, placing the dumbbell device in a desired storage and/or transportation area.

[0053] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “fitness weight device”, “dumbbell device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the fitness weight device 100 of the present invention.

[0054] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fitness weight device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the fitness weight device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-5 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the fitness weight device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the fitness weight device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the fitness weight device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0055] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0056] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.