Exercising Weight System

Abstract

A first exercise weight and a second exercise weight have handles, and the first exercise weight also has a cavity for receiving the second exercise weight. When the second exercise weight is received in the first exercise weight, the handle of the first exercise weight overlies the handle of the second exercise weight to form a common handle. In this way, the composite weight formed of the two component weights may be used itself as an exercise weight.

Claims

1. An exercise weight system comprising: a first exercise weight having a handle and a second exercise weight having a handle, wherein the first exercise weight has a cavity for receiving the second exercise weight such that when the second exercise weight is received in the first exercise weight to form a composite exercise weight, the handle of the first exercise weight can overly the handle of the second exercise weight to form a common handle for the composite exercise weight.

2. An exercise weight system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handles of the first and second exercise weights are substantially the same length.

3. An exercise weight system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second exercise weights are open at both ends.

4. An exercise weight system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cavity of the first exercise weight extends the length of the of the first exercise weight.

5. An exercise weight system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second weight can be slidably received within the first.

6. An exercise weight system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second exercise weights are substantially the same length.

7. An exercise weight system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second exercise weights are substantially square in a cross-section parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first and second weights.

8. An exercise weight system as claimed, in claim 1, wherein the handles of the first and second exercise weights are formed by removing a part of a top surface and side walls of the first and second exercise weights, respectively.

9. An exercise weight system according to claim 8, wherein only two parts of each weight are removed from each weight to form the handles of each weight.

10. An exercise weight system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handles of the first and second exercise weights are provided in the centre of a top surface of each weight.

11. An exercise weight system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cavity of the first exercise weight extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle of the first exercise weight.

12. An exercise weight system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second exercise weights comprise steel or rubber.

13. An exercise weight system as claimed in claim 1, wherein substantially all of the first and second exercise weights comprise steel or rubber.

14. An exercise weight system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handles of the first and second exercise weights comprise a coating compressible under pressure and/or a resiliently deformable material and/or a friction enhancing material.

15. An exercise weight system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handles of the first and second exercise weights are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the weights.

16. An exercise weight system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third exercise weight, wherein the second exercise weight has a cavity for receiving the third exercise weight, such that when the third exercise weight is received in the second exercise weight to form a composite exercise weight, the handle of the second exercise weight can overly the handle of the third exercise weight to form a common handle for the composite exercise weight.

17. An exercise weight system according to claim 16, wherein the handles of the first, second and third exercise weights can overly to form a common handle.

18. An exercise weight, the exercise weight being suitable for use as an exercise weight of an exercise weight system as claimed in claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an exercise weight system according to a first embodiment of the present invention wherein individual exercise weights are received in one another.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a weight of an exercise weight system according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0030] FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of an exercise weight system according to a second embodiment of the present invention wherein individual weights are received in one another.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a weight of the exercise weight system according to FIGS. 4 and 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] FIGS. 1 and 2 show first, second and third exercise weights 10, 20, 30, each comprising as top surface 14, 24, 34, and side walls 15, 25, 35, respectively. Each weight has a longitudinal axis X. The first weight 10 has a cavity 11 extending along the longitudinal axis X and within which is received the second weight 20. In a similar fashion, the second weight 20 has a cavity 21 extending along the longitudinal axis X and within which is received the third weight 30. The third weight 30 also has a cavity 31 extending along the longitudinal axis X. In this way, each weight is hollow and can receive another article, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to be another weight.

[0033] The first, second and third exercise weights 10, 20, 30 have handles 12, 22 and 32, respectively, which extend parallel with the longitudinal axis X such that, each handle may be gripped by the user along the longitudinal axis X. The handles 12, 22, 32 are substantially the same length and are formed by removing two off-centre portions of substantially equal volume from the top surface 14, 24, 34 and side walls 15, 25, 35 to leave a central handle 12, 22, 32 in the same plane as the top surface 14, 24, 34.

[0034] Each weight 10, 20, 30 is substantially the shape of a hollow box such that each weight has a substantially square cross section, when taken along a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The cross section of the weights in the Figures taken along such a line is the shape of a square with rounded edges. In this way, each weight has 90-degree rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis X. Each weight 10, 20, 30 has a substantially rectangular cross section when taken along the longitudinal axis X in a direction parallel to or 90 degrees to the bottom of the weights 10, 20, 30.

[0035] As can be seen from FIG. 2, the three weights 10, 20, 30 are slidably received within one another (via the cavities 11, 21, 31) in a substantially telescoping manner. As can be seen from FIG. 1, when the three weights 10, 20, 30 are received within one another, they form a composite weight 40. The handles of the three weights 12, 22, 32 overly to form a common, composite handle 46 with which the composite weight 40 may be picked up by a user. In order for the weights to be received within one another in the manner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exterior dimensions of the third weight 30 are substantially equal to, or slightly less than, the interior dimensions of the second weight 20; and the exterior dimensions of the second weight 20 are substantially equal to, or slightly less than, the interior dimensions of the first weight 10, i.e. there may be a small gap between adjacent weights which may be reduced or eliminated, if desired, depending on the exterior dimensions of a weight relative to the interior dimensions of the next-largest weight in the system.

[0036] For example, the exterior dimensions of the cross section of each weight may be less than 5% smaller, less than 2% smaller or even less than 1% smaller than the interior dimensions of the cross section of the weight it is to be received in. The exterior dimensions of each weight may be less than 10 mm smaller, less than 5 mm smaller or less than around 2 mm smaller than the interior dimensions of the weight it is to be received in, but it is to be understood that this need not necessarily be the case. For example, the weight third 30 may be received within the first weight 10 and shifted upwardly in the cavity 31 so that the user may grip both handles 12, 32 at the same time. When the weights are received one another the difference between the interior dimensions of the larger and the exterior dimensions of the smaller provide is a gap between the interior and exterior surfaces. In this way the three weights may still be slidably received within one another at minimal difficulty but the possibility of one weight moving around inside another is reduced if the size of the gap is reduced.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows the third weight 30 in isolation. The handle 32 includes a coating that is compressible under pressure so that when it is gripped by a user it does not pose significant discomfort, and can deform into and around the user's hand to facilitate ease of use with a heavier weight. The compressible coating also provides extra grip and comfort for the user. When the weights 10, 20, 30 are contained within one another and the common handle 46 is gripped by the user the coating, will reduce the pressure applied to the user's fingers on the lower portion of the handle when it is being lifted. Any or all of the weights 10, 20, 30 may be provided with such a coating. The handles may instead, or in addition to, comprise a resiliently deformable material (for example, rubber, sponge etc.) to further facilitate comfort when being gripped.

[0038] The cavity 31 is defined by the inner wall 39, and both extend the length of the weight 30. The cavity is uniform in cross section. A circumferential inner wall 39 of the third weight 30 forms a shell 38 with the top surface and side walls 34, 35. The shell 38 is of substantially uniform width, preferably between about 4 mm to 12 mm, further preferably between about 6 mm to 10 mm and most preferably about 8 mm. The shell thickness may be the same for each weight 10, 20, 30, although it is to be appreciated that this need not be the case. It is also to be appreciated that any shell thickness may be used depending on the needs of the user.

[0039] Each weight is of a different mass, although they need not be in keeping with the principles of the present disclosure. In use, the user may slide a smaller weight inside a larger weight, and pick up the combined weights using the common handle and use the combined weight in an exercise program. For example, it will be readily apparent with reference to FIG. 1 that the composite weight 40 can be picked up by the common handle 46 and be used as a dumbbell in, for example, a bicep curl, hammer curl, bench press, tricep extension etc. By way of example only, the first weight 10 may be 5 kg, the second weight 20 may be 4 kg and the third weight 30 may be 3 kg. If the first weight 10 of 5 kg receives the third weight 30 of 3 kg, then the composite weight is 8 kg. Of course, it will be appreciated that in such use there will be a greater gap between adjacent weights.

[0040] In addition to combining the weights at the users' choice however, each weight in the system may, on its own, be used as an exercise weight, since each exercise weight has its own handle. In this way, in the above example, seven different weight combinations are possiblenamely 3 kg, 4 kg, 5 kg, 7 kg, 8 kg, 9 kg and 12 kg.

[0041] For example, if the masses of the weights are as above, the user may form an 8 kg weight by sliding the 3 kg third weight into the 5 kg first weight. The user may then grip the composite weight (formed of the first and third weight) using the common handle (formed by the handles of the first and third weight). It will be apparent that there will be a greater gap between adjacent weights (the first and the third in this case) but that the dimensions and design of the weights may be such that any movement of the smaller weight inside the larger weight is reduced. For example, the box-type design shown in FIGS. 1-3 will still prevent relative moment of the weights even when there is a larger gap.

[0042] It will, however, be readily apparent that any different masses are possible in keeping with the principles of the present disclosure. Additionally, the present exercise weight system is not limited to three weights and it will be readily apparent that, with each additional weight in the system, more weight combinations are possible. For example, four weights of different masses give rise to fourteen weight combinations. It will also be readily apparent that additional weights will also comprise cavities to receive further weights, giving rise to a single, composite, weight with a single, composite, handle.

[0043] The dimensions of each exercise weight may be such that each resembles a common dumbbell, typical of that found in most gyms. For example, the length (i.e. length along the longitudinal axis X) of each weight may be between approximately 10 cm and approximately 40 cm, between approximately 15 cm and approximately 30 cm and most preferably approximately 23 cm, although it is understood that alternative dimensions may be used. The depth and width of each weight will be substantially identical to produce a square-shaped cross section, such that the each weight resembles a square prism. The square prism may have rounded edges. However, other cross-sections could be used, if desired. For example, the cross-section may be rectangular in which case each weight would resemble a rectangular prism. The cross-section may also be circular in which case the weight would resemble a cylinder. Alternative suitable cross sections will be apparent to a reader skilled in the art.

[0044] In one exemplary embodiment the width and depth of each exercise weight is substantially the samesuch that each weight has a substantially square cross section and forms a square prism. The depth and width of the third weight 30 may be between approximately 20 mm and approximately 140 mm, more preferably between approximately 40 mm and approximately 120 mm and most preferably approximately 80 mm, in the latter case the smallest weight may be a hollow box-section (as shown in the Figures) with rounded edges of dimensions 80 mm80 mm8 mmthe 8 mm being the thickness of the hollow box-section. The depth and width of the second weight 20 may be between approximately 40 mm and approximately 160 mm, more preferably between approximately 60 mm and approximately 140 mm, and most preferably approximately 100 mm. In the latter case the smallest weight may be a hollow box-section (as shown in the Figures) with rounded edges of dimensions 100 mm100 mm8 mmthe 8 mm being the thickness of the hollow box-section. The depth and width of the first weight 10 may be between approximately 60 mm and approximately 180 mm, more preferably between approximately 80 mm and approximately 160 mm, and most preferably approximately 120 mm. In the latter case the smallest weight may be a hollow box-section (as shown in the Figures) with rounded edges of dimensions 120 mm120 mm8 mm the 8 mm being the thickness of the hollow box-section.

[0045] The length of each handle 12, 22, 32 may be between approximately 100 mm and approximately 160 mm, and most preferably approximately 130 mm. The width of each handle 12, 22, 32 may be between approximately 10 mm and approximately 40 mm, and most preferably approximately 25 mm. The handles may each be formed of cutting away pieces from the top surface 14, 24, 34 that is approximately 130 mm in length (i.e. corresponding to the length of the handle).

[0046] The exercise weights 10, 20, 30 may be all or partly composed of a resilient or resiliently deformable material. Any suitable material may be used, for example steel or rubber. Additionally, the exercise weights 10, 20, 30 may be of different colours to denote the different weights (the 5 kg weight may be green. etc.).

[0047] The exercise weights may be formed from a sheet of material folded about a longitudinal axis to form the required cross section shape and having edges of the sheet welded together to provide a substantially continuous shell. If manufactured in this way an internal weld or bead may be present on an interior surface of the weight. Preferably, the interior weld is on the side walls 15, 25, 35 of the weights, and not on the top or bottom surfaces.

[0048] With reference to FIG. 1 it will be readily apparent that, once the user has performed their desired exercises, by storing the exercise weights within one another the storage space required to store the present invention is minimal.

[0049] FIGS. 4 and 5 show first, second and third exercise weights according to a second embodiment. As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, each weight comprises a top surface and a side walls. Each weight has a longitudinal axis. The first weight has a cavity extending along the longitudinal axis and within which is received the second weight. In a similar fashion, the second weight has a cavity extending along the longitudinal axis X and within which is received the third weight. The third weight also has a cavity extending along the longitudinal axis. In this way, each weight is hollow and can receive another article, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 to be another weight.

[0050] The first, second and third exercise weights each have two handles, respectively, which each extend parallel with the longitudinal axis such that, each handle may be gripped by the user along the longitudinal axis. The handles are both substantially the same length and are formed by removing portions of substantially equal volume from the top, bottom and side walls to leave two central handles, substantially in the same planes as the top and bottom surfaces, respectively.

[0051] Each weight is substantially the shape of a hollow box such that each weight has a substantially square cross section, when taken along a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cross section of the weights in the Figures taken along such a line is the shape of a square with rounded edges. In this way, each weight has 90-degree rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis. Each weight has a substantially rectangular cross section when taken along the longitudinal axis in a direction parallel to or 90 degrees to the bottom of the weights.

[0052] As can be seen from FIGS. 4 and 5, the three weights are slidably received within one another (via the cavities) in a substantially telescoping manner. As can be seen from FIG. 4, when the three weights are received within one another, they form a composite weight. The handles of the three weights overly to form a common, composite handle with which the composite weight may be picked up by a user. In order for the weights to be received within one another in the manner shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the exterior dimensions of the third weight are substantially equal to, or slightly less than, the interior dimensions of the second weight; and the exterior dimensions of the second weight are substantially equal to, or slightly less than, the interior dimensions of the first weight (the innermost weight), i.e. there may be a small gap between adjacent weights which may be reduced or eliminated, if desired, depending on the exterior dimensions of a weight relative to the interior dimensions of the next-largest weight in the system.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows the third weight in isolation. The handle is metal. Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, both handles of each weights may be metal. The weights may be considered as two substantially square box elements each connected by two metal handles. The box elements are provide on either side, and/or opposing sides, directly opposite one another, and connected by the two handles. Alternatively, one handle only for each weight may be used.

[0054] The handle may additionally include a coating that is compressible under pressure so that when it is gripped by a user it does not pose significant discomfort, and can deform into and around the user's hand to facilitate ease of use with a heavier weight. A compressible coating provides extra grip and comfort for the user. When the weights are contained within one another and the common handle is gripped by the user such a coating will reduce the pressure applied to the user's fingers on the lower portion of the handle when it is being lifted. Any or all of the weights may be provided with such a coating, or no coating at all (leaving the handle as exposed metal). The handles may instead, or in addition to, comprise a resiliently deformable material (for example, rubber, sponge etc.) to further facilitate comfort when being gripped.

[0055] The cavity is defined by the inner wall, and both extend the length of the weight. The cavity is uniform in cross section. A circumferential inner wall of the third weight forms a shell with the top surface and side walls. It is appreciated that in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4-6, the cavity is defined (consider the weight from left to right in the figure) by the upper/lower/side walls of the left box element; the handles, and the upper/lower/side walls of the right box element. In this way the weight (cavity therethrough) may be considered as substantially rectangular-prism shapedbut with parts of the upper/lower/side walls of a middle part of the rectangular prism being cutaway to form each handle.

[0056] The invention is not considered to be limited to the configurations and materials described in the preferred above. For example, alternative materials (wood, for example) could be utilised as necessary. The length of each exercise weight may be long to resemble a common barbell, or shorter to resemble a dumbbell. The cross-section of each exercise weight may be circular to resemble a dumbbell or a weight disc. The cavity may not extend the length of the exercise weight but may instead be an open-type cavity in this way when the second exercise weight is received within the first it cannot fall or slide out unless the weight is orientated such that the single cavity is facing the floor.

[0057] It will thus be appreciated that the present invention allows for a weight system in which the individual weights may be used either individually or in combination as an exercise weight. When used in combination, a first weight may either receive or be received in a second weight to form a composite weight, having mass equal to the sum of the masses of the first and second weights. The shape and design of each weight may be such that the possibility of a smaller weight rattling inside a larger weight is reduced, although this is not necessary in keeping with the principles of the present disclosure. For example, a weight system according to the present invention with a larger number of weights may be such that, when the smallest weight is received within the largest, the smallest weight is fully rotatable within, the cavity of the largest weight. The handle of any smaller weight may overly the handle of any larger weight such that the two handles may be combined to form a common handle to be gripped by the user. Using the common handle the user may lift the composite weight, as they would have done any individual weight. Once the user has finished his or her exercises, the weights may be telescopically stored within one another (in much the same manner as one is received in another to form the composite weight) and the system may be easily be stored or transported. It will also be readily apparent that, when stored telescopically as described above, the entire system may be lifted using the common handle formed of the individual handles of each individual weight; allowing the user to easily lift the entire system using only one hand. This, in turn, allows for a portable, easily transported weight system.