Adaptive handle for dual grip dumbbell

a. Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to a device that will enable the user of a conventional dumbbell to convert it for use with both hands (dual grip), as well as for foot use. This drastically increases the number of and types of exercises that may be performed with conventional dumbbells.

b. Description of Related Art

The following patents are representative of barbell exercise device adaptations:

U.S. Pat. No. Des. D474,819 S to John A. Panicali describes an adaptive handle for a hexagon dumbbell to go from single hand grip to dual grip design.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,017 to Jaeger describes a weight lifting apparatus that provides a dumbbell having a pair of outer weights connected by a central bar extending therebetween, and an auxiliary add-on weight member having a central handle extending between outer legs removably attached to the bar and extending transversely to the bar adjacent the inside facing surfaces of the outer weights. The outer legs are releasably attached to the central bar by clips providing easy attachment with a push-on motion in a direction transverse to the bar, and easy release with a pull-off motion in a direction transverse to the bar.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,318 to Tracy describes a weight for a barbell that comprises a pair of hinged halves which are moveable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the two halves form an opening for receiving the bar. In the opened position, the two halves permit the weight to be either removed or mounted on the bar without sliding the weight off the end of the bar.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,119 to Arnold describes a pair of exercise devices for respectively performing the “curl” and “fly” exercise. Each device utilizes a clamping assembly for receiving a range of user selectable free weights therein. Each clamping assembly is associated with a support assembly for the lower arm of the user. Upon the user grouping a handle the “curl” and “fly” exercises are performed with the clamped weight of the respective devices offering resistance thereto.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,345 to Frey describes an exercise apparatus for an arm of a user which includes a support having a first part for supporting and extending along a portion of the lower arm of the user and a second part having an outwardly curved portion for supporting the wrist of the user in an extended position to increase the work load on the upper arm or biceps during exercise.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,607 to Carpenter describes an exercise device that is shown formed from a weight having a C-shaped cross-section with an inner diameter large enough to fit over and at least partially about the bar of a dumbbell. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of weights are joined by a hinge to permit them to open about the bar and to then close upon it.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,484 to Carpenter describes an auxiliary handle for a dumbbell includes a pair of weighted hook members each joined to a handle by a threaded stud. The hook members are adapted to engage the handle of a dumbbell. The studs are oppositely threaded so that rotation of the handle in one direction moves the hook members away from each other and into engagement with the dumbbell weights, thus securing the auxiliary handle to the dumbbell. The auxiliary handle may be used by a spotter to assist in handling the dumbbell.

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.

The present invention is an adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use. It includes: a) a first adaptive handle member having a top frame component and a bottom frame component and having a central half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component and having left half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component, and having a right half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component; b) a second adaptive handle member having a top frame component and a bottom frame component and having a central half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component and having left half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component, and having a right half pipe extending from the top frame component to the bottom frame component; and, c) locking means on at least one of the first adaptive handle member and the second adaptive handle member, adapted to lock the first adaptive handle member and the second adaptive handle member together in alignment with one another.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the locking means has a first locking component located on the first adaptive handle and a second locking component on the second adaptive handle that corresponds and interconnects with the first locking component.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the left half pipe and the right half pipe of the first adaptive handle member and the left half pipe and the right half pipe of the second adaptive handle member are ergonomic and include hand grips.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the left half pipe and the right half pipe of the first adaptive handle member and the left half pipe and the right half pipe of the second adaptive handle member are semi-circular half pipes.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the left half pipe and the right half pipe of the first adaptive handle member and the left half pipe and the right half pipe of the second adaptive handle member are semi-oval half pipes.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the left half pipe and the right half pipe of the first adaptive handle member and the left half pipe and the right half pipe of the second adaptive handle member are padded half pipes.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the locking means is a permanent locking mechanism. In other preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the locking means is an unlockable locking mechanism.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, the first adaptive handle member and the second adaptive handle member are hingedly connected to one another.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention adaptive handle for dual hand use and for foot use, at least one of the left half pipe and the right half pipe includes a foot strap adjacent thereto.