Methods and apparatus for supporting exercise dumbbells

• US 20040220024A1
• Filed: 04/30/2003
• Published: 11/04/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bruno Intellectual Reserve, LLC
• Original Assignee: Mark Krull
• Inventors: Krull, Mark A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,029,425 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/94
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0726 Dumb bells, i.e. with a central bar to be held by a single hand, and with weights at the ends
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0036 Accessories for stowing, putting away or transporting exercise apparatus or sports equipment A63B47/00, A63B55/00, A63B60/56 take precedence

Abstract

A dumbbell stand includes first and second dumbbell supports that pivot about a common pivot axis between a first, relatively compact configuration and a second, spread apart configuration.

Claims

1. A dumbbell stand of the type that supports a pair of exercise dumbbells, comprising:

a first dumbbell support configured to support a first dumbbell; and

a second dumbbell support configured to support a second dumbbell, wherein the first dumbbell support is pivotally connected to the second dumbbell support.

2. The dumbbell stand of claim 1, wherein at least one roller is rotatably mounted on a lower end of the first dumbbell support, and at least one roller is rotatably mounted on a lower end of the second dumbbell support.

3. The dumbbell stand of claim 1, wherein opposing portions of the first dumbbell support and the second dumbbell support extend parallel to one another when viewed from above in a first configuration, and the opposing portions cooperate to define a V-shaped arrangement when viewed from above in a second configuration.

4. The dumbbell stand of claim 1, further comprising an accessory tray that is mounted on at least one of the first dumbbell support and the second dumbbell support.

5. The dumbbell stand of claim 1, wherein the first dumbbell support and the second dumbbell support cooperate to define a vertical pivot axis.

6. The dumbbell stand of claim 1, wherein each said dumbbell support includes a respective weight cradle having a plurality of individual, upwardly opening weight compartments.

7. A dumbbell stand of the type that supports a pair of exercise dumbbells, comprising:

a first dumbbell support configured to support a first dumbbell;

a second dumbbell support configured to support a second dumbbell; and

a means for interconnecting the first dumbbell support and the second dumbbell support in a manner that defines a common pivot axis therebetween.

8. The dumbbell stand of claim 7, wherein at least one roller is rotatably mounted on a lower end of the first dumbbell support, and at least one roller is rotatably mounted on a lower end of the second dumbbell support.

9. The dumbbell stand of claim 7, wherein opposing portions on the first dumbbell support and the second dumbbell are pivotal between a first configuration, extending parallel to one another when viewed from above, and a second configuration, defining a V-shaped arrangement when viewed from above.

10. The dumbbell stand of claim 7, further comprising an accessory tray that is mounted on at least one of the first dumbbell support and the second dumbbell support.

11. The dumbbell stand of claim 7, wherein the common pivot axis extends perpendicular to an underlying floor surface.

12. The dumbbell stand of claim 7, wherein each said dumbbell support includes a respective weight cradle having a plurality of individual, upwardly opening weight compartments.

13. The dumbbell stand of claim 7, wherein the stand is supported on rollers configured and arranged to engage an underlying floor surface.

14. The dumbbell stand of claim 7, wherein the means includes at least one intermediate frame member interconnected between the first dumbbell support and the second dumbbell support, and each said dumbbell support is pivotally connected to the at least one intermediate frame member.

15. The dumbbell stand of claim 7, wherein the first dumbbell support is pivotally connected to the second dumbbell support.

16. The dumbbell stand of claim 7, wherein a respective handle is mounted on each said dumbbell support.

17. A dumbbell stand of the type that supports a pair of exercise dumbbells, comprising:

a frame member;

a first dumbbell support configured to support a first dumbbell, wherein the first dumbbell support is pivotally connected to the frame member for pivoting about the pivot axis; and

a second dumbbell support configured to support a second dumbbell, wherein the second dumbbell support is pivotally connected to the frame member for pivoting about the pivot axis.

18. A dumbbell stand of the type that supports a pair of exercise dumbbells, comprising:

a leg configured to engage an underlying floor surface;

a first dumbbell support configured to support a first dumbbell, wherein the first dumbbell support is rigidly connected to the leg; and

a second dumbbell support configured to support a second dumbbell, wherein the second dumbbell support is pivotally connected to the leg.