Device to Position Dumbbells for Exercise

Abstract

An apparatus to hold and position dumbbells with adjustment through three dimensions (vertical, horizontal and forward and backward) so as to provide an elevated and precisely positioned starting and ending position for the dumbbells used in a dumbbell exercise. The apparatus may be configured as a stand-alone device, an attachment to another piece of equipment (such as a power rack or bench press) or integrated into another piece of exercise equipment such as a lying/incline/seated press apparatus. It enables adjustment of the dumbbell position by the user while the user is positioned for the exercise, as well as prior to assuming the position for the exercise, to provide precise positioning as desired by each individual user. It features a channeling device which guides a user's hands, wrists and arms when returning the dumbbell to the holder.

Having described the invention, I claim: 
     
         1 . A dumbbell support apparatus for positioning dumbbells to be used in exercise comprising: A dumbbell holder with support and adjustment mechanisms to position a dumbbell horizontally and vertically to enable the initiation and completion of dumbbell exercises with precise positioning through three dimensions as tailored by each individual user. Dimensions and ranges of adjustment are claimed which allow a user to position dumbbells through three dimensions (vertical, horizontal, forward and backward) prior to assuming the position of the exercise, and to further adjust the dumbbells while in position for the exercise via further movement of the dumbbells by rolling or sliding the dumbbells on the holders or via horizontal or vertical movement of the holders. Vertical positioning is accomplished via adjustment of the dumbbell holding apparatus on a vertical support, and horizontal adjustment is accomplished via a combined swivel and telescoping holder/support apparatus. 
     
     
         2 . An apparatus for positioning dumbbells as recited in  claim 1  configured as a free-standing device which can be positioned for use next to other exercise equipment such as an exercise bench. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus for positioning dumbbells as recited in  claim 1  configured so that the dumbbell positioning apparatus is implemented as an integrated part of another piece of exercise equipment, such as a bench press or shoulder press type of apparatus. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus for positioning dumbbells as recited in  claim 1  which may include an “attachment style” configuration where the dumbbell holder and positioning apparatus is attached to a vertical support such as found in the commonly used “power rack” type of exercise equipment. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus for positioning dumbbells as recited in  claim 1  optionally configured with both upper and lower support racks so that the dumbbells can either be returned to the upper or lower position at the end of the exercise, or lowered to the floor at the conclusion of the exercise. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus for positioning dumbbells as recited in  claim 1  configured with independent positioning for each of the upper and lower racks to allow precise and flexible placement of the dumbbells at both the beginning and end of an exercise set. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for positioning dumbbells as recited in  claim 1  configured with a horizontal swivel function which enables a mechanism which retracts the support once the exercise is begun using the outward swivel function, such as by spring-loading or by a foot-controlled lever, and optionally returns the support to a desired position at the end of the exercise set. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus for positioning dumbbells as recited in  claim 1  with freedom of vertical travel which enables pin-based vertical adjustment or enables a mechanical vertical adjustment mechanism, for example a ratchet mechanism, hydraulic mechanism, or screw mechanism. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for positioning dumbbells as recited in  claim 1  configured with two support structures for the dumbbell holders using a brace linking two of the vertical supports and creating a temporary or permanent attachment between the units, the width between which can be adjusted such as by means of a telescoping support attached between the vertical support. 
     
     
         10 . A dumbbell holder with two support surfaces for each side of the dumbbell, an inner “lip” on the surface supporting each side of the dumbbell which prevents side-to-side slippage of the dumbbell, and a restraining surface at the rear of the holder above the level of the dumbbell supports. 
     
     
         11 . A dumbbell holder with a channeling device which guides the user's hands into position when returning the dumbbell to the rack via angled or curved material which the user's hand, wrist or arm will contact to guide the return of the dumbbell and to center the user's hand between the dumbbell supports. 
     
     
         12 . A dumbbell holder with protective padding on the surfaces of the channeling device facing the user when returning the dumbbell to the holder.