Free Weight Training Device with Labyrinth-Type Game and Method of Exercise and Entertainment

Abstract

A free weight training device with labyrinth-type game and method of exercise and entertainment comprises a unique dumbbell defined by a pair of weight members joined by an elongated handle. The dumbbell is configured, so a user can develop muscle groups associated with standard weight lifting. This can include exercise movements that involve articulating muscles to move the dumbbell in a repetitive exercise motion. The dumbbell has integrated therein, a labyrinth-type game operational—directly on the outer face of at least one of the weight members. The labyrinth-type game includes at least one target area and at least one corresponding game piece. The handle is gripped and the weight members are tilted about a vertical axis to urge the game piece towards the target area, directly on the outer face of the weight members. The articulation of the dumbbell in this manner develops wrist muscles, while also entertaining the user.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A free weight training device with labyrinth-type game, the device comprising:
 a pair of weight members defined by an inner face, an outer face, and a wall joining the faces, at least one of the outer faces comprising at least one target area;   a handle having a first end and a second end, each of the ends joining the inner face of one of the pair of weight members, the handle being configured to enable a user to grip and position the weight members at a plurality of different configurations;   a housing encapsulating at least one of the outer faces of the weight members; and   at least one game piece disposed inside the housing, the game piece being free moving across the outer face of the weight member, the game piece being operational to engage the target area,   whereby manipulation of the weight members urges the at least one game piece to engage the at least one target area.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the target area is defined by a depression or an elevation. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the target area is defined by a geometrically-shaped depression. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the game piece is defined by a geometric shape corresponding to the at least one geometrically-shaped depression. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one of the outer faces comprises a pathway, or a maze, or both. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the game piece is defined by a spherical shape. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the spherically-shaped game piece rolls along the pathway or the maze. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the outer face of the weight members, or the game piece, or both are magnetized. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a clear domed structure. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising multiple inner weight members joined with the handle, and facing the inner face of the weight members. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pair of weight members are detachable from the ends of the handle. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the weight members are fabricated from at least one of the following: metal, metal alloys, neoprene, plastic, and rubber. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the weight members are defined by a circular shape, a hexagonal shape, a square shape, a triangular shape, and an irregular shape, the weight members further being defined by a weight between 1 to 50 pounds. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the outer faces comprises a gameboard disposed in a parallel, flush relationship with the outer face. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the weight members are tilted about a vertical axis to urge the game piece towards the target area. 
     
     
         16 . A free weight training device with labyrinth-type game, the device comprising:
 a dumbbell having:
 a pair of weight members defined by an inner face, an outer face, and a wall joining the faces, at least one of the outer faces comprising at least one target area defining a geometrically-shaped depression; 
 a handle having a first end and a second end, each of the ends joining the inner face of one of the pair of weight members, the handle being configured to enable a user to grip and position the weight members at a plurality of different configurations; 
 a housing encapsulating at least one of the outer faces of the weight members; and 
 at least one geometrically-shaped game piece corresponding to at least one of the target areas, the geometrically-shaped game piece disposed inside the housing, the game piece being free moving across the outer face of the weight member, the game piece being operational to engage the target area, 
 whereby the weight members are tilted about a vertical axis to urge the game piece towards the target area. 
   
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one of the outer faces comprises a gameboard, the gameboard including a pathway, or a maze, or both. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 16 , further comprising multiple inner weight members joined with the handle, and facing the inner face of the weight members. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the pair of weight members are detachable from the ends of the handle. 
     
     
         20 . A method of exercise and entertainment with a free weight training device, the method comprising:
 providing a free weight device, the free weight device having a pair of weight members defined by an inner face and an outer face, at least one of the outer faces comprising at least one target area and a game piece, the free weight device further having a handle joining the inner face of one of the pair of weight members;   gripping the handle in preparation for performing an exercise movement;   manipulating the handle to perform the exercise movement;   orienting the free weight, such that the handle aligns with a vertical axis;   tilting the handle, such that the game piece is urged towards the at least one target area; and   engaging the target area with the game piece, while performing the exercise movement.