BACKGROUND
Field of Use
The present application relates to the fitness industry. More specifically, the present application relates to weight equipment.
Description of the Related Art
Weight training has gained popularity in recent years, with millions of people dedicated to lifting weights at home or at public gymnasiums. While traditional weight training comprises lifting barbells, dumbbells and/or using specially-designed weight-training machines, other non-traditional devices have been introduced, specifically kettle bells and weight fitness hammers.
Kettle bells are usually cast-iron or cast-steel balls with a handle attached to the top (resembling a cannonball with a handle). They are used to perform many types of exercises, including ballistic exercises that combine cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training. Kettle bells come in a number of different fixed weight, such as 5 lbs, 10 lbs, 15 lbs, etc. A number of kettle bells of differing weights is generally desirable to accommodate different abilities and to offer increasing degrees of resistance as a user grows stronger.
Weight fitness hammers, or fitness hammers, resemble a sledge fitness hammer, having a long handle with a weighted head attached. Fitness enthusiasts swing the fitness hammer overhead and down on a strike pad, such as a large commercial tire or a specially-designed energy-absorbing platform, used to absorb blows from the fitness hammer. Fitness hammers are manufactured with heads of different, fixed weight, again to offer different resistances to accommodate different abilities and to offer increasing degrees of resistance as a user grows stronger.
One problem with both kettle bells and fitness hammers is that the weight of each kettle bell and fitness hammer is fixed. Thus, a number of kettle bells and fitness hammers of differing weights is generally desired in order to provide a selection of differing weight resistances. This is expensive and requires space to store the equipment.
SUMMARY
The embodiments described herein relate to an adjustable-weight fitness device, in one embodiment, comprising a handle and a head coupled to a first end of the handle for supporting one or more removable weights placed onto the adjustable-weight fitness device over the handle.
In other embodiment, a method is described for converting a fitness hammer into a fitness kettle bell, comprising removing a longitudinal handle of the fitness hammer from a head of the fitness hammer and installing a closed-loop hand grip onto the head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The features, advantages, and objects of the embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description as set forth below, when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like referenced characters identify correspondingly throughout, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of one embodiment of an adjustable-weight fitness device, in this embodiment, a fitness hammer;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fitness hammer of FIG. 1, showing the fitness hammer in an assembled state;
FIG. 3 is a side, cutaway view of another embodiment of the fitness hammer of FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of weight plates and a collar of the fitness hammer in FIGS. 1-3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a striking portion of the fitness hammer of FIGS. 1-3;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable-weight fitness device, in this embodiment, a fitness kettle bell;
FIG. 7 is an exploded side view of one embodiment of the fitness kettle bell as shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the kettle bell of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a side, cutaway view of the kettle bell of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a strike pad used in conjunction with any embodiment of a fitness hammer;
FIG. 11 is a side view of the strike pad of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is side, cutaway view of a bladder and energy-absorbing material of the strike pad of FIG. 10;
FIG. 13 is a side view of the fitness hammer of FIG. 1 and the strike pad of FIG. 10 as the fitness hammer strikes the strike pad;
FIG. 14 is a side, cutaway view of another embodiment of a strike pad used in conjunction with the fitness hammer of FIGS. 1-3;
FIG. 15 is a side, cutaway view of yet another embodiment of a strike pad used in conjunction with the fitness hammer of FIGS. 1-3;
FIG. 16 is a side, cutaway view of yet still another embodiment of a strike pad used in conjunction with the fitness hammer of FIGS. 1-3;
FIG. 17 is a side view of another embodiment of an adjustable-weight fitness hammer;
FIG. 18 is an exploded, perspective view of the fitness hammer of FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a side view of yet another embodiment of an adjustable-weight fitness hammer;
FIG. 20 is a side view of another embodiment of an adjustable-weight kettle bell;
FIG. 21 is a side, exploded view of the kettle bell of FIG. 20;
FIGS. 22A-22F are top views of different shapes of a head of the fitness hammers of FIG. 1 or 17;
FIGS. 23A and 23B are perspective views of two additional embodiments of an adjustable-weight fitness hammer;
FIGS. 24A and 24B are perspective views of two additional embodiments of an adjustable-weight kettle bell;
FIG. 25 is a side, cutaway view of yet still another embodiment of an adjustable-weight fitness hammer;
FIGS. 26A and 26B are side, cutaway views of two variations of the fitness hammer of FIG. 25;
FIGS. 27A and 27B are side, cutaway views of two variations of the kettle bells of FIGS. 6, 20 and 24A and 24B;
FIG. 28 is a side, cutaway view of yet still another embodiment of an adjustable-weight fitness hammer;
FIG. 29 is a side, cutaway view of yet still another embodiment of an adjustable-weight fitness hammer;
FIG. 30 is a side, cutaway view of yet still another embodiment of an adjustable-weight kettle bell;
FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for reducing the weight of any embodiment of a fitness hammer as described herein;
FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for reducing the weight of any embodiment of a fitness kettle bell as described herein; and
FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for converting any embodiment of a fitness hammer as described herein into one of the embodiments of a fitness kettle bell as described herein, and vice-versa.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present application describes various embodiments of an adjustable-weight fitness device. In one embodiment, an adjustable-weight fitness device comprises a fitness hammer. In another embodiment, an adjustable-weight fitness device comprises a fitness kettle bell. Each device comprises means for quickly and easily configuring each device to achieve a desired load resistance, i.e., a desired weight. Embodiments of the fitness hammer and fitness kettle bell described herein may be used in home or commercial gym environments. The fitness hammer may be used in conjunction with one embodiment of a strike pad for absorbing blows from the fitness hammer during a workout.
Having an adjustable-weight fitness device allows users to use fitness hammers or fitness kettle bells of several different weights without actually purchasing and storing a plurality of different fitness devices. Normally, one would be required to purchase and store several different fitness devices of different weights to achieve the same purpose.
A “head” of a fitness device as described herein is designed or interchangeability, so that it may be used as a fitness hammer or a fitness kettle bell merely by interchanging a handle associated with the head. Interchangeability also allows the head to be interchanged with other desired head-shapes. For example, a circular head may be exchanged for a hexagonal or octagonal-shaped head.
One advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein is that an adjustable-weight fitness device may utilize the same weight plates between devices. For example, a fitness hammer may be designed to receive weight plates of a particular size and shape, and a fitness kettle bell may be designed to receive the same size and shape weight plates as used in the fitness hammer, reducing the need to purchase additional items to achieve fitness goals. In some embodiments, an adjustable-weight fitness device may use generic weight plates typically used in connection with standard barbells, allowing the use of off-the-shelf weight plates. Again, this may reduce the need to purchase additional weight plates.
Embodiments of an adjustable-weight fitness kettle bell are also described, allowing a plurality of different-weighted kettle bells in a single unit. Normally, one would be required to purchase and store up multiple kettle bells each of different weights to achieve the same purpose.
Embodiments of a strike pad are also disclosed herein. A strike pad as described herein comprises an impact-absorbing device for use with a fitness hammer, providing force absorption and a rebound profile similar to a large tractor tire or the like, while being significantly lighter and more compact than a large tire would occupy for the same purpose. The height of a strike pad may be adjusted to a preferred height to suit the height of a user. A strike pad as described herein may be adjusted to alter its impact-absorption capabilities by adding or removing deformable pads from a strike pad depending on user preferences.
FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of one embodiment of an adjustable-weight fitness device, in this embodiment, a fitness hammer 100. Shown is a handle 106 having a distal end 122 coupled to a head 108. In this embodiment, the distal end 122 is coupled to the head by inserting the distal end 122 into a sleeve 110. Sleeve 110 comprises a cylindrical member extending upwards and substantially perpendicularly from a bottom plate (hidden in this view) of head 108, towards a proximal end 112 of handle 106. Handle 106 may be secured inside of sleeve 110 using one or more known mechanical securing techniques, such as by gluing, welding, bolting, screwing, etc. A length of sleeve 104 may extend past a height of concentric vertical wall 114, i.e., past rim 120, as shown in the embodiment in FIG. 1, by an amount greater than or equal to a length of retainer 102. This allows retainer 102 to fully engage sleeve 110 when the maximum number of weight plates have been placed into head 108. The height of sleeve 110 may, alternatively or in addition, depend on the thickness of the walls of sleeve 110 and the maximum overall weight of fitness hammer 100. These factors determine a maximum permissible torque applied at the joinder of distal end 122 and the sleeve as the hammer is being used. In other words, the length of sleeve 110 is generally longer the smaller the thickness of the walls of sleeve 110 and/or the maximum number of weights are installed onto fitness hammer 100, and vice-versa.
Referring back to FIG. 1, in this embodiment, head 108 comprises sleeve 110, the circular bottom plate (hidden in this view) and a concentric vertical wall 114 extending upwards towards proximal end 112 from a perimeter of the bottom plate. These components form a concentric void 116, best shown in FIG. 5, which receives and holds one or more weights 104. A diameter of the bottom plate and concentric vertical wall is sized to approximately match or slightly exceed a diameter of the weights, so that the weights fit inside void 116. A height of concentric vertical wall 114 may be determined as a multiple of a thickness of a number of weights that fitness hammer 100 is designed to hold. For example, if each weight is 1 inch thick, and fitness hammer 100 is designed to hold four weights, then the height of concentric vertical wall 114 may be approximately 4 inches. In other embodiments, the height of concentric vertical wall is designed to retain at least half the thickness of one weight plate 104, allowing additional weight plates 104 to be exposed outside of void 116. In this configuration, the edge of one or more of the additional weight plates may strike the ground or a “strike pad”, described later herein, during use of fitness hammer 100.
An advantage of utilization of concentric vertical wall 114 is that it allows a user of fitness hammer 100 to swing fitness hammer 100 without having to “center” each strike on a relatively small head of prior-art fitness hammers. The continuous wall 114 allows a user to swing fitness hammer 100 repeatedly and freely without needing to adjust the user's grip position of handle 106 to center the head 108 during an exercise routine.
Weight plates 104 may each comprise a standard weight plate commonly used with barbells or dumbbells. The advantage of using standard weight plates, having conventional weights and sizes, is that fitness hammer 100 may be sold without weights if customers already own such weights.
Typically, each weight plate weights between 2 and 25 pounds, with heavier weights generally comprising a larger diameter than lighter weights. Head 108 may be designed accordingly to use one or more weight plates each of a predetermined weight, such as 10 pounds each. As mentioned previously, the diameter and, in some embodiments, height, of concentric vertical wall 114 may depend on the size and/or height of each weight plate. Each weight plate 104 comprises a mounting hole 118 formed therethrough at substantially a center of each weight plate 104. Typically, mounting hole 118 is used to install a weight plate onto a barbell or a dumbbell, and may comprise a standard diameter, such as 1 inch, 2 inches, etc.
as shown in FIG. 2, the weight plates may additionally comprise one or more grooves 202 cut on, for example, opposite sides of each weight plate to enable the user to remove them easily from the handle/sleeve as desired. The weight plates are typically formed from a durable, dense material, such as steel, cast iron core, etc., and may comprise a durable rubber coating to reduce noise while adding weights to fitness hammer 100. If head 108 of fitness hammer 100 weighs 12 pounds and can accommodate 3 weight plates, each weighing 5 pounds, the total weight of the head may be quickly and easily adjusted from 12 pounds (no weight plates) to 27 pounds (with 3 weight plates installed).
In many embodiments, the weights are retained against the bottom plate, i.e., inside void 116 by a removable retainer 102 or similar means. Removable retainer 102 may comprise a standard-sized weight clamp in embodiments where the diameter of sleeve 110 is equal to a diameter of a standard-sized barbell or dumbbell, such as 1 inch, 2 inches, etc. Such weight clamps are well-known in the art, comprising means for removably (i.e., temporarily) locking a weight clamp to a barbell or dumbbell, thereby securing one or more weight plates in place.
In use, a user of fitness hammer 100 may place a first weight plate 104 over handle 106 and slide it down over sleeve 110 through mounting hole 118 and into void 116, resting against the bottom plate. Removable retainer 102 is then placed over the handle 106 and slid down handle 106 and onto sleeve 110 until it comes in contact with the just-installed weight plate 104. Removable retainer 102 is then secured to sleeve 110 via traditional clamping means of removable retainer 102. At this point, fitness hammer is ready for use by a fitness enthusiast by grabbing handle 106 with one or more hands, swinging fitness hammer 100 overhead, and then forcefully swinging head 108 in a downward trajectory into the ground or some form of a “strike pad”, described later herein. This action is repeated a number of times desired by the user. If the user desires additional resistance, the user may remove removable retainer 102 and install one or more additional weight plates 104 onto handle 106 and down against the existing weight plate(s) 104 lying within void 116. Removable retainer 102 may then be re-installed over handle 106 and against the top-most weight plate and then secured to sleeve 110. The user may then again swing fitness hammer 100 a desired number of times with the heavier resistance provided by the additional weight plate(s) 104.
Fitness hammer 100 is typically sized the same as prior art fitness hammers, for example, handle 106 may be approximately 4 feet in length and an inch or more in diameter. The shape of handle 106 may take the form as shown in FIG. 1, or it may be altered, for example, resembling a fire ax handle, an offset baseball bat, or other forms. Handle 106 is typically manufactured using a strong, solid material able to withstand the forces generated during a workout. Such materials include wood, one or more metals or metal alloys, certain forms of plastic, fiberglass, etc.
In another embodiment, fitness hammer 100 may be configured for use with one hand, used as if striking a nail with a hammer, i.e., a “hand-held” fitness hammer. In this embodiment, a hand-held fitness hammer 100 is much shorter and smaller than the fitness hammer shown in FIG. 1, measuring, for example, handle 106 being 15 inches long with head 108 being 4 inches high, for a total length of about 19 inches. Sleeve 110 is typically smaller in diameter than the diameter of sleeve 110 as shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, 1 inch. Also in this embodiment, head 108 is typically smaller than head 108 as shown in FIG. 1, approximately 8 inches in diameter in one embodiment. Similarly, weight plates 104 are generally smaller than the weight plates 104 as shown in FIG. 1, measuring, in one embodiment, a standard 4½ inches in diameter, with mounting hole 118 equal to 1 inch. Each weight plate 104 in this embodiment may weight 2½ pounds, 5 pounds, 10 pounds, or more. It should be understood that all of the dimensions just described represent just one embodiment of a hand-held fitness hammer, and that other hand-held fitness hammers may have different proportions and/or measurements.
Head 108 is also manufactured from a strong, solid material such as one or more metals or metal alloys, able to withstand the forces created against head 108 as fitness hammer 100 strikes the ground or a strike pad.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of fitness hammer 100 of FIG. 1, showing fitness hammer 100 assembled for use. In this example, the four weight plates 104 as shown in FIG. 1 have been placed over handle 106 via each weight plate's mounting hole 118. The resulting overall weight of fitness hammer 100 is there increased by the total weight of the weight plates 104. To begin loading fitness hammer 100 with the weight plates, a first weight plate 104 is placed onto handle 106 via its mounting hole 118 and slid down along the length of handle 106 until the first weight plate 104 rests against the bottom plate and inside void 116. At this point, the overall weight of fitness hammer has increased by the weight of the first weight plate 104. If no additional weight is desired, a user secures the first weight plate inside void 116 via removable retainer 102. If, however, additional weight is desired, the user may add additional weight plates 104 over handle 106 and down into void 116. After the desired weight is achieved, the user secures the weights against the bottom plate via removable retainer 102. Fitness hammer 100 may then be used by the user placing both of the user's hands on handle 102, lifting head 108 overhead, and striking downward, smashing head 108 into the ground or a strike pad.
FIG. 3 is a side, cutaway view of another embodiment of the fitness hammer 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2, showing 4 weight plates 104 stacked inside void 116, with a first weight plate 104 resting against bottom plate 300 and removable retainer 102 holding the weight plates 104 in place. It should be understood that in some embodiments, bottom plate 300 is formed as part of head 108 as a singular structure as shown, while in other embodiments, various elements of head 108 may be formed separately and coupled together using traditional mechanical fastening methods.
FIG. 3 further illustrates how the height of concentric vertical wall 114 may be selected to achieve a height of approximately a multiple of the thickness of each weight plate 104. For example, in FIG. 3, fitness hammer 100 is designed to accommodate 4 weight plates 104, each weight plate 104 approximately three quarters of an inch thick. The height of vertical wall 114, then, may be selected to be approximately four times this thickness, or three inches high, measuring from inside void 116. Designing concentric vertical wall 114 as a multiple of the thickness of each weight plate 104 may achieve a desirable appearance of fitness hammer 104 after all of the weight plates 104 have been installed thereon.
FIG. 3 additionally shows one embodiment where handle 106 is secured to bottom plate 300. In this embodiment, handle 106 comprises one half of a mechanical fastener 302, such as a bolt, screw, rivet, etc., and bottom plate 300 comprises a center through-hole 304 through which fastener 302 is inserted as handle 106 is placed inside sleeve 110. A reciprocal portion of fastener 302, such as a nut or other fastener, is then secured to the first half of mechanical fastener 302 extending from center through-hole 304. In one embodiment, a deformation 306 is formed on the bottom surface of bottom plate 300, so that fastener 302 remains flush or receded from the bottom surface. This enables fitness hammer 102 stand vertically and maintain stability when fitness hammer 100 is placed on a horizontal surface.
FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of weight plates 104 and removable retainer 102 of fitness hammer 100.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view, close-up view of one embodiment of head 108 of fitness hammer 100 without any weight plates 104 installed. In this view, handle 106 is shown fixedly inserted inside sleeve 110, and sleeve 110, concentric vertical wall 114 and bottom plate 300 form void 116. In this embodiment, head 108 comprises a circular shape but in other embodiments, head 108 may comprise a different shape, as shown in FIGS. 22A-22F and FIGS. 23A and 23B. FIGS. 22A-22F illustrate a variety of different geometric shapes of bottom plate 300/head 108, including circular, oval, hexagonal, square (with square or rounded corners), octagonal and rectangular (with square or rounded corners).
FIG. 23A is a perspective view of an embodiment of fitness hammer 100 with an octagonal head 108 comprising an octagonal bottom plate 300, an octagonal concentric vertical wall 114 and an octagonal sleeve 110. FIG. 23B is a perspective view of another embodiment of fitness hammer 100 with an octagonal head 108 comprising an octagonal bottom plate 300, an octagonal concentric vertical wall 114 and a circular sleeve 110. This embodiment may be desirable to accommodate weight plates that have a circular mounting hole 118 and a different outer perimeter, such as an octagonal shape. Any of the cross-sections shown in FIGS. 22A-22F may be used to construct different-shaped heads 108, having the same, or different, sleeve 110.
FIG. 17 is a side view of another embodiment of an adjustable-weight fitness hammer 1700. FIG. 18 is an exploded, perspective view of fitness hammer 1700. FIG. 19 is a side view of yet another embodiment of an adjustable-weight fitness hammer, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 17. The components shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 may not be to scale with respect to each other. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, except that concentric vertical wall 114 is not used. Instead, head 108 comprises only bottom plate 300 and sleeve 110. This exposes the edges of weight plates 1042 a striking surface when fitness hammer 100 is used, as opposed to concentric vertical wall 114 absorbing the impact. A diameter of bottom plate 300 may be sized to be the same or slightly larger or smaller than the diameter of the weight plates 104. This embodiment may save on the material cost and fabrication of concentric vertical wall 114.
In FIG. 17, sleeve 110 and/or handle 106 is secured to bottom plate 300 via mechanical fastener 302 extending through a hole formed in bottom plate 300 similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, except that depression 306 is not used. Therefore, mechanical fastener 302 extends from the bottom surface of bottom plate 300, as shown. FIG. 19 is another embodiment of fitness hammer 1700, shown as fitness hammer 1800. Fitness hammer 1800 is the same or similar as fitness hammer 1700, the only difference being a lack of mechanical fastener 302 in fitness hammer 1800. In this embodiment, sleeve 110 is fixed to bottom plate 300, or formed as a single structure with bottom plate 300, extending upwards from bottom plate 300 towards proximal end 112 of handle 106.
FIG. 28 is a side, cutaway view of yet still another embodiment of an adjustable-weight fitness hammer 2800, comprising many of the same or similar elements that comprise fitness hammer 100, such as head 108 comprising bottom plate 300 formed integrally with concentric vertical wall 114 (which forms rim 120), sleeve 110 and handle 106. In this embodiment, however, handle 106 is joined to sleeve 110 via a reciprocal coupling mechanism, such as a threaded insert 2802 inside handle 106 inside distal end 122 and a threaded post 2804 extending upwards from a flat top surface 2806 of sleeve 110 which, in this embodiment, comprises a solid cylinder affixed to bottom plate 300, or integral with bottom plate 300 and/or concentric vertical wall 114. It should be understood that threaded insert 2802 and threaded post 2804 may be longer than what is depicted in FIG. 28. Allowing handle 106 to be removably attached to head 108 via a reciprocal coupling mechanism may allow fitness hammer 2800 to be more easily stowed and transported.
FIG. 29 is a side, cutaway view of yet still another embodiment of an adjustable-weight fitness hammer 2900, comprising many of the same or similar elements that comprise fitness hammer 100 as shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, handle 106 may comprise a unitary structure comprising sleeve 2902 (similar in functionality to sleeve 110 for allowing one or more weight plates 104 to be mounted via each plate's mounting hole 118) is joined to sleeve 110 via a reciprocal coupling mechanism, such as a threaded insert 2802 inside handle 106 inside distal end 122 and a threaded post 2804 extending upwards from a flat top surface 2806 of sleeve 110 which, in this embodiment, comprises a solid cylinder affixed to bottom plate 300, or integral with bottom plate 300 and/or concentric vertical wall 114. In this embodiment, handle 106 is tapered, having a smaller diameter at proximal end 112 than at distal end 122. Although the tapering is shown to be linear, the tapering could be non-linear in other embodiments, such as an embodiment where proximal end 112 is one diameter and distal end 122 is another, larger diameter. Tapering of handle 106 allows proximal end 112 to be sized to a comfortable diameter for a typical user's hand grips, while distal end 122 is sized to accommodate mounting hole 118 of weight plates 104. It should be understood that threaded insert 2802 and threaded post 2804 may be longer than what is depicted in FIG. 28. Allowing handle 106 to be removably attached to head 108 via a reciprocal coupling mechanism may allow fitness hammer 2800 to be more easily stowed and transported.
FIGS. 6-9 are various views of one embodiment of an adjustable-weight fitness apparatus in the form of a fitness kettle bell 700. FIG. 6 is a side view of fitness kettle bell 700. FIG. 7 is a side, exploded view of fitness kettle bell 700. FIG. 8 is a perspective, exploded view of fitness kettle bell 700. FIG. 9 is a side, cutaway view of fitness kettle bell 700. Similar to fitness hammer 100, fitness kettle bell 700 is designed to allow users to change the resistance offered by fitness kettle bell 700 by adding or removing weight plates 104 quickly and easily.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9, fitness kettle bell 700 comprises handle 106, removable retainer 102, one or more weight plates 104, and head 108. Removable retainer 102, the weight plates 104 and head 108 may be the same or similar as removable retainer 102, the weight plates 104 and head 108 as used in fitness hammer 100. Handle 106 comprises hand grip 702 which, in turn, may comprise an extension 704. An advantage of using the same head 108, weight plates 104 and removable retainer 102 as fitness hammer 100 is that fitness kettle bell 700 can be quickly and easily converted into fitness hammer 100 simply by removing hand grip 702 and replacing it with handle 106 of FIGS. 1-5, i.e., an elongated, rigid member. Another advantage of this synergy is a reduced cost and storage space of having to purchase and store both a fitness hammer and a fitness kettle bell.
FIG. 6 is a side view of fitness kettle bell 700 shown fully assembled with several weight plates 104 installed over sleeve 110 and inside a concentric void (shown more clearly in FIG. 8) formed by concentric vertical wall 114, sleeve 110 and the bottom plate (hidden in this view). Sleeve 110 extends from the bottom plate upwards towards handle 106, wherein handle 106 is attached to sleeve 110 via one of a number of different releasable mechanical fastening techniques. Sleeve 110 may comprise a perimeter matching a cross-section size and shape of a mounting hole 118 of the weight plates 104. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6-9, sleeve 110 comprises a circular cross-section sized to receive weight plates 104 through each weight plate's circular mounting hole 118.
Hand grip 702 typically comprises a closed-loop, i.e., circular or oval-shaped, ring that allows a user to grip fitness kettle bell 700 with one or both hands, while extension 704 may be used to removably secure handle 106 to sleeve 110, “removably” meaning that handle 106 is mechanically fixed to sleeve 110 during exercise with fitness kettle bell 700 but able to be quickly and easily removed for adding or removing weight plates 104. Hand grip 702 need not comprise a closed-loop ring, in other embodiments. For example, hand grip 702 may comprise a T-shaped grip, a Y-shaped grip, etc.
Removable retainer 102 is the same or similar to the retainer used in fitness hammer 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-4. Removable retainer 102 is removed from sleeve 110 when it is desired to add or remove weight plates 104 from fitness kettle bell 700. Removable retainer 102 typically comprises a clamping mechanism or the like, allowing a user to quickly and easily loosen and remove removable retainer 102 from sleeve 110. Handle 106 is removed from sleeve 110, allowing removable retainer 102 to slide upwards and off of sleeve 110, thereby allowing weight plates 104 to be added or removed to head 108. After the desired number of weight plates 104 are installed into head 108, removable retainer 102 is installed over sleeve 110, typically resting against the topmost weight plate 104 within head 108, and secured to sleeve 110 via the clamping mechanism or the like. Then, handle 106 may be attached to sleeve 110, configuring fitness kettle bell 700 as shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 7 is a side, exploded view of fitness kettle bell 700. FIG. 8 is a perspective, exploded view of fitness kettle bell 700. Each of these figures better illustrate the components of fitness kettle bell 700 and their interaction with each other. In this embodiment, sleeve 110 is shown as a solid cylinder comprising reciprocal fastener 706 extending perpendicularly and upwards from approximately a center of sleeve 110. And best shown in FIG. 9, In this embodiment, reciprocal fastener 706 comprises a threaded post extending from the center of sleeve 110 while the other half comprises a threaded insert, or bore, 708 formed in to extension 704 or, in other embodiments, directly into hand grip 702. Hand grip 702 is released from sleeve 110 by unscrewing handgrip 702, typically in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed from above and attached by screwing hand grip 702 onto reciprocal fastener 706 in a clockwise direction until and grip 702 is seated against sleeve 110. In this way, weight plates 104 can be added or removed quickly and easily after removal of hand grip 702, providing users with a single fitness kettle bell that can be configured according to a user's strength and workout goals.
Reciprocal fastener 706 may comprise other mechanical fastening devices, such as clips, twist-and-lock mechanisms (see https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/2482/making-a-locking-mechanism-slot-along-a-cylinder), a quick-disconnect coupling (see https://hartfordtechnologies.com/precision-balls-manufacturer/ball-applications/quick-disconnect-couplings), a spring ball plunger and associated hole (see https://vxb.com/products/8mm-diameter-x-9mm-long-stainless-steel-spring-ball-plunger?variant=43582499160299¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&tm=tt&ap=gads&aaid=adaxXEtq4CiMg&gclid=CjOKCQjwuNemBhCBARIsADp74QTWAmjMpyLj_CIhPbuzeQYFBfmnzNDMb5GjFAJuzj0FBnmELhT9h-kaAup1EALw_wcB), a quick release ball lock pin (see https://www.carrlane.com/product/alignment-pins/ball-lock-pins) placed through horizontal holes formed in sleeve 110 and extension 704, etc. but preferably reciprocal fastener 706 comprises a mechanical device that allows and a 106 to be quickly and easily removed and reinstalled to sleeve 110.
In some embodiments, extension 704 extends several inches from handgrip 702, such as 6-12 inches, resembling distal end 122 of handle 106 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and sleeve 110 comprises a hollow cylinder with an inside diameter slightly larger than an exterior diameter of extension 704. Detachment and attachment of handle 106 comprises inserting extension 704 into the hollow sleeve and removably securing it to sleeve 110 via a mechanical retention means, such as the twist-and-lock mechanism, spring ball plunger, quick disconnect coupling, quick release ball lock pin as described above, etc.
FIG. 20 is a side view of another embodiment of an adjustable-weight fitness kettle bell 2000, while FIG. 21 is a side, exploded view of fitness kettle bell 2000. The components shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 are not to scale with each other. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9, except that concentric vertical wall 114 is not used. Instead, head 108 comprises only bottom plate 300 and sleeve 110. A diameter of bottom plate 300 may be sized to be the same or slightly larger or smaller than the diameter of the weight plates 104. This embodiment may save on the material cost and fabrication of concentric vertical wall 114.
FIG. 22A-F illustrate a number of possible shapes of bottom plate 300/head 108 as viewed from above for any embodiment of a fitness kettle bell. Shapes other than circular may be desirable for aesthetic purposes and/or to match the shape of weight plates 104 used in connection with a fitness kettle bell.
FIGS. 24A and 24B are perspective views of two additional embodiments of an adjustable-weigh fitness kettle bell. FIG. 24A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fitness hammer 2400A with an octagonal head 108 comprising an octagonal bottom plate 300, an octagonal concentric vertical wall 114 and an octagonal sleeve 110. FIG. 24B is a perspective view of another embodiment of fitness hammer 2400B with an octagonal head 108 comprising an octagonal bottom plate 300, an octagonal concentric vertical wall 114 and a circular sleeve 110. This embodiment may be desirable to accommodate weight plates that have a circular mounting hole 118 and a different outer perimeter, such as an octagonal shape. In either of these embodiments, weight plates 104 used in conjunction with these embodiments may comprise an outer diameter that is octagonal in shape. These embodiments are only exemplary; other embodiments could comprise a variety of combinations of different shapes of bottom plate 300 and sleeve 110.
FIG. 30 is a side, cutaway view of yet still another embodiment of an adjustable-weight fitness kettle bell. Head 108 in this embodiment is similar to head 108 as shown in FIG. 3, wherein sleeve 110 is bolted to bottom plate 300 via mechanical fastener 302 extending from a distal end 122 of sleeve 110 and through a hole 304 formed in bottom plate 300. In one embodiment, a deformation 306 is formed on the bottom of bottom plate 300 so that fastener 302 is recessed and the bottom of bottom plate 300 is flat for purposes of standing fitness kettle bell 700 sturdily on a flat surface.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a strike pad 1000 used in conjunction with any embodiment of a fitness hammer. Strike pad 1000 is a device for receiving blows from any embodiment of a fitness hammer. It may mimic mechanical properties of a large tractor tire or other “elastic” implement that provides a spring-like rebound effect as an elastic implement first absorbs the energy delivered by a fitness hammer, and then potentially rebounding the fitness hammer upward, back towards a user. This helps to establish a rhythm with a user as a user swings a fitness hammer repeatedly. Strike pad 1000 is designed to absorb some of the energy of a fitness hammer, potentially avoiding injury to a user. Thus, it is desirable that strike pad 1000 operates in a similar fashion as a large tire when struck, allowing some “give” and absorbing the momentum and velocity of a fitness hammer's impact as it is being used.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, strike pad 1000 comprises a rigid base 1012 and a plurality of durable, deformable pads 1002 (i.e., rubber-like gym floor material) approximately ½ an inch to 3 or more inches thick, in one embodiment, 24 inches wide by 16 inches wide, stacked on top of rigid base 1012, although other sizes could be used. Each of the pads 1002 may be separated from one another by spacers as shown in FIGS. 11, 13 and 14, creating a “sandwich” effect. The overall height of strike pad 1000 is conducive to receiving blows from any embodiment of a fitness hammer, such as a height between 20 and 30 inches. The pads 1002 may each comprise one or more holes (four holes in the corners of each pad 1002 as shown in FIG. 10, hidden from view by four retainers 1004) for installation over one or more respective posts 1008 (four of such posts 108 shown in FIG. 10) that extend upwards from base 1012. In use, a user swings a fitness hammer over the user's head while facing strike pad 1000, and smashes the strike pad 1000 with a head of the fitness hammer. As strike pad 1000 is struck by the head of the fitness hammer, at least some of the pads 1002 are deformed as they absorb the force from the head/hammer, as shown in FIG. 13. This process may be repeated a number of times as desired by the user to achieve a workout goal.
In one embodiment, strike pad 1000 comprises only one pad 1002, such as 1″-12″ thick, or more. In other embodiments where multiple strike pads are used, each of the pads 1002 may be the same, or certain ones may be different from each other. For example, multiple pads 1002 may comprise alternating layers of deformable pads, with even pads a certain thickness, such as ¾″-6″ (or larger), while odd pads comprise a different thickness, such as ¼″ (or larger). In any case, pads 1002 are designed to be quickly and easily installed and removed on top of base 1012. Adding additional pads 1002 both raises the overall height of strike pad 1000 while also stiffening the resistance of strike pad 1000 while removing pads 1002 both lowers the overall height of strike pad 1000 while also reducing the stiffness of strike pad 1000. In one embodiment, the top most pad 1002 may be constructed of a different material than one or more of the other pads 1002. For example, the top-most pad 1002, which receives direct contact with the head of a fitness hammer during a workout, may be constructed of a stiffer and/or denser material, or even a rigid or semi-rigid material, than the remaining pads 1002. The added rigidity of the top pad 1002 may ensure that a user's strike is evenly absorbed by the other pads 1002 or other impact-absorption devices as explained later herein (i.e., a bladder, springs, or leaf springs). In some embodiments, any combination of the other impact-absorption mechanisms beneath the top pad 1002 may be combined to provide a desired rebounding or deadening effect on fitness hammer 100. Pads 1002 can be easily replaced when worn, or when a user desires thicker/stiffer pads 1002.
FIG. 11 is a side view of the strike pad 1000, clearly showing spacers 1006 mounted over each of posts 1008 in between pads 1002. In this embodiment, each spacer 1006 resembles a thick washer having a diameter of between 1 inch and 6 inches, with an inside diameter approximately matching the diameter of each of posts 1008, such as between ¼ inch to 1 inch. Typically, each spacer 1006 comprises a thickness more than a traditional washer, such as between ⅛ and ¾ inches thick. As shown, more than one spacer 1006 may be inserted on each post 1008 in between the pads 1002, depending on the desired spacings between each pad 1002 and the thickness of each spacer 1006.
In the embodiment of FIG. 11, a bladder 1010 is placed between base 1012 and the lowermost pad 1002. Bladder 1010 may be used to provide better impact absorption during a workout. Bladder 1010 is generally constructed of a durable, stretchable material, such as rubber, neoprene, or the like, and filled with an energy-absorbing material, such as a plurality of ball bearings, deformable rubber balls, neoprene, rubber, a gas such a ambient air, etc. Bladder 1010 is generally configured to absorb each strike of a fitness hammer and return to its original shape, creating a rebounding effect on a fitness hammer from under the pads.
FIG. 12 is side, cutaway view of one embodiment of bladder 1010, filled with energy-absorbing material 1202, in this embodiment, a plurality of elastic balls, each approximately ½ inch in diameter.
FIG. 13 is a side view of strike pad 1000 as a fitness hammer 100 impacts strike pad 1000 by a user (user not shown), strike pad 1000 configured as shown in FIG. 11 with bladder 1010. Fitness hammer 100 is shown at the maximum point of impact, deforming all four pads 1002 as well as bladder 1010. The pliant nature of each of the pads 1002 allows each pad 1002 to stretch and absorb the impact of fitness hammer 100. Additionally, both the pliant nature of the pads 1002 and the energy-absorbing material 1202 inside bladder 1010 acts to apply an opposing force to fitness hammer 100 so that fitness hammer 100 springs away from strike pad 1000 at the conclusion of a user's blow, helping to achieve a rhythm for the user to lift fitness hammer 100 in preparation for a next blow.
FIG. 14 is a side, cutaway view of another embodiment of a strike pad 1400 used in conjunction with a fitness hammer. In this embodiment, spacers 1006 each comprise a mechanical energy storage mechanism, otherwise referred to herein as a “spring”, installed between some or all of the pads, and/or between the lower-most pad 1002 and a top of base 1012, each spring typically mounted onto one or more of the posts 1008, as shown. Mechanical energy storage mechanisms may comprise one of a variety of springs, such as a coil spring or a leaf spring, a gas strut, or any other mechanism that provides an opposing force to the downward force applied by a fitness hammer on strike pad 1400 during use. Using mechanical energy storage mechanisms in this manner may enhance the absorption capacity of strike pad 1400, as the mechanical energy storage mechanisms help absorb the force of a fitness hammer. Using mechanical energy storage mechanisms in this manner may also provide a more comfortable or pleasing effect for users during a workout with a fitness hammer.
As shown in FIG. 14, in one embodiment, base 1012 of strike pad 1000 or 1400 may comprise a depression 1418 formed into the top of base 1012, creating a space in which at least a portion of bladder 1010 may reside. This may allow a larger bladder 1010 then would otherwise be possible, resulting in a desired deadening or rebounding effect. In one embodiment, strike pad 1000 or 1400 may comprise pre-drilled holes 1416 in base 1012 to allow users to fasten/mount strike pad 1000 or 1400 to the ground to prevent movement of the strike pad 1000 or 1400 during use. The size of depression 1418, including its length, width and depth are typically sized in accordance with the length, width and depth of bladder 1010, being large enough length and width to accommodate bladder 1010, while the depth of depression 1418 may be dependent on the depth, or thickness, of bladder 1010, and also possibly depending on how much of bladder 1010 is desired to be extending from a top surface of base 1012.
FIG. 15 is a side, cutaway view of yet another embodiment of a strike pad 1500 used in conjunction with a fitness hammer while FIG. 16 illustrates a side, cutaway view of yet still another embodiment of a strike pad 1600. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, strike pad 1500 is similar to strike pad 1000, with each pad 1002 separated from each other by spacers (not shown) similar to the spacers 1006 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 14. One or more mechanical energy storage mechanisms 1502 are installed between the lower-most pad 1002 and a top surface of base 1012 to create further bounce to a fitness hammer as a fitness hammer impacts strike pad 1500. Typically, an array of springs will be placed, such as an array of 6 springs×10 springs, depending on the dimensions of the springs and base 1012. Each of the mechanical energy storage mechanisms 1502 may comprise coil springs, leaf springs, or some other type of spring well known in the art.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, strike pad 1600 is similar to strike pad 1000 and strike pad 1500, with each pad 1002 separated from each other by spacers (not shown here) similar to the spacers 1006 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 14. In this embodiment, a single mechanical energy storage mechanism 1602 is installed between the lower-most pad 1002 and a top surface of base 1012 to create an additional rebounding effect to a fitness hammer as a fitness hammer impacts strike pad 1500. In one embodiment, mechanical energy storage mechanism 1602 comprises a leaf spring, similar in shape and composition as that used on the suspension of a vehicle, and its end points may be fastened to base 1012 of strike pad 1600 using traditional mechanical fastening means, such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc.
FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method of reducing the weight of fitness hammer 100.
At block 3100, fitness hammer 100 is in a configuration as shown in FIG. 2, with handle 106 retained by sleeve 110 and head 108 retaining four weight plates 104. Retainer 102 is removably coupled to sleeve 110, thus retaining weight plates 104 within head 108.
At block 3102, when a user desires to make fitness hammer 100 lighter, the user first removes retainer 102, typically by releasing a tab or other temporary locking device of retainer 102 and sliding retainer 102 upwards and over handle 106, thereby removing the retainer 102 from fitness hammer 100.
At block 3104, the user removes the top-most weight plate 104 from head 108 by grasping the top-most weight plate 104 and sliding it upwards and over handle 106, thereby removing the top-most weight plate 104 from fitness hammer 100.
At block 3106, the user replaces retainer 102 by sliding it over handle 106, downwards and over sleeve 110 until it contacts the now top-most weight plate inside had 108. The user then locks retainer 102 against sleeve 110 via the tab or other locking mechanism. It should be understood that in embodiments that do not utilize a sleeve 110, i.e., handle 106 is coupled to bottom plate 300 and a distal end 122 of handle 106 comprises a diameter substantially matching an inside diameter of a mounting hole 118 of each weight plate 104, retainer 102 is secured to distal end 102, rather than sleeve 110. Fitness hammer 100 is now ready for use, having its weight reduced as a result of removing the top-most weight plate 104.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for reducing the weight of fitness kettle bell 700.
At block 3200, fitness kettle bell 700 is in a configuration as shown in FIG. 6, with handle 106 removably coupled to sleeve 110 and head 108 retaining four weight plates 104. Retainer 102 is removably coupled to sleeve 110, thus retaining weight plates 104 within head 108.
At block 3202, when a user desires to make fitness kettle bell 700 lighter, the user first removes handle 106 from head 108. In one embodiment, where sleeve 110 comprises threaded post 2804, the user unscrews handle 106 from sleeve 110 by rotating handle 110 in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, depending on a thread-type of threaded post 2804. In other embodiments, handle 106 is removed from sleeve 110 by uncoupling a temporary mechanical fastener that removably joins handle 106 to sleeve 110. For example, a temporary mechanical faster may comprise a twist-and-lock mechanism, a quick-disconnect coupling, a spring ball plunger and associated hole, a quick release ball lock pin, etc.
At block 3204, after handle 106 has been removed from sleeve 110, the user then removes retainer 102, typically by releasing a tab or other temporary locking device of retainer 102 and sliding retainer 102 upwards and over sleeve 110, thereby removing the retainer 102 from fitness kettle bell 700.
At block 3206, the user removes the top-most weight plate 104 from head 108 by grasping the top-most weight plate 104 and sliding it upwards and over sleeve 110, thereby removing the top-most weight plate 104 from fitness kettle bell 700.
At block 3208, the user replaces retainer 102 by sliding it downwards over sleeve 110 until it contacts the now top-most weight plate inside had 108. The user then locks retainer 102 against sleeve 110 via the tab or other locking mechanism. It should be understood that in embodiments that do not utilize a sleeve 110, i.e., handle 106 is coupled to bottom plate 300 (typically via extension 704 and extension 704 comprises a diameter substantially matching an inside diameter of a mounting hole 118 of each weight plate 104), retainer 102 is secured to extension 704, rather than sleeve 110.
At block 3210, the user re-attaches head 106 by, in on embodiment, screwing head 106 onto threaded post 2804. In other embodiments, where head 106 is removably secured to sleeve 110, other methods may be used to removably secure head 106 to sleeve 110. Fitness kettle bell 700 is now ready for use, having its weight reduced as a result of removing the top-most weight plate 104.
FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for converting fitness hammer 100 into fitness kettle bell 700, and vice-versa.
At block 3300, fitness hammer 100 is in a configuration as shown in FIG. 2, with handle 106 retained by sleeve 110 and head 108 retaining four weight plates 104. Retainer 102 is removably coupled to sleeve 110, thus retaining weight plates 104 within head 108.
At block 3302, the user may remove the weight plates 104 using the method as described in FIG. 31. In other embodiments, this step is not necessary.
At block 3302, the user removes handle 106 from head 108. This may entail unscrewing handle 106 from sleeve 108 (in an embodiment where sleeve 110 comprises a hollow cylinder with a threaded inside diameter and handle 106 comprises reciprocal threads on a distal portion 122 of handle 106), detaching handle 108 from bottom plate 300 via fastener 302, etc.
At block 3304, if weight plates 104 have been removed as described in block 3102, the user may place a number of desired weight plates 104 into head 108 by placing them over sleeve 110 and sliding them down into head 108. Alternatively, the user may add or remove a number of weight plates to/from head 108 as desired for kettle bell use.
At block 3306, the user removably attaches handle 106, as shown in FIG. 6, i.e., hand grip 702, with or without extension 704, onto sleeve 110, in on embodiment, screwing head 106 onto threaded post 2804. In other embodiments, where head 106 is removably secured to sleeve 110, other methods may be used to removably secure head 106 to sleeve 110. The fitness hammer 100 has now been converted into fitness kettle bell 700 and is now ready for use.
To convert fitness kettle bell 702 fitness hammer 100, a similar process is followed, i.e., handgrip 702 is removed from head 108, and then handle 106, as shown in FIG. 1, is attached to head 108.
FIG. 25 is a side, cutaway view of another embodiment of a fitness hammer 2500. In this embodiment, fitness hammer 2500 comprises many of the same elements as found in fitness hammer 100, however with an addition of a second sleeve 2504 extending downward from bottom plate 300. Additionally, concentric vertical wall 114 extends downwards and vertically, beneath bottom plate 300, with second sleeve 2504 and the extended concentric vertical wall 114 forming a second concentric void 2502. One or more weight plates 104 may be placed inside second concentric void 2502 in order to add additional weight to fitness hammer 2500. Additional weights may be needed because in some cases, fitness hammer 2500 may not weigh enough to satisfy a minimum weight desired by a fit user. For example, with no weight plates, fitness hammer 2500 may weigh 25 pounds. However, a fit user may desire a minimum weight of 35 pounds. In this case, the fit user may install a 10-pound weight plate 104 (or 2, 5-pound weight plates 104) inside concentric void 2502, over second sleeve 2504 and secure the weight plate inside void 2502 using a retainer 2506, which is the same or similar as a retainer 102 as best shown in FIG. 4. Then, fitness hammer 2500 weighs 35 pounds without any additional weight plates 104, and the fit user may add additional weight plates as described above over handle 106 and into concentric void 116 to add more resistance as a workout progresses. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 25, handle 106 is secured to head 108 via insertion into sleeve 110 and secured to bottom plate 300 via fastener 302, as explained previously with respect to FIG. 3.
FIGS. 26A and 26B are side, cutaway views of two variations of the fitness hammer of FIG. 25. In FIG. 26A, fitness hammer 2600A is the same or similar as fitness hammer 2500 (retainer 2506 and weight plate 104 not shown), with the exception that handle 106 is secured to head 108 solely via sleeve 110, such as by glue or some kind of mechanical coupling described earlier herein. In FIG. 26B, fitness hammer 2600B comprises the same or similar elements as fitness hammers 2500 or 2600A, except that the height of concentric wall 114 extending below bottom plate 300 is shorter in this embodiment. Having a shorter height of concentric wall 114 may be desirable in cases where only one weight plate 104 is desired for installation within second concentric void 1502. Also slightly different in this view, retainer 2506 is not used. Rather, a weight plate 104 may be retained within second concentric void 1502 via a mechanical interference mechanism 2602, such as a cotter pin inserted into a hole formed through second sleeve 2504.
FIGS. 27A and 27B are side, cutaway views of two variations of the fitness kettle bells of FIGS. 6, 20 and 24A and 24B. In FIG. 27A, fitness kettle bell 2700A comprises the same or similar elements as found in fitness kettle bell 700, however with an addition of a second sleeve 2704 extending downward from bottom plate 300. Additionally, concentric vertical wall 114 extends downwards and vertically, beneath bottom plate 300, with second sleeve 2704 and the extended concentric vertical wall 114 forming a second concentric void 2702. One or more weight plates 104 may be placed inside second concentric void 2702 in order to add additional weight to fitness kettle bell 2700A. Additional weights may be needed because in some cases, fitness kettle bell 2700A may not weigh enough to satisfy a minimum weight desired by a fit user. For example, with no weight plates, fitness kettle bell 2700A may weigh 10 pounds. However, a fit user may desire a minimum weight of 20 pounds. In this case, the fit user may install a 10-pound weight plate 104 (not shown) or 2, 5-pound weight plates 104 (also not shown) inside second concentric void 2702, over second sleeve 2704 and secure the weight plate(s) inside second concentric void 2502 using a retainer (not shown), which is the same or similar as a retainer 102 as best shown in FIG. 4. Then, fitness hammer 2700A weighs 20 pounds without any additional weight plates 104, and the fit user may add additional weight plates as described onto sleeve 110 and into concentric void 116, after handle 106 has been removed, to add more resistance as a workout progresses.
In FIG. 27B, fitness kettle bell 2700B is the same or similar as fitness kettle bell 2700A (weight plates 104 not shown), with the exception that the height of concentric wall 114 extending below bottom plate 300 is shorter in this embodiment. Having a shorter height of concentric wall 114 may be desirable in cases where only one weight plate 104 is desired for installation within second concentric void 1502, in which case the height of concentric wall 114 extending downward past bottom plate 300 may be equal to, or slightly longer, than the thickness of a weight plate 104, such that weight plate 104 is fully retained inside second concentric void 2702. Also slightly different in this view, mechanical interference mechanism 2602 is used, rather than a collar-type retainer as shown in FIGS. 6-9, to retain a weight plate 104 within second concentric void 1502, which is the same or similar to mechanical interference mechanism 2602 as shown in FIG. 26. For example, mechanical interference mechanism 2602 may comprise a cotter pin inserted into a hole formed through second sleeve 2504.
It should be understood that embodiments of a fitness hammer and fitness kettle bell may use features shown in some drawings, while not in others. For example, fitness hammer 100 shown in FIGS. 17-19 can comprise an octagonal bottom plate 300. While the foregoing disclosure shows illustrative embodiments of the invention, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, although elements of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.
Patent Application
20240058638
