Exercise Device

Abstract

An exercise device and system comprised of a rod attached to a weighted object that can strike a structurally substantial surface without significant impact damage.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is directed to a fitness and exercise device. Specifically, the invention is directed to an exercise device for sledgehammer training.

2. Background of the Invention

Sledgehammer training has become a popular exercise for trainees over the last few years. Trainers, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts continue to augment their exercise programs with sledgehammer training. Sledgehammer training is a useful tool for conditioning, power training, core strength training, and other exercise routines.

Generally, sledgehammer training involves a conventional sledgehammer and a tractor (or other large) tire or another device to absorb the impact of the sledgehammer. A typical tire used in sledgehammer training is about 3 to 6 feet in diameter and weighs between 200 and 1000 pounds. Trainees hit the tire with the sledgehammer in a variety of ways to workout various muscle groups. Typically, sledgehammer training is practiced in gymnasiums or warehouses large enough to store and move the tire around to start exercising. Therefore, one problem with sledgehammer training is the infrastructure needed to practice the exercises.

The device used to absorb the impact of the sledgehammer is typically limited to a surface that can withstand the impact of the sledgehammer, such as large tires or large logs. These surfaces generally break over time due to repeated impact from the sledgehammer. Thus, another problem with sledgehammer training is that there is a limited variety of surfaces that can be used to absorb the sledgehammer impact, and that such surfaces suffer damage upon impact.

Additionally, sledgehammer training is limited by the variety of exercises that can be performed. Typically, training consists of swinging the sledgehammer over the shoulder to strike the tire or swinging the sledgehammer between the legs to strike the tire. Thus, another problem with sledgehammer training is the lack of variety in the movements and exercises that can be performed.

Another problem with sledgehammer training is that there is a high risk of injury. For example, if a person does not strike the surface directly with the flat side of the sledgehammer or strikes an incorrect edge or portion of the surface, the sledgehammer could twist violently and cause injury to the hands, wrist, elbow, or shoulder.

Therefore a need exists for an exercise device and system that provides all the benefits of sledgehammer training without the drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages associated with current strategies and designs and provides new tools and methods of strength, aerobic, core fitness training exercises.

An embodiment of the invention is directed to an exercise device. The exercise device is comprised of a rod and at least one weighted object coupled to the rod. The weighted object is capable of absorbing impact force so that when the weighted object strikes a structurally sound surface, the structural soundness of the surface remains unchanged.

Preferably, a cross-section of the rod is elliptical. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the rod has a non-slip grip. The weighted object preferably has one or more slits. Each slit is preferably a cavity in the weighted object. Preferably, the weighted object is comprised of urethane and is spherical. In a preferred embodiment, the weighted object is coupled to the rod with a self-locking mechanism. Preferably, the weighted object is removable from the rod and interchangeable with other weighted objects.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an exercise system. The system comprises a rod and a plurality of weighted objects interchangeably couplable to the rod. Each weighted object is capable of absorbing impact force so that when the weighted object strikes a structurally sound surface, the structural soundness of the surface remains unchanged.

In a preferred embodiment, a cross-section of the rod is elliptical. Preferably, at least a portion of the rod has a non-slip grip. At least one weighted object preferably has one or more slits. Each slit is preferably a cavity in the weighted object. Preferably, each weighted object is comprised of urethane and is spherical. In the preferred embodiment, each weighted object is couplable to the rod with a self-locking mechanism. In a preferred embedment, the system further comprises a plurality of rods. Preferably, each weighted object is of a different weight and/or size than the remaining weighted objects.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to enhance the versatility of location, quantity of conceivable exercises, inclusivity of varying individuals and quality of existing sledgehammer exercise routines.

Other embodiments and advantages of the invention are set forth in part in the description, which follows, and in part, may be obvious from this description, or may be learned from the practice of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention is described in greater detail by way of example only and with reference to the attached drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is an embodiment of an inventive exercise device.

FIG. 2 is an embodiment of a side view of the rod.

FIG. 3 a is an embodiment of a top view of a weighted object.

FIG. 3 b is an embodiment of a side view of a weighted object.

FIG. 3 c is an embodiment of a bottom view of a weighted object.

FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a rod and weighted object.

FIG. 5 is an embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a rod and weighted object.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As embodied and broadly described herein, the disclosures herein provide detailed embodiments of the invention. However, the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, there is no intent that specific structural and functional details should be limiting, but rather the intention is that they provide a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

A problem in the art capable of being solved by the embodiments of the present invention is achieving the benefits of sledgehammer and impact surface exercise training without the drawbacks, such as the need for proper infrastructure, the damage to the impact surface caused by the sledgehammer, the limited exercises that can be safely performed, and the high risk of injury during training. It has been surprisingly discovered that an exercise device and system comprised of a rod coupled to a weighted object capable of absorbing impact force provides the advantages of sledgehammer training while eliminating the drawbacks associated with using a typical sledgehammer and impact surface.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the inventive exercise device 100. Preferably, exercise device 100 is comprised of a rod 101 and weighted object 102. In the preferred embodiment, rod 101 has an elliptical cross-section. However, rod 101 can have a square, ergonomic, circular, triangular, or another cross-sectional shape. Further, rod 101 is preferably steel but can be, for example, wood, plastic, aluminum, rubber, fiberglass other metal, carbon fiber, or another material.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a side view of rod 101. Rod 101 is preferably 3 feet in length and 2.5 inches in diameter. However, rod 101 can be shorter or longer in length and/or diameter. For example, rod 101 can be 2, 2.5, 3.5, or 4 feet long and 2, 2.25, 2.75, or 3 inches in diameter. Rod 101 preferably has a fiberglass insert for added strength and rigidity, but may have, for example, a wood, plastic, aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, or other insert, or no insert. Furthermore, the insert may be removable and interchangeable for different exercise routines. Rod 101 preferably has a raised knurling to provide a non-slip grip, but may have no knurling. Additionally, the non-slip grip can be provided by, for example, rubber, tape, or other material, or ergonomic grip indentations. Preferably, the end of rod 101 is flared 103 for easier grip and handling, however the end of rod 101 may be unflared. Additionally, easier grip and handling may be provided by, for example, a differently-shaped end. Rod 101 also preferably has a flared second end 104 to retain weighted object 102. The second end 104 may also be differently-shaped to retain weighted object 102 or have a different retention device.

In the preferred embodiment, weighted object 102 is preferably a weighted ball, but may also be another weighted object. Weighted object 102 is preferably spherical. However, weighted object 102 can be cubic, a cylinder, conical, pyramidal, or have another shape. Preferably, weighted object 102 is made of urethane, but may also be made of rubber, polyurethane, plastic, or other material.

Preferably, weighted object 102 can be removed from the rod, but may also be secured to the rod permanently. Weighted object 102 is preferably coupled to the rod with a self-locking mechanism. However, weighted object 102 can also be coupled to rod 101 by bolts, another lock, adhesive, friction, rivets, molded as a single unit, or other coupling.

FIG. 3 a shows an embodiment of a top view of weighted object 102 with a plurality of diamond-shaped slits 106 and oblong slits 107. While the slits 106 and 107 are shown as having a particular shape, the slits 106 and 107 can be circular, triangular, rectangular, and/or of another shape. Additionally, the slits can be all of one shape or multiple shapes. Weighted object 102 preferably contains multiple slits 106 and 107 in a pattern to vary the weight of the weighted object, but may also contain slits in a random configuration, another configuration, or no slits. Each slit is preferably a recess, cavity, space, or other hole in the weighted object. Preferably, each slit is created by removing a portion of the weighted object. However, in other embodiments, the weighted object is manufactured with the slits.

FIG. 3 b shows an embodiment of a side view of weighted object 102 with the plurality of diamond-shaped slits 106 and oblong slits 107 on the top of weighted object 102. The slits 106 and 107 may be on one or both ends of the weighted object 102, and/or on one or both sides of the weighted object 102, or pass through the weighted object 102. The slits 106 and 107 preferably extend halfway through the weighted object 102, but may also extend further or less than halfway through weighted object 102.

FIG. 3 c shows an embodiment of the bottom view of the weighted object 102 with a hole 108 in the center of weighted object 102 to allow rod 101 to pass through weighted object 102. However, hole 108 does not need to be centered or pass through the entirety of weighted object 102, and there may also be a plurality of holes. Preferably, hole 108 is approximately the same diameter as rod 101 to allow rod 101 and weighted object 102 to fit snugly.

Rod 101 is preferably made of steel and weighted object 102 is preferably made of urethane to absorb impact, deaden noise, and prevent impact damage to structurally substantial surfaces. Structurally substantial surfaces may include, but are not limited to, walls floors, beams, supports, platforms and other structurally sound surfaces. Damage may include, but is not limited to, denting, marking, breaking, cracking, chipping, or otherwise reducing the structural soundness of the surface. In certain embodiments, the exercise device may intentionally leave a mark on the surface struck. The handle of rod 101 is preferably elliptical with a knurling on the handle for ease and comfort of grip, and with an insert in the handle to increase the rigidity and impact absorption of rod 101. The handle of rod 101 is preferably ribbed to secure rod 101 within weighted object 102. Slits 106 and 107 are preferably arranged to control the weight, bounce, and aesthetic appeal of exercise device 100. Preferably, as weighted object 102 strikes a surface, the majority of the impact force is absorbed by weighted object 102. Preferably weighted object 102 absorbs more than half of the impact force, more than 65% of the impact force, more than 75% of the impact force, more than 85% of the impact force, or more than 95% of the impact force.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a cross-sectional view of rod 101 coupled to weighted object 102 with a self-locking mechanism. Rod 101 preferably has a self- locking mechanism at the second end to couple rod 101 to weighted object 102. Preferably the flared end of rod 101 comprises a concave portion that form fits within a convex interior of weighted ball, or vice versa. In the preferred embodiment, weighted object 102 is coupled to rod 101 by inserting rod end 103 into hole 108 of weighted object 101. Weighted object 101 is then preferably forced to engage the self-locking mechanism by applying pressure forcing the convex interior wall of weighted ball into engagement with the concave portion of rod 101. Furthermore, preferably the additional pressure from the swing force of exercise device 100 during use will enhance the locking feature. In other embodiments, exercise device 100 can be assembled in another manner.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a side view of rod 101 coupled to weighted object 102, with rod 101 containing a ball-retaining device 109. Preferably, ball-retaining device 109 is a slight protrusion around circumference of rod 101, located below and abutting weighted object 102 when weighted object 102 is fully and appropriately coupled to rod 101.

Rod 101 and weighted object 102 can operate as an exercise system. Preferably there are a plurality of rods 101 of varying weights and/or sizes that are each removable from weighted object 102. Additionally, preferably there are a plurality of weighted objects 102 of varying weights, sizes, and/or slit configurations that are each removable from rod 101. Each exercise device 100 in the exercise system is equally capable of absorbing impact force so that when the weighted object 102 strikes a surface, the rod 101 does not injure the user's hand. Each weighted object 102 in the exercise system is preferably equally capable of absorbing impact force so that when the weighted object 102 strikes a surface, the surface is undamaged. Preferably, slit configurations in each of the weighted objects 102 of the exercise system is equally capable of controlling the weight and bounce of the exercise device 100.

Exercise device 100 and exercise system can be repeatedly struck against a structurally substantial surface in a variety of movements without impact damage to the surface. Exercise device 100 is preferably an impact-deadening device that absorbs the force of the impact. Upon impact, rod 101 remains rigid and slits 106 and 107 deform, thereby absorbing the force of the impact. Therefore, exercise device 100 can preferably be used to strike existing walls, floors, platforms, beams, supports, or other permanent parts of a building or structure in addition to removable objects. Exercise device 100 and exercise system preferably allow a user to perform all the exercises of sledgehammer training without need for a tire, log, or other designated surface.

Preferably, exercise device 100 reduces the potential for injury over existing sledgehammer exercise routines. For example, the self-locking mechanism preferably reduces the likelihood that the weighted object 102 will disengage from the rod 101 during proper use. Furthermore, the impact absorption preferably reduces strain on a user's hands by reducing vibrations in rod 101 over existing sledgehammer exercise routines during proper use. Additionally, the impact absorption preferably reduces the likelihood of severe injury caused by accidents over accidents caused during existing sledgehammer exercise routines.

While the exercise device and system is described herein with respect to exercise and fitness, the device and system can be used in other industries and for other purposes where low impact sledge-hammering is desired.

Other embodiments and uses of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. All references cited herein, including all publications, U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications, are specifically and entirely incorporated by reference. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only with the true scope and spirit of the invention indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, the term “comprising of” includes the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

Claims

1. An exercise device, comprising: a rod; andat least one weighted object coupled to the rod;wherein the weighted object is capable of absorbing impact force so that when the weighted object strikes a structurally sound surface, the structural soundness of the surface remains unchanged.

2. The exercise devise of claim 1, wherein a cross-section of the rod is elliptical.

3. The exercise devise of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the rod has a non-slip grip.

4. The exercise devise of claim 1, wherein the weighted object has one or more cavities.

5. The exercise devise of claim 4, wherein the cavities are arranged in a pattern.

6. The exercise devise of claim 1, wherein the weighted object is comprised of urethane.

7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the weighted object is spherical.

8. The exercise devise of claim 1, wherein the weighted object is coupled to the rod with a self-locking mechanism.

9. The exercise devise of claim 8, wherein the weighted object is removable from the rod.

10. An exercise system, comprising: a rod; anda plurality of weighted objects interchangeably couplable to the rod;wherein each weighted object is capable of absorbing impact force so that when the weighted object strikes a structurally sound surface, the structural soundness of the surface remains unchanged.

11. The exercise system of claim 10, wherein a cross-section of the rod is elliptical.

12. The exercise system of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the rod has a non-slip grip.

13. The exercise system of claim 10, wherein at least one weighted object is has one or more cavities.

14. The exercise system of claim 13, wherein the cavities are arranged in a pattern.

15. The exercise system of claim 10, wherein each weighted object is comprised of urethane.

16. The exercise system of claim 10, wherein each weighted object is spherical.

17. The exercise system of claim 10, wherein each weighted object is couplable to the rod with a self-locking mechanism.

18. The exercise system of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of rods.

19. The exercise system of claim 10, wherein each weighted object is of a different weight than the remaining weighted objects.

20. The exercise system of claim 10, wherein each weighted object is of a different size than the remaining weighted objects.

21. The exercise system of claim 10, further comprising at least one strikeable surface.

22. An exercise device, comprising: a rod; andat least one weighted object coupled to the rod;wherein the weighted object is capable of absorbing impact force so that when the weighted object strikes a surface, the majority of the impact force is absorbed by the weighted object.