Patent Application
20230145445
The present invention relates generally to the field of exercise equipment, and more particularly to exercise weights or weighted objects such as a kettle bell.
Kettle bells are commonly used for lifting in various exercises, for example, wherein the user generally grasps the kettle bell with one or more hands, and generally lifts the kettle bell in some fashion. One drawback to kettle bells is that they are generally only capable of being grasped, for example, wherein a handle generally extends from a portion of the kettle bell that is sized and shaped for being grasped by one or more hands of a user. Continuous improvements to kettle bells are sought. It is to the provision of an improved kettle bell and methods of use thereof meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.
In example embodiments, the present invention provides a kettle bell and methods of using the kettle bell. According to one example embodiment, the invention includes a kettle bell comprising a weighted base portion, a grasping handle extending from the base portion for receiving one or more hands of the user or lifter, and a conduit or opening extending through the base portion. In example embodiments, the opening of the base portion is generally cylindrical in shape, and is generally sized for receiving an end collar member of a barbell. Optionally, the opening generally extends entirely through at least a portion of the weighted member, and is shaped as desired (e.g., hexagonal, polygonal, triangular, oval, etc.).
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a kettle bell including a generally spherical shaped weighted mass, a generally flat bottom for resting atop a support surface, a handle extending from an upper portion of the mass to form a loop-like grasping ring, and an opening extending entirely through a generally central area of the mass. In example embodiments, the opening is provided for accommodating interengagement with the end male receivers of a barbell
In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of using a kettle bell for exercising. The method includes providing a kettle bell, the kettle bell having a weighted mass, a handle extending from an upper portion of the mass to form a grasping ring, and at least one receiver opening; grasping the grasping ring of the kettle bell with one or more hands of a user; performing one or more exercises; providing a barbell comprising male collar end receivers; removably attaching a kettle bell to each of the collar end receivers, wherein the collar end receivers are fitted through the at least one receiver opening of each kettle bell; and performing one or more exercises by grasping and lifting the barbell.
In example embodiments, the at least one receiver opening is at least partially formed in the weighted mass. In example embodiments, wherein the at least one receiver opening is at least partially formed in the handle. In example embodiments, wherein the weighted mass includes a generally flat bottom for resting atop a support surface. In example embodiments, wherein at least the spherical shaped weighted mass includes iron. In example embodiments, wherein the kettle bell includes a total weight of between 5-115 pounds. In example embodiments, wherein the kettle bell further includes a clasp or fastener for securing the kettle bell to the collar end of the barbell.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a multi-use exercise device including a weighted mass and a grasping ring extending from the base and including a grasping portion and extension portions extending from the grasping portion. The extension portions each including a collar member having an opening extending therethrough, the opening of each collar member configured for receiving a collar end of a barbell such that the weighted mass is removably mountable to the collar end of the barbell.
In example embodiments, the weighted mass includes a pair of receivers and the extension portions of the grasping ring include extension ends for engagement with the receivers of the weighted mass. In example embodiments, at least the weighted mass includes iron. In example embodiments, the multi-use exercise device has a total weight of between 5-115 pounds. In example embodiments, the weighted mass includes a generally flat bottom for resting atop a support surface.
In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a kettle bell including a generally spherical shaped weighted mass, a handle extending from an upper portion of the mass to form a grasping ring, and at least one receiver opening configured for attachment of the kettle bell to a collar end of a barbell.
In example embodiments, the at least one receiver opening is at least partially formed in the generally spherical shaped weighted mass. In example embodiments, the at least one receiver opening is at least partially formed in the grasping ring. In example embodiments, the weighted mass includes a generally flat bottom for resting atop a support surface. In example embodiments, at least the spherical shaped weighted mass includes iron. In example embodiments, the kettle bell comprises a total weight of between 5-115 pounds.
In yet another example embodiment, the present invention relates to an exercise device including a weighted body, a handle attached to the weighted body and an opening in the weighted body. In example embodiments, the weighted body includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The handle is attached to the first end of the weighted body. In example embodiments, the handle is configured to allow a user's hand or hands to grasp the exercise device. In example embodiments, the opening extends from a first side of the weighted body to a second side of the weighted body, the first side of the weighted body being generally opposite the second side of the weighted body.
In example embodiments, the handle extends along a first direction and wherein the opening in the weighted body extends along a second direction, wherein the second direction is generally transverse the first direction. In example embodiments, the center of gravity of the exercise device is located in a position relative the second end of the body to orient the second end of the body towards a ground surface. In example embodiments, the opening in the body is configured to be offset from the center of gravity of the exercise device in a direction towards the first end of the body. In example embodiments, the second end of the body is substantially flat such that the exercise device does not roll when placed on a surface. In example embodiments, the opening is configured to facilitate attachment of the exercise device to the collar end of a barbell.
In example embodiments, one or more exercise devices can be removably and pivotably attached to opposing collar ends of a barbell, and wherein the one or more exercise devices can freely pivot while the second side of the body generally remains closer to a ground surface relative to the first side. In example embodiments, the pivoting or swaying of the one or more exercise devices causes a user that is manually operating or lifting the barbell to exert further stability effort during the lifting thereof.
In example embodiments, a user can grasp the handle with two hands or a single hand to perform one or more manual exercises with the exercise device. In example embodiments, at least the weighted body comprises iron. In example embodiments, the exercise device comprises a total weight of between 5-115 pounds. In example embodiments, the weighted body, when viewed from a side thereof, generally defines a triangular shape formed between outer ends of a surface defined at the second end thereof and portions of the weighted body that are generally nearest the opening. In example embodiments, the handle is substantially rigid and integrally formed with the weighted body. In example embodiments, the handle is removably attachable with the weighted body, and wherein the handle is resiliently flexible.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.
In example embodiments, the present invention provides a kettle bell and methods of using the kettle bell. According to one example embodiment, the invention includes a kettle bell comprising a weighted base portion, a grasping handle extending from the base portion for receiving one or more hands of the user or lifter, and a conduit or opening extending through the base portion. In example embodiments, the opening of the base portion is generally cylindrical in shape, and is generally sized for receiving an end collar member of a barbell. Optionally, the opening generally extends entirely through at least a portion of the weighted member, and is shaped as desired (e.g., hexagonal, polygonal, triangular, oval, etc.).
With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,
In example embodiments, the collar ends CE of the barbell comprise a diameter of about 50 millimeters or about 2 inches, and the opening 30 comprises a diameter that is at least partially larger than the collar end CE diameter such that the collar end CE can slidingly engage with the opening 30. In some example embodiments, the opening can be substantially larger than the diameter of the collar end CE, and one or more frictional pads or inserts can be provided for allowing a generally tight-fitting engagement. Optionally, a rubber sleeve can be provided on the collar ends CE, and the opening 30 is generally sized to fit over the rubber sleeve.
As depicted in
In example embodiments, the kettle bell 10 is generally formed from a cast iron material, or can optionally be formed with other dense metals or other materials, sand, etc. Preferably, the total weight of the kettle bell 10 is generally between 5-115 lbs. According to some example embodiments, the kettle bell 10 can be configured to be weighted generally similar to known disc-shaped weights, for example, between about 5-45 lbs. Optionally, as described above, the kettle bell 10 can be weighted as desired, for example, which can be more than 45 lbs.
According to another example embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of using a kettle bell for exercising. The method includes providing a kettle bell, the kettle bell comprising a generally spherical shaped weighted mass, a generally flat bottom for resting atop a support surface, a handle extending from an upper portion of the mass to form a loop-like grasping ring, and an opening extending entirely through a generally central area of the mass; grasping the kettle bell with one or more hands of a user; performing one or more exercises; providing a barbell comprising male collar end receivers; removably attaching a kettle bell to each of the collar end receivers, wherein the collar end receivers are fitted through the opening of each kettle bell; and performing one or more exercises by grasping and lifting the barbell.
According to another example embodiment, an engagement clasp, ring, or other connector can be provided, for example, for removably attaching the kettle bell to the collar end of the barbell. For example, rather than engaging the collar end CE with an opening formed through the mass or through the opening defined between the grasping ring and the mass, a separate attachment ring or coupling member can accommodate attachment of the kettle bell with the collar end CE of the barbell B. According to one example embodiment, the coupling member is configured for both removably engaging the collar end of the barbell B and for coupling to a portion of the kettle bell. In example forms, the coupling member can provide for removable engagement with the grasping ring of the kettle bell. In some example embodiments, on or more fasteners, clips, latch mechanisms, couplings, etc. provide for removably securing the kettle bell to the collar ends of the barbell B.
According to another example embodiment, the present invention relates to a retrofitted kettle bell, which can be used for grasping by one or more hands of a user to perform one or more exercises, or for removably attachment to collar ends of a barbell for performing one or more exercises utilizing the barbell. Thus, in example embodiments, a user can utilize one or more retrofitted kettle bells for performing a plurality of different exercises (with or without a barbell B), for example, rather than only being able to utilize the kettle bell for user-performed exercises where the user grasps the handle with one or more hands.
According to another example embodiment, the present invention comprises an exercise device, for example, an exercise ball device, or for example, a weighted, multi-use exercise ball 400 (see
Optionally, rather than removably engaging the kettle bells or exercise device with the collar ends CE of a barbell, a curl bar can be utilized, for example, which comprises similar sized collar ends for sliding engagement with the opening of the kettle bell or exercise device.
According to one example embodiment of the present invention, the grasping ring of the kettle bell can comprise two generally spaced-apart rings, which are generally integrally formed with the handle, and which are sized and shaped for receiving the collar ends CE of the barbell B. For example, as depicted in
As depicted in
As depicted in
As described above and according to example embodiments, the kettle bell 500 is generally formed from a cast iron material, or can optionally be formed with other dense metals or other materials, sand, etc. According to other example embodiments, the kettle bell 500 can be formed from one or more materials as desired. According to some example embodiments, substantially dense pellets or other small spherical members or other media can be filled within a reservoir defined by at least a portion thereof. In some example embodiments, the dense pellets comprise a high packing factor, for example, to maximize the amount of pellets that can be contained within the reservoir. According to example embodiments, the total weight of the kettle bell 500 is generally between 5-115 lbs. According to some example embodiments, the kettle bell 500 can be configured to be weighted generally similar to known disc-shaped weights, for example, between about 5-45 lbs. Optionally, as described above, the kettle bell 500 can be weighted as desired, for example, which can be more than 45 lbs.
According to additional example embodiments, one or more kettle bells can be removably mounted and temporarily secured to the male receivers or collar ends of a barbell or other exercise equipment (free weight and/or exercise machine) as desired. For example, according to some example embodiments, one or more kettle bells comprising a receiver opening can be configured for removable attachment to a male portion (e.g., for receiving one or more weights) of an exercise machine. For example, where the exercise machine comprises a male portion or shaft that is generally used for receiving one or more disc weights, one or more kettle bells comprising the at least one receiver opening or other male attachment member or mechanism can be removably mounted to the male portion of the exercise machine. According to further example embodiments, one or more additional accessories or other members, mechanisms, clamps, clips, rings, clasps, or other features formed with the bell or separate and mountable to the kettle bell can provide for removable mounting thereof to a barbell or other free weight bar or exercise machine. In example embodiments, a separate piece is provided such that the kettle bell can be retrofitted for removable and secure attachment to a barbell or other free weight bar or exercise equipment.
In example embodiments, the mass 612 comprises a pair of receivers 616 for receiving extension ends 624 of the extensions of the grasping handle 622. In some example embodiments, the grasping ring 620 and mass 612 are separately formed and permanently connected together. In other example embodiments, the grasping ring 620 and mass 612 can be configured for removable coupling engagement, for example, such that one or more other grasping rings can be interchanged with the mass 612, for example, to provide additional functionality and/or connectability. According to another example embodiment, the grasping ring 620 and the mass 612 can be integrally formed together as one piece, for example, by a cast, molding, or other available manufacturing process. According to one example embodiment, the entirety of the grasping ring 620 is formed from a flexible and/or resiliently deformable material, for example, so as to impart at least some deformation of the handle during use. For example, as depicted in
According to one example embodiment, the collar members 630 at least partially deform while the user is performing an exercise therewith. For example, while performing a kettle bell swing, the upward pendulum motion of the kettle bell exerts a force on the collar members 630, for example, which cause the same to at least partially deform, for example, so as to cause at least some displacement between the grasping handle 622 and the mass 612. In example embodiments, the collar members 630 can be configured so as to impart a minimal, maximum or some amount deformation defined therebetween. In example embodiments, the material thereof and/or the size, shape, etc. of the collar members 630 (or other portions thereof) can be chosen as desired, for example, to provide a desired amount of deformation thereto. According to example embodiments, the grasping ring 620 (or various portions thereof) can be formed from one or more materials including rubber, rubber-like materials, polymers, synthetic materials, natural materials, composites, wood, metals and/or combinations thereof. Preferably, the grasping ring 620 (or any portions thereof) can comprise a desired modulus of elasticity, for example, a low modulus (e.g., substantially flexible), a medium modulus (e.g., at least partially flexible) or a high modulus (e.g., stiff). According to one example embodiment, at least a portion of the grasping ring 620 can comprise one or more portions that are co-molded and/or over-molded, for example, such that two or more materials are used to construct the same.
As similarly described above, the kettle bell 600 can be removably mounted to a collar end CE of an exercise device or equipment. Preferably, according to example embodiments of the invention, an opening or pass-through is defined between the grasping handle 622 and the collar end CE. Preferably, the pass-through allows for grasping of the grasping handle 622 when the kettle bell 600 is removably mounted to the collar end CE, for example, such that the user can easily remove or place the kettle bell on the collar end CE as desired.
Referring back to
According to one example embodiment, the grasping ring 720 comprises an internal skeletal support structure 750 (see dashed lines), for example, which is covered with one or more desired materials so as to impart a desired feel, flexibility, resiliency, stiffness, etc. thereto. For example, according to one example embodiment, the grasping ring 720 comprises a skeletal support structure 750 and an over-molded or co-molded layer surrounding at least a portion of the skeletal support structure 750. According to example embodiments, the skeletal support structure 750 can be formed from a desired material, for example, metals, natural materials, polymers, plastics, composites, unnatural materials, synthetic materials and/or combinations thereof. According to one example embodiment, a metal comprising a low to medium modulus of elasticity can be used as the skeletal support structure 750, for example, such that at least some deformation of the handle is permitted (e.g., as similarly described above). According to another example embodiment, one or more resilient and flexible (yet structurally sound) metal cables or other components can be incorporated with the grasping ring 720 as desired. In yet another example embodiment, the skeletal support structure 750 can be substantially rigid such that the grasping ring 720 retains its shape and imparts minimal (if any) deformation during use.
According to one example embodiment, the ends of the extension ends 724 comprise an engagement feature 726 for providing engagement with an engagement feature 718 that is formed within the receivers 716 of the mass 712. Thus, according to example embodiments, the grasping ring 720 is manufactured separately from the mass 712, and an assembly step is provided whereby the extension ends 724 are fitted with the receivers 716 such that interengagement is provided between the engagement features 726, 718, thereby connecting the grasping ring 720 to the mass 712. As depicted, the engagement features 726 of the extension ends 724 are shaped to permit one-way engagement (e.g., see angled surfaces), and thus, the overhang portions of the angled surfaces engage with the engagement features 718 of the receivers 716 to prevent disengagement.
Referring to the skeletal support structure 750, according to one embodiment the structure 750 comprises lower extension portions 752, base portions 753, intermediate collar portions 754, and an upper connector portion 756. In example embodiments, the base portions 753 are configured to be substantially secured with the over-molded or co-molded material, for example, such that the skeletal support structure 750 (and lower extension portions 752 thereof) would be prevented from separating from the over-molded or co-molded material (or from the engagement features 718, 726 or receivers 716) during use. According to one example embodiment, the skeletal support structure 750 comprises one or more linked components (e.g., a chain of components), for example, which are connected together but still permit at least some relative movement therebetween. As such, if it is the case that the skeletal support structure 750 does permit at least some relative movement therebetween, the co-molded or over-molded material can be chosen so as to provide a desired amount of flexibility and deformation to the entirety (or at least one or more portions) of the grasping ring 720. According to example embodiments, the co-molded or over-molded material can comprise a desired modulus of elasticity, for example, a low modulus (e.g., substantially flexible/deformable), a medium modulus (e.g., at least partially flexible) or a high modulus (e.g., stiff).
In example embodiments, an opening 824 is defined between the ring 822 and the upper portion of the mass 812. In preferred example embodiments, an opening 830 (comprising a diameter D2) extends entirely through a generally central area of the mass 812, for example, to provide for accommodating an insert component 840. In example embodiments, the insert component 840 is removably mountable to at least a portion of the mass (e.g., within the opening 830 according to one example embodiment), and for example, comprises a central collar or receiver 842 (comprising an opening 846 and defining a diameter D1) for receiving the collar end CE of a barbell or other exercise device or equipment. According to example embodiments, the diameter D1 is about 2 inches, or for example, at least large enough for permitting engagement with the collar end CE of a barbell (or other exercise equipment). In example embodiment, the diameter D2 can be chosen as desired, for example, being at least partially larger than the diameter D1. For example, according to one example embodiment, the diameter D1 is about 2 inches and the diameter D2 is between about 2.1 inches to about 6 inches, for example, between about 2.1 inches to about 5 inches, for example, between about 2.1 inches to about 4 inches. Optionally, the diameters D1, D2 can be chosen as desired.
In some example embodiments, the insert component further comprises an outer medium 844 that surrounds the receiver 842 and is fitted within the opening 830. According to one example embodiment, the outer medium 844 comprises a material that is at least partially deformable, flexible and/or resilient. According to one example embodiment, the outer medium 844 comprises foam. According to one example embodiment, the foam is open-cell foam. According to another example embodiment, the foam comprises closed-cell phone. In other example embodiment, the medium comprises rubber, an air-filled bladder, natural materials, synthetic materials, and/or other materials and/or combinations thereof as desired. Preferably, according to example embodiments, the outer medium 844 can be chosen so as to provide for at least some displacement thereto. According to one example embodiment, the outer medium 844 is deformable such that the receiver 842 is at least partially displaced while remaining within the opening 830. Thus, according to example embodiments, when the collar end CE of a barbell, exercise equipment or component is fitted with the receiver 842, movement of the collar end CE (and kettle bell 800 connected thereto) can cause deformation of the outer medium 844 and thus permit at least some displacement of the receiver 842 relative to the opening 830.
Accordingly, the insert component preferably provides for at least some dynamic movement of the kettle bell 800 relative to the collar end (or other exercise equipment) during movement of the same, for example, such as movement during an exercise, lift or other activity. As similarly described above, the opening 830 (and receiver 842) are generally offset from the center-of-mass CM of the kettle bell 800, and thus, permits rotation of the kettle bell 800 with respect to the collar end. According to example embodiments, the kettle bell 800 is configured to challenge a user during use, for example, when removably attached to the collar end of an exercise device, for example, such that additional degrees of stability are required (e.g., receiver being offset and deformable insert).
According to some example embodiments, the deformable insert 840 can be formed to provide a desired amount of flexibility (deformation), for example, so as to increase or decrease the movement of the receiver during use. According to some example embodiments, for example, when the kettle bell 800 is used for manual lifting, the insert 840 can be removed therefrom, or for example, a weighted insert can be provided, for example, so as to provide adjustability to the weight of the kettle bell 800. According to another example embodiment, the insert 840 can comprise at least one moveable weight contained therein, for example, such that movement of the kettle bell 800 (lifting/swinging) causes the weight of the insert 840 to move therein, and thus, additional stability is required by the user during an exercise.
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/740,600 filed Jan. 13, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/813,346 filed Nov. 15, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/422,105, filed Nov. 15, 2016, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62422105 | Nov 2016 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16740600 | Jan 2020 | US |
| Child | 17903021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15813346 | Nov 2017 | US |
| Child | 16740600 | US |
