U.S. patent application number 12/229560 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-25 for exercise equipment and exercise equipment systems.
Invention is credited to Valery Fedorenko, Eric Andrew Liford.
Application Number | 20100048362 12/229560 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41696918 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100048362 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liford; Eric Andrew ; et
al. |
February 25, 2010 |
Exercise equipment and exercise equipment systems
Abstract
A kettlebell exercise device is disclosed herein having, in one
embodiment a standardized core section having a handle and one or
more facets to which are attached weighted facet plates. The core
section may optionally comprise a cavity to which a weighted insert
may be secured. The improved kettlebells of the present invention
allow for increased manufacturing efficiencies, reduced
manufacturing costs and reduced downtime to produce a series of
kettlebell exercise devices of varying overall weights.
Inventors: |
Liford; Eric Andrew;
(Hamilton, OH) ; Fedorenko; Valery; (Loveland,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Law Offices of Erich Hemm, LLC;Erich Hemm, Esq.
3552 Saybrook Avenue
Cincinnati
OH
45208
US
|
Family ID: |
41696918 |
Appl. No.: |
12/229560 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/072
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/93 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06 |
Claims
1. A kettlebell exercising device comprising: a. A kettlebell core,
wherein said kettlebell core comprises: i. A handle, ii. At least
one facet for receiving a facet plate, b. said facet plate; and,
wherein said kettlebell exercising device has a substantially
flattened base and a cavity located within said kettlebell core,
wherein said cavity is capable of receiving a weighted insert.
2. (canceled)
3. The kettlebell exercising device of claim 1 further comprising
said weighted insert.
4. The kettlebell exercising device of claim 1 further comprising
in the range of from about 1 to about 20 recess zones.
5. The kettlebell exercising device of claim 4 further comprising
in the range of from about 4 to about 16 recess zones.
6. The kettlebell exercising device of claim 4 wherein at least one
of said recess zones spans across said facet plate and said
kettlebell core.
7. The kettlebell exercising device of claim 3 further comprising
in the range of from about 1 to about 20 recess zones.
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. A kettlebell exercising device comprising: a. A handle; b. A
lower kettlebell portion, wherein said lower kettlebell portion
comprises from about 1 to about 20 recess zones; c. A cavity formed
within said lower kettlebell portion capable of receiving a
weighted insert, wherein said cavity has a cavity wall and a cavity
opening; d. A cavity cover plate; e. said weighted insert; and,
wherein said cavity wall is also the exterior of the lower
kettlebell portion, and said handle is attached to said lower
kettlebell portion along said exterior of the lower kettlebell
portion, and wherein said weighted insert is affixed to the
interior surface of said cavity cover plate, and said cavity cover
plate is attached to said cavity wall.
11. The kettlebell exercise device of claim 10 wherein said
weighted insert is additionally attached to the interior of said
cavity wall.
12. The kettlebell exercising device of claim 10 further comprising
in the range of from about 2 to about 16 recess zones.
13. The kettlebell exercising device of claim 12 further comprising
in the range of from about 4 to about 16 recess zones.
14. A kettlebell exercising device comprising a handle, wherein the
gripping portion of said handle is substantially free of a
compressible material, and the midpoint of the gripping portion of
said handle has an outside, uncompressed diameter in the range of
from about 25 mm to about 45 mm.
15. The kettlebell exercising devise of claim 14 wherein the
midpoint of the gripping portion of said handle further comprises
an outside, uncompressed diameter in the range of from about 32 mm
to about 34 mm.
16. (canceled)
17. The kettlebell exercising device of claim 10 wherein
substantially all but the gripping portion of said handle is coated
in a compressible material.
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. A kettlebell exercising device comprising a kettlebell core,
wherein said kettlebell core comprises: i. a handle, wherein said
handle has a gripping portion with an outside, uncompressed
diameter in the range of from about 25 mm to about 45 mm at the
midpoint of said gripping portion; ii. a substantially flattened
base; and, iii. from about 6 to about 12 recess zones.
22. The kettlebell exercising device of claim 21 further comprising
at least one facet plate.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/______, filed Aug. 23, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to exercise equipment and
exercise equipment systems, and more particularly to kettlebells
and kettlebell systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to exercise equipment and
exercise equipment systems utilizing weight resistance. In
particular the present invention relates to exercise equipment
commonly referred to as kettlebells. Kettlebells have been in use
for over one hundred years to provide aerobic exercise as part of a
strength training and fitness regimen. Kettlebells of the type
typically known in the art consist of a handle attached to a
spherical bottom portion, with a flattened base for stability when
placed on surface when not in use. Kettlebells are typically made
of a cast metal, such as iron. The handles may be integrally cast
with the bottom portion, or otherwise affixed to a previously cast
bottom portion.
[0004] Exercises incorporating kettlebells of the type known in the
art require the user to lift the kettlebell from a fixed position
on the floor to a resting position on the top of the user's
shoulder, and/or cradled between the front of the user's shoulder,
chest, and upper and lower arm. From this resting position, the
user then lifts the kettlebell above his or her head, and returns
the kettlebell to the resting position. This particular fitness
routine is known as the "jerk." In addition to the jerk, other
kettlebell-based fitness routines include the single and double
handed swing, cleans, clean and press, and the snatch.
[0005] Strength training and fitness regimens of the type know in
the art typically require the use of multiple kettlebells, each one
having a different weight, and therefore providing a different
level of resistance. Each of these differently weighted kettlebells
are typically created from unique molds, with unique specifications
and performance characteristics, including weight, size, shape, and
the like.
[0006] However, the manufacturing practices required to create this
variety of kettlebells is not without its deficiencies. Problems
with making different kettlebells with different degrees of
resistance include the high cost of the unique molds utilized in
their construction, as well as a lack of manufacturing efficiency
as a result of downtime as processes switch from using one set of
molds to another.
[0007] Another problem with current kettlebell designs is that
their shape pays little attention to increasing the comfort of, and
reducing the probability of injuries to the kettlebell user that
may result from repetitive use and misuse.
[0008] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to
develop exercise equipment and exercise equipment systems that
obviate these problems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] While the specification concludes with claims which
particularly point out and distinctly claim the present invention,
it is believed that the present invention will be better understood
from the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference
numerals identify identical elements and wherein:
[0010] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict front and side elevations,
respectively, of kettlebells of the type known in the prior
art.
[0011] FIGS. 3a-3d depict various elevations of a kettlebell base
design of the present invention that provides recessed portions for
receiving parts of the user's body.
[0012] FIGS. 4a-4d depict various elevations of a kettlebell
incorporating a handle design of the present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 5a and 5c depict various elevations of kettlebell
design of the present invention comprising facet plates.
[0014] FIGS. 6a and 6b depict various elevations of kettlebell
design of the present invention comprising facet plates, in
conjunction with core inserts.
[0015] FIGS. 7a and 7b depict cross sectional views of kettlebells
of the present invention capable of receiving inserts.
[0016] FIGS. 8a and 8b depict cross sectional views of another
kettlebell of the present invention capable of receiving
inserts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] As a user becomes accustomed to certain kettlebell
performance characteristics they develop certain expectations and
responses during a fitness routine, based on how the kettlebell is
expected to feel during each stage. Though the performance
characteristics of a kettlebell (with a first weight, shape and/or
center of gravity) will change from a first fitness routine to a
second fitness routine (with a second, weight, shape and/or center
of gravity), the user will still expect to experience the first
performance characteristics during the second fitness routine. As a
result, the user's body may be out of a preferred alignment for the
second set of performance characteristics, thereby increasing the
probability of injury as the user attempts, in mid-routine, to
compensate between the actual performance characteristics and the
expected performance characteristics.
[0018] The present inventors have discovered that consistency
between the overall shape and/or center of gravity of a kettlebell,
form one fitness routine to the next, even with varying levels of
resistance resulting from increased kettlebell weight, can increase
the users level of comfort, and reduce the probability of user
injury. Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to
provide a kettlebell design that allows for a varying degree of
resistance, with a consistent set of performance characteristics
from one configuration to another.
[0019] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a kettlebell (100) known in the prior
art. Kettlebell (100) consists of a substantially spherical lower
portion (110) with a flattened base portion (112). Kettlebell (100)
further contains a handle (115), where the vertical portions of
handle (115) are bent to approximately ninety degrees, relative to
the horizontal portion of handle (115). Kettlebell handles of this
design are particularly easy to manufacture, but suffer several
deficiencies related to user comfort and injury prevention.
[0020] Referring to FIGS. 3a-3d, there is shown various elevations
of a kettlebell according to the present invention (300),
comprising a lower portion (310) with a flattened base portion
(312), and a handle portion (315). The inventors of the present
invention have discovered that kettlebells adapted to receive the
wrist and forearm as they are aligned during various stages of a
lifting routine substantially increase the user's comfort during
such lifting routine, as well as reinforcing the proper alignment
of the wrist and forearm to reduce the probability of user injury.
FIGS. 3a-3d show a kettlebell of the present invention (300) where
the lower portion (310) comprises recess zones (330, 331, 335, 336,
340, 341, 345, 346). Though four recess zones are depicted on each
side of kettlebell (300), for a total of 8 recess zones, it is
contemplated by the present inventors that from one to N recess
zones may be incorporated into kettlebell 300. In one embodiment of
the present invention kettlebell (300) has in the range of from
about 1 to about 40 recess zones. In another embodiment kettlebell
(300) has in the range of from about 3 to about 15 recess zones. In
yet another embodiment the range is from about 5 to about 12 recess
zones.
[0021] Lower portion 310 may have recess zones only on one side of
kettlebell (300), or on both, as depicted. Recess zones may also
appear elsewhere on lower portion (310) (e.g., the facets
substantially perpendicular to the opening of handle (315). Such
additional recess zones may be used to aid in the transport,
stacking, and/or stability of the kettlebell when not in use as
part of a fitness routine.
[0022] The preferred number, shape and degree of concavity of the
recess zones will depend on a variety of factors, including, but
not limited to the following: the preferred alignment of the user's
body during the various stages of the fitness routine, the shape of
the user's upper arm, forearm, hand and wrist; any constraints on
the user's range of motion resulting from previous injuries or
medical instructions; cost; manufacturing feasibility, and the
like. It is understood by the present inventors that the recess
zones need not have a uniform slope, shape and/or concavity
throughout the entirety of the zone.
[0023] It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
upon reading the disclosure herein that the purpose of all recess
zones need not be to accept and secure a portion of the user's
body, but that some recess zones may be designed to accept a
portion of the user's body and better facilitate its movement to
another recess zone during some stage or stages of the fitness
routine. For example, Recess zone 330 is intended to accept user's
forearm (not shown) during a stage of the fitness routine, and
direct it to recess zones 335, 340 and 345 during a subsequent
stage of the fitness routine.
[0024] The recess zones may be integrally formed during the
production of lower portion 310 (e.g., incorporated into one or
more forms used as part of a casting/formation process), or may be
created subsequent to production of lower portion 310 (e.g.,
removing material through some sort of grinding and/or routing
process).
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 4a-4d, there is shown various elevations
of the handle portion (315) and the lower portion (310) of a
kettlebell according to the present invention (300). The present
inventors have discovered that a preferred technique for securing a
kettlebell during a routine to is interlock one's thumb and pointer
finger together around handle (315) such that the user's thumbnail
is exerting pressure on the underside of the tip of the pointer
finger. To best accomplish the preferred technique for securing a
kettlebell during a fitness routine, the present inventors have
found an optimum outside, uncompressed diameter for handle (315)
(i.e., the length of a line drawn between points (440) and (442) of
FIG. 4a; the length of a line drawn between points (400) and (402);
(410) and (408); (406) and (412); (416) and (420); and (414) and
(418) of FIG. 4c; the length of a line drawn between points (446)
and (448) of FIG. 4d) is in the range of from about 25 mm to about
40 mm. In one embodiment of the present invention the range is from
about 30 mm to about 35 mm. In another embodiment of the present
invention the range is from about 32 mm to about 34 mm. In yet
another embodiment the outside, uncompressed diameter is 33 mm. As
used herein the term outside, uncompressed diameter refers to the
outside diameter of handle (315), which may include a compressible
substance, such as foam, vinyl, and the like, over the
uncompressible portion of handle (315), prior to the application of
a compressive force to the compressible substance.
[0026] In addition to the outside, uncompressed handle diameter,
handles of the present invention will have an outside width (i.e.,
the length of a line, between points (410) and (412), drawn
parallel to the X-axis) is in the range of from about 150 mm to
about 250 mm. In one embodiment of the present invention the
outside handle width is in the range of from about 160 mm to about
200 mm. In another embodiment it is in the range of from about 170
mm to about 190 mm. In yet another embodiment it is in the range of
from about 180 mm to about 190 mm.
[0027] Handle (315) will have a handle interior height (i.e., the
length of a line between points marked (402) and (404), drawn
parallel to the Y-axis) in the range of from about 40 mm to about
80 mm. In one embodiment of the present invention the handle
interior height is in the range of from about 50 mm to about 70 mm.
In another embodiment the range is from about 55 mm to about 65 mm.
Handle (315) will have a handle interior width (i.e., the length of
a line between points marked (408) and (406), drawn parallel to the
X-axis) in the range of from about 75 mm to about 150 mm. In one
embodiment of the present invention the handle interior width is in
the range of from about 90 mm to about 130 mm. In another
embodiment the range is from about 100 mm to about 120 mm.
[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention the kettlebell
lower portion has a total lower portion height (i.e., the length of
a line between points 404 and 422, drawn parallel to the Y-axis) in
the range of from about 100 mm to about 250 mm. In another
embodiment the range is from about 120 mm to about 200 mm. In yet
another embodiment the range from is about 140 mm to about 160 mm.
In yet anther embodiment the range is from about 150 mm to about
160 mm.
[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention the total over
all kettlebell height (i.e., the length of a line between points
400 and 422, drawn parallel to the Y-axis) in the range of from
about 100 mm to about 400 mm. In another embodiment the range is
from about 150 mm to about 300 mm. In yet another embodiment the
range from is about 180 mm to about 280 mm. In yet another
embodiment the range is from about 250 mm to about 275 mm.
[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention the kettlebell
lower portion width (i.e., the length of a line between points 420
and 424, drawn parallel to the X-axis) in the range of from about
100 mm to about 400 mm. In another embodiment the range is from
about 150 mm to about 300 mm. In yet another embodiment the range
from is about 180 mm to about 280 mm. In yet another embodiment the
range is from about 200 mm to about 220 mm.
[0031] As used herein the term "gripping portion" of said handle
shall be defined as that portion of the handle identified by the
region extending from the line between points (408) and (410),
through the area containing the line between points (400) and
(402), to the line between points (406) and (412).
[0032] Handle (315) of the present invention will, at the points
indicated at 426 and 428 will have a curve measuring in the range
of from about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees. In another embodiment
the angle will be in the range of from about 11 degrees to about 15
degrees. In yet another embodiment of the present invention the
range for the angle located at points 426 and 428 will be in the
range of form about 11 degrees to about 13 degrees.
[0033] Handle (315) of the present invention will, at the points
indicated at 460 and 462 will have a curve measuring in the range
of from about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees. In another embodiment
the angle will be in the range of from about 34 degrees to about 40
degrees. In yet another embodiment of the present invention the
range for the angle located at points 460 and 462 will be in the
range of form about 37 degrees to about 39 degrees.
[0034] Kettlebell handles with curve measurements in the range of
from about X to about Y will better facilitate the ability of the
user to maintain control of kettlebell (300) as a fixed point
kettlebell handle (315) moves relative to a fixed point on user's
hand throughout a fitness routine. Handle designs of the present
invention have also been found to dramatically increase user
comfort during a fitness routine.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 5a-5c, there is shown various elevations
of a kettlebell according to the present invention (300) which
comprises a core portion (505), which itself comprises handle
(315); and facet plates (508) and (510), which are connected to
core (505). Traditional methods for the manufacture of a series of
kettlebells of different weights include casting the kettlebells in
iron, in a unique mold created for each of the different
kettlebells in a series. This approach to kettlebell manufacture
requires significant investment in the development, storage and
maintenance of each of the unique molds for each of the different
kettlebells. This approach also suffers from significant
manufacturing inefficiencies as production must either: (i) be
halted in order to switch over to a separate unique mold to
manufacture a different kettlebell; or, (ii) set up multiple
manufacturing lines to simultaneously manufacture multiple
kettlebell versions. The present invention, in contrast, can create
a series of differently weighted kettlebells by utilizing a
standardized core section (505), which includes handle (315), and
facet plates (508) and (510), which are connected to core (505) at
a core facet (520) and (522). Core section (505) may have from
about 1 to N facets for receiving a corresponding number of facet
plates. In one embodiment of the present invention the core section
has from about 2 to about 20 facets. In another embodiment of the
present invention the core has from about 2 to about 10 facets. In
yet another embodiment the core has form about 2 to about 4 facets.
In yet another embodiment the core has 2 facets for receiving a
corresponding number of facet plates.
[0036] Core section (505), including handle portion (315), may be
made from a variety of materials, including metals; metal alloys;
ceramics; polymers; organic materials, such as wood; and
heterogeneous and/or homogenous combinations thereof. Handle (315)
may integrally formed as part of the core section manufacturing
process, or may attached as part of a subsequent manufacturing
step.
[0037] The total weight of a kettlebell of the present invention is
equal to the total weight of the core section, including any
inserts, plus the total weight of the facet plates. To create a
series of kettlebells of varying weights according to the present
invention a standardized core section, with a fixed or standardized
weight, would be combined with a series of facet plates of variable
weight, such that the total weight of the components equals the
desired weight necessary to provided the intended degree of
resistance during a fitness routine. The exact dimensions of core
section (505) will depend on a variety of factors, including, but
not limited to: The material(s) from which core (505) are to be
made; the density of such material(s); the total intended weight
and dimensions of the kettlebell, and the weight and physical
specifications of the other components in the kettlebell, including
the facet plates and any inserts.
[0038] Core (505) may be formed as a single unit, or by combining a
series of components or subassemblies. In one embodiment of the
present invention core (505) is made of cast iron and formed by
combining to separate castings.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 6a-6c, there is shown another embodiment
of the present invention where core section (505) includes cavity
(610) capable of receiving insert (630). The opening to cavity
(610) is located on facets (522) and (520), though it is
contemplated that kettlebell cores with multiple facets need not
have more than one cavity opening. The opening to cavity (610) are
covered, and thereby securing any insert (630) that may be
contained within, by affixing facet plate (508) and (510) to facets
(520) and (522), respectively. Referring to FIG. 6a, there is shown
one embodiment of the present invention where facets (520) and
(522) are located on what are commonly referred to as the front and
back (i.e., parallel with the handle) of core section (505), and
cavity (610) runs substantially perpendicular to handle (315)
through core (505).
[0040] Referring to FIG. 6b, there is shown another embodiment of
the present invention where facets (620) and (622) are located on
what are commonly referred to as the sides (i.e., perpendicular to
the handle) of core section (505), and cavity (610) runs
substantially parallel to handle (315) through core (505).
[0041] Cavity (610) may be integrally formed as part of the
manufacturing process(es) that create core (505), or may be created
through one or more subsequent steps (e.g., drilling/boring,
melting, and the like).
[0042] Referring to FIG. 6c there is shown an embodiment of the
present invention where a cavity plug (640) is affixed to facet
plates (635) and (637). Cavity plug (640) may be integrally formed
as part of the facet plate, or may be separately manufactured and
affixed to the facet plate via a variety of mechanical, chemical,
or magnetic processes. In one embodiment of the present invention
cavity plug (640) is separately formed and affixed to the facet
plate via welding. In another embodiment of the present invention
cavity plug (640) is attached to the facet plate via adhesives. In
yet another embodiment cavity plug (640) comprises a threaded
protrusion that can be mated with a correspondingly threaded recess
in the facet plate.
[0043] Cavity plug (640) can be secured within the opening of
cavity (610) via a variety of mechanical, chemical, or magnetic
processes. In one embodiment of the present invention the outside
diameter of cavity plug (640) is substantially equal to the inside
diameter of cavity (610), such that once inserted, cavity plug
(640) may be secured within the opening of cavity (610) by
frictional forces. In another embodiment the outside diameter of a
combination of cavity plug (640) and another material (e.g., a
compressible material such as rubber, vinyl, foam, and the like) is
substantially equal to the inside diameter of cavity (610), such
that once asserted cavity plug (640) may be secured within the
opening of cavity (610) by frictional forces. In another embodiment
the outside diameter of cavity plug (640) in less than the inside
diameter of the opening of cavity (610), but its position within
cavity (610) is maintained by the fact that plug (640) is securely
affixed to a facet plate, and such facet plate is securely affixed
to the facet of core (505).
[0044] Insert (630) may be manufactured from a variety of
materials, including metals, metal alloys, ceramics, polymers, and
mixtures thereof. Insert (630) may be solid (either being one
material throughout, or a heterogeneous or homogeneous mixture of
materials), or may itself contain a cavity capable of receiving
materials such that the total weight of insert (630) may vary
depending on the amount of such materials contained within. Any
cavity within insert (630) may be integrally formed as part of the
manufacturing process(es) that create insert (630), or may be
created through one or more subsequent steps (e.g.,
drilling/boring, melting, and the like).
[0045] Insert (630) may take the form of any three dimensional
shape, including but not limited to cylindrical, rectangular,
cubic, star-shaped. The opening of cavity (610) will have a
geometry capable of receiving the geometric form of insert (630),
though it is contemplated that the volume of insert (630) may be
smaller than volume of cavity (610) such that there be gaps between
the surface of insert (630) and the surface of cavity (610). Insert
(630) and cavity (610) may have a continuous geometry, or may have
a variable geometry across its dimensions. Insert (630) may run the
entire length of cavity (610), or may have a length less than the
length of cavity (610).
[0046] Facet plates may be made from a variety of materials,
including metals; metal alloys; ceramics; polymers; organic
materials, such as wood; and heterogeneous and/or homogenous
combinations thereof. The facet plates may be substantially solid
throughout, or may themselves have a cavity contained within for
receiving a volume of material to vary the total weight of the
facet plate. Such a cavity may be integrally formed as part of the
facet plate formation process, or may be formed as part of one or
more subsequent manufacturing steps (e.g., drilling, boring,
melting, and the like). The facet plate may be formed as a single
unit, with to without a cavity, or may be formed by assembling two
or more components or subassemblies. Facet plates may be connected
to the facets of the kettlebell by a variety of mechanisms,
including, but not limited to: mechanical, chemical, and
magnetic.
[0047] The exact dimensions of the facet plates will depend on a
variety of factors, including the material(s) selected from which
the facet plates will be formed, the density of such material(s),
the total intended weight of the kettlebell, and the weight and
physical specifications of the other components in the kettlebell,
including the core section, any inserts, and any other facet
plates. In one embodiment of the present invention the weight
and/or size of the facet plates of kettlebells having more than one
facet plate are substantially identical. In another embodiment the
facet plates of kettlebells having more than one facet plate are
made of different materials (or combinations of materials, such
that the weight, but not the other physical characteristics of the
facet plates is substantially identical. In yet another embodiment
of the present invention the weight and/or size of at least two
facet plates of kettlebells having more at three or more facet
plates are substantially identical. In yet another embodiment the
weight of all facet plates of kettlebells having more than one
facet plate are different, though their other physical
characteristics may be the same (i.e., size and shape).
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, there is shown another
embodiment of the present invention where the lower portion of
kettlebell (300), with handle (315), comprises a cavity (704)
formed by cavity wall (706). Cavity wall (706) way also be the
exterior wall of the kettlebell's lower portion, or may be
contained within another cavity formed by the exterior wall of the
kettlebell's lower portion. Cavity (704) is capable of receiving
insert (750), and the opening to cavity (704) is covered by cavity
cover plate (708). Cavity cover plate (708) may also be the
exterior base of the kettlebell's lower portion, or may itself be
contained within another cavity. Insert (750) may be attached to
cavity cover plate (708) by a variety of means, including, but not
limited to mechanical, chemical, magnetic.
[0049] Cavity (704) may be integrally formed as part of the
manufacturing process(es) that create the kettlebell's lower
portion, or may be created through one or more subsequent steps
(e.g., drilling/boring, melting, and the like). Insert (750) may
take the form of any three dimensional shape, including but not
limited to cylindrical, rectangular, cubic, star-shaped. The
opening of cavity (704) will have a geometry capable of receiving
the geometric form of insert (750), though it is contemplated that
the volume of insert (750) may be smaller than volume of cavity
(704) such that there may be gaps between the surface of insert
(750) and the surface of cavity (704). Insert (750) and cavity
(704) may have a continuous geometry, or may have a variable
geometry across its dimensions. The exact dimensions of the insert
(750) will depend on a variety of factors, including the
material(s) selected from which insert (750) will be formed, the
density of such material(s), the total intended weight of the
kettlebell, and the weight and physical specifications of the other
components in the kettlebell, including the core section, any other
inserts, and any other facet plates.
[0050] Insert (750) may be manufactured from a variety of
materials, including metals, metal alloys, ceramics, polymers, and
mixtures thereof. Insert (750) may be solid (either being one
material throughout, or a heterogeneous or homogeneous mixture of
materials), or may itself contain a cavity capable of receiving
materials such that the total weight of insert (750) may vary
depending on the amount of such materials contained within. Any
cavity within insert (750) may be integrally formed as part of the
manufacturing process(es) that create insert (750), or may be
created through one or more subsequent steps (e.g.,
drilling/boring, melting, and the like).
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, there is shown another
embodiment of the present invention similar to that described in
connection with FIGS. 7a and 7b, where the lower portion of
kettlebell (300), with handle (315), comprises a cavity (704)
formed by cavity wall (806). Cavity wall (806) is capable of
receiving the upper portion (810) of insert (750). The exact
dimensions of the cavity wall (806) where it receives the upper
portion of insert (750) will depend on the geometry and dimensions
of insert (750). In one embodiment of the present invention insert
(750) has a substantially cylindrical geometry, with a
substantially flat upper portion (810). Where cavity wall (806)
meets upper portion (810) of insert (750), cavity wall (806) is
also substantially flat. Insert (750) may be secured within cavity
(704) by fastening it to cavity plate (708), and/or by fastening it
to cavity wall (806) where upper portion (810) or insert (750)
communicates with cavity wall (806).
[0052] It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
upon reading the disclosure contained herein that the kettlebells
of the present invention may comprise a variety of the elements
described herein. In one embodiment of the present invention a
kettlebell is comprised of a core section, two facet plates
connected to facets located on the core section, and a series of
recess zones that span both the core section and the facet plates.
In another embodiment of the present invention a kettlebell is
comprised of a core section, two facet plates connected to facets
located on the core section, a series of recess zone that span both
the core section and the facet plates, and a handle of the type
described herein.
[0053] In yet another embodiment of the present invention a
kettlebell is comprised of a core section with a cavity, two facet
plates connected to facets located on the core section, a series of
recess zones that span both the core section and the facet plates,
and a handle of the type described herein. This kettlebell further
comprises an insert.
[0054] In yet another embodiment of the present invention a
kettlebell is comprised of a handle and a lower portion with a
cavity, a series of recess zones on the lower portion of the
kettlebell, and a handle of the type described herein. This
kettlebell further comprises an insert locate within the cavity. In
yet another embodiment of the present invention a kettlebell is
comprised of a lower portion with a cavity, a series of recess
zones on the lower portion of the kettlebell, and a handle of the
type described herein. This kettlebell further comprises an insert
located within the cavity, the cavity wall is also the exterior of
the kettlebell, and the cavity opening is covered by a cavity cover
plate that is the exterior base of the kettlebell, wherein the
insert is affixed via welding to the interior surface of the cavity
cover plate. In yet another embodiment of the present invention the
insert is affixed via welding to the interior surface of the cavity
cover plate as well as the interior surface of the cavity wall.
[0055] In another embodiment of the present invention at least a
portion of the kettlebell is covered with a compressible and or
partially-compressible material, such as rubber, vinyl, foam, and
the like, including combinations thereof. Such coverings have the
ability to absorb at least a portion of any forces that may be
exerted upon the kettlebell, or may be exerted upon a user by the
kettlebell.
[0056] In another embodiment of the present invention a kettlebell
exercising system kit is provided that comprises a kettlebell core
with a handle, wherein the core comprises a cavity capable of
receiving a weighted insert and at least one facet for receiving a
facet plates, where said facet plate is capable of being removed
and reattached to access the cavity within the core. The kit will
also contain a series of differently weighted, interchangeable
inserts that may be inserted into and removed from the cavity to
change the overall weight of the kettlebell during a fitness
routine.
[0057] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
and/or range value is intended to mean both the recited value and a
functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example,
a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40
mm".
[0058] Having now described several embodiments of the present
invention it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the
forgoing is illustrative only and not limiting, having been
presented only by way of exemplification. Numerous other
embodiments and modifications are contemplated as falling within
the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended
claims thereto.
[0059] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to one of
ordinary skill in the art that various other changes and
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the
appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within
the scope of this invention.
* * * * *