U.S. patent application number 14/549267 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-28 for exercise device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hank Boys, LLC. Invention is credited to Jason Henry, Matthew Henry, Robert Henry.
Application Number | 20150148202 14/549267 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53183119 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150148202 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Henry; Jason ; et
al. |
May 28, 2015 |
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.
Inventors: |
Henry; Jason; (Silver
Spring, MD) ; Henry; Matthew; (Clarksburg, MD)
; Henry; Robert; (Silver Spring, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hank Boys, LLC |
Silver Spring |
MD |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53183119 |
Appl. No.: |
14/549267 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61908872 |
Nov 26, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/109 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/08 20130101;
A63B 2209/00 20130101; A63B 21/0608 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/109 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/08 20060101
A63B021/08 |
Claims
1. An exercise device, comprising: a rod; and at 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; and a 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; and at 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.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 61/088,872, filed Nov. 26, 2013, entitled
"Exercise Device", which is hereby specifically and entirely
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention is directed to a fitness and exercise device.
Specifically, the invention is directed to an exercise device for
sledgehammer training.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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
[0018] The invention is described in greater detail by way of
example only and with reference to the attached drawing, in
which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is an embodiment of an inventive exercise device.
[0020] FIG. 2 is an embodiment of a side view of the rod.
[0021] FIG. 3a is an embodiment of a top view of a weighted
object.
[0022] FIG. 3b is an embodiment of a side view of a weighted
object.
[0023] FIG. 3c is an embodiment of a bottom view of a weighted
object.
[0024] FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a rod
and weighted object.
[0025] FIG. 5 is an embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a rod
and weighted object.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] FIG. 3a 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.
[0033] FIG. 3b 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.
[0034] FIG. 3c 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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."
* * * * *