Material Covering Adapted To Add Weight To A Kettlebell

Abstract

There is contemplated a material covering for a kettlebell which changes the weight of the kettlebell when attached thereon. The material covering in an example may include a generally elongated, fabric wrap. The fabric wrap is secureable around the exterior surface of the kettlebell. The fabric wrap is weighted so as to change the overall weight of the kettlebell. The material covering further may include a securing mechanism attached to the material wrap.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C 119(e) to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/123,515 to the inventor, filed Dec. 10, 2020, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Field

[0002] The example embodiments in general are directed to a material covering for a kettlebell weight, namely a weighted vest, sleeve or wrap attachable around a fixed or adjustable weight kettlebell to change its existing weight.

Related Art

[0003] A kettlebell is a type of dumbbell or free weight that is round with a flat base and an arced handle. It looks like a cannonball with a handle, or a teapot without the spout, hence the name "kettlebell" in English. In Russia (where it originates) the Russian kettlebell is called a "girya". Authentic kettlebells are made of either cast iron or steel. FIG. 1 shows an example of a range of conventional kettlebells from about 15 to 50 pounds.

[0004] The Russian kettlebell as known today originated approximately 350 years ago, and was originally used as handled counterweights to weigh out dry goods on market scales. Over the following three centuries, kettlebells began to be used for exercise, entertainment and lifting competitions. Shortly after the end of World War II, modern kettlebell lifting became the Soviet Union's national sport. Today, Russian Military requires its recruits to train with kettlebells. The United States Secret Service & the FBI Counter Assault Team also require their operators to train with high repetition, ballistic kettlebell moves.

[0005] Unlike a dumbbell, a kettlebell's center of mass extends beyond the hand. Kettlebells can be swung, thrown, juggled, pressed, held, moved and manipulated in hundreds of ways. They are small and portable and are now being incorporated into all aspects of athletic and fitness training. Kettlebells are a highly efficient way to lose weight, tone the body, increase cardio-vascular fitness and strength and maintain joint health, mobility and flexibility.

[0006] Kettlebells can be configured as a fixed weight or and be adapted to have weight added or removed therefrom, hence adjustability. In one example, weighted add-ons (typically cylindrically-shaped) can be attached to the bottom of a kettlebell to change its total weight, in an effort to avoid having to purchase higher-weighted individual kettlebells. In another example, adjustable Russian kettlebells are even more economical. This type of kettlebell typically ranges from 10 to 40 pounds, due to its 10-pound handle and base, and includes six 5-pound plates so a user may progress at a natural and gradual pace. The adjustable kettlebell also has is a locking device to add and remove weights allowing the user to quickly change weight between workout sets.

[0007] However, the adjustable kettlebells can be expensive, and since kettlebells come in a variety of weights, as shown in FIG. 1, the cost of maintaining a suite of differently weighted kettlebells could be prohibitive. What is needed is a kind of weighted covering, wrap, sleeve, or vest type article configured to be attachable around a kettlebell.

SUMMARY

[0008] An example embodiment of the present invention is directed to a covering for a kettlebell weight having a weighted body and attached handle. The covering includes a generally elongated fabric wrap adapted to be oriented around an outer circumference of the weighted body so as to envelop the kettlebell therein. The fabric wrap is weighted so as to change the overall weight of the kettlebell once secured thereto. A securing mechanism is attached to the fabric wrap to secure the fabric wrap in close contact around the weighted body.

[0009] Another example embodiment is directed to a kettlebell vest for attachment to a kettlebell weight. The kettlebell vest includes a generally elongated fabric wrap adapted to be oriented around an outer circumference of the kettlebell weight. The fabric wrap is embodied as a multi-layered construction of fabric layers. At least one layer of the fabric wrap provides added weight within the interior of the kettlebell vest.

[0010] Another example embodiment is directed to a kettlebell vest for attachment to a kettlebell weight. The kettlebell vest includes a weighted multi-layer fabric wrap adapted to be oriented around an outer circumference of the kettlebell weight. The kettlebell vest includes one or more elastic straps attached to multi-layer fabric wrap so the kettlebell vest is configured to accommodate differently sized kettlebell weights.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference numerals, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a prior art set of differently weighted kettlebells.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a photograph showing a perspective view of a material covering for a kettlebell weight according to an example embodiment, the material covering retaining the kettlebell weight therein.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a black and white lined front plan view similar to the material covering shown in FIG. 2.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a black and white lined left-side elevational view similar to the photograph of FIG. 2 to show additional details of the covering.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the material covering with kettlebell.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a photograph showing a perspective view of the material covering with kettlebell shown in FIG. 3.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the material covering with kettlebell.

[0019] FIG. 7 is another left side elevational view as shown in FIG. 4 so at to describe further details of the covering.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a black and white lined right-side elevational view similar to the photograph of FIG. 2 to show further details of the material covering.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the covering untied and extended to show features thereof in more detail.

[0022] FIG. 10 is an illustration which shows the different layers that form the material covering.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a photograph showing a close-up view of the weighted fabric layer that is contained between the foam and nylon outer layers shown in FIG. 10 to illustrate a plurality of individual cell sections for storing materials designed to add weight to the material covering therein.

[0024] FIG. 12 is close-up photograph showing a plurality of sealed sand pouches, each contained within a respective one of the plurality of cells sections of the weighted fabric layer.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a close-up of a stitching pattern used for the plurality of cell sections and to bind various layers and other components together according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The example embodiments hereafter describe in general a material covering for a kettlebell weight, synonymous with or otherwise known as any of a weighted vest, sleeve, or wrap attachable around a fixed or adjustable weight kettlebell to change its existing weight. The kettlebell vest includes an inter weighted fabric layer 103 that is composed of a plurality of sections or individual pockets (hereafter "cells 103a"), each cell 103a containing a pouch filled with a loose material having weight.

[0027] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various example embodiments of the disclosure. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures associated with manufacturing techniques have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the descriptions of the example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as "comprises" and "comprising," are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as "including, but not limited to."

[0029] Reference throughout this specification to "one example embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one example embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.

[0030] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0031] As used in the specification and appended claims, the terms "correspond," "corresponds," and "corresponding" are intended to describe a ratio of or a similarity between referenced objects. The use of "correspond" or one of its forms should not be construed to mean the exact shape or size. In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The size and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0032] FIGS. 2-13 are provided to show unique features, constituent components, and example materials for the material covering for kettlebells ("kettlebell vest 100"). These figures describe only an exemplary kettlebell vest construction; numerous other constructions are foreseen in accordance with the example embodiments.

[0033] As previously described, kettlebells are available in adjustable weights and in fixed weights, thus the ability for adding additional weight to a fixed weight (or even adjustable weight) kettlebell is anticipated by the example embodiments. The ability to add weight in increments helps kettlebell users reduce the number of kettlebells they require. For example, rather than owning a 201b, 251b and 301b kettlebells, a user of the kettlebell vest 100 may simply utilize a 51b vest (or also a 101b vest, as the 51b and 101b versions are likely most commercially feasible) and own 201b and 301b kettle bells only, however they will have the ability to use kettlebells at 20, 25, 30 and 351b weights.

[0034] Kettlebell vest 100 includes a securing mechanism attached to the fabric wrap 101 to secure the fabric wrap 101 in close contact around the weighted body 205 of kettlebell 200. As shown, the kettlebell vest 100 is configured so as to be attached directly to the kettlebell 200, with any number of securing mechanisms to secure it thereto, only one of which is shown (a quick lock assembly). This quick lock assembly may be composed of a cord 130, which is threaded through a plurality of facing eyelets 120, the eyelets arranged as vertical columns at the edges or mating ends 108a, 108b of the kettlebell vest 100. A button toggle cord lock 135 may be used to secure cord 130 in tight locked fashion once the excess cord is pulled tight, as is known. A woven pocket 118 on outermost layer 102A adjacent eyelets 120 is provided to insert any extraneous cord 130 below the button toggle cord lock 13.5 Of course, one or more of more clasps, fasteners, straps, magnetic devices, Velcro, clips or other such items may be used in lieu of or in conjunction with the quick lock assembly described in the figures.

[0035] As shown, the kettlebell vest 100 is adapted to be arranged around and cover the kettlebell 200, which has a weighted body 205 and attached handle 210. Vest 100 includes a generally elongated fabric wrap (element 101) that is adapted embodied as a multi-layered construction of fabric layers with foam portions therein, see for example the outermost layer, a waterproof nylon layer 102A in several of the figures. The multi-layered fabric wrap 101 is to be oriented around an outer circumference of the weighted body 205 so as to envelop the kettlebell 200 therein. In this example, the fabric wrap 101 is weighted so as to change the overall weight of the kettlebell 200, once the kettlebell vest 100 is secured thereto.

[0036] The kettlebell vest 101 includes one or more elastic straps attached to the multi-layer fabric wrap 101 so that the kettlebell vest 100 is configured to accommodate differently sized kettlebell 200 weights. Namely, and referring to FIGS. 5 through 9, the kettlebell vest 100 includes a pair of elastic binding members 107 and 109 arranged along each upper and lower longitudinal edge of the fabric wrap 101. A pair of webbing straps 110 with clasps 112 are attached to the upper elastic binder member 107 by double stitching 119. At least one or more (two shown in crossed relation) elastic straps 125 are attached on the underside to the edge of the lower elastic binding member 109 by the aforementioned double stitching 119. Accordingly, these straps 110 and 125 enable the kettlebell vest 100 to accommodate differently sized (diameter) kettlebells 200.

[0037] The fabric wrap 101 may be embodied as a multi-layered construction of fabric layers 102A, 102B, 103, with foam portions 104 therein. The multi-layered construction of fabric layers that make up fabric wrap 101 (waterproof or water-resistant layers 102A (outermost) and 102B (innermost), a weighted interior layer 103, and one or more foam portions 104) is bound together at layer edges thereof by the aforementioned elastic binding members 107 and 109 along the upper and lower longitudinal edges of the fabric wrap 101. It is desirable that double-stitching 119 forming a seam (such as French seams) secure the multi-layered construction of fabric layers that make up fabric wrap 101 to the elastic binding members 107 and 109, so that no double-stitched seams burst during the used lifetime of the kettlebell vest 100.

[0038] In one example, the waterproof or water-resistant outermost and innermost layers 102A and 102B may be made of nylon. Nylon and polyester are water resistant because of their tight weave. But with a special coating, these fabrics are made waterproof. A layer of polyurethane is used to cover the interior of the fabric. More specifically, in an example, the outermost layer 102A (and innermost layer 102B) may be made of a ripstop nylon fabric. Ripstop nylon, which was used originally in WWII to make parachutes, is a sturdy lightweight wind-resistant fabric made of nylon fibers. After it is given a waterproof coating, it is unstoppable as a rough and tough fabric. The fabric has a grid design in its weave.

[0039] An alternative material for layers 102A and 102B may be a PVC coated polyester fabric. PVC-coated polyester is a waterproof, 100% polyester fabric with poly- vinyl chloride coating on the elements-facing surface. It is slightly stiff but has a smooth finish on the inside. A further nylon-type material usable for layers 102A and 102B is terylene. Terylene is a densely woven polyester fabric, typically used to make sails, sunshades, canopies, awnings, etc. because of its water proof quality.

[0040] Of course, nylon and polyester based materials are only exemplary; the example embodiments are not so limited. Waterproof or water-resistant layers 102A and 102B may be constructed of materials including but not limited to polyester or cotton polyurethane laminate (PUL), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), waxed canvas, laminated poplin/cotton, oilcloth, microfiber, wool, vinyl, pleather (Naugahyde), plastic, and densely woven branded fabrics, or combinations thereof.

[0041] Fabric wrap 101 may include one or more fabric panels 117 having non-slip properties. Examples of materials for panels 117 include those made out of 100% expanded PVC to provide a non-skid, slip resistant fabric. Alternative non-slip materials for panels 117 may include but are not limited to any of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) laminated with polyester/nylon, non-slip treated rubber, non-slip-treated vinyl, and the like.

[0042] The weighted interior layer 103 is the layer that adds weight to the kettlebell vest 100. Namely, and referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 11, the weighted interior layer 103 may be made of a fabric having a plurality of individual stitched cells 103a (also called "pockets"), each cell 103a filled with at least one sealed plastic packet 123 of a loose material having weight, as best shown in FIG. 12. The individual cells 103a are arranged in one example, in different sizes so as to accommodate differently sized sealed packets 123. The sealed plastic packets 123 are robust as they are sealed via a thermoweld. This prevents any of the loose, weighted material (shown in FIG. 12 as a sand 124 such as chromite sand) from leaking out or even moving around within weighted interior layer 103.

[0043] In an example, the weighted interior layer is 103 composed of a non-woven composite fiber material, that, with the plurality of individual cells 103a formed therein and filled with a loose material such as sand, renders the total weight of the kettlebell vest 100 to be at least 51b and in an example within a range of between five and ten pounds. Namely, the weighted interior layer 103 may be composed of a rip stop nylon. One example of such a material is a DYNEEMA.RTM. composite fabric, originally known as Cuben fiber (hereafter "composite fiber material"). DYNEEMA is a high-performance non-woven composite fiber material used in high-strength, low-weight applications. The composite fiber material is constructed from a thin sheet of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene laminated between two sheets of polyester.

[0044] More specifically, the material is a laminated fabric constructed from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber monofilaments and polyester, polyvinyl fluoride, etc. films. The fiber is up to 15 times stronger than steel on a weight for weight basis. DYNEEMA floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the dotted-line area 113a represents a reinforced eyelet panel 114, and the dotted-line area 113b denotes another area, that, like area 113a around the eyelet panel 114, is free from any of the sand packet 123-filled cells 103a of the weighted interior layer 103. This enables the eyelet panel 114 to provide a strength that prevents the facing columns of eyelets to pull away from each other. On the opposite right side, a central seam 115 of double stitching 119 (with no packets 123 present in area 113b), permits the kettlebell vest 101 to fold in half for storage.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 10, fabric wrap 101 includes form portions 104. In an example, these foam portions 104 may be embodied as one or more internal open-cell foam wedges 104. These wedges 104 are inserted around the weighted interior layer 103 on one or both sides thereof to improve appearance, namely so as to fill gaps within the interior between layer 103 and bounding outer and innermost layers 102A and 102B. These gaps are created when the kettlebell vest 101 (without foam portions 104) is wrapped around the kettlebell 200. Insertion of various foam wedges 104 present a smooth interior and exterior appearance inside of the outermost and innermost layers 102A respectively.

[0047] The example embodiments having been described; it is apparent that such have many varied applications. For example, although kettlebell vest 100 has been described in terms of having the weighted fabric layer 103 of stitched individual cells 103a, the exterior nylon layer 102A could be configured with multiple pockets or sleeved sections thereon to hold one or more additional exercise weights therein.

[0048] The present invention, in its various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes components, systems and/or apparatuses substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure. The present invention, in its various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes providing features in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous weighted coverings, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation.

[0049] The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the invention may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the invention.

Claims

1. A covering for a kettlebell weight having a weighted body and attached handle, the covering comprising: a generally elongated fabric wrap adapted to be oriented around an outer circumference of the weighted body so as to envelop the kettlebell therein, the fabric wrap being weighted so as to change the overall weight of the kettlebell once secured to the weighted body, and a securing mechanism attached to the fabric wrap to secure the fabric wrap in close contact around the weighted body.

2. The covering of claim 1, wherein the fabric wrap is embodied as a multi-layered construction of fabric layers with foam portions therein.

3. The covering of claim 2, wherein the multi-layered construction of fabric layers is bound together at layer edges thereof by elastic binding members arranged along upper and lower longitudinal edges of the fabric wrap.

4. The covering of claim 3, wherein double-stitching secures the multi-layered construction of fabric layers to the elastic binding members.

5. The covering of claim 2, wherein the fabric wrap is composed of at least one waterproof or water-resistant material layer.

6. The covering of claim 2, wherein the fabric wrap includes an outmost layer of waterproof nylon with at least one fabric panel having non-slip properties arranged thereon.

7. The covering of claim 2, wherein the fabric wrap is composed of at least one layer of a fabric which provides added weight within the covering.

8. The covering of claim 7, wherein the at least one layer of fabric which provides added weight is composed of a fabric having a plurality of individually stitched cells, each cell filled with a sealed pocket of sand.

9. The covering of claim 2, wherein the fabric wrap is composed of one or more internal open-cell foam wedges.

10. The covering of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of elastic binding members arranged along each upper and lower longitudinal edge of the fabric wrap, and one or more elastic straps attached to the edge binding members so that the covering is configured to accommodate differently sized kettlebell weights.

11. The covering of claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism is a quick lock assembly with cord and button toggle cord lock adapted to secure the fabric wrap around the weighted body.

12. A kettlebell vest for attachment to a kettlebell weight, comprising: a generally elongated fabric wrap adapted to be oriented around an outer circumference of the kettlebell weight, the fabric wrap embodied as a multi-layered construction of fabric layers, wherein at least one layer of the fabric wrap provides added weight within the interior of the kettlebell vest.

13. The kettlebell vest of claim 12, wherein the fabric wrap includes an outermost waterproof nylon layer.

14. The kettlebell vest of claim 12, wherein the fabric wrap includes at least one fabric panel having non-slip properties.

15. The kettlebell vest of claim 12, wherein the at least one layer of a fabric wrap provides added weight within the interior of the kettlebell vest is composed of a fabric having a plurality of individual stitched cells, each cell containing material having weight therein such that the total weight of the kettlebell vest is at least five pounds.

16. The kettlebell vest of claim 12, further comprising: a pair of elastic binding members arranged along each upper and lower longitudinal edge of the fabric wrap, and one or more elastic straps attached to the edge binding members so that the covering is configured to accommodate differently sized kettlebell weights.

17. The kettlebell vest of claim 12, further comprising a quick lock assembly with cord and button toggle cord lock adapted to secure the fabric wrap around the kettlebell weight.

18. A kettlebell vest for attachment to a kettlebell weight, comprising: a weighted multi-layer fabric wrap adapted to be oriented around an outer circumference of the kettlebell weight, and one or more elastic straps attached to multi-layer fabric wrap so the kettlebell vest is configured to accommodate differently sized kettlebell weights.

19. The kettlebell vest of claim 18, wherein the fabric wrap includes at least one waterproof or water-resistant material layer and at least one fabric panel having non-slip properties.

20. The kettlebell vest of claim 18, wherein an interior layer of the multi-layer fabric wrap provides the weighting for the kettlebell vest, the interior layer being composed of a non- woven composite fiber material arranged as a plurality of individual pockets filled with sand, such that the total weight of the kettlebell vest is between five and ten pounds.