UNGUREANU GEORGE M (US)
| US20190344113A1 | 2019-11-14 | |||
| US20200023230A1 | 2020-01-23 | |||
| US20180140890A1 | 2018-05-24 | |||
| CN206837333U | 2018-01-05 | |||
| CN210521637U | 2020-05-15 |
| CLAIMS That which is claimed: 1. An exercise weight, comprising a kettlebell body portion, where the kettlebell body portion comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a back surface, a right-side surface, a left-side surface; where the exercise weight additionally comprises a kettlebell handle, where the kettlebell handle comprises two upright members connected by a bridge member, thereby forming a hole between the top surface of the kettlebell body and the bridge member, bounded on the sides by the two upright members, where the hole is large enough to accommodate the hand of an average person; and where the kettlebell body portion additionally comprises a cavity, where the cavity has two sides and an upper wall, where the kettlebell body portion additionally comprises a dumbbell handle, where the dumbbell handle is attached to both of the two sides and creates a gap between the dumbbell handle and the upper wall, and where the gap is large enough to accommodate the hand of an average person, where the cavity has a lack of a bottom, such that the sides of the kettlebell body terminate in two points, where the dumbbell handle has a hollow center that extends from a first member end to a second member end, where the right-side surface has a right-side hole, and where the left-side surface has a left side hole, and where the right-side hole and the left-side hole line up with the hollow center such that a circular pole can be inserted from a first side of the kettlebell body through a second side of the kettlebell body. 2. The exercise weight of Claim 1 , where the two points each have a blunt bottom surface such that the exercise weight can rest in an upright position, where the exercise weight additionally comprises two caps, where each cap has a cap hole that align with one end of the hollow center, where each cap additionally comprises a clip that removably mates with a clip receptable on a side of the kettlebell body, where the dumbbell handle creates a horizontal equator around the kettlebell body, creating an upper hemisphere, where the upper hemisphere comprises that portion of the kettlebell body above the horizontal equator created by the dumbbell handle, and creating a lower hemisphere, where the lower hemisphere comprises that portion of the kettlebell body below the horizontal equator created by the dumbbell handle, and where the upper hemisphere has a weight, and where the lower hemisphere has a weight, and where the weight of the upper hemisphere is roughly equal to the weight of the lower hemisphere, additionally comprising a lifting bar, where the lifting bar is inserted through the hollow center and the two cap holes, additionally comprising two or more weights and two collars, a first collar at a first end of the lifting bar and a second collar at a second end of the lifting bar, where at least one of the two or more weights is located on a right side of the kettlebell body and at least one of the two or more weights is located on a left side of the kettlebell body, where the kettlebell handle extends away from the top surface of the kettlebell body, where the extension of the kettlebell handle has an effect on the balance of the exercise weight, and where the extension of the kettlebell handle dictates the location of the dumbbell handle in the cavity, where the cavity has a cavity bottom, such that the kettlebell body additionally comprise a bridging bottom section, where the bridging bottom section creates the cavity bottom, where the distance between the cavity bottom and the dumbbell handle is large enough to accommodate the hand of an average person, where the bridging bottom section additionally comprise a blunt bottom surface such that the exercise weight can rest in an upright position, where the dumbbell handle creates a horizontal equator around the kettlebell body, creating an upper hemisphere, where the upper hemisphere comprises that portion of the kettlebell body above the horizontal equator created by the dumbbell handle, and creating a lower hemisphere, where the lower hemisphere comprises that portion of the kettlebell body below the horizontal equator created by the dumbbell handle, and where the upper hemisphere has a weight, and where the lower hemisphere has a weight, and where the weight of the upper hemisphere is roughly equal to the weight of the lower hemisphere, where the kettlebell handle extends away from the top surface of the kettlebell body, where the extension of the kettlebell handle has an effect on the balance of the exercise weight, and where the extension of the kettlebell handle dictates the location of the dumbbell handle in the cavity. 3. An exercise weight, comprising a kettlebell body portion, where the kettlebell body portion comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a back surface, a right-side surface, a left-side surface; where the exercise weight additionally comprises a kettlebell handle, where the kettlebell handle comprises two upright members connected by a bridge member, thereby forming a hole between the top surface of the kettlebell body and the bridge member, bounded on the sides by the two upright members, where the hole is large enough to accommodate the hand of an average person; and where the kettlebell body portion additionally comprises a cavity, where the cavity has two sides and an upper wall, where the kettlebell body portion additionally comprises a dumbbell handle, where the dumbbell handle is hollow, where the dumbbell handle is attached to both of the two sides and creates a gap between the dumbbell handle and the upper wall, and where the gap is large enough to accommodate the hand of an average person, where the cavity has a lack of a bottom, such that the sides of the kettlebell body terminate in two points, where the dumbbell handle has a hollow center that extends from a first member end to a second member end, where the right-side surface has a right-side hole, and where the left-side surface has a left side hole, and where the right-side hole and the left-side hole line up with the hollow center such that a circular pole can be inserted from a first side of the kettlebell body through a second side of the kettlebell body. 4. The exercise weight of claim 3, where the two points each have a blunt bottom surface such that the exercise weight can rest in an upright position, where the exercise weight additionally comprises two caps, where each cap has a cap hole that align with one end of the hollow center, where each cap additionally comprises a clip that removably mates with a clip receptable on a side of the kettlebell body. 5. The exercise weight of Claim 4, additionally comprising two lock rings, where a first lock ring secures a first end of the kettlebell handle to the kettlebell body, and a second lock ring secures a second end of the kettlebell handle to the kettlebell body. 6. The exercise weight of claim 4, where the dumbbell handle creates a horizontal equator around the kettlebell body, creating an upper hemisphere, where the upper hemisphere comprises that portion of the kettlebell body above the horizontal equator created by the dumbbell handle, and creating a lower hemisphere, where the lower hemisphere comprises that portion of the kettlebell body below the horizontal equator created by the dumbbell handle, and where the upper hemisphere has a weight, and where the lower hemisphere has a weight, and where the weight of the upper hemisphere is roughly equal to the weight of the lower hemisphere, additionally comprising a lifting bar, where the lifting bar is inserted through the hollow center and the two cap holes, additionally comprising two or more weights and two collars, a first collar at a first end of the lifting bar and a second collar at a second end of the lifting bar, where at least one of the two or more weights is located on a right side of the kettlebell body and at least one of the two or more weights is located on a left side of the kettlebell body. 7. The exercise weight of claim 6, where the kettlebell handle extends away from the top surface of the kettlebell body, where the extension of the kettlebell handle has an effect on the balance of the exercise weight, and where the extension of the kettlebell handle dictates the location of the dumbbell handle in the cavity, where the cavity has a cavity bottom, such that the kettlebell body additionally comprise a bridging bottom section, where the bridging bottom section creates the cavity bottom, where the distance between the cavity bottom and the dumbbell handle is large enough to accommodate the hand of an average person, where the bridging bottom section additionally comprise a blunt bottom surface such that the exercise weight can rest in an upright position, where the dumbbell handle creates a horizontal equator around the kettlebell body, creating an upper hemisphere, where the upper hemisphere comprises that portion of the kettlebell body above the horizontal equator created by the dumbbell handle, and creating a lower hemisphere, where the lower hemisphere comprises that portion of the kettlebell body below the horizontal equator created by the dumbbell handle, and where the upper hemisphere has a weight, and where the lower hemisphere has a weight, and where the weight of the upper hemisphere is roughly equal to the weight of the lower hemisphere, where the kettlebell handle extends away from the top surface of the kettlebell body, where the extension of the kettlebell handle has an effect on the balance of the exercise weight, and where the extension of the kettlebell handle dictates the location of the dumbbell handle in the cavity. 8. An exercise device comprising at least two kettlebell bodies, where each of the at least two kettlebell bodies comprises a main body and a kettlebell handle, where the kettlebell handle extends outward from the main body, where the kettlebell handle has a grasping portion, where the grasping portion has a longitudinal axis running along its length from end to end; where the main body comprises a cavity, a right-side hemisphere, and a left side hemisphere, where the cavity comprises a dumbbell handle extending therethrough, where the dumbbell handle is hollow and has a longitudinal axis running along its length between the right-side hemisphere and the left side hemisphere; where the exercise weight has an equal weight distribution about the longitudinal axis of the dumbbell handle, and where the exercise weight has an equal weight distribution between the right-side hemisphere and the left side hemisphere; wherein the cavity of the main body extends to a front side and a back side of the main body, whereby the dumbbell handle within the cavity is accessible from the front or back of the main body, where the cavity has a lack of a bottom, such that the sides of the kettlebell body terminate in two points, where the dumbbell handle has a hollow center that extends from a first member end to a second member end, where the right-side surface has a right-side hole, and where the left-side surface has a left side hole, and where the right-side hole and the left side hole line up with the hollow center such that a circular pole can be inserted from a first side of a kettlebell body through a second side of a kettlebell body, additionally comprising a lifting bar, where the lifting bar is inserted through the hollow center and the two cap holes of each of the at least two kettlebell bodies, where at least one of the at least two kettlebell bodies is secured on a first end of the lifting bar, and , at least one of the at least two kettlebell bodies is secured on a second end of the lifting bar. 9. The exercise device of Claim 7, where the number to kettlebell bodies is at least two with at least one kettlebell body on at first lifting bar end, and at least one kettlebell body on a second lifting bar end, and additionally comprising two or more clearance plates and two collars, a first collar at a first end of the lifting bar and a second collar at a second end of the lifting bar, one of clearance plates is located in between two kettlebell bodies on a right side of the lifting bar and a second clearance plate is located in between two kettlebell bodies on a left side of the lifting bar. 10. The exercise device of Claim 9, where the two clearance plates allow the four kettlebell bodies to rotate freely without striking the ground, where the two clearance plates are made from a material selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic and nylon. 11 .The exercise weight of claim 9, wherein the longitudinal axis of the dumbbell handle is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the grasping portion of the kettlebell handle. 12. The exercise weight of claim 9, wherein the longitudinal axis of the dumbbell handle is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the grasping portion of the kettlebell handle. 13. The exercise weight of claim 9, wherein the cavity of the main body further extends to a bottom of the main body, whereby the dumbbell handle within the cavity is accessible from the bottom of the main body. 14. The exercise weight of claim 13, wherein the main body has a bottom portion with flattened edges, whereby the exercise weight is stable while resting on a flat surface. 15. The exercise weight of Claim 9 where the handle portion is hollow, and additionally comprising a shortened bar that passes through the handle of a fixed weight equipment, thus allowing it to become an adjustable weight 16. An exercise weight comprising a handle portion and a main body, where the handle portion is attached to and extends away from the main body, where the main body comprises a cavity and a dumbbell handle extending through the cavity; where the kettlebell exercise weight has a top hemisphere with a mass and a bottom hemisphere with a mass, where the top hemisphere is the portion of the kettlebell exercise weight above the dumbbell handle, where the bottom hemisphere is the portion of the kettlebell exercise weight below the dumbbell handle, where a torque applied about the dumbbell handle by the mass of the top hemisphere is equal to a torque applied about the dumbbell handle by the mass of the bottom hemisphere; and where the kettlebell exercise weight has a right hemisphere with a mass and a left hemisphere with a mass, where the right hemisphere is the portion of the kettlebell exercise weight to the right of the center of the dumbbell handle, where the left hemisphere is the portion of the kettlebell exercise weight to the left of the center of the dumbbell handle, where a torque applied about the dumbbell handle by the mass of the right hemisphere is equal to a torque applied about the dumbbell handle by the mass of the left hemisphere; where the cavity of the main body extends to a front side, a back side, and a bottom of the main body, whereby the dumbbell handle within the cavity is accessible from the front, back, or bottom of the main body, where the main body has at least one first hole through a first side, and at least one second hole through a second side. 17. The exercise weight of Claim 16 where the handle portion is hollow, and additionally comprising a shortened bar that passes through the handle of a fixed weight equipment, thus allowing it to become an adjustable weight 18. The exercise weight of Claim 16, where the number of holes in a kettlebell body is four, with an inner two holes on an inside side, and an outer two holes on an outside side, where the inner two holes and the outer two holes line up such that a forked lifting bar can insert a first fork end through a right inner hole and a right outer hole, and a second fork end is inserted through a left inner hole and a left outer hole, such that the kettlebell body does not rotate about the lifting bar, where the kettlebell body additionally comprises a threaded hole, where a threaded lifting bar is insertable into the threaded hole to secure the kettlebell body to the threaded lifting bar. 19. The exercise weight of Claim 18, where the cavity has a lack of a bottom, such that the sides of the kettlebell body terminate in two points, where the bridge member has a hollow center that extends from a first member end to a second member end, where the right-side surface has a right-side hole, and where the left-side surface has a left side hole, and where the right-side hole and the left side hole line up with the hollow center such that a circular pole can be inserted from a first side of the kettlebell body through a second side of the kettlebell body. 0. The exercise weight of claim 19, where the two points each have a blunt bottom surface such that the exercise weight can rest in an upright position, where the exercise weight additionally comprises two caps, where each cap has a cap hole that align with one end of the hollow center, where each cap additionally comprises a clip that removably mates with a clip receptable on a side of the kettlebell body, where the dumbbell handle creates a horizontal equator around the kettlebell body, creating an upper hemisphere, where the upper hemisphere comprises that portion of the kettlebell body above the horizontal equator created by the dumbbell handle, and creating a lower hemisphere, where the lower hemisphere comprises that portion of the kettlebell body below the horizontal equator created by the dumbbell handle, and where the upper hemisphere has a weight, and where the lower hemisphere has a weight, and where the weight of the upper hemisphere is roughly equal to the weight of the lower hemisphere, additionally comprising a lifting bar, where the lifting bar is inserted through the hollow center and the two cap holes, additionally comprising two or more weights and two collars, a first collar at a first end of the lifting bar and a second collar at a second end of the lifting bar, where at least one of the two or more weights is located on a right side of the kettlebell body and at least one of the two or more weights is located on a left side of the kettlebell body, where the kettlebell handle extends away from the top surface of the kettlebell body, where the extension of the kettlebell handle has an effect on the balance of the exercise weight, and where the extension of the kettlebell handle dictates the location of the dumbbell handle in the cavity, where the cavity has a cavity bottom, such that the kettlebell body additionally comprise a bridging bottom section, where the bridging bottom section creates the cavity bottom, where the distance between the cavity bottom and the dumbbell handle is large enough to accommodate the hand of an average person, where the bridging bottom section additionally comprise a blunt bottom surface such that the exercise weight can rest in an upright position, where the dumbbell handle creates a horizontal equator around the kettlebell body, creating an upper hemisphere, where the upper hemisphere comprises that portion of the kettlebell body above the horizontal equator created by the dumbbell handle, and creating a lower hemisphere, where the lower hemisphere comprises that portion of the kettlebell body below the horizontal equator created by the dumbbell handle, and where the upper hemisphere has a weight, and where the lower hemisphere has a weight, and where the weight of the upper hemisphere is roughly equal to the weight of the lower hemisphere, where the kettlebell handle extends away from the top surface of the kettlebell body, where the extension of the kettlebell handle has an effect on the balance of the exercise weight, and where the extension of the kettlebell handle dictates the location of the dumbbell handle in the cavity. |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS: This application claims priority back to US Provisional No. 63182457, filed 4/30/2021 , the contents of which are incorporated by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT: This invention was not federally sponsored.
INVENTORS: Dr. Jamie C. Kaszer and George M. Ungureanu
Docket No. Kasz-UP-2
Background of the Invention
[001] Field of the invention: This invention relates to the general fields of physical fitness gear, and more specifically toward a combination kettlebell/dumbbell free weight with and additional weight/plate function here that allows a user to customize his/her exercise routine.
[002] Dumbbells have their origins at least as far back as ancient Greece, where a crude dumbbell, the haltere, was used for conditioning as well as for holding in the hands during long jump competitions. The current dumbbell first showed up in the 1600’s, where two equal weights were distributed at the ends of a handle. The dumbbell today is the best-known free weight, used by millions of physical fitness enthusiasts around the world. The dumbbell as it is used today has two equal weights attached to either end of a handle. The user grips the handle and lifts the weight to exercise.
[003] The kettlebell has its origins in Russia. Kettlebells were originally used as a weight for field crops, and by the 1900’s the Russian Army was using kettlebells for exercise and conditioning. The kettlebell appears like a cannon ball to which a handle was attached. As opposed to a dumbbell where the weight is evenly balanced on either side of the user’s hand, the kettlebell has the center of weight significantly beyond the hand of user. Thus, while a dumbbell is better for doing curls and other exercises involving and up-and-down movement of the weight, kettlebells are better for swinging exercises and many users feel they provide a better aerobic workout than do dumbbells.
[004] Over the past several years, interest in kettlebells has increased dramatically, in part because many physical fitness enthusiasts feel that the swinging exercises in which the kettlebell is a superior weight to the dumbbell are more in line with cardiovascular benefits and calisthenics workouts using multiple muscle groups. As such, many gyms, both commercial and those individuals will keep in their homes, have both a dumbbell set and a kettlebell set. This provides a number of problems, including having to purchase and store two sets of weights. From an environmental perspective, a set of dumbbells next to a set of kettlebells represents two separate uses of resources and two sets of pollution from the manufacturing and shipping of each weight set. [005] Since both dumbbells, kettlebells and plates are generally made from cast iron or another heavy metal, it would be desirable to provide a new product that provided the fitness benefits of both dumbbells and kettlebells in a single weight unit. There exists a combination dumbbell/kettlebell in US Patent No. 9,597,543 to Kaszer. However, this invention does not claim use with a bar, the ability to add additional weights, or provide any protective coating. The protective coating is optional, and intended to be only applied to the silicone wrap that covered the entire BetterBell in one embodiment. It is also contemplated that there may be some “boots” made to slip over the footings of the BetterBell, and could provide a bit of a “protective coating” though, in addition to providing a buffer to contact and make weight identification and branding easier.
[006] The current invention provides a solution to these problems by providing a weight that combines a dumbbell and a kettlebell in a single weight that can be used as either a dumbbell or kettlebell, which can also be used in tandem with one unit at the end of a weight-lifting bar. It is contemplated that this can be accomplished either with a hollow center bar, or with holes in the side of the product into which prongs of a weight-lifting bar can be inserted, or a threaded insert cap on the product into which a weight-lifting bar can be screwed.
[007] The invention also provides a handle that extends through the weight unit to which additional weights can be attached.
[008] Brief summary of the invention. The invention comprises a kettlebell with a hole in the center with a handle that a user can grab. The handle is located such that the weight is evenly balanced from side to side, and from front to back, which basically equates to symmetry in shape AND mass/weight across 2 of the XYZ planes... and symmetry in mass across all 3 planes such that it behaves as a dumbbell when grabbed by the central handle. On the other hand, because it has the typical kettlebell handle on the top, it can also be used as a kettlebell. An alternative embodiment calls for symmetry in shape AND mass/weight across 2 of the XYZ planes... and symmetry in mass across all 3 planes.
[009] There are several variations of the basic concept contemplated. First, a kettlebell could be manufactured with a hollow built into its center through which a rod, similar to the rod holding together two weights to make a dumbbell. It is contemplated the the “handle” could be hollow, and even fitted with threads at either end to allow for the attachment of either lifting rods, or a hexagonal nut that would fit into a hexagonal cavity on the side of the device to allow the hollow handle to be “screwed into place”.
[0010] Second, a kettlebell could be manufactured with an open bottom portion into which a rod is molded, allowing a user to grab the weight by either the kettlebell top or the dumbbell bottom, or holes in the sides into which prongs of a weight-lifting bar can be inserted.
[0011] Third, the rod could extend through the sides, and additional weights could be placed on the ends of the rods. A variety of means by which the additional weights are attached to the ends of the rods are contemplated. One embodiment calls for the adjustable weight BetterBell to have no rod that extends outside the shell body.
[0012] Fourth, the top of the invention could have a threaded receptacle into which one end of a weight-lifting bar could be inserted, such that one invention could be attached to either end of the weight-lifting bar.
Summary of the Invention
[0013] The current invention provides a solution to the problem of having to manufacture, ship, and store a set of dumbbells and a set of kettlebells and multiple plate attachments components by having a multi-function bell with a cavity in its center with a handle that can be gripped like the handle on a dumbbell, gripped on the top handle like a kettlebell and used as a variable weight component on a bar like a plate. There are several versions proposed; each is mentioned below.
[0014] It is a principal object of the invention to provide a combination kettlebell/dumbbell/additional weight component that has additional options for use.
[0015] It is another object of the invention to provide physical fitness weight than can provide the exercise benefits of both a kettlebell and a dumbbell in a single item and allow for the addition of additional weights to customize the workout experience.
[0016] It is a further object of this invention to provide a kettlebell with a handle located in the weighted center of the kettlebell such that the handle, which gripped by a user, provides the same balanced feel that a dumbbell provides, even with additional weights attached.
[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide a device that can be attached to the end of a weight-lifting bar such that two of the inventions on opposite ends of the bar can allow for a traditional weight-lifting bar type of workout.
[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide a device that has four holes in the side portions that would allow for a weight-lifting bar with two “prongs” at either end to skewer one of the devices on either end of the bar, including a version where the bar would be a different “end” shape with the 2 prongs instead of the standard bar end. In another embodiment, there could be a plurality of prongs, including numbers greater than two. Also, the term “prong” could also mean any type of protrusion to which a weight or multiple weights could be attached.
[0019] A final objection of the invention is to, optionally, provide a protective cover over the device to allow for its use on delicate surfaces, as well as a small amount of padding when some exercises (mainly swings with top handle) make the body of the BetterBell impact the arm.
[0020] Particular embodiments of the current disclosure provide for an exercise weight comprising a main body and a kettlebell handle, where the kettlebell handle extends outward from the main body, where the kettlebell handle has a grasping portion, where the grasping portion has a longitudinal axis or a curved handle running along its length from end to end; where the main body comprises a cavity, a right side hemisphere, and a left side hemisphere, where the cavity comprises a dumbbell handle extending therethrough, where the dumbbell handle has a longitudinal axis running along its length between the right side hemisphere and the left side hemisphere; where the exercise weight has an equal weight distribution about the longitudinal X axis of the dumbbell handle, and where the exercise weight has an equal weight distribution between the right side hemisphere and the left side hemisphere Y. The longitudinal axis of the dumbbell handle is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the grasping portion of the kettlebell handle. Alternatively, the longitudinal axis of the dumbbell handle is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the grasping portion of the kettlebell handle. The longitudinal axis of the dumbbell handle may extend towards and away from the longitudinal axis of the grasping portion of the kettlebell handle. The cavity of the main body extends to a front side and a back side of the main body, whereby the dumbbell handle within the cavity is accessible from the front or back of the main body. The cavity of the main body may also, or in the alternative extend to a bottom of the main body, whereby the dumbbell handle within the cavity is accessible from the bottom of the main body. The main body has a bottom portion with flattened edges, whereby the exercise weight is stable while resting on a flat surface. The exercise weight consists of a single homogeneous material. One embodiment is actually flat on 3 sides to allow stability... not just in an upright position, but also when lying flat on a surface thus allowing the center handle to be accessed for exercises such as pushups or “renegade rows”.
[0021 ] Further embodiments of the current disclosure provide for a kettlebell exercise weight comprising a handle portion and a main body, where the handle portion is attached to and extends away from the main body, where the main body comprises a cavity and a dumbbell handle extending through the cavity; where the kettlebell exercise weight has a top hemisphere with a mass and a bottom hemisphere with a mass, where the top hemisphere is the portion of the kettlebell exercise weight above the dumbbell handle, where the bottom hemisphere is the portion of the kettlebell exercise weight below the dumbbell handle, where a torque applied about the dumbbell handle by the mass of the top hemisphere is equal to a torque applied about the dumbbell handle by the mass of the bottom hemisphere; and where the kettlebell exercise weight has a right hemisphere with a mass and a left hemisphere with a mass, where the right hemisphere is the portion of the kettlebell exercise weight to the right of the center of the dumbbell handle, where the left hemisphere is the portion of the kettlebell exercise weight to the left of the center of the dumbbell handle, where a torque applied about the dumbbell handle by the mass of the right hemisphere is equal to a torque applied about the dumbbell handle by the mass of the left hemisphere. The cavity of the main body extends to a front side, a back side, and a bottom of the main body, whereby the dumbbell handle within the cavity is accessible from the front, back, or bottom of the main body. [0022] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. The features listed herein and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.
Brief Description of the Figures
[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this invention.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a side view one embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG 2 is a ¾ view of one embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG 3 is a cut-away view showing the hollow nature of the center handle
[0027] FIG 4 shows one possible way the hollow handle is secure utilizing a snap ring
[0028] FIG 5 shows another embodiment of the invention where several of the multi-function bars are secured at opposite ends of a weightlifting bar. There is a plastic plate utilized to ensure free rotation of the multi-function bars on the bar as forces change direction during weightlifting activities.
[0029] FIG 6 shows another embodiment of the invention with a multi-function bar utilizing a shortened bar. This short bar allows for additional weights/plates to be added to the multi-function bars thus creating an adjustable weight dumbbell and kettlebell functionality.
[0030] FIG 7 shows multi-function bars with a proposed 2 prong configuration.
The holes are positioned so that a bar that passes through them runs parallel to the center handle... which effectively puts the two holes equidistant from the center handle and thus retains the center of mass/gravity weight distribution about the center handle. The holes to be lined with a nylon sleeve/grommet to aide in sliding multi-function bars on and off a bar.... as well as protect the multi function bars finish.
[0031] FIG 8 shows multi-function bars with a proposed 2 prong configuration on a 2-prong bar.
[0032] FIG 9 shows another embodiment of the multi-function bar with a threaded connection option to link the multi-function bars to the end of a weightlifting bar.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0033] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with the references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a side view one embodiment of the invention. A kettlebell handle
1 defines a kettlebell cavity 5 by which a user grabs the device. A kettlebell body
2 as a kettlebell bottom 3. There is a hole 7 that extends all the way through the kettlebell body 2 and a cap 8.
[0035] FIG 2 is a ¾ view of one embodiment of the invention. Inside the kettlebell body is a barbell handle 4 that extends from one side of the kettlebell to the other. The barbell handle 4 in this embodiment is hollow, allowing a rod or bar to be inserted all the way through the kettlebell.
[0036] FIG 3 is a cut-away view showing the hollow nature of the kettlebell handle 4. Note how the cap 8 secures the kettlebell handle 4 to the kettlebell body, and also has a hole to allow for insertion of a bar or rod all the way through the kettlebell body.
[0037] FIG 4 shows one possible way the hollow handle is secure utilizing a snap ring 6, that fits in between the kettlebell body and the cap 8.
[0038] FIG 5 shows another embodiment of the invention where several of the multi-function bells 10 are secured at opposite ends of a weightlifting bar 12. There is a clearance plate 9 utilized to ensure free rotation of the multi-function bells 10 on the bar as forces change direction during weightlifting activities. The multi-function bells 10 are secured by stoppers 11 and collars 13, allowing for a user to easily increase or decrease the amount of weight on the lifting bar 12. The clearance plate can be made from metal, to increase the weight, or plastic, nylon or any other suitable material.
[0039] FIG 6 shows another embodiment of the invention with a multi-function bell 10 (multi-function bell utilizing a shortened bar 12. This short bar 12 allows for additional weights/plates 19 to be added to the multi-function bell thus creating an adjustable weight dumbbell and kettlebell functionality. The free weights 19 are secured with collars 13. It is also contemplated that a shortened bar pass could pass through the handle of the fixed weight equipment, thus allowing it to become adjustable weight
[0040] FIG 7 shows multi-function bell with a proposed 2 prong configuration. The fork holes 14 are positioned so that a bar that passes through them runs parallel to the center handle... which effectively puts the two holes equidistant from the center handle and thus retains the center of mass/gravity weight distribution about the center handle. The holes to be lined with a nylon sleeve/grommet to aide in sliding multi-function bells on and off a bar.... as well as protect the multi function bells finish.
[0041] FIG 8 shows multi-function bells with a proposed 2 prong configuration on a 2 prong, forked lifting bar 15. The forked lifting bar 15 has two fork ends 16, each of which “skewers” on or more multi-function bells 10 such that they cannot rotate.
[0042] FIG 9 shows another embodiment of the multi-function bell with a threaded insert 18 option to link the multi-function bells to the end of a threaded weightlifting bar. Summary of the Invention.
[0043] The invention provides a kettlebell body, with a kettlebell handle at the top of the kettlebell body, with a cavity at the kettlebell bottom that is bridged by a dumbbell handle. The cavity can be open or closed. In either embodiment, a user can swing the kettlebell handle in a traditional, swinging manner to get the normal exercise benefits as are traditionally associated with kettlebells, but can also grip the dumbbell handle and use the invention like a traditional dumbbell, thereby obtaining the exercise benefits of a dumbbell. The goal of the invention is to provide a single weight that provides users the benefits of both a kettlebell and a dumbbell, and more versatility as described below.
[0044] In one embodiment of the invention, the dumbbell handle is located such that the kettlebell top hemisphere - defined as that portion of the kettlebell above the dumbbell handle - may be equal in weight to the kettlebell bottom hemisphere - defined as that portion of the kettlebell below the dumbbell handle. Because the kettlebell body and the cavity are symmetrical, the right-side hemisphere - defined as that portion of the kettlebell to the right of the center of the dumbbell handle - is equal in weight to the left side hemisphere, -- defined as that portion of the kettlebell to the left of the center of the dumbbell handle, are equal in weight. Thus, even though the invention looks very different from a traditional dumbbell, it feels just like a dumbbell because the top and bottom are, in some embodiments, are balanced in weight as are the sides. [0045] As a basic concept, the kettlebell handle is attached to a kettlebell body, allowing a user to swing the kettlebell in a traditional manner. The kettlebell bottom is flattened and allows the invention to rest on the ground in a secure manner. The kettlebell body has a cavity, in which a dumbbell handle is location. The user can, as an alternative to grabbing the kettlebell handle and using the invention like a traditional kettlebell, grip the dumbbell handle and use the invention like a traditional dumbbell. The portions of the cavity above and below the dumbbell handle are large enough to accommodate the hand of an average adult.
[0046] In a second embodiment, the kettlebell body still has a kettlebell handle which allows the invention to be used in a traditional manner, but the cavity in this case is an open cavity in the bottom portion of the kettlebell. The open cavity in this case extends from the kettlebell bottom 6, which in that case comprises two flattened ridges extending parallel to the cavity on either side of the open cavity. The flattened edges provide a greater surface area for the invention such that it minimizes damage to the floor. Inside the open cavity is a dumbbell handle that, as in the first embodiment, can be gripped by a user of the invention so that the invention can be used like a traditional dumbbell.
[0047] Overall, several concepts are presented:
[0048] BetterBell 3.0 provides an ability to use a bar to link 2 or more BetterBells together. It is also contemplated that a single device could be attached to the end of a far, thereby creating a long bar with a heavy object at the end. The top handle makes an easy grip to help slide the BetterBells on and off a bar. helps line up the holes with the bar with one hand... vs plates typically need 2 hands.
[0049] The bar allows a user to perform exercises that link 2 or more BetterBells together... effectively adding weight as well as new movement patterns. Bench Press, deadlift, squats. These exercises can be performed with just 1 BetterBell but using a bar helps to link the mechanics to both sides of the body simultaneously. Example: Doing a chest press with dumbbells is a different exercise than a chest press with an Olympic bar with plates. Variety of lengths to be made. Longer Olympic style bar” “shorter curl bar” “Bent handlebar”. It should be understood that while the preferred embodiments of the invention are described in some detail herein, the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that variations and changes thereto are possible without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable equivalency thereof, which claims I regard as my invention.
[0050] All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.