SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE MODES OF EXERCISE

Abstract

An application for a dual use weight lifting apparatus includes a first independent weighted portion and a second independent weighted portion. Each of the independent weighted portions has handles suitable for grasping by a user and each of the independent weighted portions has a mating surface opposing the handles. The apparatus includes a way to removably hold the independent weighted portions together at the mating surfaces, thereby forming a joined weight lifting apparatus. The independent weighted portions are used as kettle weights when disconnected and as medicine balls when connected.

Description

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of exercise/body building and more particularly to a system of weights for individual arm exercise as well as both arm exercising.

BACKGROUND

Kettle bells have become a very important exercise tool. Kettle bells are generally bowling ball-sized cast iron weights with a single looped handle, ranging in weight starting from two pounds. Some kettle bells weigh more than 100 pounds.

The use of kettle bells started in Eastern Europe, moving to the United States thanks to fitness programs like CrossFit. Kettle bells are now found in cross-training or personal-training gyms. Kettle bell workouts are intended to increase strength, endurance, agility and balance. Workouts using kettle bells challenge both the muscular and cardiovascular system with dynamic, entire-body movements. Kettle bells are reported to help athletes get their “core” into top shape.

Lifting and controlling a kettle bell forces the entire body, and specifically the core, to contract muscles as a group, building strength and stability at the same time. Multiple muscle groups are engaged at once, providing a whole-body workout in a short workout.

Kettle bells are often used in home exercise equipment, along with some other basic training items like weighted medicine balls, pull-up bars, jump ropes and lots of free weights.

Weighted medicine balls provide different forms of exercise. The medicine ball is usually between two and 25 pounds in weight and is roughly the diameter of the shoulders (e.g. approximately 14 inches). Medicine balls and are used effectively in plyometric weight training to increase explosive power in athletes in all sports. Medicine balls are often used to increase their core strength by kneeling and pushing the ball out from one's chest or lifting the ball or performing different exercises (such as sit-ups and leg raises) while holding the ball in order to increase the stress on a particular muscle or groups of muscles such as arm, chest, and leg muscles.

There are good reasons for using both kettle bells and medicine balls to exercise different groups of muscles, but there is no existing device that will perform both functions.

What is needed is a device that will provide exercise as kettle bells and as a muscle ball.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a dual use weight lifting apparatus is disclosed including a first independent weighted portion and a second independent weighted portion. Each of the independent weighted portions has handles suitable for grasping by a user and each of the independent weighted portions has a mating surface opposing the handles. The apparatus includes a way to removably hold the independent weighted portions together at the mating surfaces, thereby forming a joined weight lifting apparatus. The independent weighted portions are used as kettle weights when disconnected and as medicine balls when connected.

In another embodiment, a method of exercising is disclosed including providing a first independent weighted portion and a second independent weighted portion. Each of the independent weighted portions has handles suitable for grasping by a user and each of the independent weighted portions has a mating surface opposing the handles. Each of the independent weighted portions also has magnets interfaced with each mating surface. The method of exercising continues with separating the independent weighted portions by applying an external force to overcome attraction forces between the magnets and using the independent weighted portions as kettle weights then, later, joining the independent weighted portions by force of the magnets and using the joined independent weighted portions as a medicine ball.

In another embodiment, a dual use weight lifting apparatus is disclosed including a first weighted portion that has a first handle suitable for grasping by a user and has a first mating surface. The first mating surface opposes the first handle. A similar second weighted portion has a second handle also suitable for grasping by the user and has a second mating surface. The second mating surface opposes the second handle. There is at least one magnet interfaced with the first mating surface and at least one magnet interfaced with the second mating surface. The magnets attract each other when the first mating surface is engaged with the second mating surface, thereby removably holding the first mating surface to the second mating surface until an external force separates the first mating surface from the second mating surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of kettle weights of the prior art.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of a medicine ball of the prior art.

FIG. 3 illustrates plan view of a dual-use weight, separated for use as kettle weights.

FIG. 4 illustrates plan view of a dual-use weight, joined for use as kettle weights.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one part of a pair of dual-use weights with a magnetic strip.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one part of a pair of dual-use weights.

FIG. 7 illustrates plan view of the dual-use weights, joined for use as kettle weights with an optional latch.

FIG. 8 illustrates plan view of the dual-use weights, joined for use as kettle weights with hook and loop material.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pair of dual-use weights showing an optional keying mechanism for holding the dual-use weights together.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an optional weight extension for use with the dual-use weights.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another optional weight extension for use with the dual-use weights.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, plan views of kettle weights and a medicine ball of the prior art are shown. The kettle bells 10 of FIG. 1 are generally bowling ball-sized cast iron weights with a single looped handle, ranging in weight starting from two pounds. Some kettle bells weigh more than 100 pounds. Kettle bell workouts are intended to increase strength, endurance, agility and balance. Workouts using kettle bells 10 challenge both the muscular and cardiovascular system with dynamic, entire-body movements.

Lifting and controlling a kettle bell 10 forces the entire body, and specifically the core, to contract muscles as a group, building strength and stability at the same time. Multiple muscle groups are engaged at once, providing a whole-body workout in a short workout.

Weighted medicine balls 20 as in FIG. 2 provide different forms of exercise. The medicine ball 20 is usually between two and 25 pounds in weight and is roughly the diameter of the shoulders (e.g. approximately 14 inches). Medicine balls 20 optionally have handles 22 for grasping. Medicine balls 20 are often used to increase their core strength by kneeling and pushing the medicine ball 20 out from one's chest or lifting the medicine ball 20 or performing different exercises (such as sit-ups and leg raises) while holding the medicine ball 20 in order to increase the stress on a particular muscle or groups of muscles such as arm, chest, and leg muscles.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, plan view of a dual-use weight, separated for use as kettle weights (FIG. 3) and joined for use as kettle weights (FIG. 4) are shown. The dual-use weights 30 include two, preferably symmetrical, halves or weighted portions 32, each having a hand grip 34. Each weighted portion 32 has a mass or weight determined by the material from which it is made plus an optional mass 40. It is preferred that the mass 40 is symmetrical and situated centrally to an axis of the handle 32 of the weighted portion 32, thereby providing uniform, symmetrical weight distribution.

When each weight half 32 is positioned near the other, magnets 36/38 having oppositely oriented fields attract each other and the magnetic force pulls each weighted portion 32 towards each other and holds the weight halves 32 together as shown in FIG. 4. For example, magnets 36 are oriented with their north poles to the left and south poles to the right, thereby having a north/south interface between the two weighted portions 32. In this example, the poles of the second pair of magnets 38 are either oriented in the same way with their north poles to the left and south poles to the right or opposite with their north poles to the right and south poles to the left. In embodiments where the poles of the second pair of magnets 38 are oriented in the opposite direction, the weight halves can only join in one orientation and cannot join rotated by 180 degrees.

When the weighted portions 32 are joined, it is preferred, though not required, that the faces 42 of the weight halves 32 abut cleanly without gaps.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a perspective view of one part of a pair of dual-use weights 30 with a magnetic strip 50 and a cross-sectional view of one part of a pair of dual-use weights are shown. As shown in FIG. 4, it is preferred that the weighted portions 32 abut cleanly along joining line 42. When magnetic strip material 50 is used to hold the weighted portions 32 together, it is preferred, though not required, that the magnetic strip 50 be set within a groove 52, keeping the faces 42 of the weighted portions 32 as planar as possible.

Referring to FIG. 7, plan view of the dual-use weights 30, joined for use as kettle weights with optional latches 60/62 is shown. In some embodiments, the magnetic force between the magnets 36/38/50 is sufficient to hold the weighted portions 32 together. In other embodiments or for safety reasons, the weighted portions 32 are further held together with a latch 60/62. Although shown as a simple resilient latch 60/62 in which the latch lever 62 stretches slightly to snap over a base 60, any other latch system is anticipated such as hook and eye, rotating latches, etc.

Referring to FIG. 8, plan view of the dual-use weights 30, joined for use as kettle weights with hook and loop material 72/74 is shown. In this alternate embodiment, the weight halves 32 are held together by hook material 72 interfacing with loop material 74. In one embodiment using hook 72 and loop 74 material, the hook 72 and loop 74 material is recessed slightly in a recess 70 to allow a closer connection between the weighted portions 32.

Referring to FIG. 9, a cross-sectional view of a pair of dual-use weights 30 showing an optional keying mechanism 90/92 for holding the dual-use weights together is shown. In this embodiment, the key 90 slides into the key hole 92. In some embodiments, the magnets 36/38 help to hold the weight halves 32 together so they don't easily slide apart.

Referring to FIGS. 10, cross-sectional views of optional weight extensions 100/100a for use with the dual-use weights 30 are shown. As one desires more resistance, optional weight extensions 100/100a are added to one or both weight halves 32. In some embodiments, the extension 100 has an enclosure 102 with an attachment mechanism shown as magnets 106/108 and an additional mass 110. In other embodiments, the extension 100a has an enclosure 102a with an attachment mechanism shown as magnets 106/108/116/118 on both sides and an additional mass 110. The first extension 100 is useful for increasing the weight of the individual weight halves 32, but having magnets 106/108 only on one side, does not allow joining for use. The second extension 100a is also useful for increasing the weight of the individual weight halves 32, but having magnets 106/108 on one side and magnets 116/118 on the distal side allows joining for use with both sides of the weighted portions 32 together with one or more extensions 100a between the weighted portions 32. Although shown with separate magnets 106/108/116/118, any of the described connection mechanisms are anticipated including magnetic strips 50, hook and loop material 72/74 and key/keyhole 90/92. Additionally, it is anticipated that in some embodiments, the weight extensions 100/100a also include latches 60/62 that mate with the latches 60/62 of the weighted portions 32.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

Claims

1. A dual use weight lifting apparatus comprising:

a first independent weighted portion and a second independent weighted portion, each of the independent weighted portions having handles suitable for grasping by a user and each of the independent weighted portions having a mating surface opposing the handles; and

means for removably holding the independent weighted portions together at the mating surfaces, thereby forming a joined weight lifting apparatus;

whereas the independent weighted portions are used as kettle weights when disconnected and the independent weighted portions are used as medicine balls when connected.

2. The dual use weight lifting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for connecting comprises magnets beneath the mating surfaces such that the magnets beneath the mating surface of the first independent weighted portion attract the magnets beneath the mating surface of the second independent weighted portion thereby removably holding the first independent weighted portion together with the second independent weighted portion.

3. The dual use weight lifting apparatus of claim 2, further comprising at least one catch, the catch interfaced between the independent weighted portions, the catch removably holding the independent weighted portions together.

4. The dual use weight lifting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for connecting comprises strips of magnets within grooves of the mating surfaces such that the strips of magnets within the mating surface of the first independent weighted portion attract the strips of magnets within the mating surface of the second independent weighted portion thereby holding the first independent weighted portion together with the second independent weighted portion.

5. The dual use weight lifting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for connecting comprises a key on the mating surface of the first independent weighted portion and a keyhole on the mating surface of the second independent weighted portion thereby when the key is in the keyhole, the first independent weighted portion is removably held together with the second independent weighted portion.

6. The dual use weight lifting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for connecting comprises hook material on the mating surface of the first independent weighted portion and loop material on the mating surface of the second independent weighted portion thereby when the hook material is pressed against the loop material, the first independent weighted portion is removably held together with the second independent weighted portion.

7. The dual use weight lifting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second independent weighted portions each include a mass centrally located behind the mating surfaces.

8. A method of exercising comprising:

providing a first independent weighted portion and a second independent weighted portion, each of the independent weighted portions having handles suitable for grasping by a user and each of the independent weighted portions having a mating surface opposing the handles;

and each of the independent weighted portions having magnets interfaced with each mating surface;

separating the independent weighted portions by applying an external force to overcome attraction forces between the magnets;

using the independent weighted portions as kettle weights;

joining the independent weighted portions by force of the magnets; and

using the joined independent weighted portions as a medicine ball.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the magnets are beneath the mating surfaces such that the magnets beneath the mating surface of the first independent weighted portion attract the magnets within the mating surface of the second independent weighted portion thereby removably holding the first independent weighted portion together with the second independent weighted portion.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising at least one catch, the catch interfaced between the independent weighted portions, the step of joining further comprising the step of closing the latch thereby holding the independent weighted portions together.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the means for connecting comprises strips of magnets within grooves of the mating surfaces such that the strips of magnets within the mating surface of the first independent weighted portion attract the strips of magnets within the mating surface of the second independent weighted portion thereby removably holding the first independent weighted portion together with the second independent weighted portion.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the mating surface of the first independent weighted portion further comprises a key structure and the mating surface of the second independent weighted portion further comprises a keyhole structure thereby when the key structure is engaged with the keyhole structure, the first independent weighted portion is removably held together with the second independent weighted portion.

13. A dual use weight lifting apparatus comprising:

a first weighted portion having a first handle suitable for grasping by a user and a first mating surface, the first mating surface opposing the first handle;

a second weighted portion having a second handle suitable for grasping by the user and a second mating surface, the second mating surface opposing the second handle;

at least one magnet interfaced with the first mating surface; and

at least one magnet interfaced with the second mating surface;

whereas the magnets attract each other when the first mating surface is engaged with the second mating surface, thereby removably holding the first mating surface to the second mating surface until an external force separates the first mating surface from the second mating surface.

14. The dual use weight lifting apparatus of claim 13, wherein the magnets are imbedded beneath the first and second mating surfaces such that the magnets beneath the first mating surface attract the magnets beneath the second mating surface thereby removably holding the first weighted portion together with the second weighted portion.

15. The dual use weight lifting apparatus of claim 14, wherein the magnets beneath the first mating surface are oriented such that a north pole of the magnets within the first mating surface is closest to the first mating surface and the magnets beneath the second mating surface are oriented such that a south pole of the magnets within the second mating surface is closest to the second mating surface.

16. The dual use weight lifting apparatus of claim 14, wherein at least one of the magnets beneath the first mating surface is oriented such that a north pole of the at least one of the magnets beneath the first mating surface is closest to the first mating surface and at least another one of the magnets beneath the first mating surface is oriented such that a south pole of the at least another one of the magnets beneath the first mating surface is closest to the first mating surface and at least one of the magnets beneath the second mating surface is oriented such that a north pole of the at least one of the magnets beneath the second mating surface is closest to the second mating surface and at least another one of the magnets beneath the second mating surface is oriented such that a south pole of the at least another one of the magnets beneath the second mating surface is closest to the second mating surface.

17. The dual use weight lifting apparatus of claim 13, further comprising at least one catch, the catch interfaced between the weighted portions, the catch removably holding the weighted portions together.

18. The dual use weight lifting apparatus of claim 13, wherein the magnets are strips of magnets and the strips of magnets are affixed to the first and second mating surfaces such that the strips of magnets on the first mating surface attract the strips of magnets on the second mating surface thereby holding the first weighted portion together with the second weighted portion.

19. The dual use weight lifting apparatus of claim 13, wherein the magnets are strips of magnets and the strips of magnets are set flush within grooves of the first and second mating surfaces such that the strips of magnets on the first mating surface attract the strips of magnets on the second mating surface thereby holding the first weighted portion together with the second weighted portion with minimal gap between the first and second mating surfaces.

20. The dual use weight lifting apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first and second weighted portions each include a mass centrally located behind the first and second mating surfaces.