Liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus

Abstract

A liquid fillable exercise apparatus having a generally circular handle with a first hand opening on a first side and a second hand opening on a second side opposite the first side. One or more bladder elements each of which has at least one attachment member configured to releasably attach the one or more bladder elements to the handle. Each bladder element has a sealable opening configured to allow the bladder to be filled with a liquid, and a removable threaded cap for sealing the sealable opening.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/718,937 filed Dec. 18, 2012, which is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/583,389, filed Jan. 5, 2012.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to exercise apparatuses, and more particularly to a portable liquid filled exercise apparatus having one or multiple liquid filled bladders affixed to a generally circular or oval shaped handle where the handle configuration enables a plurality of additional exercises that are not possible using a single conventional exercise apparatus system, and provides a safety feature as the components that contain the weight bearing elements, or bladders, are soft and flexible, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

2. Background Art

A wide variety of portable exercise equipment in various forms has been known for many years. One of the recently more popular types of portable exercise apparatus are various portable dumbbells and the like to address the needs of users who want to be able to travel with their equipment. It can be difficult to travel with conventional dumbbells, as they are typically heavy, by design and necessity.

Accordingly, many types of liquid or water filled dumbbells have been proposed and implemented to permit easily carrying these dumbbells in a suitcase or other means, and allowing such transport in airplanes and other vehicles without taking up too much room or being overly heavy.

A significant problem with such liquid or water filled dumbbells is the difficulty of adjusting their weight so as to provide the user with a variety of weight values depending on the exercise routine to be performed. Another significant problem is that a dumbbell is limited in the scope and variety of exercise possible therewith, and does not offer the same range or scope of exercises as may be desired.

Other conventional exercise devices include kettle bells, medicine balls, free-weights, and the like. Simple kettle bells and medicine balls are well known in the art as are free-weights and dumbbells, and are useful in some circumstances, but also pose a safety risk as they are often composed of hard iron like materials. However, none of these devices are similar to the invention disclosed herein, where a removable weight system with a closed form handle is provided that can be held and used with either one or two hands.

The principal object and advantage of the present invention is a safe, portable, light-weight and adjustable removable and variable weight system that can be used with either one or two hands.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that it is easily filled with a liquid such as water, allowing for different weights to be obtained and used, and is easily packed and stored for transport and travel by simply draining the water or other fluid from the bladder or bladders, depending upon the embodiment.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the foregoing objectives, and in accordance with the purpose of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, an athletic apparatus having one or more weight, resilient, liquid fillable bladders that are easily removed from a handle allowing for one or two-handed use is provided. The apparatus is portable, comprising one or more bladder elements each having a sealable opening permitting each bladder element to be filled with a liquid and at least one releasable attachment, the at least one releasable attachment comprises a first plurality of threaded members and wherein the at least one attachment comprises a second plurality of threaded members configured to receive the first plurality of threaded members. A rigid handle member having at least one attachment area corresponding to and is configured to receive at least one releasable attachment of the one or more bladder elements. The rigid handle member having a circumference greater than a perimeter of a cross section of the one or more bladder elements and circumscribing the one or more bladder elements so as to form at least two diametrically opposed hand openings in an annular space between the rigid handle member and one or more bladder elements, wherein the at least two hand openings are disposed on opposite sides of the one or more bladder elements, the rigid handle member having a generally circular portion circumscribing a coplanar bladder base.

The portable exercise apparatus of the present invention provides for an exercise apparatus that can be used in various one or two-handed exercises, such as “lift curl and reach”, “kneeling side chop”, “weighted crunch”, “upright row” “skull crusher”, “overhead triceps extensions” and the like. These exercises allow for various kneeling and stretching exercises to strengthen and stretch the shoulders as well as the upper back.

The portable exercise apparatus can also be used for one-handed exercises such as, but not limited to, “kick back”, “half get up”, “curls”, “one arm curl”, “one arm row”, “military press”, and one arm triceps extension”.

The portable exercise apparatus of the present invention is safe, easy to use, and can be used with either one or tow hands without modifying the apparatus. The removable weight system can be secured to the handle using various fastening and locking mechanisms.

Some implementations can include weight bearing elements or bladder assemblies that can be easily filled with liquid or water in a standard bathroom or kitchen sink. The liquid or water can be easily drained from the bladder assemblies for fast and easy transport in a suitcase or the like.

Additional feature and advantages provided by the portable exercise apparatus will become apparent from the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and, together with a general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the liquid fillable exercise apparatus of the invention, showing the use of two weight bearing elements or bladders secured to a handle using thumb screws, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the liquid fillable exercise apparatus of the invention, showing the use of two weight bearing elements or bladders secured to the handle, according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the liquid fillable exercise apparatus of the invention showing the top weight bearing element or bladder secured to the handle, according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus of the invention, in this embodiment showing the use of two weight bearing elements or bladders secured to the handle, according to the invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus of the invention, in this embodiment showing the use of two weight bearing elements or bladders secured to the handle, according to the invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus of the invention, in this embodiment showing the use of one weight bearing element or bladder secured to the handle, according to the invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus of the invention, in this embodiment showing the use of one weight bearing element or bladder secured to the handle. In this view the lower portion of the handle is removed to illustrate construction detail, according to the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus of the invention, in this embodiment showing the use of one weight bearing element or bladder secured to the handle. In this view the handle is removed to illustrate construction detail of the weight bearing element or bladder and center support, according to the invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus of the invention, showing the bladder flat top surface, curved sides and enlarged bottom portion, according to the invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus of the invention, showing each bladder with a flat bottom surface, and curved slightly trapezoidal shape, according to the invention.

FIG. 11 is a top exploded view the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus of the invention, showing the fill and drain valve orientation relative to the handle according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11a is a cross section side view of the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus of the invention, showing the fill and drain valve orientation relative to the handle according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11b is a side view showing orientation of fill port 40, of the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus of the invention, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11c shows the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus of the invention, with bladder 10, and fill port 40, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11d shows the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus of the invention, showing fill port 40, as well as the mounting holes 2d, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention, described herein and illustrated in the drawings, in particular provide for the first time, a liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus 30, an athletic apparatus having one or more weight, resilient, liquid fillable bladders 10, that are easily removed from a handle 1, which may be circular, oval, or elliptical, or a modified configuration thereof, allowing for one or two-handed use. As seen in FIG. 1, liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus 30, is portable, comprising one or more bladder(s) 10, each having a sealable opening 8, as seen in FIG. 5, permitting each bladder element to be filled with a liquid and at least one releasable attachment means 4, such as securing threaded knobs or threaded thumb screws which may comprise a first plurality of threaded thumb screws and wherein the at least one releasable attachment means 4, comprises a second plurality of threaded thumb screws of knobs, configured to receive the first plurality of threaded members. The liquid fillable bladder or weight bearing elements 10, are collapsible when not filled with liquid so as to provide an easy way to pack and transport apparatus 30. The liquid fillable bladders or weight bearing elements 10, are preferably configured with a curved upper edge 36, a curved surface 37, and a bottom curved edge 38. In one embodiment, curved surface 37, is outwardly slanting so as to give bladder 10, a slightly trapezoidal type shape. In other embodiments, bladder 10, may be round, oval, rectangular, or other shape. A wide variety of releasable attachment means 4, may be used as a substitute for threaded thumb screws or knobs, such as clips, slots, snaps, and many other fastening methods. Handle 1, is preferably rigid, and made of a durable resilient material, and preferably having at least one attachment area 32, corresponding to and is configured to receive at least one releasable attachment means, such as threaded thumb screws to secure the one or more bladder(s) 10, to handle 1. Handle 1, preferably having a circumference greater than a perimeter of a cross section 33, of the one or more bladder(s) 10, and circumscribing the one or more bladder(s) 10, so as to form at least two diametrically opposed hand openings in an annular space 9, between the handle 1, and one or more bladder elements 10. The hand openings in annular space 9, are disposed on opposite sides of the one or more bladder elements 10. Preferably, handle 1, has a generally circular portion 40, circumscribing a coplanar bladder base 34.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, a center support 12, is preferably provided that supports the base of bladder 34, and to position bladder(s) 10, on handle 1. Center support 12 is secured to handle and to bladder(s) 10, by the releasable fastening means 4, which as described may be thumb screws, securing knobs, clips, slots, snaps, or the like. Center support 12, is preferably made of a durable resilient material such as plastic, thermoplastic, rubber, metal or the like. Center support 12, in a preferred embodiment, is circular in configuration as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, and may include attachment area 32, which is preferably a flat slightly enlarged surface with apertures for the releasable fastening means 4, such as thumb screw or knobs in FIGS. 1 and 2. Bladder(s) 10, may be attached to center support 12, by adhesives or form fitted thereto in manufacture, or secured by tightening releasable fastening means 4, or other fastening means such as slots, clips, snaps or the like.

The portable exercise apparatus 30, of the present invention provides for an exercise apparatus that can be used in various one or two-handed exercise, such as “lift curl and reach”, “kneeling side chop”, “weighted crunch”, “upright row” “skull crusher”, “overhead triceps extensions” and the like. These exercises allow for various kneeling and stretching exercises to strengthen and stretch the shoulders as well as the upper back.

The portable exercise apparatus can also be used for one-handed exercises such as, but not limited to, “kick back”, “half get up”, “curls”, “one arm curl”, “one arm row”, “military press”, and one arm triceps extension”.

The portable exercise apparatus of the present invention is safe, easy to use, and can be used with either one or two hands without modifying the apparatus. The removable weight system can be secure to the handle using various fastening and locking mechanisms.

Implementations as seen in FIGS. 1-11b can include various weight bearing elements or bladder(s) 10, assemblies that can be easily filled with liquid or water in a standard bathroom or kitchen sink. The liquid or water can be easily drained from the bladder assemblies for fast and easy transport in a suitcase or the like.

With reference now to FIG. 2, a bottom perspective view of the liquid fillable exercise apparatus of the invention, here showing the use of two weight bearing elements or bladder(s) 10, secured to the handle 1, according to the invention. In FIG. 2, it is seen how a preferred configuration using two bladders 10 is oriented and positioned on handle 1, and center support 12. As shown, bladders 10 do not move within handle 10, but are fixed in position by center support 12 and releasable fastening means 4. This is crucial feature of the apparatus as the liquid fillable bladders 10, when filled with a liquid such as water, are as seen in FIG. 2, taut, firm, and function as a weight bearing firm unit allowing for many and various exercises such as the ones give by example above.

In FIG. 3 a top view of the liquid fillable exercise apparatus 30, showing the top weight bearing element or bladder 10, secured to the handle 1, according to the invention. In this embodiment, releasable attachment means 4, are thumbscrews, and annular space 9, allows for correct hand positioning. Top surface 11, is preferably flattened and may be used for the placement of a logo or trademark if desired.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus 30, of the invention, in this embodiment showing the use of two weight bearing elements or bladders 10, secured to the handle 1, according to the invention. FIG. 4, shows bladder(s) 10, in a liquid filled condition and shape. When emptied of liquid, bladder(s) 10, are completely foldable, and collapsible for easy of storage in a suitcase, briefcase, or other travel mode. Bladder(s) 10, is preferably composed of selected durable, resilient, moldable, and impressionable materials such as rubber, plastic, thermoplastic, neoprene, silicone, elastomers, polysulfides, polyester, polyurethane, plastic, foam, for example, with rubber, neoprene, or silicone rubbers being preferred.

Preferred rubbers may be compounded or not and combined in some cases with structural materials such as textile fibers. Neoprene or other melastomers may also be used in various embodiments. Silicone rubbers may be utilized as well and are generally grouped into five different classes and may be selected therefrom; those having only methyl groups on the polymer chain (polydimethyl siloxanes); those having methyl and vinyl substitutions on the polymer chain; those having methyl and phenyl substitutions on the polymer chain; those having methyl, phenyl and vinyl substitutions on the polymer chain; and those having fluoro, methyl and vinyl substitutions on the polymer chain.

In one embodiment, weight bearing elements or bladder(s) 10, may be made from bi-stable plastic, rubber, or soft pliable material in order to allow the assembly to hold water or other liquid, as well as to collapse for storage or transport in a suitcase, carry bag, backpack or the like.

In another embodiment, the bladder(s) 10, comprises a rubber of a hardness of about 8 to about 120 shore. In another embodiment, the hardness is from about 18 to about 50 shore, or alternatively about 30 to about 40 shore, or alternatively about 30 shore. The rubber can comprise silicone, polyurethane and the like. It is preferred that that rubber is not tin cured as this results in an unpleasant odor. Further, it is preferred that the bladder(s) 10, in some embodiments include silicone rubber as it is know that such materials are exceptionally non-toxic.

With reference now to FIG. 5, an exploded view the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus 30, of the invention is shown, in this embodiment showing the use of two weight bearing elements or bladder(s) 10, secured to the handle 1, using releasable attachment means 4, here thumbscrews, and threads 6, on the thumb screw cap. In the upper section, filler hole 8, and the associated filler cap 7, that is used to fill and empty bladder(s) 10, which is secured to center support 12, and handle 1. Bladder(s) 10, are shown with top surface 11, which may be used for the placement of logos or trademarks. Note there is sufficient room for the user's hands to grasp handle 1, within the associated hand space 9.

In FIG. 6, an exploded view the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus 30, of the invention is shown, in this embodiment showing the use of one weight bearing element or bladder 10, secured to the handle 1, according and also showing filler hole 8, and filler cap 7. In FIG. 6, an optional center support plate 15, is also shown being secured to handle 1, by fastening means 14, which may be adhesives, slots, grooves, clips or other well known fastening means.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an exploded perspective view the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus 30, is shown, in this embodiment showing the use of one weight bearing element or bladder 10, secured to handle 1. In this view the lower portion of the handle is removed to illustrate construction detail. Handle 1, is shown with the lower portion of it removed from the drawing to show construction details. Support plate 15, is also seen in this embodiment. Handle 1, can be seen in relation to bladder 10, and center support 12, with releasable fastening means 4, being thumb screws with threads 6. In the upper section filler hole 8, and associated filler cap 7, that is used to fill and empty bladder 10, is secured to center support 12. There is sufficient room for the use's hands to grasp handle 1, in associated hand space 9. Fastening means 14, here handle threaded inserts, can be seen in the handle. Additionally, handle 1, can be seen in detail where it, in this embodiment, consists of two pieces of ultrasonically formed, or otherwise, welded together, with inner ribs 13, to create the desired semi-circle, oval, or elliptical, shape of handle 1, of FIG. 6. Additionally, handle 1, may be fabricated out of a single piece of durable resilient material such as plastic, thermoplastic, rubber, metal or the like.

In FIG. 8, a perspective view of the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus 30, is shown, in this embodiment showing the use of one weight bearing element or bladder 10, secured to the handle 1. In this view handle 1, is removed to illustrate construction detail of the weight bearing element or bladder 10, and center support 12. Filler hole 8, and associated filler cap 7, are used to fill and empty bladder 10, which is secured to center support 12.

FIG. 9 is a top view the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus 30, of the invention, showing the bladder flat top surface 11, curved surface 37, and bottom curved edge 38. If desired a logo or trademark may be placed on top flat surface 11.

With reference now to FIG. 10, a side view the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus 30 of the invention, with two bladders 10, is shown, each bladder is configured with a curved upper edge 36, and curved surface 37. In one embodiment, curved surface 37 may be outwardly slanting so as to give bladder(s) 10 a preferably slightly trapezoidal type shape. In other embodiments bladder(s) 10, may be round, oval, rectangular, or other shape.

In FIG. 11 is a top exploded view the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus of the invention, showing the fill and drain valve orientation relative to the handle according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, handle support is integral with center support embodiment, handle support is integral with center support plate 15, that supports bladder 10, that is secured to handle 1, through mounting hole 2d, with washer 5, that sits on top of the handle 1, with releasable fastening means 4, here being eight securing knobs (five shown). Bladders 10, are shown with fill port 40, with cap or plug 47.

With reference now to FIG. 11a is a cross section side view of the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus 30, showing the fill and drain port orientation relative to the handle according to one embodiment of the invention. The handle 1, is seen in cross section integral with center support plate 15, in this embodiment. The interior 2a, of bladder 10, is where it is filed with liquid or water. The bladders 10, are shown with both fill ports 40.

In FIG. 11b a side view showing an orientation of fill port 40, of the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus of the invention with bladder 10, is shown according to an embodiment of the invention

In reference now to FIG. 11c a sectional view of an embodiment of the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus of the invention is shown, showing bladder 10, with interior 2a, and fill port 40, according to one embodiment of the invention.

With reference now to FIG. 11d a top view of liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus 30, of the invention is shown with fill port 40, as well as the mounting holes 2d, for releasable fastening means 4, according to one embodiment of the invention.

It can be appreciated that the center support plate 15, will provide stiffness and constrain the bladders 10, from moving excessively relative to handle 1. It can also be seen that center support plate 15, can be configured with keyhole cutouts that can mate with the proper geometry in the weight bearing elements or bladders 10, for the purpose of securing the weight bearing elements or bladders 10, to handle 1.

In different embodiments, handle 1, may for example, be designed to be injection molded of material of similar strength to weight ratio such as a glass filled ABS material with a medium texture to allow for a secure grip. The handle may be fabricated using, for example, sand casting, lost wax casing, rubber plastic molding, or any other fabrication technique sufficient to allow for a similar geometric shape. The handle, and all of the handles disclosed herein, may also be over-moulded with a soft rubber like material for a more comfortable, and slip resistant gripping surface.

In operation and use, the liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus 30, provides numerous and beneficial advantages because of the center mounted weight bearing elements or bladders 10, with two perimeter handle areas. A perimeter handle 1, allows for griping and exercise with either one or two hands. The bladder(s) 10, can be easily filled with a liquid such as water, or drained and then compressed, or collapsed to allow for easy storage or transport, for example in a suitcase, carry bag, or backpack. The soft bladders are easily compressible for transport, low abrasion if contacted by the user, and easy to fill in a standard sink. Apparatus 30, may be used with exercise programs specifically designed for this device or otherwise.

Further, liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus 10, provides the operational advantage of a safe, portable, light-weight and adjustable, removable, and variable weight system that can be used with either one or two hands. Whether one or two bladders 10 are used, they are easily filled with water or other liquid for use, or drained allowing for compression, folding, packing or storage.

In operation and use, liquid fillable portable exercise apparatus 10, is easily filled with a liquid such as water, allowing for different weights to be obtained and used, and as discussed above, is easily packed and stored for transport and travel by simply draining the water or other fluid from the bladder or bladders, depending upon the embodiment.

Additional advantages and modification will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is, therefore, not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures from such details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A portable exercise apparatus, comprising:

one or more bladder elements each having a sealable opening permitting each bladder element to be filled with a liquid and at least one releasable attachment, the at least one releasable attachment comprises a first plurality of threaded members and a second plurality of receiving threaded members configured to receive the first plurality of threaded members, and

a rigid handle member having at least one attachment area corresponding to and configured to receive at least one releasable attachment of the one or more bladder elements, the rigid handle member having a circumference greater than a perimeter of a cross section of the one or more bladder elements and circumscribing the one or more bladder elements so as to form at least two diametrically opposed hand openings in an annular space between the rigid handle member and the one or more bladder elements, wherein the at least two hand openings are disposed on opposite sides of the one or more bladder elements, the rigid handle member having a generally circular portion circumscribing a coplanar bladder base.

2. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 1, comprising two bladder elements, each of the two bladder elements having a sealable opening permitting the respective bladder to be filled with a liquid.

3. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein the two bladder elements are nested.

4. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rigid handle member is oval in shape.

5. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rigid handle member is elliptical in shape.

6. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one releasable attachment comprises snaps or Velcro.

7. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more bladder elements are tubular in cross section and are configured to be disposed around the handle member.

8. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a handle,

one or more liquid fillable bladder elements, wherein each bladder element has at least one attachment mechanism configured to releasably attach said one or more bladder elements to the handle, wherein each of the one or more bladder elements has a sealable opening configured to allow the bladder to be filled with a liquid, or be emptied of said liquid.

9. The exercise apparatus of claim 8, wherein said handle is generally circular and has at least one hand opening.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 8, wherein said at least one attachment mechanism configured to releasably attach said one or more bladder elements to said handle includes a plurality of threaded members configured to mate with a corresponding threaded member on the handle.

11. The exercise apparatus of claim 8, wherein said sealable opening includes a threaded port coupled to a corresponding bladder and a threaded cap adapted to be attached to said port.

12. A liquid fillable exercise apparatus, comprising:

a generally circular handle having a first hand opening on a first side and a second hand opening of a second side opposite said first side; and

one or more bladder elements, wherein each bladder element has at least one attachment member configured to releasably attach the one or more bladder elements to said handle, wherein each bladder element has a sealable opening configured to allow the bladder to be filled with a liquid, and a removable threaded cap for sealing said sealable opening.

13. The liquid fillable exercise apparatus of claim 12, wherein said sealable opening is disposed on a side of each corresponding bladder.

14. The liquid fillable exercise apparatus of claim 12, wherein said sealable opening is disposed on an inside middle surface of each corresponding bladder.

15. The liquid fillable exercise apparatus of claim 12, wherein said handle is circular in configuration.

16. The liquid fillable exercise apparatus of claim 12, wherein said handle is elliptical in configuration.