Kettlebell

Abstract

The invention provides a kettlebell having a substantially hollow body and a curved handle, where the handle is integrally coupled to the body at two handle coupling locations proximate the top of the body. The handle defines a grip area in a location farthest from the body. The handle is tapered, with the widest part of the handle located proximate the handle coupling locations, and the narrowest part of the handle located in the grip area. The taper provides improved cross-sectional strength at the intersection of the handle and the body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/167,327, entitled “KETTLEBELL,” filed on Apr. 7, 2009. The entire contents of the priority application are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of exercise devices utilizing weight resistance. Specifically, the present invention relates to a type of exercise device known as a kettlebell.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Kettlebells have been used for hundreds of years as an exercise device to provide both strength training and aerobic workouts. A user may swing, pull or press a kettlebell between several positions to create a wide range of workouts. Kettlebells are available in many weights, from less than ten pounds to over one hundred pounds.

Traditional kettlebells comprise a generally spherical cast iron weight body and a suitcase-type handle attached to the top of the weight. Cast iron, however, has a tendency to feel cold and clammy to the touch, and may damage the hardwood and tile floors often used in workout rooms and gyms. There is a need in the art, then, for kettlebells with a “softer” feel, while maintaining the functionality of a traditional kettlebell.

Many kettlebell exercises require the user to hold the kettlebell away from the body and parallel to the ground. In this position, the point of intersection between the handle and the weight is particularly vulnerable to stress. There is a need in the art, then, for a kettlebell with improved cross-sectional strength, designed to minimize the potential deflection between the kettlebell handle and the weight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved kettlebell with a “softer” feel than traditional cast iron kettlebells. In addition, the kettlebell of the present invention features improved cross-sectional strength, designed to minimize the potential deflection between the kettlebell handle and the weight.

In an embodiment, the invention provides an exercise device comprising a substantially hollow body and a curved handle extending from the body. The handle is integrally coupled to the body at two handle coupling locations proximate to the top of the body. The handle defines a grip area located farthest from the body. The handle is tapered with the widest portions of the handle located proximate the handle coupling locations, and the narrowest portion of the handle located in the grip area.

In an aspect, the cross-sectional shape of the handle is uniform along at least most of its length. In another aspect, the cross-sectional shape of the handle in the grip area is different than the cross-sectional shape of the handle proximate the handle-coupling locations. In yet another aspect, the portion of the handle in the grip area is configured with a symmetrical cross-sectional shape, and the portions of the handle proximate the handle coupling locations are each configured with an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. In still another aspect, the handle defines a longitudinal axis that lies in a handle-bisecting plane, and at least the handle is symmetric with respect to the handle-bisecting plane.

In an aspect, the diameter of the handle along axes that are perpendicular to the handle-bisecting plane gradually increases from the grip area to the handle coupling locations. In another aspect, the diameter of the handle along axes that are in the handle-bisecting plane is essentially constant from the grip area to the handle coupling locations. In yet another aspect, the taper of the handle is only on the sides of the handle that are spaced from the handle-bisecting plane. In still another aspect, the handle is nominally cylindrical, and the taper is accomplished by ridges of gradually increasing height extending from the handle on two sides of the handle.

In an aspect, the body is generally spherical in shape. In another aspect, the body is made of a polymer. In yet another aspect, the polymer is PVC. In still another aspect, the body has a generally flat bottom.

In an aspect, the handle is generally elliptically shaped. In another aspect, the handle is substantially hollow. In yet another aspect, the exercise device further comprises a flowable material filling at least some of the hollow body. In still another aspect, the hollow body comprises a removable plug.

In another embodiment, the invention provides an exercise device comprising a substantially hollow body made of polymer, a substantially hollow, generally elliptically-shaped handle extending from the body, and a flowable material filling at least some of the hollow body. The body has a generally flat bottom and a removable plug. The handle is integrally coupled to the body at two handle coupling locations proximate to the top of the body. The handle defines a grip area located farthest from the body. The handle is tapered with the widest portions of the handle located proximate the handle coupling locations, and the narrowest portion of the handle located in the grip area. The portion of the handle in the grip area is configured with a symmetrical cross-sectional shape, and the portions of the handle proximate the handle coupling locations are each configured with an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. The handle defines a longitudinal axis that lies in a handle-bisecting plane, and at least the handle is symmetric with respect to the handle-bisecting plane. The diameter of the handle along axes that are perpendicular to the handle-bisecting plane gradually increases from the grip area to the handle coupling locations. The diameter of the handle along axes that are in the handle-bisecting plane is essentially constant from the grip area to the handle coupling locations.

In another embodiment, the invention provides an exercise device, comprising a substantially hollow body made of polymer, a substantially hollow, generally elliptically-shaped handle extending from the body, and a flowable material filling at least some of the hollow body.

The body has a generally flat bottom and a removable plug. The handle is integrally coupled to the body at two handle coupling locations proximate to the top of the body and defines a grip area located farthest from the body. The handle is tapered with the widest portions of the handle located proximate the handle coupling locations, and the narrowest portion of the handle located in the grip area. The portion of the handle in the grip area is configured with a symmetrical cross-sectional shape, and the portions of the handle proximate the handle coupling locations are each configured with an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. The handle defines a longitudinal axis that lies in a handle-bisecting plane, and at least the handle is symmetric with respect to the handle-bisecting plane. The taper of the handle is only on the sides of the handle that are spaced from the handle-bisecting plane. The handle is nominally cylindrical, and the taper is accomplished by ridges of gradually increasing height extending from the handle on two sides of the handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a kettlebell constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a front view of the kettlebell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the kettlebell of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of the kettlebell of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of the kettlebell of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the kettlebell of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the kettlebell of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the kettlebell of FIG. 2A; and

FIG. 6A is a front view of the kettlebell of FIG. 1 showing the dimensions of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the kettlebell of FIG. 2A showing the dimensions of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the kettlebell of FIG. 2A showing the dimensions of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of the kettlebell of FIG. 2A showing the dimensions of a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 6E is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of the kettlebell of FIG. 2A showing the dimensions of a preferred embodiment; and

FIG. 6F is a top view of the kettlebell of FIG. 2A showing the dimensions of a preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1, kettlebell 10 comprises a substantially hollow body 20 with a curved handle 30. In a preferred embodiment, kettlebell 10 is a semi-rigid, hollow plastic vessel, and is filled with a mixture of sand and iron chips.

With reference to FIGS. 2A and 5, in a preferred embodiment, body 20 of kettlebell 10 has a generally flat bottom 70 with grooves or ridges 78. Bottom 70 and grooves or ridges 78 are configured to prevent the kettlebell 10 from rolling or tipping when placed on a flat surface. Grooves or ridges 78 also serve to protect the surfaces of wood or tile floors. In a preferred embodiment, body 20 is generally spherical in shape.

With reference to FIGS. 2A and 4, and in a preferred embodiment, handle 30 extends from body 20 and is integrally coupled to body 20 at two coupling locations 25 proximate to the top of body 20. Handle 30 and the top of body 20 together define a handhole 60 for the hand of the user to enter to grip the handle. Handle 30 defines a grip area 26 at a location in the handle that is the furthest from the body 20. Grip area 26 is sized to accommodate the user's hand. In a preferred embodiment, the interior of handle 30 is generally hollow and the thickness of the handle wall 46 is uniform along the length of the handle.

Handle 30 is preferably curved. In alternate embodiments, handle 30 may have a generally elliptical shape. In a preferred embodiment, handle 30 is tapered, with the widest part of the handle 30 located proximate the coupling locations 25 and the narrowest part of the handle 30 located in the grip area 26. The taper of handle 30 is generally represented by the contours 45 shown in FIG. 2A. The taper, and in particular the increased thickness of the handle 30 at the coupling locations 25, as compared to traditional kettlebells, accounts for the increased cross-sectional strength.

FIGS. 2B, 2C and 2D each provide a cross-sectional view of the handle 30 at three different locations. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of handle 30 at location B-B, as shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of handle 30 at location C-C, as shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of handle 30 at location D-D, as shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3 provides a cross-sectional view of kettlebell 10 at location A-A, as shown in FIG. 2A. FIGS. 6A-6F show the dimensions, in inches, of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The cross-sectional shape of the handle 30 may be uniform (e.g., circular, oval, rectangular or another closed shape) along at least most of its length. Alternately, the cross-sectional shape of the handle 30 in the grip area 26 may be different than the cross-sectional shape of the handle 30 proximate the coupling locations 25. In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the handle 30 in the grip area 26 is configured with a cylindrical symmetrical cross-sectional shape, while the portion of the handle 30 proximate the coupling locations 25 are each configured with an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. 2D.

With further reference to FIGS. 2A and 3, handle 30 defines a longitudinal axis 100, shown as a dashed line. Longitudinal axis 100 is also shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The longitudinal axis 100 lies in a handle-bisecting plane. Handle 30 is preferably symmetrical with respect to the handle-bisecting plane.

With further reference to FIGS. 6C, 6D and 6E, in a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the handle 30 along axes that are perpendicular to the handle-bisecting plane gradually increases from the grip area 26 to the coupling locations 25. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the handle 30 along the axes that are in the handle-bisecting plane is essentially constant from the grip area 26 to the coupling locations 25.

With further reference to FIGS. 2A-2D and 3, in a preferred embodiment, the taper of the handle 30 is only on the sides of the handle that are spaced from the handle-bisecting plane. The handle may also be nominally cylindrical, and the taper may be accomplished by ridges of gradually increasing height extending from the handle 30 on two sides of the handle.

With further reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, kettlebell 10 may also comprise a plug 75, which may be removed in order to at least partially fill kettlebell 10 with a flowable material. In a preferred embodiment, the flowable material is a mixture of sand and iron chips. In alternate embodiments, kettlebell 10 can be filled with water, ball bearings, or other relatively flowing substance. The weight of kettlebell 10 can be adjusted by varying the substance and/or volume of material used to fill the kettlebell 10.

In a preferred embodiment, kettlebell 10 is made by rotational molding PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), although other polymers, and in particular, thermoplastic polymers, may be used.

The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.

Claims

1. An exercise device, comprising:

a substantially hollow body; and

a curved handle extending from the body and integrally coupled to the body at two handle coupling locations proximate to the top of the body, the handle defining a grip area located farthest from the body;

where the handle is tapered with the widest portions of the handle located proximate the handle coupling locations, and the narrowest portion of the handle located in the grip area.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, where the cross-sectional shape of the handle is uniform along at least most of its length.

3. The exercise device of claim 1, where the cross-sectional shape of the handle in the grip area is different than the cross-sectional shape of the handle proximate the handle-coupling locations.

4. The exercise device of claim 3, where the portion of the handle in the grip area is configured with a symmetrical cross-sectional shape, and the portions of the handle proximate the handle coupling locations are each configured with an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape.

5. The exercise device of claim 4, where the handle defines a longitudinal axis that lies in a handle-bisecting plane, and at least the handle is symmetric with respect to the handle-bisecting plane.

6. The exercise device of claim 5, where the diameter of the handle along axes that are perpendicular to the handle-bisecting plane gradually increases from the grip area to the handle coupling locations.

7. The exercise device of claim 6, where the diameter of the handle along axes that are in the handle-bisecting plane is essentially constant from the grip area to the handle coupling locations.

8. The exercise device of claim 5, where the taper of the handle is only on the sides of the handle that are spaced from the handle-bisecting plane.

9. The exercise device of claim 8, where the handle is nominally cylindrical, and the taper is accomplished by ridges of gradually increasing height extending from the handle on two sides of the handle.

10. The exercise device of claim 1, where the body is generally spherical in shape.

11. The exercise device of claim 1, where the body is made of a polymer.

12. The exercise device of claim 11, where the polymer is PVC.

13. The exercise device of claim 1, where the handle is generally elliptically shaped.

14. The exercise device of claim 1, where the handle is substantially hollow.

15. The exercise device of claim 1, where the body has a generally flat bottom.

16. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a flowable material filling at least some of the hollow body.

17. The exercise device of claim 1, where the hollow body comprises a removable plug.

18. An exercise device, comprising:

a substantially hollow body made of polymer and having a generally flat bottom, and comprising a removable plug;

a substantially hollow, generally elliptically-shaped handle extending from the body and integrally coupled to the body at two handle coupling locations proximate to the top of the body, the handle defining a grip area located farthest from the body;

a flowable material filling at least some of the hollow body;

where the handle is tapered with the widest portions of the handle located proximate the handle coupling locations, and the narrowest portion of the handle located in the grip area;

where the portion of the handle in the grip area is configured with a symmetrical cross-sectional shape, and the portions of the handle proximate the handle coupling locations are each configured with an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape;

where the handle defines a longitudinal axis that lies in a handle-bisecting plane, and at least the handle is symmetric with respect to the handle-bisecting plane;

where the diameter of the handle along axes that are perpendicular to the handle-bisecting plane gradually increases from the grip area to the handle coupling locations; and

where the diameter of the handle along axes that are in the handle-bisecting plane is essentially constant from the grip area to the handle coupling locations.

19. An exercise device, comprising:

a substantially hollow body made of polymer and having a generally flat bottom, and comprising a removable plug;

a substantially hollow, generally elliptically-shaped handle extending from the body and integrally coupled to the body at two handle coupling locations proximate to the top of the body, the handle defining a grip area located farthest from the body;

a flowable material filling at least some of the hollow body;

where the handle is tapered with the widest portions of the handle located proximate the handle coupling locations, and the narrowest portion of the handle located in the grip area;

where the portion of the handle in the grip area is configured with a symmetrical cross-sectional shape, and the portions of the handle proximate the handle coupling locations are each configured with an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape;

where the handle defines a longitudinal axis that lies in a handle-bisecting plane, and at least the handle is symmetric with respect to the handle-bisecting plane;

where the taper of the handle is only on the sides of the handle that are spaced from the handle-bisecting plane; and

where the handle is nominally cylindrical, and the taper is accomplished by ridges of gradually increasing height extending from the handle on two sides of the handle.