Collapsible kettlebell

Abstract

A system and method for collapsing a kettlebell for storage and transport. The system uses a bladder having an inlet releasably coupled to a cap. A ring is provided around the bladder and a handle is pivotably coupled to the ring. For transport and storage, the cap may be removed from the inlet and the bladder emptied of its contents. The kettlebell may then be collapsed and the cap reattached to the inlet. The handle is rotated to a position generally parallel to the ring, decreasing the height and weight of the system by at least fifty percent. When it is desired to use the kettlebell system for exercise, the cap is removed from the inlet and the bladder filled with a material, such as water. The cap is reattached to the inlet and the handle is rotated to a position generally orthogonal to the ring.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates in general to a kettlebell system for exercise and, more particularly, to a collapsible kettlebell system that may be collapsed for transport and storage, and filled with a fluid for use in exercise.

BACKGROUND

The use of kettlebells for exercise has been known for over two hundred years. Although the sizes and configurations of kettlebells vary, one common configuration is a solid metal ball having a flat bottom and being integrally formed with a metal handle. Many kettlebells are cast from iron to reduce cost and increase weight of the kettlebell. Kettlebells having adjustable weights or constructed of alternative materials range in weight between 2.0 and 80.0 kilograms. The advantage of kettlebells over dumbbells is the swinging nature of the weight on a kettlebell allowing for swinging and release moves not easily accomplished with traditional dumbbells.

One drawback associated with prior art kettlebells is that their bulk and weight make them unsuitable for transport and storage. It would be desirable to provide a kettlebell which may be collapsed and lightened for storage and transport, and increased in both bulk and weight for exercise. Prior art devices such as that described in U.S. patent application No. 13/017,347 are known to provide various plastic parts provided around a collapsible bladder. The collapsible bladder may be filled with a liquid, such as water, metal shavings, sand or other heavy substances. While such collapsible kettlebell systems do decrease the weight and bulk of kettlebells for transport and storage, such systems have their own drawbacks.

One drawback associated with such systems is the time required to assemble the kettlebell for exercise. As various parts must be inserted into one another and/or connected to one another, it would be desirable to provide a collapsible kettlebell system which can be more readily placed into service. Another drawback associated with such prior art collapsible kettlebell systems is the number of detached parts. As the number of detachable parts of the collapsible kettlebell system increases, the likelihood of losing or damaging one of the parts during transport and storage is increased. As the loss or destruction of even a single part may render the collapsible kettlebell useless for its intended purpose, it is desirable to provide a collapsible kettlebell system with fewer detachable parts.

Yet another drawback associated with prior art collapsible kettlebell systems is the lack of lateral support. As such prior art systems include a flexible bladder, the exposed flexible circumference of the bladder makes it susceptible to damage and defamation when it is used for exercise. It would, therefore, be desirable to provide a collapsible kettlebell system with greater structural integrity around its circumference.

The difficulties encountered in the prior art heretofore are substantially eliminated by the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

This summary is provided as a simplified, general introduction to selected concepts that are described in more detail below. This summary is not intended as a comprehensive identification of the key features or essential elements of the subject matter claimed below. This summary is also not intended to be used in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The disclosed subject matter relates to a collapsible kettlebell system. A cap is provided over the inlet for a flexible bladder. A ring is provided around the bladder and a handle is coupled to the ring. The handle is rotatable from a first position generally parallel to the ring, to a second position generally orthogonal to the ring. The bladder may be filled with a fluid, such as water, to increase the weight for exercise. The handle may be rotated orthogonal to the ring to allow the kettlebell to be grasped, and to provide the circumference of the kettlebell with greater structural integrity. When it is desired to store or transport the kettlebell, the cap is removed from the inlet and the contents of the bladder are removed. The bladder is collapsed and the cap reattached to the inlet. The handle is then rotated generally parallel with the ring, thereby decreasing the height and weight of the kettlebell by at least fifty percent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation of a kettlebell system embodying the subject matter of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation of the kettlebell system of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the kettlebell system of FIG. 1, shown in the collapsed orientation;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom plan view of the kettlebell system of FIG. 1, shown in the collapsed orientation; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of the kettlebell system of FIG. 1, shown in the collapsed orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The claimed subject matter will now be described with reference to drawings wherein like numerals represent like elements throughout. The present subject matter relating to a kettlebell system and method for collapsing a kettlebell is shown generally as (10) in FIG. 1. The kettlebell system comprises a collapsible kettlebell (12). The collapsible kettlebell (12) has a resilient and collapsible bladder (14). The bladder (14) is constructed of a flexible and resilient material, such as high density polyethylene. Alternatively, the bladder (14) may be constructed of low density polyethylene, silicone, rubber or any suitable material known in the art to be collapsed and then returned to its original shape. The bladder (14) is preferably less than 5.0 millimeters thick, more preferably less than 3.0 millimeters thick and, most preferably, less than 0.5 millimeter thick. The bladder (14) preferably has a volume between 1.5 and 15.0 liters, more preferably between 3.0 and 12.0 liters and, most preferably, between 4.0 and 10.0 liters.

An inlet (16) is provided on the bladder (14). A cap (18) is releasably coupled to the inlet (16) by threads (20) on the inlet (16) and threads (22) on the cap (18). (FIGS. 1 and 5). The cap (18) may be constructed of any suitable material, such as high density polyethylene, rubber, polypropylene or any suitable material. While the cap (18) and inlet (16) may be of any desired size, the cap (18) is preferably between 8.0 and 12.0 centimeters in diameter. The cap (18) is provided with a integrally molded handle (24) to allow the cap (18) to be more easily screwed into and removed from the inlet (16). As shown in FIG. 1, the cap (18) is preferably provided with a flat top surface (26) and provided with a recess (28) therein, within which is provided a handle (24). While the inlet (16) may be molded of a different material that that comprising the bladder (14), in the preferred embodiment, the inlet (16) is a plastic ring constructed of high density polyethylene. Alternatively, the inlet (16) may be constructed of steel, aluminum, galvanized zinc or any desired rigid material. Preferably, the inlet (16) is constructed of a rust-proof material, and is constructed to be more rigid than the bladder (14).

The inlet (16) is glued, welded or otherwise secured into watertight engagement with the bladder (14). Provided on the bottom of the bladder (14) is a foot (30), constructed of high-density polyethylene or any desired material. The foot (30) is of a frusto conical configuration and is glued, welded or otherwise secured into watertight engagement with the bladder (14). Preferably, the foot (30) is of a smaller diameter than the inlet (16).

A ring (32) circumscribes the bladder (14). (FIG. 2) The ring (32) is preferably constructed of aluminum, but may be constructed of plastic or a rust resistant metal, such as stainless steel. The ring (32) is glued, welded or otherwise secured to the bladder (14). Preferably, the ring (32) is secured to the exterior surface (34) of the bladder (14), but may be secured into watertight engagement with the top (36) and the bottom (38) of the bladder (14), so the ring (32) forms a portion of the interior surface (40) of the bladder (14), as well as the exterior surface (34). The ring (32) is provided with an arcuate inner surface (42) of a curvature similar to the exterior surface (34) of the bladder (14). The ring (32) is preferably 2.0 to 5.0 centimeters high and preferably 0.01 to 1.5 millimeters thick.

A handle (44) is pivotably coupled to the ring (32) by a pair of pins (46) and (48). (FIGS. 1 and 3). The pins (46) and (48) are preferably constructed of stainless steel, plastic or other abrasion and rust-resistant material. As shown in FIG. 1, the handle (44) is of a generally integral circular shape having a grip (50), two side arms (52) and (54), and a lower connecting rod (56). The handle (44) is constructed of aluminum, but may be constructed of steel, zinc or any strong, rigid material. Provided over the grip (50) is a flexible silicon sleeve (58) to make the grip (50) easier to retain.

As shown in FIG. 1, the grip (50) may be ergonomically constructed to fit the shape of a user's hand (not shown). The distance between the grip (50) and the cap (18) may be of any desired distance to facilitate the insertion of a user's hand (not shown) therebetween and to perform desired kettlebell exercises.

The side arms (52) and (54) are secured to the ring (32) by the pins (46) and (48). The lower connecting rod (56) is preferably of a circular, or half-circular, cross-section to allow the lower connecting rod (56) to fit into engagement with a slot (60) formed in the foot (30). (FIGS. 1 and 4). Preferably, the slot (60) is deeper than the diameter of the rod (56), thereby allowing the foot (30) to sit flush on a surface (62) without the rod (56) extending beyond the slot (60), and causing the kettlebell (12) to become unstable. Additionally, the slot (60) serves to retain the lower connecting rod (56) in place and prevent its dislodgement as the kettlebell (12) is used in various exercises.

As shown in FIG. 2, one side of the ring (32) is provided with a flat surface (64) which engages a flat surface (66) of the bladder (14). This orientation allows the handle (44) to rotate out of engagement with the foot (30) and reside in a collapsed orientation with the lower connecting rod (56) in engagement with the flat surface (64) of the ring (32). (FIGS. 2-3).

When it is desired to use the collapsible kettlebell (12) of the present invention, the cap (18) is removed from the inlet (16) by unscrewing the cap (18) therefrom. The bladder (14) is thereafter filled with a material (68). In the preferred embodiment, the material (68) is a fluid, such as water, however, the material (68) may be sand, marbles, gravel or any other desired material. Preferably, the material (68) provided within the bladder (14) weighs at least two hundred percent of the combined weight of the bladder (14), ring (32) and handle (44). Once the desired amount of material (68) has been provided within the bladder (14), the cap (18) is screwed into the inlet (16) as shown in FIG. 1. The handle (44) is rotated into a first position shown generally as (70) in FIG. 1, where the handle (44) is generally orthogonal to the ring (32) and the lower connecting rod (56) is provided into engagement with the slot (60) of the foot (30). The collapsible kettlebell (12) may thereafter be used for exercising.

When it is desired to store or transport eh collapsible kettlebell (12), the handle (44) is rotated so the connecting rod (56) moves out of engagement with the foot (30) so the cap (18) may be unscrewed from the inlet (16). The material (68) is thereafter dumped or otherwise removed from the bladder (14). The handle (44) is thereafter moved into a second position, shown generally as (72) in FIG. 3, wherein the handle (44) is generally parallel to the ring (32). It is desirable that the height of the kettlebell (12) in the first position (70) is at least three hundred percent and, more preferably, five hundred percent the height of the kettlebell (12) in the second position (72). The cap (18) is threaded into engagement with the inlet (16) so that the kettlebell (12) may be stored and transported. The airtight seal of the cap (18) with the inlet (16) prevents the bladder (18) from filling with air and expanding in size during transport and storage.

Additionally, as shown in Fig: 4, the lower connecting rod (56) engages with the flat surface (64) of the ring (32). The ring (32) is preferably resilient so the flat surface (64) of the ring (32) is pressed into engagement with the lower connecting rod (56) during transport and storage of the kettlebell. This prevents the lower connecting rod (56) from becoming inadvertently dislodged from the flat surface (64) of the ring (32) and the kettlebell (12) moving out of the second position (72) during transport and storage. If desired, the flat surface (64) of the ring (32) may be provided with an indentation (74) to accept the lower connecting rod (56) and further prevent inadvertent dislodgement from the flat surface (64) of the ring (32) during transport and storage. (FIGS. 2 and 4).

Although the invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited since changes and modifications can be made therein which are within the full, intended scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A collapsible kettlebell comprising:

(a) a bladder;

(b) an inlet provided on the bladder;

(c) a cap releasably coupled to the inlet;

(d) a ring provided around the bladder, wherein the ring is more rigid than the bladder; and

(e) a handle coupled to the ring.

2. The collapsible kettlebell of claim 1, wherein the ring circumscribes the bladder.

3. The collapsible kettlebell of claim 1, wherein the handle is pivotably coupled to the ring.

4. The collapsible kettlebell of claim 1, wherein the handle is pivotable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position has a height at least two hundred percent of the second position.

5. The collapsible kettlebell of claim 1, wherein the handle is pivotable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position has a height at least three hundred percent of the second position.

6. The collapsible kettlebell of claim 1, wherein the handle is pivotable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position has a height at least five hundred percent of the second position.

7. The collapsible kettlebell of claim 1, wherein the handle is rotatable from a first position generally parallel to the ring, to a second position generally orthogonal to the ring.

8. The collapsible kettlebell of claim 1, further comprising a fluid provided within the bladder.

9. The collapsible kettlebell of claim 8, wherein the fluid within the bladder weighs at least two hundred percent of the combined weight of the bladder, the ring and the handle.

10. The collapsible kettlebell of claim 1, wherein the bladder is less than 3.0 millimeters thick.

11. The collapsible kettlebell of claim 1, wherein the bladder is less than 1.0 millimeter thick.

12. The collapsible kettlebell of claim 1, wherein the bladder has a volume of between 1.5 liters and 15.0 liters.

13. The collapsible kettlebell of claim 1, wherein the bladder has a volume of between 3.0 liters and 12.0 liters.

14. The collapsible kettlebell of claim 1, wherein the kettlebell is provided with a flat top, a flat bottom, a flat side and curved surfaces over at least twenty-five percent of its remaining surfaces.

15. A collapsible kettlebell comprising:

(a) a resilient, collapsible bladder defining an inlet;

(b) a cap releasably coupled over the inlet;

(c) a metal ring provided around the bladder; and

(d) a handle coupled to the ring.

16. The collapsible kettlebell of claim 15, wherein the handle circumscribes the bladder.

17. The collapsible kettlebell of claim 15, wherein the handle is privotably coupled to the ring.

18. The collapsible kettlebell of claim 15, wherein the handle is pivotable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position has a height at least two hundred percent of the second position.

19. A method for using a kettlebell comprising:

(a) proving a kettlebell comprising: (i) a bladder; (ii) an inlet provided on the bladder; (iii) a cap releasably coupled to the inlet; (iv) a ring provided around the bladder, wherein the ring is more rigid than the bladder; and (v) a handle coupled to the ring;

(b) removing the cap from the inlet;

(c) providing at least one liter of fluid into the bladder;

(d) securing the cap to the inlet;

(e) rotating the handle from a first position generally parallel to the ring, to a second position generally orthogonal to the ring;

(f) rotating the handle from the second position to the first position;

(g) emptying the fluid from the bladder; and

(h) collapsing the bladder to less than twenty-five percent of its original height.

20. The method for using a kettlebell of claim 19, wherein the fluid weighs at least two hundred percent of the combined weight of the bladder, the ring and the handle.