Exercise Equipment Adapter
An exercise equipment adapter includes a first enclosure portion having a first divot portion and a second enclosure portion having a second divot portion. A hinge connection connects the first and second enclosure portions, the hinge connection arranging the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion in an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are mated to each other, forming an enclosure, and the first and second divot portions forming a cavity. A locking mechanism is configured to lock first enclosure to the second closure in the closed position and a handle is connected to at least one of the first and second enclosure portions.
This is a non-provisional application that claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/725,022 filed on Nov. 11, 2012, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND1. Technical Field
The present disclosure is in the field of exercise and/or body conditioning equipment. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed towards the technical field of adapters for exercise and/or body conditioning equipment. Exercise equipment for which the present adapter is useful includes, without limitation, dumbbells, barbells, home gym equipment, etc. Utilization for which the present exercise equipment adapter is useful includes, without limitation, using the adapter with a dumbbell to assist in kettlebell-like activities, etc.
2. Description of the Related Art
Past efforts have led to various disclosures directed toward adjustable exercise devices, but the previous disclosures are deficient in several respects. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,267,841 to Allison et al., the inventors disclose a design that attempts to function as both a dumbbell and a kettlebell. The design involves an upper body and a lower body that allows a handlebar of a dumbbell to be placed inside the members, and locked into place via spring locks and a pin that is located on the outside of the aforementioned members.
However, in Allison et al.'s design, the upper and lower bodies are connected only by the locking mechanism, thus relying solely on the secure locking mechanism to ensure the handle bar of the dumbbell does not become dislodged while in use. In addition, the downward force of gravity and inertial forces during movement are directed entirely through the locking mechanism. These aspects of the inventor's design increase risk of injury for the user of the design. Finally, the inventor's design is solely for dumbbell use. Accordingly, there is a need for a safer, more secure and more versatile exercise equipment adapter.
BRIEF SUMMARYAn aspect of the present subject matter is directed to an exercise equipment adapter, comprising: a first enclosure portion comprising a first divot portion; a second enclosure portion comprising a second divot portion; a hinge connection connecting the first and second enclosure portions, the hinge connection arranging the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion in an open configuration and a closed configuration, whereby, in the closed configuration, the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are mated to each other, forming an enclosure, and the first and second divot portions forming a cavity; a locking mechanism configured to lock first enclosure to the second closure in the closed position; and a handle connected to at least one of the first and second enclosure portions.
Another aspect of the present subject matter is directed to an exercise equipment adapter, comprising: a first enclosure portion comprising a first top end, a first bottom end and a first transverse divot portion; a second enclosure portion comprising a second top end, a second bottom end, a second transverse divot portion; a hinge connection connecting the first bottom end and the second bottom end, the hinge connection arranging the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion in an open configuration and a closed configuration, whereby, in the closed configuration, the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are mated to each other, and the first and second transverse divot portions form a transverse cavity; a locking mechanism configured to lock the first top end to the second top end in the closed position; and a handle connected to at least the first top end to the second top end.
A further aspect of the present subject matter is directed to an exercise equipment adapter, comprising: a first enclosure portion comprising a first top end, a first side end, and a first divot portion, the first divot portion comprising a narrow portion and a wide portion; a second enclosure portion comprising a second top end, a corresponding first side, and a second divot portion, the second divot portion having a corresponding narrow portion and a corresponding wide portion; a vertical hinge connection connecting the first side to the corresponding first side, the hinge connection arranging the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion in an open configuration and a closed configuration, whereby the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are mated to each other in the closed position, forming an enclosure and a cavity, the cavity formed by the first and second divot portions, the narrow portion and the corresponding narrow portion forming a narrow opening at a bottom of the enclosure, and the wide portion and the corresponding wide portion forming a wide cavity in a middle portion of the enclosure; a locking mechanism configured to lock the first and second enclosures in the closed position; and a handle connected to at least one of the top end and the second top end.
Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings, wherein:
Reference is now made in detail to the description of non-limiting embodiments as illustrated in the drawings. While the embodiments described may use specific materials or configurations, there is no intent to limit the subject matter to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. Accordingly, various modifications to the embodiments presented may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can be applied to other non-limiting embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed subject matter. As such, this detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present apparatus, system and method as set forth in the claims.
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A hinge connection 30 connects first bottom end 20b and second bottom end 25b in a horizontal configuration. Hinge connection 30 provides for arranging first enclosure portion 20 and second enclosure portion 25 in an open configuration (
As shown in
As depicted in the non-limiting exemplary embodiment shown in
First and second enclosures 20, 25 may be manufactured from strong, durable materials. By way of non-limiting example, materials from which first and second enclosure portions 20, 25 are manufactured from includes: plastic, rubber, metal, steel, iron, etc. The shape and configuration of first and second enclosure portions 20, 25 may vary from the non-limiting embodiment shown to accommodate different uses or applications. In particular, widths of first and second enclosure portions 20, 25 may vary, including, by way of non-limiting example, being 3-6 inches in width in order to securely attach to transverse handle portion 72, yet still fit between weighted ends 74 of exercise and/or body conditioning equipment 70, or to accommodate different uses or applications.
Handle 15 may have a shape that is square, circular, rectangular, curved, triangular or of other manner of geometric shape. By way of non-limiting example, the width handle 15 may be 6-12 inches in width in order to accommodate different hand sizes and applications or use of the device. Additionally, the width of handle 15 may be wide enough to accommodate either single or double hand-grasp of the handle simultaneously. The height between the top of handle 15 and enclosure 10 may also vary in height, by way of non-limiting example, from 3-6 inches as to accommodate different uses or applications. Additionally, handle 15 may be attached to either first enclosure portion 20 or second enclosure 25.
By way of non-limiting example, locking mechanism 35 may include any of the following descriptions of locking devices or other such mechanism that support the desired mating of first and second enclosure portions. Locking mechanism 35 may comprise mating portion 35a attached to first enclosure portion 20 and corresponding mating portion 35b attached to second enclosure portion 25. Another example of locking mechanism 35 include the joining of a male piece attached to one of first and second enclosure portions 20, 25 and a corresponding female piece attached to the other of first and second enclosure portion 20, 25, which may then be locked into place with a corresponding male and female bolt or other locking system.
By way of additional non-limiting example, the male portion may be an extension of the enclosure that projects or protrudes off either first enclosure portion 20 or second enclosure portion 25. Such a projection may or may not be made of the same material as the enclosure itself, and may or may not be attached via a fastener, as necessary by the application. A corresponding female portion may comprise an indentation on the other of the first enclosure portion 20 and second enclosure portion 25 which is configured to allow for the male portion to fit securely. The shape of the enclosure may vary from the figure shown to accommodate different methods of uses or applications.
An additional non-limiting example of locking mechanism 35 includes a spring loaded button or other device that may engages once first enclosure portion 20 is mated with second enclosure portion 25 in the closed position, forming enclosure 10. In such an exemplary embodiment, depressing the button or device, or other methods, may unload springs or other components, thus allowing enclosure 10 to be unmated, unlatched, or unlocked.
In addition to the above examples, numerous other examples for use in exercise equipment adapter 5 include, but are not exclusive to: clamp, push pin, button, strap, bolt, screw, hook, clasp, buckle, spring, or any combination of the previously mentioned items. Additional or multiple locking mechanisms 35 may be included in exercise equipment adapter 5 if required. Materials from which locking mechanism 35, including mating portions 35a, 35b, may be manufactured includes, without limitation, plastic, rubber, metal, steel, iron, etc.
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Similar to the non-limiting embodiment shown in
All above examples are not exclusive embodiments and methods and may be modified dependent upon the design applications. In the configurations of the exemplary embodiments shown, hinge connection 30 and locking mechanism 35 are relied upon to support mating, locking, and securing of first enclosure portion 20 with second enclosure portion 25. The physical structures of first enclosure portion 20 and second enclosure portion 25 support the weight and inertia of the piece of exercise equipment 70. Accordingly, hinge connection 30 and locking mechanism 35 are significantly stressed by the weight of exercise equipment 70 supported therein.
While the foregoing written description of the disclosure enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The disclosure should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.
Claims
1. An exercise equipment adapter, comprising:
- a first enclosure portion comprising a first top end, a first bottom end and a first transverse divot portion;
- a second enclosure portion comprising a second top end, a second bottom end, a second transverse divot portion;
- a hinge connection connecting the first bottom end and the second bottom end, the hinge connection arranging the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion in an open configuration and a closed configuration, whereby, in the closed configuration, the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are mated to each other, and the first and second transverse divot portions form a transverse cavity;
- a locking mechanism configured to lock the first top end to the second top end in the closed position; and
- a handle connected to at least the first top end to the second top end.
2. The exercise equipment adapter according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a male piece on one of the first and second enclosure and a corresponding female piece on the other of the first and second enclosure.
3. The exercise equipment adapter according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is selected from at least one of a clamp, a push pin, a button, a strap, a bolt, a screw, a hook, a clasp, a buckle, and a spring.
4. An exercise equipment adapter, comprising:
- a first enclosure portion comprising a first top end, a first side end, and a first divot portion, the first divot portion comprising a narrow portion and a wide portion;
- a second enclosure portion comprising a second top end, a corresponding first side, and a second divot portion, the second divot portion having a corresponding narrow portion and a corresponding wide portion;
- a vertical hinge connection connecting the first side to the corresponding first side, the hinge connection arranging the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion in an open configuration and a closed configuration,
- whereby the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are mated to each other in the closed position, forming an enclosure and a cavity, the cavity formed by the first and second divot portions, the narrow portion and the corresponding narrow portion forming a narrow opening at a bottom of the enclosure, and the wide portion and the corresponding wide portion forming a wide cavity in a middle portion of the enclosure;
- a locking mechanism configured to lock the first and second enclosures in the closed position; and
- a handle connected to at least one of the top end and the second top end.
5. The exercise equipment adapter of claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a male piece on one of the first and second enclosure and a corresponding female piece on the other of the first and second enclosure.
6. The exercise equipment adapter of claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism is selected from at least of a clamp, a push pin, a button, a strap, a bolt, a screw, a hook, a clasp, a buckle, and a spring.
7. An exercise equipment adapter, comprising:
- a first enclosure portion comprising a first divot portion;
- a second enclosure portion comprising a second divot portion;
- a hinge connection connecting the first and second enclosure portions, the hinge connection arranging the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion in an open configuration and a closed configuration,
- whereby, in the closed configuration, the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are mated to each other, forming an enclosure, and the first and second divot portions forming a cavity;
- a locking mechanism configured to lock first enclosure to the second closure in the closed position; and
- a handle connected to at least one of the first and second enclosure portions.
8. The exercise equipment adapter of claim 7, the first divot portion comprising a first transverse divot portion and the second divot portion comprising a second transverse divot portion.
9. The exercise equipment adapter of claim 8, wherein the cavity is a transverse cavity.
10. The exercise equipment adapter according to claim 7,
- the first enclosure portion further comprising: a first top end, a first side end, and the first divot portion comprising a narrow portion and a wide portion; and
- the second enclosure portion further comprising: a second top end, a corresponding first side, and the second divot portion comprising a corresponding narrow portion and a corresponding wide portion.
11. The exercise equipment adapter according to claim 10, whereby the narrow portion and the corresponding narrow portion forming a narrow opening at a bottom of the enclosure, and the wide portion and the corresponding wide portion forming a wide cavity in a middle portion of the enclosure.
12. The exercise equipment adapter of claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a male piece on one of the first and second enclosure and a corresponding female piece on the other of the first and second enclosure.
13. The exercise equipment adapter of claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism is selected from at least one of a clamp, a push pin, a button, a strap, a bolt, a screw, a hook, a clasp, a buckle, and a spring.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 8, 2013
Publication Date: May 15, 2014
Inventors: Timothy Reynolds (Red Hook, NY), Brian Rettger (Ithaca, NY)
Application Number: 14/075,522
International Classification: A63B 21/072 (20060101);