LIQUID-CONTAINING WEIGHTED DEVICE SUITABLE FOR USE IN FITNESS, TRAINING, CONDITIONING AND/OR REHABILITATION

Abstract

Liquid-containing weighted device usable on land and/or in water and suitable for use in fitness, training, conditioning and/or rehabilitation. According to one embodiment, the device may include a closed receptacle, at least a portion of which may be transparent or translucent to permit a user to view its contents. The receptacle may be partially filled with a mixture of a liquid, such as water, and one or more insoluble solid materials, such as glitter and/or gravel. The mixture, when in motion, creates an inertia that provides an undertow reaction to assist with reverse movements to reduce or to eliminate kinetic joint load. In addition, as the mixture is in motion, the gravel scrapes against the inner surface of the receptacle, thereby enabling the device to create a rhythmic sound when being used, which may enhance its usability when a user is exercising to music.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/757,572, filed Jan. 28, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to liquid-containing weighted devices of the type suitable for use in one or more of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation and relates more particularly to a novel such liquid-containing weighted device.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,285, inventors Fischer, Sr. et al., which issued Feb. 28, 1995, and which is incorporated herein by reference, there is disclosed a liquid-containing weighted exercise device. The liquid-containing weighted exercise device of the aforementioned patent is a low-impact exercise device. According to one embodiment, which embodiment is designed for two-handed use, the exercise device comprises a rigid body comprising an elongated cylinder having a side wall and opposed end walls. The exercise device also comprises a pair of end caps attached at the end walls of the rigid body and further comprises a pair of handle elements, each handle element being attached to an outer surface of an end cap. A weight adjusting cavity may be defined by an end cap. The end cap may further comprise a cover removably attachable to secure a weight adjusting element within the cavity. The outer surfaces of the end caps are convex surfaces, and the handle element comprises a strap adapted for adjustable attachment across a user's hand gripped upon the convex surface of the end cap.

According to another embodiment disclosed in the aforementioned patent, which embodiment is designed for one-handed use, the exercise device comprises a rigid body comprising an elongated arcuate member having a side wall, a first end and a second end. The device also comprises handle means comprising an elongated handle end cap member extending between the first and second ends and defining a handle surface. Preferably, a weight adjusting cavity is defined by the handle end cap member, which further comprises a cover removably attachable to secure a weight adjusting element within the weight adjusting cavity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel liquid-containing weighted device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel liquid-containing weighted device that is suitable for use in one or more of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid-containing weighted device that comprises (a) a closed receptacle, the closed receptacle having a volume; and (b) a mixture disposed within the closed receptacle, the mixture occupying less than the entirety of the volume of the closed receptacle, the mixture comprising a liquid and one or more types of solids that are insoluble in the liquid, wherein at least one type of solid of the one or more types of solids produces an audible sound against the closed receptacle when the liquid-containing weighted device is moved.

In a preferred feature of the invention, at least one type of solid of the one or more types of solids comprises a quantity of gravel.

In another preferred feature of the invention, at least a portion of the closed receptacle may be one of translucent and transparent.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the mixture may occupy about 40% to about 50% of the volume of the closed receptacle.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the liquid may comprise water.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the at least one or more types of solids may further comprise a light-reflective and/or light-dispersive material.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the closed receptacle may be generally spherical.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the closed receptacle may be generally cylindrical.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the closed receptacle may be generally kettlebell-shaped.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid-containing weighted device that comprises (a) a first closed receptacle, the first closed receptacle having a volume; (b) a mass disposed within the first closed receptacle, the mass occupying less than the entirety of the volume of the first closed receptacle, the mass comprising a liquid; and (c) a bar, the bar having a first end and a second end, the first closed receptacle being coupled to the first end of the bar.

In a preferred feature of the invention, the liquid-containing weighted device may further comprise a wrist strap, the wrist strap being coupled to the bar proximate to the second end.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the mass may further comprise at least one of a first type of solid and a second type of solid, the first type of solid comprising a material that produces an audible sound against the first closed receptacle when the liquid-containing weighted device is moved and the second type of solid comprising a light-reflective and/or light-dispersive material. For illustrative purposes only, the first type of solid material may be gravel, and the second type of solid material may be glitter.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the first closed receptacle may be removably coupled to the first end of the bar.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the first closed receptacle may be generally spherical.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the first closed receptacle may be generally cylindrical.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the first closed receptacle may be generally kettlebell-shaped.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the liquid-containing weighted device may further comprise a second closed receptacle having a volume and a mass disposed within the second closed receptacle, the second closed receptacle being coupled to the second end of the bar.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid-containing weighted device that comprises (a) a pair of closed receptacles, each of the pair of closed receptacles having a volume; (b) a mass disposed within each of the closed receptacles, the mass occupying less than the entirety of the volume of each of the closed receptacles, the mass comprising a liquid; and (c) a bar, the bar having a first end and a second end, one of the closed receptacles being coupled to the first end of the bar, the other of the closed receptacles being coupled to the second end of the bar.

In a preferred feature of the invention, the closed receptacles may be generally spherical.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the closed receptacles may be generally cylindrical.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the closed receptacles may be generally kettlebell-shaped.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the mass may further comprise at least one of a first type of solid and a second type of solid, the first type of solid comprising a material that produces an audible sound against the closed receptacle when the liquid-containing weighted device is moved and the second type of solid comprising a light-reflective and/or light-dispersive material.

For illustrative purposes only, the first type of solid material may be gravel, and the second type of solid material may be glitter.

In another preferred feature of the invention, each of the closed receptacles may be removably coupled to the bar.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the liquid-containing weighted device may further comprise a first collar and a second collar, wherein one of the closed receptacles may be secured to the first collar and the other of the closed receptacles may be secured to the second collar, and wherein the first end of the bar may be screwed to the first collar and the second end of the bar may be screwed to the second collar.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid-containing weighted device that comprises (a) a weighted object; (b) a second weighted object; and (c) a bar, the bar being reversibly connectable to each of the first weighted object and the second weighted object; (d) wherein each of the first and second weighted objects has an integrally-formed handle.

In another preferred feature of the invention, each of the first weighted object and the second weighted object may comprise a closed receptacle and a mass disposed within the closed receptacle, the mass occupying less than the entirety of the volume of the closed receptacle, the mass comprising a liquid.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the mass may further comprise at least one of a first solid that is insoluble in the liquid and a second solid that is insoluble in the liquid, the first solid producing an audible sound against the closed receptacle when the liquid-containing weighted device is moved, the second solid being light-reflective and/or light dispersive.

Additional objects, as well as features and advantages, of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments for practicing the invention. The embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are hereby incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1(a) is a side view of a first embodiment of a liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in one or more of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the device being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 1(b) is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section view of the device of FIG. 1(a), with the contents of the receptacle not being shown;

FIGS. 2(a) through 2(e) are diagrammatic sequential views showing the device of FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) used as a training device for golf;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a second embodiment of a liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in one or more of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the device being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIGS. 4(a) through 4(e) are diagrammatic views showing the device of FIG. 3 used as a training device for tennis (serves, ground strokes, sweeps, backhands, and rotator warm-ups, respectively);

FIG. 5(a) is a side view of a third embodiment of a liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in one or more of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the device being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 5(b) is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section view of the device of FIG. 5(a), with the contents of the receptacles not being shown;

FIGS. 6(a) through 6(f) are diagrammatic views of various exemplary exercises (e.g., presses, rows, spinal twists and upper back strengtheners, simple torso twists, lat flies, and bicep curls, respectively) that may be performed using the device of FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b);

FIG. 7 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in one or more of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the device being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 8(a) through 8(c) are diagrammatic views of various exemplary exercises (e.g., walking pumps, jogging, and scissor twists, respectively) that may be performed using the device of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 8(d) through 8(f) are diagrammatic sequential views showing the device of FIG. 7 used to perform a lunge with curl and press exercise;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of a liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in one or more of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the device being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a sixth embodiment of a liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in one or more of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the device being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIGS. 11(a) through 11(e) are diagrammatic views of various exemplary exercises (e.g., pumps, swingers, scissors, stretches, and rotation warm-ups, respectively) that may be performed using the device of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a seventh embodiment of a liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in one or more of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the device being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention; and

FIGS. 13(a) through 13(f) are diagrammatic views of various exemplary exercises (e.g., sways, figure eights, presses, sitting rainbows, squats, and twists, respectively) that may be performed using the device of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), there are shown side and enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section views, respectively, of a first embodiment of a liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in one or more of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the device being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and being represented generally by reference numeral 11.

Device 11 may comprise a receptacle 13, a mass 15, a collar 17, a bar 19, and a wrist strap 21.

Receptacle 13 may be a generally spherical member made of a lightweight yet durable material, such as, but not limited to, a blow-molded polyvinyl chloride or a similarly suitable material. At least a portion of receptacle 13 may be sufficiently translucent or transparent so that the contents of receptacle 13 may be viewed, for example, by the user of device 11 while device 11 is being used. In the present embodiment, receptacle 13 may have a diameter of about 6 inches; however, it can readily be appreciated that the diameter of receptacle 13 may be greater than or less than 6 inches without departing from the present invention.

It should be understood that, although receptacle 13 of device 11 is disclosed herein as being spherical, receptacle 13 need not be spherical and may take other shapes.

Mass 15, which may be disposed within receptacle 13, may comprise a mixture of a liquid 23 and at least one type of solid that is insoluble in liquid 23. According to one embodiment, liquid 23 may comprise water and may preferably comprise distilled water. The distilled water may contain an aquamarine colorant or other similar agent for inhibiting murkiness of liquid 23. The at least one insoluble solid may comprise a light-reflective and/or light-dispersive material 25. Examples of the light-reflective and/or light-dispersive material 25 may comprise glitter, MYLAR® polyester film particles and/or foil particles. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one insoluble solid may comprise a noise-producing material 26 of the type that may generate an audible scraping or scratching sound against receptacle 13 when device 11 is in use. For purposes of the present specification and claims, an audible scraping or scratching sound is defined to mean a sound that is audible to the unaided ear of the user, i.e., without requiring the use of a sound magnifying or enhancing device, during the ordinary use of device 11. Examples of the noise-producing material 26 may comprise, but are not limited to, gravel, such as colored or uncolored gravel. Due to presence of noise-producing material 26, device 11 can be used like a percussion instrument, such as a maraca, to enhance a user's experience, such as, for example, when moving device 11 in sync with music. Mass 15 may further comprise other components, such as soluble or dispersible colorants and/or soluble or dispersible thickeners, and/or may further comprise a second liquid, which may or may not be miscible with the first liquid.

Preferably, the volume of mass 15 is less than the available internal volume of receptacle 13 and more preferably, the volume of mass 15 is about 40% to about 50% of the available internal volume of receptacle 13.

Mass 15 may be introduced into receptacle 13 through an opening (not shown). Such an opening may be sealed with a patch, which may be made of the same material as receptacle 13, after mass 15 has been loaded into receptacle 13. The introduction of mass 15 into said opening of receptacle 13 and the sealing of said opening may take place prior to the coupling of receptacle 13 to collar 17.

Collar 17, which may be a unitary member made of a molded polymer, may comprise a concave surface 27 that is appropriately shaped to receive receptacle 13. Preferably, receptacle 13 is bonded to concave surface 27 with a suitable bonding agent (not shown), which may be, for example, an epoxy. Opposite to concave surface 27, collar 17 may be further shaped to include an internally-threaded bore 28, which preferably terminates prior to concave surface 27. Said internally-threaded bore may be used to threadingly receive an externally-threaded end 29 of bar 19.

Bar 19 may comprise an elongated member, which may be a solid rod or a hollow tube. Examples of suitable materials for bar 19 may include, for example, a wood dowel or a lightweight metal rod, such as an aluminum rod. In the present embodiment, bar 19 may have a length of approximately 12 inches; however, it can readily be appreciated that the length of bar 19 may be greater than or less than 12 inches without departing from the present invention. A wrap 31, which may be, for example, an ethylene vinyl acetate foam wrap, may be provided around a portion of bar 19 to cushion bar 19, to improve its grip and/or to waterproof bar 19. An end 33 of bar 19 may be enlarged to retain wrist strap 21, which may be, for example, a vinyl strap adapted to slip around a user's wrist. In the present embodiment, strap 21 may have a length of approximately 5 inches; however, it can readily be appreciated that the length of strap 21 may be greater than or less than 5 inches without departing from the present invention.

Device 11 may have a weight of, for example, approximately 3 lbs. Depending on the volume of mass 15 within receptacle 13, device 11 may be buoyant. It should be appreciated that bar 19 may be reversibly screwed into and unscrewed from collar 17. In this manner, device 11 may be stored in a compacted state, with bar 19 unscrewed from collar 17, or device 11 may be used without bar 19 attached to collar 17.

One or more devices 11 may be used, for example, on land and/or in water and may be used, for example, to perform exercises of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,285. Alternatively, device 11 may be used, for example, as a training device for golf, as shown in FIGS. 2(a) through 2(e) of the present application.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a side view of a second embodiment of a liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in one or more of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the device being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and being represented generally by reference numeral 111.

Device 111 may be similar in many respects to device 11, the principal differences between device 111 and device 11 being that device 111 may have a receptacle 113 of reduced diameter and a collar 117 of correspondingly reduced size, as compared to receptacle 13 and collar 17. For example, receptacle 113 may have a 4-inch diameter, as opposed to an 6-inch diameter. Consequently, device 111 may have a weight of, for example, 2 lbs., as opposed to device 11, which may have a weight of, for example, 3 lbs.

One or more devices 111 may be used, for example, on land and/or in water and may be used, for example, to perform exercises of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,285. Alternatively, device 111 may be used, for example, as a training device for tennis, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) through 4(e) of the present application.

Referring now to FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), there are shown side and enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section views, respectively, of a third embodiment of a liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in one or more of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the device being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and being represented generally by reference numeral 211.

Device 211 may comprise a pair of receptacles 213-1 and 213-2, a pair of masses 215-1 and 215-2, a pair of collars 217-1 and 217-2, and a bar 219.

Each of receptacles 213-1 and 213-2 may be similar in shape to a kettlebell (but need not be kettlebell-shaped) and may be made of a lightweight yet durable material, such as, but not limited to, a blow-molded polyvinyl chloride or a similarly suitable material. At least a portion of each of receptacles 213-1 and 213-2 may be sufficiently translucent or transparent so that the contents of receptacles 213-1 and 213-2 may be viewed, for example, by the user of device 211 while device 211 is being used.

A wrap 220-1, which may be, for example, an ethylene vinyl acetate foam wrap, may be applied to an integrally-formed handle portion of receptacle 213-1, and a wrap 220-2, which may be an ethylene vinyl acetate foam wrap, may be applied to an integrally-formed handle portion of receptacle 213-2.

Mass 215-1 may be disposed within receptacle 213-1, and mass 215-2 may be disposed within receptacle 213-2. Each of masses 215-1 and 215-2 may comprise a mixture of a liquid 223 and at least one type of solid that is insoluble in liquid 223. According to one embodiment, liquid 223 may comprise water and may preferably comprise distilled water. The distilled water may contain an aquamarine colorant or other similar agent for inhibiting murkiness of liquid 223. The at least one insoluble solid may comprise a light-reflective and/or light-dispersive material 225. Examples of the light-reflective and/or light-dispersive material 225 may comprise glitter, MYLAR® polyester film particles and/or foil particles. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one insoluble solid may comprise a noise-producing material 226 of the type that may generate an audible scraping or scratching sound against receptacles 213-1 and 213-2 when device 211 is in use. Examples of the noise-producing material 226 may comprise, but are not limited to, gravel, such as colored or uncolored gravel. Due to presence of noise-producing material 226, device 211 can be used like a percussion instrument, such as a maraca, to enhance a user's experience, such as, for example, when moving device 211 in sync with music. Each of masses 215-1 and 215-2 may further comprise other components, such as soluble or dispersible colorants and/or soluble or dispersible thickeners, and/or may further comprise a second liquid, which may or may not be miscible with the first liquid.

Preferably, the volumes of masses 215-1 and 215-2 are less than the available internal volumes of receptacles 213-1 and 213-2, respectively. More preferably, the volumes of masses 215-1 and 215-2 are about 40% to about 50% of the available internal volumes of receptacles 213-1 and 213-2, respectively.

Masses 215-1 and 215-2 may be introduced into receptacles 213-1 and 213-2, respectively, through an opening (not shown) in each of receptacles 213-1 and 213-2. Each of said openings may be sealed with a patch, which may be made of the same material as receptacles 213-1 and 213-2, after masses 215-1 and 215-2 have been loaded into receptacles 213-1 and 213-2, respectively. The introduction of masses 215-1 and 215-2 into the openings of receptacles 213-1 and 213-2 and the sealing of said openings may take place prior to the coupling of receptacles 213-1 and 215-2 to collars 217-1 and 217-2, respectively.

Collars 217-1 and 271-2, each of which may be a unitary member made of a molded polymer or another similarly suitable material, may comprise surfaces 227-1 and 227-2, respectively, that are appropriately shaped to receive receptacles 213-1 and 213-2, respectively. Preferably, receptacles 213-1 and 213-2 are bonded to surfaces 227-1 and 227-2 with a suitable bonding agent (not shown), which may be, for example, an epoxy. (It should be understood that, whereas collars 217-1 and 217-2 are shown in the present embodiment as abutting receptacles 213-1 and 213-2, respectively, collars 217-1 and 217-2 could be appropriately shaped to receive the ends of receptacles 213-1 and 213-2, respectively.) Opposite to surfaces 227-1 and 227-2, collars 217-1 and 217-2 may be further shaped to include internally-threaded bores 218-1 and 218-2, respectively, which preferably terminate prior to surfaces 227-1 and 227-2, respectively. Said internally-threaded bores 218-1 and 218-2 may be used to threadingly receive externally-threaded ends 228-1 and 228-2 of bar 219.

Bar 219 may comprise an elongated member, which may be a solid rod or a hollow tube. Examples of suitable materials for bar 219 may include, for example, a wood dowel or a lightweight metal rod, such as an aluminum rod. In the present embodiment, bar 219 may have a length of, for example, approximately 14 inches. A wrap 230, which may be, for example, an ethylene vinyl acetate foam wrap, may be provided around a portion of bar 219 to cushion bar 219, to improve its grip and/or to waterproof bar 219.

Device 211 may have a weight of, for example, approximately 6 lbs, with receptacles each having a weight of 2.5 lbs and bar 219 having a weight of 1 lb.

Depending on the volumes of masses 215-1 and 215-2 within receptacles 213-1 and 213-2, respectively, device 211 may be buoyant.

Device 211 may be used in at least two different modes. According to a first mode, bar 219 may be screwed into collars 217-1 and 217-2, thereby coupling receptacles 213-1 and 213-2. In this first mode, a user may hold device 211 by gripping bar 219 with one or two hands; alternatively, a user may hold device 211 by gripping receptacle 213-1 with one hand and by gripping receptacle 213-2 with the other hand. According to a second mode, bar 219 may be unscrewed from collars 217-1 and 217-2, thereby decoupling receptacles 213-1 and 213-2. Receptacle 213-1 may then be gripped in one hand, and receptacle 213-2 may be gripped in the other hand. One or more devices 211 may be used, for example, on land and/or in water and may be used, for example, to perform exercises of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,285 and/or the exercises shown in FIGS. 6(a) through 6(f) of the present application.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a side view of a fourth embodiment of a liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in one or more of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the device being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and being represented generally by reference numeral 311.

Device 311 may be similar in certain respects to device 211. One difference between the two devices may be that, whereas device 211 may comprise receptacles 213-1 and 213-2, which may have a kettlebell shape, device 311 may comprise receptacles 313-1 and 313-2, which may be generally cylindrical in shape. Another difference between the two devices may be that a light-reflective coating 314-1 may be applied to a portion of receptacle 313-1 and that a light-reflective coating 314-2 may be applied to a portion of receptacle 313-2. Coatings 314-1 and 314-2 may function as a safety feature to enable device 311 to be easily spotted by drivers when device 311 is being used by a person who is exercising, e.g., walking or running, in a street. Still another difference between devices 311 and 211 may be that device 311 may have a bar 319 (which may be covered or uncovered) that may be shorter than bar 219 of device 211, for example, approximately 5 inches as opposed to approximately 14 inches, to enable facile one-handed use of device 311.

Device 311 may have a weight of, for example, about 1-2 lbs.

One or more devices 311 may be used, for example, on land and/or in water and may be used, for example, to perform exercises of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,285 and/or the exercises shown in FIGS. 8(a) through 8(f) of the present application.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a side view of a fifth embodiment of a liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in one or more of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the device being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and being represented generally by reference numeral 411.

Device 411 may be similar in certain respects to device 311. One difference between the two devices may be that, whereas device 311 may include receptacles 313-1 and 313-2, which may be cylindrical in shape, device 411 may include receptacles 413-1 and 413-2, which may be generally spherical in shape.

Device 411 may be used in a fashion similar to that discussed above in connection with device 311.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a side view of a sixth embodiment of a liquid-containing weighted device constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the device being represented generally by reference numeral 511.

Device 511 may be similar in certain respects to device 111. One difference between the two devices may be that device 511 may have a bar 519 that may extend, for example, about 5 in. beyond collar 517, as compared to bar 119 of device 111, which may extend, for example, about 12 in beyond collar 117.

One or more devices 511 may be used, for example, on land and/or in water and may be used, for example, to perform exercises of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,285 and/or the exercises shown in FIGS. 11(a) through 11(e) of the present application.

Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown a side view of a seventh embodiment of a liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in one or more of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the device being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and being represented generally by reference numeral 611.

Device 611 may comprise a receptacle 613, a mass 615, and a pair of end caps 617-1 and 617-2.

Receptacle 613 may be a generally cylindrical member, which may be made of a lightweight yet durable material, such as, but not limited to, a molded polyvinyl chloride or a similarly suitable material. At least a portion of receptacle 613 may be sufficiently translucent or transparent so that the contents of receptacle 613 may be viewed, for example, by the user of device 611 while device 611 is being used. In the present embodiment, receptacle 613 may have a diameter of about 5 in. and a length of about 12 in., with each of the ends (not shown) being externally-threaded for about 0.75 in.; however, it can readily be appreciated that the aforementioned dimensions of receptacle 613 may be varied without departing from the present invention.

It should be understood that, although receptacle 613 of device 611 is disclosed herein as being cylindrical, receptacle 613 need not be cylindrical and may take other shapes.

Mass 615, which may be disposed within receptacle 613, may comprise a mixture of a liquid 623 and at least one type of solid that is insoluble in liquid 623. According to one embodiment, liquid 623 may comprise water and may preferably comprise distilled water. The distilled water may contain an aquamarine colorant or other similar agent for inhibiting murkiness of liquid 623. The at least one insoluble solid may comprise a light-reflective and/or light-dispersive material 625. Examples of the light-reflective and/or light-dispersive material 625 may comprise glitter, MYLAR® polyester film particles and/or foil particles. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one insoluble solid may comprise a noise-producing material 626 of the type that may generate an audible scraping or scratching sound against receptacle 613 when device 611 is in use. Examples of the noise-producing material 626 may comprise, but are not limited to, gravel, such as colored or uncolored gravel. Due to presence of noise-producing material 626, device 611 can be used like a percussion instrument, such as a maraca, to enhance a user's experience, such as, for example, when moving device 611 in sync with music. Mass 615 may further comprise other components, such as soluble or dispersible colorants and/or soluble or dispersible thickeners, and/or may further comprise a second liquid, which may or may not be miscible with the first liquid.

Preferably, the volume of mass 615 is less than the available internal volume of receptacle 613 and more preferably, the volume of mass 615 is about 40% to about 50% of the available internal volume of receptacle 613.

Mass 615 may be introduced into receptacle 613 through an opening (not shown). Such an opening may be sealed with a patch, which may be made of the same material as receptacle 613, after mass 615 has been loaded into receptacle 613. The introduction of mass 615 into said opening of receptacle 613 and the sealing of said opening may take place prior to the coupling of receptacle 613 to end caps 617-1 and 617-2.

End caps 617-1 and 617-2, each of which may be a unitary member made of a lightweight yet durable material, such as a molded polymer or other similarly suitable material, may be internally threaded so that the ends of receptacle 613 can be screwed into end caps 617-1 and 617-2. Handle straps 619-1 and 619-2 may be secured to end caps 617-1 and 617-2, respectively.

Device 611 may have a weight of, for example, approximately 3 lbs. Device 611 may be used, for example, on land and/or in water and may be used, for example, to perform exercises of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,285 and/or the exercises shown in FIGS. 13(a) through 13(f) of the present application.

Without wishing to be limited to any particular theory behind the invention, it is believed that all of the embodiments disclosed herein provide a smooth resistance which automatically varies with the degree of effort applied. This method of operation is commonly referred to as “accommodating variable resistance” and is an effective method of providing low impact movement to the joints and muscles.

The embodiments of the present invention recited herein are intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art will be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in at least one of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the liquid-containing weighted device comprising:

(a) a closed receptacle, the closed receptacle having a volume; and

(b) a mixture disposed within the closed receptacle, the mixture occupying less than the entirety of the volume of the closed receptacle, the mixture comprising a liquid and at least one type of solids that is insoluble in the liquid, wherein at least one of the at least one type of solids produces an audible sound against the closed receptacle when the liquid-containing weighted device is moved.

2. The liquid-containing weighted device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one type of solid that produces an audible sound against the closed receptacle when the liquid-containing weighted device is moved comprises gravel.

3. The liquid-containing weighted device as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the closed receptacle is one of translucent and transparent.

4. The liquid-containing weighted device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mixture occupies about 40% to about 50% of the volume of the closed receptacle.

5. The liquid-containing weighted device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the liquid comprises water.

6. The liquid-containing weighted device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one type of solid that is insoluble in the liquid further comprises a light-reflective and/or light-dispersive material.

7. The liquid-containing weighted device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the closed receptacle has a shape selected from the group consisting of generally spherical, generally cylindrical and generally kettlebell-shaped.

8. A liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in at least one of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the weighted device comprising:

(a) a first closed receptacle, the first closed receptacle having a volume;

(b) a mass disposed within the first closed receptacle, the mass occupying less than the entirety of the volume of the first closed receptacle, the mass comprising a liquid; and

(c) a bar, the bar having a first end and a second end, the first closed receptacle being coupled to the first end of the bar.

9. The liquid-containing weighted device as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a wrist strap, the wrist strap being coupled to the bar proximate to the second end.

10. The liquid-containing weighted device as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a second closed receptacle having a volume and a mass disposed within the second closed receptacle, the second closed receptacle being coupled to the second end of the bar.

11. The liquid-containing weighted device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the mass further comprises at least one of a first solid that is insoluble in the liquid and a second solid that is insoluble in the liquid, the first solid producing an audible sound against the closed receptacle when the liquid-containing weighted device is moved, the second solid being light-reflective and/or light dispersive.

12. The liquid-containing weighted device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the closed receptacle has a shape selected from the group consisting of generally spherical, generally cylindrical and generally kettlebell-shaped.

13. A liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in at least one of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the liquid-containing weighted device comprising:

(a) a pair of closed receptacles, each of the pair of closed receptacles having a volume;

(b) a mass disposed within each of the closed receptacles, the mass occupying less than the entirety of the volume of each of the closed receptacles, the mass comprising a liquid; and

(c) a bar, the bar having a first end and a second end, one of the closed receptacles being coupled to the first end of the bar, the other of the closed receptacles being coupled to the second end of the bar.

14. The liquid-containing weighted device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the closed receptacle has a shape selected from the group consisting of generally spherical, generally cylindrical, and generally kettlebell-shaped.

15. The liquid-containing weighted device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the mass further comprises at least one of a first solid that is insoluble in the liquid and a second solid that is insoluble in the liquid, the first solid producing an audible sound against the closed receptacle when the liquid-containing weighted device is moved, the second solid being light-reflective and/or light dispersive.

16. The liquid-containing weighted device as claimed in claim 13 wherein each of the closed receptacles is removably coupled to the bar.

17. The liquid-containing weighted device as claimed in claim 13 further comprising a first collar and a second collar, wherein one of the closed receptacles is secured to the first collar and the other of the closed receptacles is secured to the second collar, and wherein the first end of the bar is screwed to the first collar and the second end of the bar is screwed to the second collar.

18. A liquid-containing weighted device suitable for use in at least one of fitness, training, conditioning and rehabilitation, the liquid-containing weighted device comprising:

(a) a first weighted object;

(b) a second weighted object; and

(c) a bar, the bar being reversibly connectable to each of said first and said second weighted objects;

(d) wherein each of said first and said weighted objects has an integrally-formed handle.

19. The liquid-containing weighted device as claimed in claim 18 wherein each of the first weighted object and the second weighted object comprises a closed receptacle and a mass disposed within the closed receptacle, the mass occupying less than the entirety of the volume of the closed receptacle, the mass comprising a liquid.

20. The liquid-containing weighted device as claimed in claim 19 wherein the mass further comprises at least one of a first solid that is insoluble in the liquid and a second solid that is insoluble in the liquid, the first solid producing an audible sound against the closed receptacle when the liquid-containing weighted device is moved, the second solid being light-reflective and/or light dispersive.