Fillable Kettlebell

Abstract

A fillable kettlebell is disclosed that can be used as an exercise device. When empty or “unfilled” the fillable kettlebell has a relatively small profile and is lightweight and thus very transportable particularly when compared to traditional kettlebells. Upon filling to the desired/user selectable weight, the fillable kettlebell provides superior functionality to conventional kettlebells as it will not rust and cause as much damage upon impact as traditional kettlebells. The fillable kettlebell can be made of a flexible material/fabric/webbing with a closable opening to accept and retain matter that has the desired weight for the specified volume. The fillable kettlebell can have attachment members that coupled a handle to the container. The handle allows a user to lift the kettlebell via a force exerted on the handle. After filling, a fastening member proximate to the closable opening can mechanically secure the fill port thereby securing the retained matter in the container. In some embodiment a bladder can be put in the container and a liquid can be used to supply the weight to the user.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments are generally related to exercise equipment. Embodiments are also related to a kettlebell type weight apparatus. Embodiments are additionally related to a small profile, fillable, portable weight adjustable kettlebell.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, there has been more emphasis placed on physical fitness and rehabilitation and there are many different types of exercise devices available for such purposes. One such type of exercise device that utilizes weight resistance is known as a kettlebell. Kettlebells have traditionally been built using a mass of cast iron shaped much like a basketball with a suitcase-type handle attached to the top of the kettlebell 100 to allow a user to grasp the kettlebell during exercise. Kettlebells have been used for many years to exercise the entire body and provide strength training and physical therapy in addition to an aerobic workout. Many give up on their workouts when they travel because they do not have access to fitness equipment and bringing fitness equipment on a trip is often not an option particularly when flying to a destination. In addition many feel that they won't have enough room where they are staying to get an adequate workout.

It can be appreciated that there is a wide range of strength and skill for users of kettlebells. Conventional kettlebells have a single configuration and are typically of fixed weight and a user must choose a suitable kettlebell according to his/her physical ability. If the selected kettlebell is too light, the user has to find or buy a heavier one and vice versa. Thus, many kettlebells are useless to a typical user and users can grow out of a particular size of kettlebell and conventional fixed weight kettlebells are often unusable for many users because of their size or weight. Furthermore, various kettlebells in different weights occupy a lot of space and increase cost for kettlebell manufacturer's sellers and clubs. There is need for improvements in a handle supported kettlebell structures that allow for a multitude of weights and provide better portability.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the disclosed embodiments and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

The present invention relates to a novel kettlebell arrangements embodied as a non-rigid fillable “container” made from a robust fabric material with a closable mouth or orifice, allowing for the filing of the container, and a handle an attached proximate to the mouth such that a user can easily grasp the kettle bell and exercise with it. The disclosed kettlebell can be viewed as a new type of kettlebell with improved functionality and features when compared to existing kettlebell designs.

It is, therefore, one aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide for an improved kettlebell that can be folded up into a small package such that when packed tor travel the kettlebell only takes up a minimum of space in one's suitcase.

It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide for an improved kettlebell thin can accept and use many different types of materials to provide a wide range of weight for a single kettlebell.

It is further aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide for an improved kettlebell that is less damaging, more malleable or softer than conventional kettlebells, thereby reducing the propensity to injure anyone or anything coming into contact with the kettlebell. The aforementioned aspects and other objectives and advantages can now be achieved as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a kettlebell in accordance with the present disclosure:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. The embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein: rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terminology used herein for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted to an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Kettlebells are a well-known traditional weighted exercise device commonly used in gyms or anywhere people like to exercise. Kettlebells as an exercise device have been largely unchanged over many years. Kettlebells are generally comprised of a weighted body with a single loop type handle which a user grips typically with one hand to lift and raise the kettlebell as a user carries out a number of exercises. Kettlebells are distinct from other types of exercise devices, for example dumbbells and barbells, in that they comprise a single weight coupled to a loop type handle. The body of a traditional kettlebell is generally spherical and kettlebells come in a variety of sizes and weights to accommodate all levels of users.

Conventional kettlebells are manufactured from cast iron where the body and handle kettlebell are typically integrated as one piece, varying in size and weight. Most new kettlebells are partially or fully covered in, for example a rubber or polyurethane to provide a more attractive appearance, provide rust protection and provide impact protection as kettlebells are often dropped on concrete or wood floors either accidently or on purpose. Most Kettlebell manufacturers boast about their one piece structure as providing sufficient strength and robustness to withstand all use and abuse that the kettlebell would be subjected to. In particular, kettlebells are subject to multiple impacts and jarring as they are dropped onto the floor and swung around by a user. Moreover, due to the weight of the kettlebells and typical swinging movements of the kettlebell carried out during exercise, it is highly undesirable for a kettlebell to fail, for example if the body portion of the kettlebell becomes detached from the handle injury and disaster can result.

While such traditional kettlebells have been widely used for years, it is well known that problems have been identified with all past and current designs, particularly with such cast conventional kettlebells. For example, the finish of cast iron can be poor and can rust which detracts from the appearance of the kettlebells and cast iron is particularly undesirable as it nearly always has a rough cast surface particularly on the handle which is not ideal for gripping by a user. Furthermore, due to the loop shape of the handle, machining of the cast loop handle to improve its surface is not inexpensive or practical. Providing a covering over the outer surface of the cast kettlebells can improve the appearance and surface quality but such coverings are costly and typically degrade rapidly in a short period of time causing newer kettlebells to be unsightly at a relatively young age. Further, these cast iron kettlebells are heavy and bulky which prevents one from taking a kettlebell with them while traveling. Such a limitation is particularly important for individuals in the armed services or individuals such as those in public service that are assigned to (or must work from) locations away from home for extended periods of time.

To overcome these imperfections in the art of exercise equipment, a fillable/portable kettlebell is disclosed that can be used as an exercise device. When empty or “unfilled” the fillable kettlebell can be folded or rolled up and put in a small pouch or carrying case such that the kettlebell is small and lightweight. This makes the fillable kettlebell the (hereafter “Kettlebell”) very transportable, particularly when compared to traditional kettlebells. Upon filling the kettlebell to the desired weight, the disclosed kettlebell provides superior features and functionality as compared to conventional kettlebells.

For example, the disclosed kettlebell will not rust and will not cause as much damage when it impacts people or property as would a traditional kettlebell. The disclosed kettlebell can include a container configuration made of a robust flexible material/fabric/webbing with a closable opening to accept and retain matter that has the desired weight for the specified volume. The container can have attachment members that coupled a handle to the container. The handle allows a user to lift or move the disclosed kettlebell via a force exerted on the handle.

After filling the container portion of the kettlebell, a fastening member proximate to the closable opening can mechanically secure the mouth or fill port thereby securing the retained matter in the container until a user desires to empty the contents from the container. In some embodiments a bladder can be placed in or manufactured in the container and a liquid can be added to the bladder via a valve to provide the desired weight of the kettlebell. The kettlebell can be manufactured in any number of sizes depending on the weight range desired by the user.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a fillable kettlebell or kettlebell 100 is illustrated, which includes a pocket or container 102, for holding contents with a handle 104 attached thereto. The container 102 can be connected to the handle 104 by one or more connecting members 106. The connecting members 106 can be made of nylon webbing that forms a strap which can measure an inch and a half (1.5″) in width and ⅛ inch in thickness. In some embodiments, two continuous connecting members 106 can be sewn from the handle 104 around the circumference of kettlebell 100 or across front panel 108, a bottom 114 returning via back panel 110 (not visible) to the handle 104.

Each of a first and second side panel 112 can be sewn to both the front and back panel 108 and 110 respectively to form container 102. Each panel (108-112) can be attached to one another with double sewn seam such as shown by seam 122. The container 102 can have an opening 120 proximate to the handle 104 with a sleeve 118 coupled proximate to opening 120. The sleeve 118 can be attached at one end, such that sleeve 118 can be pushed into opening 120, or pulled out of opening or extended from the opening 120 as shown. Pulling the sleeve 118 out of the opening can make it easier to fill or empty the contents of container 102 and to secure the contents in the container 102 after filling is complete.

The sleeve 118 can have a mouth 116 at one end with a closure mechanism 124. Closure mechanism 124 can operate like the closure mechanisms used on dry bags where the inside surface of mouth 116 can reinforces and can be pressed together and rolled using multiple rotations and thereafter a closure mechanism 124 can be cinched, clasped clipped or engaged to keep the contents from leaking out of container 102 or kettlebell 100. Thus, sleeve 118 (shown extended in phantom) can form a throat that can be pulled out of the opening 120 to form a fill funnel and pushed in the opening 120 to form a closure structure of container 102. The opening of the sleeve 118 opposite the month 116 can be fastened to the top edges of the front, rear and side panels 108-112 or the edges of the panels 108-112 that are proximate to the handle 104 via a mechanical connection. For example, attachment of the sleeve 118 to the container 102 can be done by a sewing procedure.

In some embodiments handle 104 can be tubular in shape to encompass the coupling members 106 and can be molded from a flexible material such as a thermoplastic rubber. Handle 104 can have stress relief gaps molded therein to improve flexibility and grip-ability and provide an ideal handhold for the user during exercise activities. In some embodiments the handle 104 can have the connecting members 106 extending through the handle 104 for strength, durability, comfort and to increase the range or movement allowed during exercise. In some embodiments handle 104 can be textured or ribbed to give the handle 104 improved shape and flexibility such that the handle 104 fits to the ergonomic or natural shape of each user's grip.

In some embodiments connecting members 106 can be embodied as a 1.5″ wide synthetic webbing or strap. Connecting members 106 can also be made from polypropylene material which has the desired strength and flexibility, in addition to providing resistance against rot and decay when compared to webbing or a strap comprised of organic materials such as cotton and leather. In some embodiments, connecting members 108 can measure approximately four inches from the edge of the handle 104 to the stitch-point on the front and back panels, 108 and 110 respectively. The inventors have determined that stitching connecting members 106 a distance of ¼ inch from the top edge of the front and back panels 108 and 110 will provide increased strength as stitching near the edge of fabric can reduce the burst strength of the container 102. The disclosed arrangement provides a distance between handle 104 and the container 102 to allow for sufficient space and flexibility during exercise without sacrificing control such as rotational control of the kettlebell 100 while under load during exercise.

Front panel 108 and side panels 112 can be attached using an “over-stitch” at seam 122. The front, rear and side panels 108-112 can be made of ballistic nylon or a material with an equivalent tensile, tear, and abrasion characteristics. Front and back panels 108 and 110 can be attached directly to connecting members 104 on each side of the handle 104 and in some embodiments front and rear panel 108 and 110 can be a single continuous piece of webbing wrapping from one side of kettlebell 100 to the opposing side of the kettlebell 100 via the front bottom and rear panel of kettlebell 100. A typical container 102 can contain or hold in excess of 60 pounds of “fluid” content and thus eliminating unnecessary seams or minimizing the amount of seams can decrease manufacturing costs and can increase the strength, durability and life expectancy of container 102.

Seams 122 can join front panel 108 and back panel 110 to the side panels 112 using an “over-stitch” which is a very robust attachment method. An overstitch is where two pieces of fabric are stitched together once then folded over and stitched again to improve the overall bursting strength of container 102 and provides improved resistance to tearing or separation due to extreme tensile forces. Without the proper materials and proper stitching procedures, seams 122 can be the area of the container 102 where the tensile capacity is the weakest. To increase overall strength of the container 102, the bottom 114 of container 102 may be seamless as the connecting members 106 can assist in reinforcing the entire circumference of container 102.

In some embodiments container 102 can be made from a single piece of fabric by placing pleats or “gathering” the fabric used to form a bag similar to a bag for carrying a larger ball. In some embodiments seams 122 can be stitched with a bonded nylon thread with sufficient tensile strength to resist tearing or an equivalent material for increased strength and not resistance. Bonded nylon thread can be made of continuous filament nylon threads as such thread cuts cleanly with no ply separation thereby increasing the overall strength and durability of container 102.

As stated above, in some embodiments, mouth 116 can be designed as a roll-top type closure design, where the two sides of the mouth 116 can have a reinforced edge possible reinforced with a semi-rigid plastic member that can be pressed together edge-to-edge and the rolled two or more times, and configured such that it will not unroll by a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism can be a plastic buckle with side release buttons. The buckle can have rib-reinforced side-release buttons to increase the buckle's fastening integrity.

A desired closure design allows for different quantities or matter or materials to be placed in container 102 and can allow for variable displacement in the container 102 and can act as an expansion system that allows the “fluid” contents (water, sand gravel dirt etc.) to flow, move, expand or contract when the kettlebell 100 impacts something when it is dropped or impacts a solid immovable surface. Thus mouth 116 and the retaining mechanism can flex or expand to help absorb the impact and plastically deform to dissipate the force created by the impact. Similar to a dry-bag type closure system, closure mechanism 124 is capable of preventing matter in the container 102 such as sand from leaking out of the closure mechanism 124 when the kettlebell 100 is subjected to all angles, such as being turned up-side down or when impact occurs at any angle.

In embodiments, that use a buckle to retain the closure mechanism 124, a side-release buckle that is rib-reinforced, can be utilized to provide a rib type support along the inside center of the buckle in order to provide a greater resistance to breakage when the kettlebell is subjected to intense forces or different impact positions. A side release buckle can be paired with a roll-top dry-bag type closure to create a robust seal for the container 102.

Where front panel 108, back panel 110 and side panels 112 meet at the top of the container 102 the diameter of the container 102 or kettlebell 100 can be narrower by an inch forming a neck in order to minimize sag along the top edges of the container 102 and make it easier for the kettlebell 100 to be swung, for example between one's legs during exercise. Such a shape can also contribute to the aesthetic and artistic look or shape of kettlebell 100. Thus the kettlebell 100 can be tapered at the top and bottom and thus wider in the middle like a ball for more efficient and free motions during exercise.

The container 102 can enclose a waterproof bladder that can be filled with a liquid. The bladder can have an orifice 124 that allows the bladder to be filled with the hernia and can also be used to empty the bladder. The bladder can have a valve proximate to the orifice to cap off the orifice during use or storage. The valve can also include a cheek valve similar to the cheek valves used in inflatable devices such as inflatable rafts, toys, air mattress, or balls used in sports such as a basketball, beach ball volleyball, soccer ball, football etc.

Workouts using a Kettlebell can work all major muscle groups, have many applications and are extremely versatile when compared to dumbbells, load bars and machines. Every muscle in the body can be put to work using Kettlebell. Kettlebell workouts can focus around three basic body movements, push, pull and twist. Resistance to pulling can be achieved when performing, but not limited to, a row, a font squat, a back squat and a trout swing. Resistance via pushing can be achieved when performing exercises such as but not limited to a high pull, squats, lunge press, military press and Kettlebell pushup. Resistance to a twisting motion can be achieved when performing Kettlebell figure 8 and a Russian twist. Many workouts will include more than one, or all of these basic exercise movements using Kettlebell.

Claims

1. A kettlebell exercise device comprising:

a container made of robust flexible material with a closable opening to accept and retain matter that has a weight;

at least one attachment member coupled to the container;

a handle coupled to the at least one attachment member which allows a user to lift the kettlebell via a force exerted on the handle;

a closure mechanism proximate to the closable opening to mechanically secure closure of the opening thereby securing the retained matter in the container.

2. The kettlebell of claim 1 wherein the closeable opening is proximate to the handle.

3. The kettlebell of claim 1 further comprising a sleeve coupled to the kettlebell.

4. The kettlebell of claim 1 wherein the robust flexible material is ballistic nylon.

5. The kettlebell of claim 1 wherein the at least one attachment member is nylon webbing.

6. The kettlebell of claim 1 wherein the handle is a made from a molded polymer.

7. The kettlebell of claim 1 wherein the at least one attachment member extends four inches from the handle to the container.

8. The kettlebell of claim 1 further comprising a bladder to be inserted into the container to retain a liquid.

9. The kettlebell of claim 8 wherein the bladder has a valve to allow for the filling and retention of the liquid.

10. The kettlebell of claim 1 wherein the valve is a check valve.

11. The kettlebell of claim 1 wherein the closure mechanism comprises a buckle.

12. The kettlebell of claim 1 wherein the closure mechanism comprises a dry bag type closure assemble.

13. The kettlebell of claim 1 further comprising seams where the seams are overstitched

14. The kettlebell of claim 1 wherein the handle is greater than three inches and less than 5 inches from the opening.

15. The kettlebell of claim 1 wherein the at least one attachment member comprises four suspended straps made from nylon webbing.

16. The kettlebell of claim 15 wherein the four suspended straps are encircled by the handle.

17. The kettlebell of claim 1 wherein the container has a volume greater than one cubic foot.

18. The kettlebell of claim 1 wherein the securing mechanism can expand to accommodate a shift in contents of the container and accommodate such a shift without allowing the contents to exit the container.

19. The kettlebell of claim 1 wherein the kettlebell can be folded up into a package measuring two inches by two inches by six inches.

20. The kettlebell of claim 1 wherein the at least one attachment members for a “V” shape.