Kettlebell System

Abstract

A kettlebell having a planar body. The kettlebell has a curved handle with an arched central portion connected to the body for gripping. A first edge and opposing second edge of the body positioned between two outward curved edges are linear and substantially parallel to form the body of the kettlebell with two opposing straight sides. A supplemental weight is removably engageable to increase an overall weight of the device.

Claims

1. A kettlebell apparatus, comprising: a planar body, said body having a substantially planar upper surface opposite a lower surface; said lower surface being flat and adapted for positioning on a planar support surface; a handle, said handle having a first handle end in an engagement with said upper surface of said body and having a second handle end in an engagement to said upper surface of said body, and having a central portion of said handle communicating between said first handle end and said second handle end; said handle having a handle axis running through said central portion thereof; said body having a first side edge communicating between said upper surface and said lower surface; said body having a second side edge communicating between said upper surface and said lower surface, said second sided edge positioned opposite said first side edge; a supplemental weight having a first end thereof opposite a second end thereof; said supplemental weight having a top side and having a planar bottom side opposite said top side thereof, and having a first side edge opposite a second side edge; said supplemental weight having a leading portion thereof at said first end thereof; said supplemental weight removably positionable to an engaged position upon said body with said bottom side thereof in contact with said upper surface of said body, and with a leading portion communicating through an opening which is defined by an area between said upper surface of said body and a lower side of said central portion of said handle and an inner surface of said first handle end and an inner surface of said second handle end.

2. The kettlebell of claim 1 additionally comprising: a magnet engaged to said supplemental weight, said magnet forming a magnetic connection to said body.

3. The kettlebell of claim 1 additionally comprising: said leading portion located between a first portion of said first side edge and a first portion of said second side edge; a first recess formed into said first side edge adjacent to said first portion of said first side edge; a second recess formed into said second side edge across from said first recess and adjacent to said first portion of said second side edge; said first recess formed in a first curve which is complimentary to a curve of an exterior of said first handle end; said second recess formed in a second curve which is complimentary to a curve of an exterior of said second handle end; said first recess surrounding a portion of said first handle end with said supplemental weight in said engaged position; and said second recess surrounding a portion of said second handle end with said supplemental weight in said engaged position.

4. The kettlebell of claim 2 additionally comprising: said leading portion located between a first portion of said first side edge and a first portion of said second side edge; a first recess formed into said first side edge adjacent to said first portion of said first side edge; a second recess formed into said second side edge across from said first recess and adjacent to said first portion of said second side edge; said first recess formed in a first curve which is complimentary to a curve of an exterior of said first handle end; said second recess formed in a second curve which is complimentary to a curve of an exterior of said second handle end; said first recess surrounding a portion of said first handle end with said supplemental weight in said engaged position; and said second recess surrounding a portion of said second handle end with said supplemental weight in said engaged position.

5. The kettlebell of claim 1 additionally comprising: said first recess formed into said first side edge in between a first shoulder portion of said supplemental weight and said first portion of said first side edge; said second recess formed into said second side edge in between a second shoulder portion of said supplemental weight and said first portion of said second side edge; a stop to further insertion of said supplemental weight through said opening, said stop formed by a contact of said first shoulder with said first handle end and said second shoulder with said second handle end.

6. The kettlebell of claim 2 additionally comprising: said first recess formed into said first side edge in between a first shoulder portion of said supplemental weight and said first portion of said first side edge; said second recess formed into said second side edge in-between a second shoulder portion of said supplemental weight and said first portion of said second side edge; a stop to further insertion of said supplemental weight through said opening, said stop formed by a contact of said first shoulder with said first handle end and said second shoulder with said second handle end.

7. The kettlebell of claim 3 additionally comprising: said first recess formed into said first side edge in between a first shoulder portion of said supplemental weight and said first portion of said first side edge; said second recess formed into said second side edge in-between a second shoulder portion of said supplemental weight and said first portion of said second side edge; a stop to further insertion of said supplemental weight through said opening, said stop formed by a contact of said first shoulder with said first handle end and said second shoulder with said second handle end.

8. The kettlebell of claim 4 additionally comprising: said first recess formed into said first side edge in between a first shoulder portion of said supplemental weight and said first portion of said first side edge; said second recess formed into said second side edge in-between a second shoulder portion of said supplemental weight and said first portion of said second side edge; a stop to further insertion of said supplemental weight through said opening, said stop formed by a contact of said first shoulder with said first handle end and said second shoulder with said second handle end.

9. The kettlebell of claim 1 additionally comprising: a projection extending from said supplemental weight at said second end thereof, said projection extending past a rear side of said body; and said projection liftable to dismount said supplemental weight from said engaged position.

10. The kettlebell of claim 2 additionally comprising: a projection extending from said supplemental weight at said second end thereof, said projection extending past a rear side of said body; and said projection liftable to dismount said supplemental weight from said engaged position.

11. The kettlebell of claim 3 additionally comprising: a projection extending from said supplemental weight at said second end thereof, said projection extending past a rear side of said body; and said projection liftable to dismount said supplemental weight from said engaged position.

12. The kettlebell of claim 4 additionally comprising: a projection extending from said supplemental weight at said second end thereof, said projection extending past a rear side of said body; and said projection liftable to dismount said supplemental weight from said engaged position.

13. The kettlebell of claim 5 additionally comprising: a projection extending from said supplemental weight at said second end thereof, said projection extending past a rear side of said body; and said projection liftable to dismount said supplemental weight from said engaged position.

14. The kettlebell of claim 6 additionally comprising: a projection extending from said supplemental weight at said second end thereof, said projection extending past a rear side of said body; and said projection liftable to dismount said supplemental weight from said engaged position.

15. The kettlebell of claim 7 additionally comprising: a projection extending from said supplemental weight at said second end thereof, said projection extending past a rear side of said body; and said projection liftable to dismount said supplemental weight from said engaged position.

16. The kettlebell of claim 8 additionally comprising: a projection extending from said supplemental weight at said second end thereof, said projection extending past a rear side of said body; and said projection liftable to dismount said supplemental weight from said engaged position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURE

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only or exclusive, examples of embodiments and/or features. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting.

In the Drawings:

[0027] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a kettlebell of the system herein showing the planar body and the handle having an arched central portion.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the device as in FIG. 1, and showing the central portion of the handle shaped in an arch configuration and having opposing curved portions of the handle formed to vector force toward a center area of the planar body.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the device of FIGS. 1-2.

[0030] FIG. 4 depicts a view of a bottom surface of the body of the kettlebell device herein.

[0031] FIG. 5 depicts employment of a pair of kettle bells per the system herein.

[0032] FIG. 6 shows the pair of kettle bells of FIG. 5, rotated to provide a different grip for user support.

[0033] FIG. 7 shows a mode of the kettlebell system herein having removably engageable secondary weights which attach to the body of the kettlebell.

[0034] FIG. 8 shows the polymeric covers which removably engage to the body of the kettlebell.

[0035] FIG. 9 shows the polymeric cover engaged to the body of the kettlebell of FIG. 8.

[0036] FIG. 10 depicts a mode of the system herein wherein a one or more supplemental weights are engageable by insertion of a first end through an opening formed between the handle and top surface.

[0037] FIG. 11 shows the supplemental weight of FIG. 10 positioned to an engaged position.

[0038] FIG. 12 shows a view of the supplemental weight of FIG. 10 from an overhead or top side.

[0039] FIG. 13 shows the bottom side view of the supplemental weight having a magnet thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0040] In this detailed description, the directional prepositions of up, upwardly, down, downwardly, front, back, top, upper, bottom, lower, left, right and other such terms refer to the device as it is oriented and appears in the drawings and are used for convenience only. Any such terms are not intended to be limiting or to imply that the device has to be used or positioned in any particular orientation.

[0041] Now referring to drawings in FIGS. 1-13, wherein similar components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1 a perspective view of a kettlebell device 10. As shown, the device 10 includes a substantially planar body 12 having an upper surface 14 opposite a lower surface 16. In all modes of the device 10, the body 12 is preferably formed as a solid or unitary structure in that during use the handle 15 in some exercises, the body 12 must support the weight of the user doing pushups or the like. Further, it is preferred the handle 15 and body 12 be formed in a unitary structure such as by molding or permanent welding of the handle 15 to a solid core body 12. As shown, the body 12 is planar and while the upper surface 14 need not be flat, and could have curve or rise to it, the lower surface 16 should be planar or flat because it is configured for positioning upon a flat or planar support surface such as a floor or mat. The U-shaped handle 15, as shown, has a first end 17 and a second end 18 engaged to the upper surface 14 of the body 12.

[0042] As can be seen in FIG. 1, and better in the overhead view of FIG. 3, a first side edge 20 of the body 12, located adjacent the first end 17 of the handle 15, is linear and is positioned opposite a second side edge 22 of the body 12, which is also linear. By linear is meant running in a straight line. As shown, the first side edge 20 runs parallel to the second side edge 22. Further in a preferred mode of the device 10, the first side edge 20 and second side edge 22 run substantially normal or perpendicular to a handle axis 21, which as shown in FIG. 3, runs through a central portion 30 of the handle 15.

[0043] As also shown in FIGS. 1-3, a first central edge 26, and an opposing second central edge 28 of the body 12, running in between the first side edge 20 and second side edge 22, are formed as beveled edges. By beveled is meant that surfaces of the first central edge 26 and second central edge 28 run from the upper surface 14 toward the lower surface 16 at an angle between substantially 30-50 degrees. As noted, this beveled edge shape is preferred as it helps prevent contact of the sides of the body 12 against the user during exercise and renders any contact of the body 12 with the edge supported on the outer forearm of the user while gripping the handle 15, more comfortable.

[0044] As shown in the side view of FIG. 2, the handle 15 of the device 10 has a central portion 30 shaped in an arch configuration. While a linear central portion 30 was found to work well in testing, forming the central portion 30 with a curved or arch shape, was found to be much more comfortable for the user to grip the device 10 during use for swinging and for the comfort of the user where the handles 15 are gripped to support the weight of the user. As such, an arch or curve shape of the central portion 30 of the handle is preferred.

[0045] Also shown in FIG. 2 is a diameter of the central portion 30, which determines an exterior circumference area thereof, and the area for gripping for a user. Currently, a diameter between 1-2 inches works well to form a handle 15 with a central portion 30 which is easily gripped by a user. Further shown is a gap H1 between the top or upper surface 14 of the body 12, and the furthest point 19 of the arched central portion 30 of the handle 15. A preferred distance of this gap H1 in experimentation which helped to minimize the torque or leverage imparted by the body 12 against the handle 15 during swinging and other exercises, was a gap H1 of between 1.5 to 2 times the diameter W1 of the handle 15. Currently, a gap H1 of between 1-4 inches is preferred to minimize the leverage force caused by the torque of the body 12 twisting the handle 15 during swinging and other uses of the device 10.

[0046] As shown, this central portion 30 of the handle 15 is positioned in between the first end 17 and second end 18 of the handle 15 which is permanently engaged to or formed as a unitary structure with the body 12. Both the first end 17 and second end 18 of the handle 15 are formed in a respective reverse curve, from their intersection with the central portion 30, and extend to engagement with the upper surface 14 of the body 12, along a respective end portion reverse curve axis shown as V1 and V2. By reverse curve is meant that each of the two handle ends reverse the direction of the handle at that respective end, and extend back toward the upper surface engagement to the body 12 along a respective handle end axis. A first reverse curve of the first end 17 of the handle 15 curves and extends in reverse from the handle axis 21, along axis V1 and the second reverse curve of the second end 18 of the handle 15 changes direction and also extends to the connection to the body 12 along second reverse axis V2. Currently, the angle of both the V1 and V2 from the flat lower surface 16 of the body 12 or the upper surface 14 if also flat, runs at an angle A, which is between 30 to 50 degrees.

[0047] This angled intersection of both the first end 17 and second end 18 with the body 12 imparts force to the body 12 at force vectors running toward a central area of the body 12, such as an area on either side of line H1 shown in FIG. 2, and away from the first side edge 20 and second side edge 22. Such, as noted above has been found to yield a more stable device 10 when used for exercise, especially where the user grips the central portion 30 of the handle 15 to support their body weight thereon.

[0048] Also shown in FIG. 2, and preferred, is a total length of the handle 15 between the exterior surfaces 17A and 18A of the respective curved portions 17 and 18, is configured such that the exterior surfaces 17A and 18A of both of the curved portions 17 and 18 closest to a respective linear side edge 20 or 22, does not extend past an imaginary line extending above and parallel to the planar linear first side edge 20 and second side edge 22. This is preferred because in experimentation it was shown that it better kept the outside edges of the curved portions 17 and 18, from striking or otherwise contacting the user during swinging of the device 10 as well as keeping the first side edge 20 and the second side edge 22 from striking the user during use.

[0049] As noted, FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the device 10 of FIGS. 1-2, and shows the handle 15 having a handle axis 21 running substantially perpendicular to the linear first side edge 20 and second side edge 22 which run substantially parallel to each other. Also shown are the curved or half circle shaped first central edge 26 running opposite the second central edge 28, both of which extend between the first side edge 20 and second side edge 22.

[0050] Shown in FIG. 4 is the lower surface 16 of the body 12. Also shown are the linear first side edge 20 running opposite and substantially parallel to the second side edge 22. Additionally depicted on the lower surface 16 are a plurality of recessed areas 32 formed into the lower surface 16. While the device 10 will perform well without them, it was found during experimentation, that the recessed areas 32 provided better traction for the lower surface 16 when placed on a support surface such as a floor, which minimized or eliminated slipping. This was especially true on a carpeted surface.

[0051] Shown in FIGS. 5-6 are depictions of the kettlebell device 10 which may be employed in pairs. As shown, when the lower surface 16 of the body 12 of each pair of devices 10 is located upon a support surface, the device 10 in such pairs may be employed for gripping of both handles 15 thereof by the user. This allows the user to use the stability of the devices 10 and the projecting handles 15, for exercises such as pushups. As shown, the handle axis 21 of both devices 10 in pairs may be placed in parallel as in FIG. 5 or changed to an alignment between the two as in FIG. 6, should the user wish to change the orientation of their hands during gripping of the handles 15.

[0052] In FIG. 7 is depicted another mode of the kettlebell device 10 herein, wherein a removably engageable secondary weight 34 may be engaged to the body 12 of the kettlebell device 10, to increase the weight for exercise. The kettlebell device 10 weight is provided by the total of the weight of the body 12 and the engaged handle 15 which currently runs between 6-16 pounds. This total weight may be increased, by the weight of the secondary weight 34 which currently is preferred at 5-15 pounds.

[0053] The secondary weight 34 preferably is a mirror image shape of the perimeter edge of the body 12, in that the exterior perimeter of the secondary weight 34 includes a first side edge 20A and second side edge 22a, and a beveled first central edge 26a and second central edge 28a. This mirrored shape of the perimeter edge of the secondary weight 34 to that of the body 12, insures that the user has the benefit noted above of the planar first and second side edges as well as beveled central edges.

[0054] A removable connection of the secondary weight 34 to the body 12 of the kettlebell device 10 is currently provided by a recess 36 which is formed into the secondary weight 34. The recess 36 has an interior circumference 38 defined by a sidewall 40 surrounding the recess 36. The shape of the interior circumference 38 of the recess 36 is a mirror image which is essentially the same as a shape of the exterior circumference of the body 12 of the device 10. Thus, the circumference of the body 12 defined by the shape and length of the opposing first and second side edges 20 and 22 and the shape and length of the first central edge 26 and second central edge 28, is equal to or essentially the same as that of the interior circumference 38 of the secondary weight 34. Thus, the body 12 of the device 10 may be simply placed within the matching recess 36, where it may be removably held in place by magnets 42. The magnets 42 are shown engaged to the secondary weight 34 but could also be positioned on the body 12 of the kettlebell device 10 and provide a removable fastener between the two.

[0055] FIGS. 8-9 show another preferred mode of the kettlebell device 10 herein, which include a removably engageable polymeric cover 44. Much the same as the above noted secondary weight 34, the removable cover 44 is removably engageable to the body 12 of the kettlebell device 10. Preferably this engagement would be a biased engagement of cover sidewalls 46 which surround and define a shape of the circumference of a cover recess 48. By forming the circumference defined by the sidewalls 48 as a slightly smaller mirror image of the circumference of the body 12, when the body 12 is slid into the cover recess 46, the polymeric material forming the cover sidewall 46 will stretch slightly and compress upon the circumference of the body 12. This will form a biased compressive engagement of the cover sidewall 46 against the circumference of the body 12, and hold the removable cover 44 on the body 12. This cover 44 is desirable where the kettlebell device 10 may be used or placed on a support surface such as a hardwood floor or slick concrete to prevent slipping and to protect the underlying support surface from impact damage from hard contacts with the body 12 of the kettlebell device 10.

[0056] In FIG. 10 is shown a mode of the system herein wherein a the kettleball device 10 includes a supplemental weight 52 which is formed of material such as metal to form a supplemental weight 52 having a weight preferably between 1-10 pounds, with a current favored weight to the body of the supplemental weight 52 being 1-3 pounds. As shown in FIG. 10 the supplemental weight 52 can be engaged to the body 12 by sliding of a first end of the supplemental weight 52 through an opening defined by an area between the top surface 14 of the body 12 and the lower or facing edge of the handle 15 which faces the top surface 14.

[0057] The shape of the supplemental weight 52 as shown is most preferred in that it enables easy positioning to the engaged position of FIG. 11 where it sits atop the upper surface 14 of the body 12. This shape includes a planar body of the supplemental weight 52 which has a first end 54 having a leading portion 53 formed between a first side edge 56 and an opposite second side edge 58. The first side edge 56 is formed as a first portion of a first side edge of the supplemental weight and this second side edge 58 is formed as a first portion of a second side edge of the supplemental weight. This forms the first end 54 to a shape and width W2 sized to slide between the inside surface 55 of the first end 17 of the handle and the inside surface 57 of the second end 18 of the handle 15. The first side edge 54 is preferably substantially parallel to the second side edge 58 to allow for easy sliding of the leading portion 53 through the opening.

[0058] A first recess 62 is positioned in between a first shoulder portion 60 and the first side edge 56, and a second recess 66 is shown positioned between the second shoulder portion 64 and the second side edge 58. The first shoulder 60 and second shoulder 64 provide a stop during insertion of the supplemental weight 52 to the engaged position of FIG. 11 as they will contact against the first end of the handle 17 and second end of the handle 18.

[0059] While the supplemental weight 52 will function without the first recess 62 and second recess 66, their inclusion is preferred as it was found in experimentation to render the supplemental weight 52 more secure. This is because the shape of the edges of each of the first recess 62 and second recess 66 mirror the shape of the inward slanted surfaces 55 and 57, respectively, and are shaped to thus contact against the inward slanted inside surfaces 55 and 57 when the supplemental weight 52 has been slid to the engaged position as in FIG. 11 and the shoulders 60 and 64 have contacted the handle ends. The contact of the inward slanted surfaces 55 and 57 against the edges of the first recess 62 and second recess 66 will thus prevent any upward movement of the supplemental weight 52 during the use of the kettlebell 10, such as during swinging.

[0060] Also shown in FIGS. 10-13 are a projection 70 extending from the second end of the supplemental weight 52 opposite the first end 54 thereof. This projection 70 is preferably placed in a central area so as to be substantially centered between the two handle ends when the supplemental weight 52 is in the engaged position as in FIG. 11.

[0061] This projection 70 projects past the top surface 14 and overhangs the beveled first central area 26 of the body 12 with the supplemental weight 52 in the engaged position, as in FIG. 11, and thereby provides a lever which a user can engage by placing a finger under the projection 70 in the space between the beveled first central area 26 on the body 12. A lifting action on this projection 70 will help to raise and allow dismount of the supplemental weight 52 to be slide from the engaged position of FIG. 11. This is especially desirable where the magnet 42 is positioned on the bottom side 74 of this supplemental weight 52 as in FIG. 13.

[0062] It should be noted that the supplemental weight 52 can be provided in any of a plurality of different weights or can be provided in a kit where there are multiple secondary weights 52, each of a differing weight is provided. This will allow the user to choose a supplemental weight 52 of a desired weight in pounds from the kit of multiple supplemental weights 52 and slide it to the engaged position when needed.

[0063] As noted, FIG. 11 shows the supplemental weight 52 of FIG. 10 moved to an engaged position by the sliding of the leading portion 53 between the upper surface 14 of the body 12 and the inner surfaces of the handle 15. The first shoulder 60 will contact the first end 17 of the handle and the second shoulder 64 will contact the second end 18 of the handle 15 once the supplemental weight 52 reaches the engaged position.

[0064] In FIG. 12, as noted, is shown a view of the supplemental weight 52 of FIGS. 1-11 from an overhead view or a view of the top side 73 thereof. The opposite view of the planar bottom side 74 of the supplemental weight 52 is shown in FIG. 13. This bottom side 74 is preferably planar to match and contact against the upper surface 14 of the body 12 when in the engaged position of FIG. 11.

[0065] Also shown in FIG. 13 are at least one magnet 42 which will provide a magnetic latch or connection of the supplemental weight 52 to the body 12 of the kettlebell device 10. This magnetic latch has been found in experimentation to more securely hold the supplemental weight 52 in the engaged position, especially under the forces of movement exerted thereon during use of the kettlebell device 10 for exercise.

[0066] While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the kettlebell exercise device and system having a planar body, have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.