Mortar & Pestle Fitness Device

Abstract

A fitness device in the form of a mortar and pestle system designed to be powered manually by a user's arm(s) in a gravity-driven operation, providing a unique and customizable fitness experience. More particularly, a fitness device comprising a stationary mortar component, a pestle component having a weighted element removably secured thereto, and a malleable synthetic material removably disposed within the mortar component. In operation, an individual can grip the handle of pestle component, and using one or both arms, pound the synthetic material to create a unique and challenging workout

Claims

1. A mortar and pestle fitness device comprising: a. a mortar component having an interior bowl element; b. a pestle component having an upper portion in the form of an ergonomic handle and a lower portion having a weighted element detachably secured thereto, and c. a synthetic material removably disposed with said interior bowl element, wherein manipulating engagement of said synthetic material by said pestle component creates a gravity-driven fitness experience.

2. The mortar and pestle fitness device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said manipulating engagement is by pounding said pestle component into said synthetic material.

3. The mortar and pestle fitness device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said weighted element ranges in weight from about five pounds (5 lb) to about fifty pounds (50 lb).

4. The mortar and pestle fitness device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said synthetic material is a pliable and malleable material.

5. The mortar and pestle fitness device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said synthetic material is selected from the group consisting of sculpting clay and moldable silicone putty.

6. The mortar and pestle fitness device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pestle component further comprises a central tubular opening extending through the longitudinal length there, a metal support rod disposed within said central opening and extending from said upper portion and into said lower portion, and a locking mechanism constructed within said lower portion configured to detachably secure said weighted element thereto.

7. The mortar and pestle fitness device in accordance with claim 6, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a pair of metal clips, a pair of slots configured to receive said pair of metal clips, and a spring-loaded release button.

8. The mortar and pestle fitness device in accordance with claim 7, wherein said weighted element is provided with a protruding shaft having a pair of grooves etched into the circumference of the shaft, and wherein when said protruding shaft is introduced into said locking mechanism, said pair of grooves are in alignment with said pair of slots such that said pair of metal clips are inserted within said pair of slots to detachably secure said weighted element to said lower portion of said pedestal component.

9. The mortar and pestle fitness device in accordance with claim 8, wherein said spring-loaded release button is configured to engage said pair of metal clips in such a manner that when said spring-loaded release button is pressed, said pair of metal clips are moved inwardly, allowing said weighted element to be released from said lower portion of said pedestal component.

10. The mortar and pestle fitness device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said interior bowl element of said mortar component has a smooth surface.

11. The mortar and pestle fitness device in accordance with claim 10, wherein said interior bowl element is composed of metal.

12. The mortar and pestle fitness device in accordance with claim 11, wherein is composed of stainless steel.

13. The mortar and pestle fitness device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a pair of recessed handles.

14. The mortar and pestle fitness device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said mortar component comprises an upper, an intermediate and a lower housing, said upper housing and said intermediate housing filled with a light weight filler.

15. The mortar and pestle fitness device in accordance with claim 14, wherein said light weight filler is a polyurethane foam.

16. The mortar and pestle fitness device in accordance with claim 14, wherein said lower housing is filled with a heavy weight filler to provide weight and stability to the mortar component.

17. The mortar and pestle fitness device in accordance with claim 15, wherein said heavy weight filler is concrete.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the mortar and pestle fitness device illustrating the pestle engaging the synthetic material disposed within the mortar bowl.

[0017] FIG. 2A is a side view of the pestle component of the mortar and pestle fitness device of the present subject matter.

[0018] FIG. 2B is a partial exploded side view of the lower portion of the pestle component of the mortar and pestle fitness device of the present subject matter.

[0019] FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the mortar and pestle fitness device of the present subject matter illustrating the pestle component

[0020] FIG. 4 is side perspective view of the mortar and pestle fitness device of the present subject matter depicting the inner housing element.

[0021] FIG. 5 is an interior perspective view of the mortar and pestle fitness device of the present subject matter illustrating the locking mechanism of the weighted element to the pestle component.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the mortar component of the present subject matter.

[0023] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the mortar and pestle fitness device of the present subject matter illustrating the mortar component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] In the following description, like reference numbers are used to identify like elements. Furthermore, the drawings are intended to illustrate major features of exemplary embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of every implementation nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements and are not drawn to scale. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to clearly describe various specific embodiments disclosed herein. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the presently claimed invention may be practiced without all the specific details discussed below. In other instances, well known features have not been described so as not to obscure the invention.

[0025] The terms fitness device, exercise device, mortar and pestle device, derivative terms, and similar terms may be used throughout the specification and it is to be understood that such terms are interchangeable and all refer to the mortar and pestle fitness device of the present subject matter.

[0026] Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of the terms including, comprising, having, and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the present subject matter is directed to a mortar and pestle fitness device 10 comprising a pestle component 100, a mortar component 200, and a pliable, malleable synthetic material 300 which is removably disposed within the bowl of the mortar component. The pestle component engages the synthetic material, such as by pounding or other manipulation, to create an exercise routine. The mortar and pestle fitness device is streamlined to enhance upper body workouts without the need for multiple pieces of equipment to target various muscle groups in the upper body. The fitness device specifically is engineered to replicate the effects of various workout equipment used in traditional strength training. By adjusting the grip and body position of the user, the user can target muscle groups including the chest, shoulders, triceps, biceps and back.

[0028] The mortar component is stationary, serving as a stable base and having an interior bowl-shaped configuration for receiving the pestle component. The pestle component comprises an ergonomic handle ensuring a comfortable grip which enables a wide range of motion and optimal muscle engagement during each exercise, and a weighted element, detachably secured to the lower portion of the pestle component. Preferably, a plurality of weighted elements is provided with the mortar and pestle fitness device of the present subject matter, each weighted element having a different weight, ranging from about five pounds (5 lb) to about fifty pounds (50 lb). In this manner, a user can select the specific weighted element necessary to meet their fitness level and desired workout intensity. Preferably, each of the weighted elements are composed of metal. However, as will be obvious to those skilled in the art, the weighted element can be composed of any material which can be removably secured to the lower portion of the pestle component as described hereinafter.

[0029] The synthetic material used in the mortar and pestle fitness device of the present subject matter should be composed of a material which is pliable and malleable, but also durable. Examples of the synthetic material suitable for use with the mortar and pestle fitness device include material based on sculpting clay and moldable silicone putty. However, it will be understood, particularly by those skilled in the art, that any material having a certain enhanced flexibility that remains pliable and malleable can be used as the synthetic material component. Preferably, several types of synthetic material will be offered with the mortar and pestle fitness device of the present subject matter, each type having a different viscosity.

[0030] The synthetic material is removably disposed within the bowl of the mortar component. The amount of synthetic material to be placed in the bowl will depend on the user's fitness needs. Typically, the user first can roughly shape the synthetic material into a ball-like shape, the size of the ball-like shape can range from the size of a baseball to the size of a softball. Again, it is to be understood that the amount of synthetic material utilized will be determined by the specific fitness regime of the user. This synthetic material simulates the traditional mortar and pestle activity when an item in the mortar is pounded by the pestle component, thereby creating a dynamic resistance as the user works the pestle component against the synthetic material. In operation, the user can control the engagement of the exercise as the user experiences the resistance of the synthetic material and adjusts the pounding technique.

[0031] As shown in the Figures, a mortar and pestle fitness device 10, comprises a pestle component 100 and a mortar component 200. Referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the pestle component 100 comprises an upper portion 110 and a lower portion 120 configured to detachably secure a weighted element 130 thereto. As shown particularly in FIG. 3, the pestle component 100 is constructed around a metal support rod 102 to provide strength and support along the entire length of the pestle component, the metal support rod 102 being disposed within a central tubular opening 105 which extends through the longitudinal length of the upper portion 110 and through the lower portion 120 which is removably connected upper portion, such as by a threaded connection or snap fit connection 103.

[0032] The upper portion comprises an ergonomic rubber grip handle 111 having central tubular opening 105 disposed therethrough, a plastic end cap 112 disposed at the upper end of the ergonomic handle 111 with a decorative ring 114 preferably disposed between the upper end of the handle and the plastic end cap 112. The plastic end cap 112 is secured to the upper end of the of the ergonomic handle 111 by any suitable means which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. A second decorative ring 116 may be disposed between lower end of the ergonomic handle 111 and the lower portion 120. Preferably both decorative rings 114 and 116 are metal decorative rings.

[0033] The lower portion 120 of the pestle component 100 comprises a locking mechanism for detachably securing the weighted element. The locking mechanism comprises an external housing shell 121 having a first interior housing element 122 and a second interior housing element 124 which interlocks with the first interior housing element to create the tubular opening through which the metal support rod 102 partially extends. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first interior housing element 122 has upper slot 123A and lower slot 123B, and the second interior housing element 124 has a corresponding upper slot 125A and a corresponding lower slot 125B. The two interior housing elements are configured to interlock together such that upper slot 123A is aligned with upper slot 125A and lower slot 123B is aligned with lower slot 125B, as the two interior housing elements are secured within the external housing shell 121 as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

[0034] The third portion of the pedestal component 100 comprises a weighted element 130, removably secured to the lower portion 120 of the pedestal component. More particularly, the weighted element 130 comprises an upwardly protruding shaft 131 having an upper groove 132A and a lower groove 132B etched into the circumference of the shaft. Metal clips are provided for retaining the weighted element 130 within the lower portion 120. Each of the metal clips has a large circular cutout. More particularly, as best viewed in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the protruding shaft 131 of the weighted element is introduced into lower portion 120 and removably secured therein with the two metal clips which engage the upper and lower grooves on the protruding shaft and the upper and lower slots of the interior housing elements. More specifically, the protruding shaft is introduced within the dual internal housing elements such that the upper groove 132A is in alignment with upper slot 123A and upper slot 125A, and lower groove 132B is in alignment with lower slot 123B and lower slot 125B. First metal clip 133 is inserted through the upper slot 123A, engages groove 132A and extends into slot 125A, while second metal clip 135 is inserted through the lower slot 123B, engages groove 132B and extends into lower slot 125B, thereby retaining the weighted element within the lower portion 120 of the housing. A spring-loaded button 138 is provided that will move the clips inwardly when the button is pushed, allowing for the weighted element to be released. When each metal clip is pushed inwardly, each large circular cutout releases the respective clip from the engaged groove of the protruding shaft 131

[0035] The lower portion 120 of the pedestal component further comprises an opening 128 disposed on the external housing shell 121 such that the spring-loaded button 138 extends through the opening 128 and is accessible to the user. A rubber cushion 136 and a decorative ring 137 are disposed between the weighted element and the external housing shell. Preferably the decorative ring 137 is a decorative metal ring.

[0036] The mortar and pestle fitness system of the present subject matter includes a plurality of removable and interchangeable weighted elements 130, each having a different weight. Preferably, each weighted element has a weight ranging from about five (5) pounds to about fifty (50) pounds. Of course, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that the weighted elements can be less than five pounds and more than fifty pounds without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter. In operation, the user will press the spring-loaded button which will open the two metal clips, the protruding shaft of the selected weighted element is introduced into the lower portion 120 of the pedestal component and the two metal clips will engage the two grooves disposed on the protruding shaft, thereby removably securing and locking the weighted element within the pedestal component 100.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 6, the mortar component 200 comprises a base portion 210 and a bowl portion 220. The bowl portion 220 is provided with at least two recessed handles. The mortar component is composed of three internal plastic housings, ribbed on the interior surface for added strength, two of the housings are filled with light weight filler, such as polyurethane foam, and a base housing which is filled with a heavy weight filler, such as concrete. The outside of each of the housings is encased in a rubber padding, a plastic housing, and a decorative metal trim. The inside of the mortar is in the form of a single smooth surfaced bowl, preferably the smooth surface is composed of a metal, such as stainless steel.

[0038] FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of the mortar component 200 of the fitness device of the present subject matter. The mortar component 200 of the mortar and pestle fitness device of the present invention comprises a filler material that removes unwanted airspace within the walls of the several housings of the mortar component. In some instances, this material will be a lighter weight component, such as a polyurethane foam; in other instances, particularly the base portion, a heavier weight material, such as concrete, is used to provide added weight and stability to the mortar component. Of course, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that there are many suitable materials which can be utilized as the lighter weight material and the heavier weight material and the examples of polyurethane foam and concrete should not be construed as being the only materials suitable for use as the filler materials in the present mortar and pestle fitness device.

[0039] Referring particularly to FIG. 7, the mortar component 200 comprises a base portion 210 and a bowl portion 220. The base portion 210 is constructed with a rubber base 211, a lower plastic interior housing 212 containing a heavier weight material such as concrete, optionally a decorative metal ring 213 disposed between the rubber base 211 and lower interior housing 212, a rubber foot pad 214 which is configured with a flanged lower end to be secured to the rubber base, and a plastic housing member 215 containing a lighter weighted filler material fitted within the rubber foot pad.

[0040] The bowl portion 220 comprises a mortar bowl 221, preferably constructed of a durable material such as metal, which is situated within an upper plastic interior housing 222 containing the lighter weight filler material, the upper plastic interior housing having at least two recessed openings 230 having plastic handles 232 inserted therein, a plastic exterior housing 224 which is configured to fit over the interior housing and optionally finished with a top decorative metal ring 225, and a rubber lip 226. Optionally, another decorative ring 227 is disposed between the upper interior housing and the lower interior housing.

[0041] The foregoing detailed description of exemplary and preferred embodiments is presented for purposes of illustration and disclosure in accordance with the requirements of the law. It is not intended to be exhaustive nor intended to limit the invention to the precise form(s) described, but only to enable others skilled in the art to understand how the invention may be suited for a particular use or implementation. The possibility of modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. No limitation is intended by the description of exemplary embodiments which may have included tolerances, feature dimensions, specific operating conditions, engineering specifications, or the like, and which may vary between implementations or with changes to the state of the art, and no limitation should be implied therefrom. Applicant has made this disclosure with respect to the current state of the art, but also contemplates advancements and that adaptations in the future may take into consideration of those advancements, namely in accordance with the then current state of the art. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims as written and equivalents as applicable. Reference to a claim element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless explicitly so stated.

[0042] Moreover, no element, component, nor method or process step in this disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, under the provisions of 35 U.S.C 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase means for . . . and no method or process step herein is to be construed under those provisions unless the step, or steps, are expressly recited using the phrase step(s) for . . .

[0043] While several illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternative embodiments are contemplated and can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.