US20230330471A1

US20230330471A1 - Kettlebell grab

Info

Publication number: US20230330471A1
Application number: US18/303,185
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles Theofilos
Original assignee: SNJ Patents LLC
Current assignee: SNJ Patents LLC
Priority date: 2022-04-19
Filing date: 2023-04-19
Publication date: 2023-10-19

Abstract

A kettlebell type exercise device, referred to generally as a kettlebell grab. The kettlebell grab is configured as a dynamic kettlebell device allowing a user to secure exercise dumbbells, barbells, or bars/shafts having various weights and sizes thereto. The dynamic nature of the kettlebell grab allows for one or more components to be arranged at different orientations or heights. The kettlebell grab may include a main body, a handle, and a dumbbell securing unit. The handle can be rotated to a variety of different positions, allowing a user to have the dumbbell positioned away from their legs during exercise. The handle can also be extended to a variety of different heights depending on these user's needs. The attached dumbbell may also be rotated to a variety of different positions.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/332,544, entitled “KETTLEBELL GRAB”, filed Apr. 19, 2022. The contents of the above referenced application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to exercise equipment; to exercise equipment for use in cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training; and more particularly, to a dynamic kettlebell for use in exercise activities, such as cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Kettlebells are commonly used in fitness workouts throughout the world. This exercise equipment allows users to perform various exercise types. While widely used for cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training, kettlebells have disadvantages. Kettlebells, which are typically made of cast iron or steel, are expensive and take up significant space. Since kettlebells are made as a single unit, the typical user and therefore the typical gym, requires numerous kettlebells depending on their weight specification needs. Since kettlebells are usually solid units, such construction does not allow for adjustments on handle position or height. The above issues can lead to bodily harm and injury during use if not used appropriately.
A kettlebell that avoids these disadvantages is needed in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of a kettlebell type exercise device, referred to generally as a kettlebell grab (kettlegrab), are described and illustrated. The kettlebell grab is configured as a dynamic kettlebell device that allows a user to secure exercise dumbbells of various weights and sizes thereto. While the dynamic kettlebell device is described securing to dumbbell, other exercise equipment having a bar/shaft, such as a barbell may be applicable. The dynamic nature of the kettlebell grab allows for one or more components to be arranged at different orientations or heights. The kettlebell grab may include a main body, a handle, and a dumbbell securing unit. The handle can be rotated to a variety of different positions, allowing a user to have the dumbbell positioned away from their legs during exercise. The handle can also be extended to a variety of different heights depending on a user's needs. The attached dumbbell may also be rotated to a variety of different positions.
Accordingly, it is an objective of embodiments of the invention to teach a dynamic kettlebell type exercise device.
It is a further objective of embodiments of the invention to teach a dynamic kettlebell type exercise device which replaces the need for using multiple, independent kettlebells.
It is yet another objective of embodiments of the invention to teach a dynamic kettlebell type exercise device which allows for customization of a handle positioning.
It is a still further objective of embodiments of the invention to teach a dynamic kettlebell type exercise device which allows for customization of a handle height.
It is a further objective of embodiments of the invention to teach a dynamic kettlebell type exercise device which allows a user the ability to use the device with any dumbbell weight.
It is yet another objective of embodiments of the invention to teach a dynamic kettlebell type exercise device which secures various dumbbell, barbell, or other bar/shaft sizes.
Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a kettlebell grab with a dumbbell secured thereto, shown in a first position;

FIG. 2 illustrates the kettlebell grab in a second extended position;

FIG. 3 illustrates the kettlebell grab in a third extended position;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the kettlebell grab;

FIG. 5 is an alternative exploded view of the kettlebell grab;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a kettlebell grab main body;

FIG. 7 is a back perspective view of the kettlebell grab main body;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a handle;

FIG. 9 is a back perspective view of the handle;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the dumbbell securing unit, shown in a closed position;

FIG. 11 is a back perspective view of the dumbbell securing unit, shown in a closed position;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the dumbbell securing unit, shown in a closed position;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the dumbbell securing unit in an open position;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of an inner dumbbell securing member;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the kettlebell grab, shown with a dumbbell secured thereto;

FIG. 16 illustrates the kettlebell grab in a second extended position and shown with the handle rotated;

FIG. 17 illustrates the kettlebell grab in a third extended position and shown with the secured dumbbell rotated;

FIG. 18 illustrates the kettlebell grab in the second extended position and shown with the secured dumbbell rotated;

FIG. 19 illustrates the kettlebell grab in the third extended position and shown with the handle and the secured dumbbell rotated;

FIG. 20 is a front view of the kettlebell grab illustrated in a first extended position and with an alternative embodiment of the kettlebell grab main body;

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the kettlebell grab illustrated in FIG. 20 , shown in the first extended position;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the kettlebell grab illustrated in FIG. 20 , shown in the first extended position;

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the kettlebell grab the kettlebell grab shown in FIG. 20 ;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the kettlebell grab shown in FIG. 20 , shown in a second extended position and with the handle in a rotated orientation; and

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the kettlebell grab the kettlebell grab shown in FIG. 20 , shown in the second extended position and with the handle in an alternative rotated orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
Referring to FIGS. 1-5 , illustrative embodiments of a kettlebell type exercise device, referred to generally as a kettlebell grab 10, is shown. The kettlebell grab 10 is configured as a dynamic exercise device that allows a user to secure exercise dumbbells of various weights and sizes thereto. The dynamic nature of the kettlebell grab 10 allows for one or more components to be arranged at different orientations or heights. The kettlebell grab 10 may include a main body 12, a handle 14, and a dumbbell securing unit 16 (may also be referred to generally as an exercise equipment securing member or a weighted object securing member). The main body 12 is preferably sized and shaped to separate the handle 14 and the dumbbell securing unit 16. The kettlebell grab 10 is shown with an independent dumbbell 120 attached and secured thereto.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , front (FIG. 6 ) and back (FIG. 7 ) perspective views of the kettlebell grab main body 12 are illustrated. The kettlebell grab main body 12 includes a first or top end 18, a second or bottom end 20, and a wall 22 separating the top end 18 and bottom end 20. The top end 18 may include an upper surface 24. The upper surface 24 includes an opening 26, exposing an inner portion or lumen 28. The wall 22 is continuous and may assume a shape having various surfaces. As illustrated, the wall 22 includes six surfaces (or side walls) 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40, thus providing the kettlebell grab main body 12 with a generally hexagonal shape. Each of the six surfaces (or side walls), 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40, included one or more openings 42, spaced apart and arranged at various positions along the length of each surface or side wall. In certain embodiments, to aid in securing the handle to the kettlebell grab main body 12, openings 42 may be arranged so that each opposing side wall opening 42 is arranged at the same distance from the top end 18 and/or the second or bottom end 20. In this configuration, inserting an object, i.e. a screw or pin, into one opening 42, if long enough, would allow the inserted object to travel through or align with the opposing opening 42 positioned in the opposing side wall.
While illustrated as assuming a generally hexagonal shape, the kettlebell grab main body 12 may assume other shapes, such as having less surfaces or side walls, i.e., a pentagonal shape (five (5) surfaces or side walls), a square or rectangular shape, (four (4) surfaces or side walls, or a triangular shape (three (3) surfaces or side walls). Alternatively, the kettlebell grab main body 12 may assume other shapes having more surfaces or side walls, such as heptagonal shape (seven (7) surfaces or side walls) or octagonal shape (eight (8) surfaces or side walls), or shapes with more surfaces or side walls. Regardless of the exact number of surfaces or side walls, the kettlebell grab main body 12 is preferably configured to allow the handle 14 to be arranged in different positions and orientations relative to the positioning of the kettlebell grab main body 12 and/or the dumbbell securing unit 16.
Secured to or integrally formed from the kettlebell grab main body second or bottom end 20 is a dumbbell securing unit engaging member 44 (may also be referred to as an exercise equipment securing unit engaging member). The dumbbell securing unit engaging member 44 is configured to engage with the dumbbell securing unit 16, thus attaching and securing the dumbbell securing unit 16 to the kettlebell grab main body 12. The dumbbell securing unit engaging member 44 includes a body 46 having a plurality of surfaces or side walls 48 (shown with 4 side walls 48, individually as 48A, 48 B 48C, and 48D) which extend away from the kettlebell grab main body second or bottom end 20, thus defining a dumbbell securing unit engaging member body length, see FIGS. 6 and 7 . At least one dumbbell securing unit engaging member body side wall 48 includes an opening 50 (see surfaces or side walls 48A or 48C). The opening 50 may be, but is not necessarily threaded. In an illustrative embodiment, the dumbbell securing unit engaging member body 46 assumes the same shape as the kettlebell grab main body 12. Accordingly, if the kettlebell grab main body 12 assumes a generally hexagonal shape with six (6) surfaces or side walls, the dumbbell securing unit engaging member body 46 also assumes a generally hexagonal shape with six (6) surfaces or side walls.
Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 , an illustrative embodiment of the handle 14 a shown. The handle 14 may comprise an upper portion 56 and a lower portion 58. The upper portion 56 is configured to allow a user's hand, or body part, to grip and secure thereto. Accordingly, the upper portion 56 may be defined by two side walls 60, 62, separated by an upper wall 64 and defining a space 66, thereby forming a loop structure. The two side walls 60, 62 are secured to or integrally formed from the lower portion 58. The space 66 is an open space allowing a user to fit and place at least a portion of his/her hands, or body part, when gripping the handle 14 upon using the kettlebell grab 10.
The handle lower portion 58 is configured to receive and hold therein at least a portion of the kettlebell grab main body 12. Accordingly, an embodiment of the lower portion 58 includes a shaped body 68, or shaft, sized and shaped to fit over and slide about the kettlebell grab main body 12. As such, preferably, the shaped body 68 assumes a shape that is similar or the same as the shape of the kettlebell grab main body 12. As illustrated, the shaped body 68 assumes a generally hexagonal shape, having six (6) surfaces or side walls 70, 72, 74 (FIG. 8 ), 76, 78, and 80 (FIG. 9 ). Surfaces or side walls 70 and 76 each have an opening 82, thus exposing an interior 84. The openings 82 are sized and shaped to receive a securing member 86, such as a screw, see FIG. 5 . The openings 82 may be threaded to allow securing member(s) 86 to be tightly and removably fastened. Alternatively, the securing member 86 may be a pin or other devices known to one of skill in the art.
Referring to FIGS. 10-13 , an illustrative embodiment of the dumbbell securing unit 16 is shown. The dumbbell securing unit 16 is designed to attach to and secure any dumbbell to the kettlebell grab main body 12. The dumbbell securing unit 16 is shown having a body 88 having a first side end 90 and an opposing second side end 92, and a kettlebell grab main body engaging member 94 (may also be referred to as main body engaging member 94). The first side end 90 has an opening 87. The second side end 92 has an opening 89. The dumbbell securing unit body 88 is illustrated having a generally cylindrical shape, thus mirroring the shape of the dumbbell bar that is inserted and secured within the interior 96.
The dumbbell securing unit body 88 may be configured having a clam shell design, and comprises two halves, a first or right wall 98, and a second or left wall 100, see FIG. 13 . The first or right wall 98 and the second or left wall 100 are hingedly connected to each other via a hinge or pivot 102, such as a pin. Such configuration allows the dumbbell securing unit 16 to traverse, i.e. open or close, between a closed position, see FIGS. 10 and 11 , an open position, see FIG. 13 , or positions in between, see FIG. 12 ; the light grey images of the first or right wall 98′ and the second or left wall 100′ indicating positioning or moving in between. The first or right wall 98 may also contain a first half 104 of the kettlebell grab engaging member 94. The second or left wall 100 may contain the second half 106 of the kettlebell grab main body engaging member 94. The first half 104 of the kettlebell grab main body engaging member 94 may include a channel first portion 105A. The second half 104 of the kettlebell grab engaging member main body 94 may include a channel second portion 105B. When in the closed positon, the channel first portion 105A and the channel second portion channel 105B form an enclosed channel that acts as a guide or housing for an inserted screw or pin.
When in the closed position, the kettlebell grab main body engaging member 94 comprises a body 108 having a plurality of surfaces or side walls, 110, 112, 114, and 116 (see FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 ). The body 108 extends away from the surface 107. The kettlebell grab main body engaging member body 108 includes openings 118 positioned on different surfaces or side walls 110, 112, 114, and 116, thus providing a mechanism to secure an attached dumbbell 120 to the main body 12 at different orientations. The kettlebell grab main body engaging member 94 may be secured to the main body 12 through threaded screw 121 and threaded nut 122. To aid in securing a dumbbell having different bar sizes or widths, the kettlebell grab 10 may optionally include an inner dumbbell securing member 124, see FIG. 5 and FIG. 14 .
The inner dumbbell securing member 124 comprises two components, a first member 126 and a second member 128 (FIG. 14 ). The inner dumbbell securing member 124 is shown having a generally cylindrical shape, which mirrors the shape of the dumbbell securing unit 16. Accordingly, the first member 126 is shaped as a first half of a cylindrical body and the second member 128 is shaped as a second half of a cylindrical body. The first member 126 and the second member 128 may be fit together to form an interior 130. The interior 130 is open or partially open to receive and accept at least a portion of the dumbbell 120, i.e. the bar portion 132. The first member 126 and the second member 128 are shown as independent units. The first member 126 and the second member 128 are interchangeable with different size members. Alternatively, the first member 126 and the second member 128 could be attached with a hinge. The first member 126 and the second member 128 may be made of a rubber foam, or other material, and of varying thicknesses and/or sizes. The first member 126 and the second member 128 each may include external surface channels or grooves 134 sized and shaped to interact and engage with internal ridges or ribbing 136 located on the interior of the first or right wall 98 and the second or left wall 100, thus securing in place.
Referring to FIG. 15 , a cross-sectional view of the kettlebell grab 10, shown secured to a dumbbell 120 is shown, illustrating the inter-connection of the unit. The lower portion 58 of the handle 14 secures over the kettlebell grab main body 12. The handle 14 rests against a stop, 137 (in the first extended position), illustrated herein as an outer ridge or ledge, see FIG. 6 and FIG. 15 . The handle 14 secures to the main body 12 via insertion of screws or pins into overlapping openings 42 and 82. The dumbbell securing unit 16 secures to a dumbbell 120 by clamping the dumbbell securing unit body 88 and the inner dumbbell securing member 124 over the bar 132. The dumbbell securing unit 16 secures to the kettlebell grab main body 12 via screws or pins inserted into overlapping openings 50 and 118.
The kettlebell grab 10 is designed to allow a user to attach the device to any dumbbell (or barbell or other bar) and convert it to a kettlebell or bar carrying device. This unique cost saving feature allows the kettlebell grab 10 to be used with dumbbells of various weights, while saving significant amounts of space and money. Furthermore, the kettlebell grab 10 is configured to allow the dumbbell 120 and/or the handle 14 to be oriented in various positions (i.e. rotating about the longitudinal axis 138, see FIG. 1 ). The numerous positions in which the handle 14 can be extended and rotated dramatically expands the versatility of the kettlebell grab 10. The numerous positions to which the dumbbell 120 can be orientated dramatically expands the versatility of the kettlebell grab 10 as well.
Referring specifically to FIGS. 1-3 , the kettlebell grab 10 is shown with the handle 14 fixed at different heights. Such action is accomplished by fixing the handle 14 to any of the openings 42 positioned along the length or height of the surface of side walls 30, 32, 34, 34, 28, or 40 (FIGS. 6 and 7 ). This action moves and places the handle 14 up/down relative to the kettlebell grab main body 12. The handle 14 may also be rotated (and fixed in position) about the kettlebell grab main body 12 by securing the handle 14 to the various openings relative to the side walls. Attaching the handle 14 to one of the openings 42 located within the surfaces or side walls 30, 32, 34, 34, 28, or 40 results in orientating the handle 14 in different positions. Because the kettlebell grab main body 12 is shown having a hexagonal shape, the handle 14 can be placed at six (6) different positions. FIG. 16 illustrates the handle 14 shown in a “rotated” alignment when compared to, for example, the handle 14 orientation illustrated in FIG. 1 .
The kettlebell grab 10 is also designed to provide positioning of the dumbbell 120, relative to the kettlebell grab main body 12 (or the longitudinal axis 138, see FIG. 1 ) in at least two different positions. FIG. 1 shows a first position of the dumbbell 120 relative to the kettlebell grab main body 12. FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate the positioning of the dumbbell 120 in a second position, i.e. 90 degrees to the right, see FIG. 17 , or to the left, see FIG. 18 . Orientating the dumbbell 120 at different positions is accomplished by securing the dumbbell securing unit 16 to the kettlebell grab main body 12 using the plurality of surfaces or side walls, 110, 112, 114, and 116 of the kettlebell grab engaging member 94. As such, if the kettlebell grab engaging member 94 has more than four (4) sides, i.e., is hexagonal, the dumbbell 120 may be positioned relative to the kettlebell grab main body 12 in six different positions or orientations. The kettlebell grab 10 may also include embodiments where both the handle 14 and the dumbbell 120 may be oriented in different positions, see FIG. 19 .
Referring to FIGS. 20-23 , the kettlebell grab 10 is show with an alternative embodiment of the kettlebell grab main body 12. The dumbbell securing unit engaging member body 46 includes all surfaces or side walls 48 having opening 50. As illustrated, the dumbbell securing unit engaging member body 46 comprises four (4) surfaces or side walls 48, individually as 48A, 48 B 48C, and 48D, each with opening 50, individually as 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D. In this embodiment, the positioning or orientation of dumbbell securing unit 16, and thus the dumbbell 120, may be changed using openings 50. In addition to the changing the orientation of dumbbell securing unit 16, and thus the dumbbell 120, handle 14 may be positioned or orientated in various positions. FIG. 24 illustrates the handle 14 rotated to counter-clockwise direction relative to wall 30. FIG. 25 illustrates the handle 14 rotated in a clockwise direction relative to wall 30.
It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A kettlebell type exercise device comprising:

a main body having a first end and a second, opposing end;

a handle secured to or positioned on said main body; and

an exercise equipment securing member constructed and arranged to secure an exercise equipment having a bar or shaft thereto, said exercise equipment securing member secured to or positioned at said main body second end.

2. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 1, further including a weighted object secured to said exercise equipment securing member.

3. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 2, wherein said weighted object includes a bar or shaft.

4. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 2, wherein said weighted object is a barbell or dumbbell.

5. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 1, wherein said handle is movably positioned along a longitudinal axis of said main body.

6. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 1, wherein said handle is rotatable about said main body.

7. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 1, wherein said main body comprises a plurality of openings

8. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 1, wherein said main body includes a wall separating said first end and said second end, said wall having a plurality of adjacent surfaces

9. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 8, wherein each of said plurality of adjacent surfaces comprises one or more openings.

10. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 9, wherein each of said plurality of adjacent surfaces comprises two or more openings spaced apart and arranged at various positions along the length of each surface.

11. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 1, wherein said main body second end includes an exercise equipment securing unit engaging member constructed and arranged to secure with at least a portion of said exercise equipment securing member.

12. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 1, wherein said main body has an inner portion.

13. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 11, wherein said exercise equipment securing unit engaging member comprises a plurality of surfaces or side walls, at least one of said plurality of surfaces or side walls has an opening.

14. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 1, wherein said exercise equipment securing member comprises a body having a first end with a first end opening, a second end with a second end opening, an interior portion, and a kettlebell type exercise device main body engaging member constructed and arranged to engage with or secure to said main body.

15. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 13, wherein said exercise equipment securing member body comprises a first wall and a second wall, said first wall hingedly connected to said second wall, thereby traversing between an open position and a closed position.

16. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 15, wherein said first wall is hingedly connected to said second wall via a hinge or pivot.

17. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 15, wherein,

said first wall contains a first half of said of kettlebell type exercise device main body engaging member; and

said second wall contains a second half of said of kettlebell type exercise device main body engaging member.

18. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 14, wherein kettlebell type exercise device main body engaging member comprises a body having a plurality of surfaces or side walls, wherein at least one of said plurality of surfaces or side walls has an opening.

19. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 1, further including an inner exercise equipment securing member, said inner exercise equipment securing size and shaped to fit within said exercise equipment securing member.

20. The kettlebell type exercise device according to claim 19, wherein said inner exercise equipment securing member has an interior portion which is sized and shaped to receive and hold at least a portion of an exercise equipment having a bar or shaft.