Exercise equipment adapter

An exercise equipment adapter includes a first enclosure portion having a first divot portion and a second enclosure portion having a second divot portion. A hinge connection connects the first and second enclosure portions, the hinge connection arranging the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion in an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are mated to each other, forming an enclosure, and the first and second divot portions forming a cavity. A locking mechanism is configured to lock first enclosure to the second closure in the closed position and a handle is connected to at least one of the first and second enclosure portions.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure is in the field of exercise and/or body conditioning equipment. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed towards the technical field of adapters for exercise and/or body conditioning equipment. Exercise equipment for which the present adapter is useful includes, without limitation, dumbbells, barbells, home gym equipment, etc. Utilization for which the present exercise equipment adapter is useful includes, without limitation, using the adapter with a dumbbell to assist in kettlebell-like activities, etc.

Description of the Related Art

Past efforts have led to various disclosures directed toward adjustable exercise devices, but the previous disclosures are deficient in several respects. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,267,841 to Allison et al., the inventors disclose a design that attempts to function as both a dumbbell and a kettlebell. The design involves an upper body and a lower body that allows a handlebar of a dumbbell to be placed inside the members, and locked into place via spring locks and a pin that is located on the outside of the aforementioned members.

However, in Allison et al.'s design, the upper and lower bodies are connected only by the locking mechanism, thus relying solely on the secure locking mechanism to ensure the handle bar of the dumbbell does not become dislodged while in use. In addition, the downward force of gravity and inertial forces during movement are directed entirely through the locking mechanism. These aspects of the inventor's design increase risk of injury for the user of the design. Finally, the inventor's design is solely for dumbbell use. Accordingly, there is a need for a safer, more secure and more versatile exercise equipment adapter.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An aspect of the present subject matter is directed to an exercise equipment adapter, comprising: a first enclosure portion comprising a first divot portion; a second enclosure portion comprising a second divot portion; a hinge connection connecting the first and second enclosure portions, the hinge connection arranging the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion in an open configuration and a closed configuration, whereby, in the closed configuration, the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are mated to each other, forming an enclosure, and the first and second divot portions forming a cavity; a locking mechanism configured to lock first enclosure to the second closure in the closed position; and a handle connected to at least one of the first and second enclosure portions.

Another aspect of the present subject matter is directed to an exercise equipment adapter, comprising: a first enclosure portion comprising a first top end, a first bottom end and a first transverse divot portion; a second enclosure portion comprising a second top end, a second bottom end, a second transverse divot portion; a hinge connection connecting the first bottom end and the second bottom end, the hinge connection arranging the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion in an open configuration and a closed configuration, whereby, in the closed configuration, the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are mated to each other, and the first and second transverse divot portions form a transverse cavity; a locking mechanism configured to lock the first top end to the second top end in the closed position; and a handle connected to at least the first top end to the second top end.

A further aspect of the present subject matter is directed to an exercise equipment adapter, comprising: a first enclosure portion comprising a first top end, a first side end, and a first divot portion, the first divot portion comprising a narrow portion and a wide portion; a second enclosure portion comprising a second top end, a corresponding first side, and a second divot portion, the second divot portion having a corresponding narrow portion and a corresponding wide portion; a vertical hinge connection connecting the first side to the corresponding first side, the hinge connection arranging the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion in an open configuration and a closed configuration, whereby the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are mated to each other in the closed position, forming an enclosure and a cavity, the cavity formed by the first and second divot portions, the narrow portion and the corresponding narrow portion forming a narrow opening at a bottom of the enclosure, and the wide portion and the corresponding wide portion forming a wide cavity in a middle portion of the enclosure; a locking mechanism configured to lock the first and second enclosures in the closed position; and a handle connected to at least one of the top end and the second top end.

Yet another aspect of the present subject matter is directed to an exercise equipment adapter comprising a first enclosure portion having a first top end, a first bottom end and a first transverse divot portion and a second enclosure portion having a second top end, a second bottom end, a second transverse divot portion. A threaded hinge connection is disposed on the first bottom end and the second bottom end to provide an open and closed configuration, whereby, in the closed configuration, the first and second transverse divot portions form a transverse cavity. The first top end and the second top end each include a vertical wall perpendicular to the first transverse divot portion and the second transverse divot portion, respectively. The vertical wall has at least two embossments on opposing ends of the vertical wall, whereby, in the closed configuration, the embossments of each vertical wall align and abut to provide a secure connection. The exercise adapter further includes a pair of half-cylinder inserts removably attached between the first and second divot portions in the transverse cavity. The exercise equipment adapter further comprises a U-shaped attachment plane perpendicular to the vertical wall of the first and second top end, wherein the attachment plane of the first top end is configured to overlap the attachment plane of the second top end.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

Reference is now made in detail to the description of non-limiting embodiments as illustrated in the drawings. While the embodiments described may use specific materials or configurations, there is no intent to limit the subject matter to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. Accordingly, various modifications to the embodiments presented may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can be applied to other non-limiting embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed subject matter. As such, this detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present apparatus, system and method as set forth in the claims.

Shown inFIG. 1is a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of an exercise equipment adapter5for adapting use of an existing piece of exercise equipment70. Exercise equipment adapter5comprises an enclosure10in which exercise equipment70may be secured and a handle15allowing for exercise equipment adapter5to be used to engage in physical activity, such as kettlebell-like activities, etc.

Shown inFIGS. 2-3is a plan view of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of exercise equipment adapter5shown an open configuration. As shown, exercise equipment adapter5comprises a first enclosure portion20which includes a first top end20a, a first bottom end20band a first transverse divot portion40. A second enclosure portion25is provided, and includes a second top end25a, a second bottom end25b, and a second transverse divot portion45.

A hinge connection30connects first bottom end20band second bottom end25bin a horizontal configuration. Hinge connection30provides for arranging first enclosure portion20and second enclosure portion25in an open configuration (FIGS. 2-3), and a closed configuration (FIGS. 4-5). A locking mechanism35comprising mating portions35a,35bis configured to lock or mate first top end20ato second top end25ain the closed position. Handle10is shown as connected to first enclosure portion20, but need only be connected to at least one of first top end20aof first enclosure20and second top end25aof second enclosure25.

As shown inFIG. 3, first transverse divot portion40is configured to support a handle portion72situated between ends weights74. Second transverse divot portion45is similarly configured, thus in the closed position, handle portion72is secured between first transverse divot portion40and second transverse divot portion45. In addition to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment shown, first transverse divot portion40and second transverse divot portion45may vary in width and size to adapt to various handles of exercise and/or body conditioning equipment.

FIG. 4shows a side view of exercise equipment adapter5in the closed configuration. First enclosure portion20and second enclosure portion25are mated to form enclosure10. A transverse cavity50is formed by first transverse divot40and second transverse divot45. Transverse cavity50is used to secure handle portion72of exercise equipment70.

FIG. 5shows a top view of exercise equipment adapter5, where first enclosure portion20is mated to second enclosure portion25in the closed configuration. Locking mechanism35locks together first top end20aof first enclosure portion20and second top end25aof second enclosure portion25to form enclosure10. In this exemplary embodiment, handle15is attached to first enclosure20.

As depicted in the non-limiting exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-5, exercise equipment adapter5may be utilized with any existing exercise and/or body conditioning equipment70comprising a transverse handle bar72between two end weights74, as well as other forms of exercise and/or body conditioning equipment comprising a similar configuration that allows for rigid and secure fastening of an exercise equipment adapter5.

First and second enclosures20,25may be manufactured from strong, durable materials. By way of non-limiting example, materials from which first and second enclosure portions20,25are manufactured from includes: plastic, rubber, metal, steel, iron, etc. The shape and configuration of first and second enclosure portions20,25may vary from the non-limiting embodiment shown to accommodate different uses or applications. In particular, widths of first and second enclosure portions20,25may vary, including, by way of non-limiting example, being 3-6 inches in width in order to securely attach to transverse handle portion72, yet still fit between weighted ends74of exercise and/or body conditioning equipment70, or to accommodate different uses or applications.

Handle15may have a shape that is square, circular, rectangular, curved, triangular or of other manner of geometric shape. By way of non-limiting example, the width handle15may be 6-12 inches in width in order to accommodate different hand sizes and applications or use of the device. Additionally, the width of handle15may be wide enough to accommodate either single or double hand-grasp of the handle simultaneously. The height between the top of handle15and enclosure10may also vary in height, by way of non-limiting example, from 3-6 inches as to accommodate different uses or applications. Additionally, handle15may be attached to either first enclosure portion20or second enclosure25.

By way of non-limiting example, locking mechanism35may include any of the following descriptions of locking devices or other such mechanism that support the desired mating of first and second enclosure portions. Locking mechanism35may comprise mating portion35aattached to first enclosure portion20and corresponding mating portion35battached to second enclosure portion25. Another example of locking mechanism35include the joining of a male piece attached to one of first and second enclosure portions20,25and a corresponding female piece attached to the other of first and second enclosure portion20,25, which may then be locked into place with a corresponding male and female bolt or other locking system.

By way of additional non-limiting example, the male portion may be an extension of the enclosure that projects or protrudes off either first enclosure portion20or second enclosure portion25. Such a projection may or may not be made of the same material as the enclosure itself, and may or may not be attached via a fastener, as necessary by the application. A corresponding female portion may comprise an indentation on the other of the first enclosure portion20and second enclosure portion25which is configured to allow for the male portion to fit securely. The shape of the enclosure may vary from the figure shown to accommodate different methods of uses or applications.

An additional non-limiting example of locking mechanism35includes a spring loaded button or other device that may engages once first enclosure portion20is mated with second enclosure portion25in the closed position, forming enclosure10. In such an exemplary embodiment, depressing the button or device, or other methods, may unload springs or other components, thus allowing enclosure10to be unmated, unlatched, or unlocked.

In addition to the above examples, numerous other examples for use in exercise equipment adapter5include, but are not exclusive to: clamp, push pin, button, strap, bolt, screw, hook, clasp, buckle, spring, or any combination of the previously mentioned items. Additional or multiple locking mechanisms35may be included in exercise equipment adapter5if required. Materials from which locking mechanism35, including mating portions35a,35b, may be manufactured includes, without limitation, plastic, rubber, metal, steel, iron, etc.

Shown inFIG. 6is another non-limiting exemplary embodiment of exercise equipment adapter5, wherein exercise equipment70is arranged vertically, with one of two weight ends74contained within enclosure10. For convenience, in the description ofFIGS. 6-9, common reference numerals are used, accordingly, previous descriptions should be referred to if not specifically addressed.

FIG. 7is a plan view of exercise equipment adapter5in an open configuration. As shown in this exemplary embodiment, first enclosure portion20comprises a narrow cavity portion62and a wide cavity portion64. Second enclosure portion25comprises a corresponding narrow cavity portion66and a corresponding wide cavity portion68. Hinge connection30is vertically configured between first enclosure portion20and second enclosure portion25in a side-by-side configuration. Locking mechanism35comprising mating portion35aon first enclosure portion20and mating portion35bon second enclosure portion25are provided to secure exercise equipment adapter5in a closed position.

FIG. 8is a plan view of the exercise equipment adapter in the open configuration showing exercise equipment70vertically positioned in second enclosure25. As shown, narrow cavity portion66is configured to support handle portion72and wide cavity portion68is configured to support one of end weights74, leaving the other end weight74outside of second enclosure portion25. Corresponding narrow cavity portion62and wide cavity portion64are similarly configured.

FIG. 9is a bottom view of exercise equipment adapter5in the closed position. As shown, narrow cavity portions62or first enclosure portion20and corresponding narrow cavity portion66of second enclosure portion form a cavity60in enclosure10.

Similar to the non-limiting embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-5, various sizes, widths, and other dimensions of first and second enclosure portions20,25, narrow and wide cavity portions62,64,66,68, and handle15may employed for exercise equipment adapter5in order to accommodate different uses or applications.

All above examples are not exclusive embodiments and methods and may be modified dependent upon the design applications. In the configurations of the exemplary embodiments shown, hinge connection30and locking mechanism35are relied upon to support mating, locking, and securing of first enclosure portion20with second enclosure portion25. The physical structures of first enclosure portion20and second enclosure portion25support the weight and inertia of the piece of exercise equipment70. Accordingly, hinge connection30and locking mechanism35are significantly stressed by the weight of exercise equipment70supported therein.

FIGS. 10 and 12show front and rear views of another exemplary embodiment of the exercise equipment adapter80, respectively. According to this embodiment, the exercise equipment adapter80includes three main components that comprise the body of the exercise equipment adapter80: the first enclosure portion82, the second enclosure portion84and the handle86. Both the first enclosure portion82and the second enclosure portion84include threaded hinge connections88which are disposed on the first bottom end90and the second bottom end92, respectively. The hinge connection88provides a threaded cylindrical body adapted to receive a retaining pin. The threaded hinge connection88on the first bottom end90and the second bottom end92may be provided in an alternating arrangement such that when the first enclosure portion82and the second enclosure portion84are aligned, the hinge connection88forms an uninterrupted straight channel to receive a retaining pin therein. The hinge connection88arranges the first enclosure portion82and the second enclosure portion84in an open configuration and a closed configuration.

The first enclosure portion82and the second enclosure portion84each include corresponding gusset portions85along the center thereof. The gusset portions85are concentric with the barbell clamping area formed by the first and second enclosure portions82,84. The second enclosure portion84further includes at least two mounting apertures90. The mounting apertures90are configured to receive a fastener, such as a screw, nut, etc. The fastener removably attaches the handle86to the second enclosure portion84. In a closed configuration, the handle86is sandwiched between the top ends of the first enclosure portion82and the second enclosure portion84. The handle86is fixed on the second enclosure portion84in both the open and closed configuration such that the handle86is incapable of being pivoted or rotated.

FIGS. 11 and 13show side perspective views of the front and rear views shown inFIGS. 10 and 12, respectively. As described above, in the closed configuration, the handle86is sandwiched between the first enclosure portion82and the second enclosure portion84. The first enclosure portion82further comprises a first top end94and a first transverse divot portion96and the second enclosure portion84comprises a second top end98and a second transverse divot portion100. In the closed configuration, the first and second transverse divot portions96,100form a transverse cavity102. The first top end94and second top end98of each enclosure portion comprises a vertical wall104perpendicular to the each transverse divot portion86,100. The vertical wall104comprises at least two embossments106on each end of the vertical wall. The embossments106of each vertical wall104align and abut in the closed configuration, as shown inFIGS. 11 and 13. The embossments106are circular nodules extending outwardly from the vertical wall104. The embossments106increase the enclosure's stiffness, rigidity and durability by adding a contact surface. The handle portion86rests above the embossments106and are wedged between the vertical walls104in a similar manner.

Referring now toFIGS. 14 and 15, there are shown further exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. In this particular non-limiting embodiment, the exercise equipment adapter80further includes a pair of half-cylinder inserts108. The half-cylinder inserts108are designed to be used in pairs such that they enclose a barbell handle therein. In some embodiments, when the clamping area formed by the transverse divot portions of the first enclosure portion82and the second enclosure portion84is too large to firmly hold a barbell therein, the half-cylinder inserts108are provided. The half-cylinder inserts108are removably attached between the first and second divot portions96,100. The diameter of the half-cylinder inserts108must be smaller than the transverse cavity formed by the first and second enclosure portions82,84. The half-cylinder inserts may comprise rubber, plastic, or combinations thereof. The half-cylinder inserts108are adapted to enclose the shaft of the dumbbells that are smaller in diameter than the transverse cavity formed by the first and second enclosure portions82,84. It is contemplated the pair of half-cylinder inserts108may be provided in a plurality of sizes to accommodate dumbbells of varying diameters.

In use, the exercise equipment adapter80is initially formed by aligning the corresponding hinge connections88located at the bottom ends of the first enclosure portion82and the second enclosure portion84. When the threaded hinge connection88of each enclosure portion is aligned, a retaining pin110is inserted within the hinge connection and threaded until the retaining pin110is fully engaged with a receiving nut at a distal end of the hinge connection88. The half-cylinder inserts108may be placed in the transverse cavity102formed by the enclosure portions. The handle86is removably attached to the second enclosure portion84and fixed thereon. Each enclosure portion84,86is pivoted via the hinge connection108to provide a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the transverse divot portions of the first enclosure portion82and the second enclosure portion84form a transverse cavity which contains the pair of half-cylinder inserts108therein. Further, in the closed configuration, the vertical walls104at the first top end and second top end of each enclosure portion are parallel. The embossments106on the adjacent vertical walls104abut and form a seal between the handle86and the barbell or half-cylinder inserts108.

The first top end and second top end further include U-shaped attachment plane112perpendicular to the vertical wall104of the first and second top end. The attachment plane112of the first top end is configured to overlap the attachment plane112of the second top end. Each attachment plane112comprises an aperture to receive a fastener. The fastener secures each attachment plane112to lock the first top end to the second top end in the closed position to form the barbell clamping area. In some embodiments, the fastener is a nut and bolt, although other quick release fasteners are contemplated.