Abstract:
An adjustable exercise device includes a removable handle, a extendible stacking pole and a base. The handle can be any of a number of shapes for ergonomic control. The stacking pole is designed to hold typical round weightlifting discs in a stack on the base, which is attached to the bottom of the stacking pole to both restrain the weights and serve as a platform base for the floor. The stacking pole is adjustable in length. The handle can be removed from the stacking pole by pulling a pin, thereby releasing the handle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application entitled “GOBLET SQUAT EXERCISE DEVICE,” Ser. No. 61/920,196, filed Dec. 23, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed to an exercise device and specifically a device for use with goblet squats, deadlifts, kettlebell exercises, bent-over rows and the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention is directed to physical fitness exercises in general and more specifically to an adjustable exercise device primarily used for goblet squat exercises. The exercise is called a goblet squat because the user typically holds a weight with both hands in front similar to holding a goblet. The term “user” is intended to include both male and female users. For simplicity, this application will reference the user in the masculine gender. Keeping his back fairly straight, the user pushes his hips back and bends his knees to lower his body to a desired squat position, which may be from a slightly bent position to a position where the tops of his thighs are parallel to the floor or lower depending on the ability of the user. For purposes of the invention, the term “floor” is intended to include any horizontal exercise surface, such a floor, the ground, a stand, a bench or an elevated platform. After pausing, the user pushes up to the start position. 
         [0004]    Goblet squats are typically performed using a single dumbbell or a kettle bell. When using a dumbbell, the weight is placed on its side such that one plate lies on the floor and the other plate is extended upwardly by means of the dumbbell handle. The user then grasps the upper weight plate to hold the dumbbell in goblet fashion. A kettle bell may also be used for this exercise. With a kettlebell, the user grasps the horns or handle of the weight to lift it. 
         [0005]    Because of its relatively short size, using a dumbbell or kettlebell for performing squat exercises becomes difficult as the weight becomes increasingly heavier in that it can be awkward and possibly dangerous for the user to pick the device from the floor into the goblet squat beginning exercise position, perform a set and return the weight to the floor when the goblet squat exercise set is complete. A “set” is defined as the number of repetitions a user completes of goblet squats. 
         [0006]    Therefore, it is an object of this invention to develop an exercise device which allows the user to conduct a set of squat exercises in convenient and safer manner while still enabling the user to gain maximum strength building benefit from the exercise. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is generally directed to an adjustable goblet squat exercise device which consists of a removable handle, a stacking pole and a base. The handle can be any of a number of shapes for ergonomic control. The stacking pole is designed to hold typical round weightlifting discs in a stack on the base, which is attached to the bottom of the stacking pole to both restrain the weights and serve as a platform base for the floor. The handle can be removed from the stacking pole by pulling a pin thereby releasing the handle. 
         [0008]    The present invention is also directed to an adjustable exercise device comprising a base having an upper surface and a lower surface; a handle unit comprising a handle; an extendable stacking pole comprising a first member and a second member, wherein the first member is slidably received within the second member, wherein the first member has a first end affixed to the base and a second end, wherein the second member has a first end affixed to the handle unit and a second end for slidably receiving the second end of the first member; and a device for releasably securing the first member and the second member. 
         [0009]    The present invention is further directed to an adjustable hand held exercise device, comprising a base having an upper surface and a lower surface; a handle unit comprising a handle affixed to a handle post, wherein the handle post has a first end affixed to the handle unit and a second end, wherein further the handle post includes at least one set of openings passing through the handle post; a weight stacking tube of varying length having a first end, a second end and a central channel for slidably receiving the second end of the handle post, wherein the first end of the weight stacking tube is connected to the base, and wherein the weight stacking tube includes at least one set of openings passing through the weight stacking tube, such that the weight stacking tube openings can align with the handle post openings; and a fastening pin passing through the aligned openings of the weight stacking tube and the handle post for releasably securing the weight stacking tube to the handle post. 
         [0010]    The weight stacking tube and the handle can be manufactured in various lengths for ease of use for people of all heights. It is within the scope of the present invention to include an extension to the stacking pole if necessary and if the user wishes to extend the length of the handle from the floor. This will enable users of all sizes to transition the device from the ground, floor, stand or bench to the standing position of the exercise in an efficient and comfortable manner. 
         [0011]    Unlike standard kettle bells or dumbbells, known to the industry, the adjustable goblet squat exercise device of the present invention allows a user to hold the device closer to the user&#39;s body so that more weight can be comfortably used when performing an exercise. Further, the height of the adjustable goblet squat exercise device can be easily adjusted so that the user can control the depth of the squat intended to be performed. By squatting to different depths, the user can target which muscles are used in the exercise and limit the depth of the squat should the user have limited range of motion and/or be injured. When the device is set to a taller or higher level, it will be easier for the user to pick it up from the ground. 
         [0012]    Further still, the weight to the device of the present invention is variable by adjusting the number of weight plates to meet the needs of the user. Further, the weight can be easily changed by a relatively quick and easy step, thus eliminating the need for several devices of different heights and weights. 
         [0013]    The shape of the device of the present invention is specifically suited for the goblet squat exercise in that the desired weights are added to the base of the device which keeps the bulk of the weight resistance during the exercise in the lower core area of the user&#39;s body. 
         [0014]    Further, the handle of the device can be ergonomically shaped, angled and positioned to make lifting the device from the floor, ground, stand or a bench, using the device when performing the exercise and returning the device after completion of the exercise to the floor efficiently and reasonably safe. The handle can also have grips with rotational abilities to assist in various lifting capabilities. The handle may be padded to offer additional comfort and gripping security when the device is being used. 
         [0015]    The device of the present invention is not “top heavy” like a dumbbell since dumbbells have heavy ends on both ends of the unit. It can be uncomfortable and awkward to have a heavy end of dumbbell resting against the top of the chest near the neck and face during the performance of the exercise. For females, dumbbells can be even more awkward and uncomfortable than they are for men because ends of dumbbells often hit a female&#39;s breasts when performing the exercise. The design of the exercise device of the present invention will be such that the stacking pole from the base to the handle will rest between or in front of a female&#39;s breasts to add comfort during the exercise process. 
         [0016]    The device of the present invention is intended to be with the performance of goblet squats. Goblet squats can be performed in various forms by changing the width of the user stance or the position of the feet. It is also contemplated that alternative handles can be adapted to the device to turn it into a device which can be used for deadlifts, kettlebell exercises, bent-over rows and the like. 
         [0017]    The objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the exercise device of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1  which now includes the addition of weight plates. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1  illustrating the three main pieces separately. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 4  A-C are front views illustrating the use of the goblet squat exercise device. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 5  A-C are front views illustrating alternative embodiments of handle shapes. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5D  is a side perspective view illustrating a further alternative embodiment of a handle shape. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 6  A-C are perspective views of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4D  illustrating that the handle can rotate around a center collar. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1-3  for the adjustable exercise device  10  of the present invention, which is defined by a base  12 , an extendable stacking pole  13  having a first end  15  and a second end  17 , and a handle unit  36 , wherein the first end  15  of the stacking pole  13  is affixed to the base  12  and the second end  17  of the stacking pole  13  is affixed to the handle unit  36 . As described further in this disclosure, the stacking pole  13  may advantageously be lengthened or shortened depending on the wishes of the user  100  and the type of exercise performed. When the appropriate length of the stacking pole  13  is determined, the length is then secured by a securing device  60 . The materials used for making exercise devices  10 , such as that described herein, are well known to the art and can include metals such steel, iron, aluminum, as well as other composite materials including plastics and polycarbonates, as long as the strength and the integrity of the material is sufficient for the purpose intended. 
       The Base  12   
       [0026]    The device  10  includes a base  12 , which is typically round or disk shaped and made of a heavy metal, such as steel or iron. It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a base  12  of different shapes, such as square, rectangular, triangular, etc. While the dimensions of the base  12  can vary, a representative dimension will have a length or diameter of approximately five inches and a thickness of between one-half inch and one inch. The base  12  includes an upper surface  14 , a lower surface  16 , and a side  18 . The lower surface  16  is generally flat to enable the device  10  to be safely positioned on a floor surface. It is contemplated that surfaces  14  and  16  will be smooth. If desired, the lower surface  16  can include bumpers or pads (not illustrated) to prevent marring on the floor. 
       Weight Stacking Tube  20   
       [0027]    Attached to the center of the upper surface  14  of the base  12  is a weight stacking tube  20 , which forms the lower portion of the stacking pole  13 . As illustrated, the weight stacking tube  20  is square or rectangular in configuration. It is also within the scope of the present invention to include a first member or weight stacking tube  20  of different cross-sectional shapes, such as circular or oval. The weight stacking tube  20  includes an upper first end  22 , a lower second end  24  attached to the surface  14  of the base  12 , parallel front and rear sides  26 ,  28  connected by parallel sides  30 ,  32 . The weight stacking tube  20  is typically attached to the center of the base  12  by welding, bolts or other attachment means. The weight stacking tube  20  further includes a central hollow channel  34  for receiving the handle unit  36  as described below. Situated on the front side  26  of the tube  20  are a series of vertically oriented openings  40  which pass from the outer surface of side  26  to the inner channel  23 . Likewise, the back side  28  includes similarly oriented openings  40  to provide a pass through. The weight stacking tube  20  is designed to be manufactured in various lengths for ease of use for people of all heights. This will enable users of all sizes to transition the device  10  from a ground surface, and an elevated stand or bench to the standing position of the exercise in an efficient and comfortable manner. 
       Handle Unit  36   
       [0028]    The handle unit  36  is defined by a handle  37  securely affixed to a second member or handle post  52 , which forms the upper portion of the stacking pole  13 . The handle post  52  has a first end  53  and a second end  55 . The handle  37  is affixed to the first end  53 . The handle  37  includes a pair of opposing handle ends  42 ,  44 , extending from an intersection point  50 . Each handle end  42 ,  44  may optionally and preferably include a comfort grip  46 ,  48 , which may be foam padding or the like. Comfort grips are known to the art. As illustrated, the handle ends  42 ,  44  are capable of being firmly and securely grasped with each hand of the user  100 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4C . 
         [0029]    In the embodiment illustrated with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 , the handle ends  42 ,  44  meet at an intersection point  50  and are securely affixed to the handle post  52  Like the weight stacking tube  20 , the handle post  52  has a series of pass-through openings  54  designed to align with the openings  40  of the weight stacking tube  20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the handle post  52  is designed to be slidably placed within the channel  23  of the weight stacking tube  20 . 
         [0030]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the handle ends  42 ,  44  may be bent at the intersection point  50  to angle in an upward position. An alternative embodiment to the handle is illustrated in  FIG. 5A , in which the handle  37  is enclosed to form a closed triangle or ring, similar to a kettlebell. In a second alternative embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 5B , the handle  37  forms a straight bar situated at a perpendicular angle to the handle post  52 . In a third alternative embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5C-D , the handle  37  is formed such that the handle ends  42 ,  44  are curved at a slight angle in a fashion similar to a standard bicycle handlebar. Advantageously, the curved shape of the handle  37  and the curved top of the handle post  52 , illustrated in  FIGS. 5C-D , enables the stack of weights  70  and the handle  37  to be placed closer to the user&#39;s  100  body, which may be desired for certain exercises. Each embodiment is designed to add a different element to the exercise depending on the desire of the user. In this manner, the handle  37  may be shaped and positioned to make lifting the device  10  from a surface, using the device  10  when performing the exercise and returning the device  10  to the surface after completion of the exercise efficiently and reasonably safe. 
         [0031]    A fourth embodiment to the handle  37  is illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-C . In this embodiment, the handle post  52  is defined by collar  90  located at the intersection point  50  and having a collar channel  92 , which is affixed to the first end  53  of the handle post  52 . The handle  37  is then rotatably placed within the collar channel  92  such the handle intersection point  50  resides within the collar channel  92 . In this manner, the handle ends  42 ,  44  may rotate in an arc  94  as illustrated in  FIG. 6C . It is also within the scope of this embodiment to include a catch mechanism, i.e., a partial lock, between the rotating handle  37  and the collar channel  92 , such that the handle  37  can only partially rotate from an approximate horizontal position, as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , to an approximate vertical position, as illustrated in  FIG. 6B . If desired, the grip can have rotational abilities and will also be beneficial during the various steps in using the device. The handle  37  may be padded to offer additional comfort or gripping security when the device is being used. When performing the actual exercise, the grip of the device  10  with the rotational handle  37  as illustrated in  FIG. 5C  will be more comfortable. This is particularly true when heavier weights in the 50 to 120 pound (22.7 to 54.4 kilogram) or higher range are used. 
       Adjustable Height 
       [0032]    The height of the stacking pole  13  of the device  10 , i.e., the distance between the base  12  and the intersection point  50  of the handle unit  36 , can be adjusted by placement of a fastener, such as a fastening pin  60 , through the pass-through openings  40 ,  54  in the weight stacking tube  20  and the handle post  52 . The fastening pin  60  is easily manipulated by one hand of a user  100 . The fastening pin  60  may include a spring-activated locking catch  62  to inhibit its removal once it is inserted through the pass-through openings  40 ,  54 . Therefore, the height of the device  10  can be easily adjusted in increments merely by raising the handle unit  36  to a position where the openings  40 ,  54  are in alignment. The pin fastening  60  is then passed through the openings  40 ,  54  for securing the handle post  52  to the weight stacking tube  20 . While the pass-through openings  40 ,  54  are illustrated on the front and back sides of the weight stacking tube  20  and the handle post  52 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , it is within the scope of the present invention to place the pass-through opening  40 ,  54  on the side walls of both the weight stacking tube  20  and the handle post  52 . In this manner, the pin  60  would be placed through the openings  40 ,  54  in a manner parallel to the direction of the handles  37 , rather than perpendicular to the direction of the handles  37  as illustrated in the figures. 
         [0033]    While the fastening pin  60  is the preferred method for securing the handle post  52  to the weight stacking tube  20 , it is within the scope to include other securing means for affixing the handle post  52  to the weight stacking tube  20 . For example, the weight stacking tube  20  may be provided with a lever grip or a retaining ring which, when activated, tightens the weight stacking tube  20  to the handle post  52  at a location provided a desired height for the stacking pole  13 . 
       Weight Plates  70   
       [0034]    Reference is made to  FIG. 2  which illustrates the device  10  with a series of vertically stacked weight plates  70 . Weight plates  70  in the open market are available in the following increments: 2.5, 5, 10 and 25 pounds (1.1, 2.3, 4.5 and 11.3 kilograms) and higher. The weight plates  70  are typically defined by a central opening  71  which allows the weight plates  70  to slide over and onto the weight stacking tube  20  for placement thereon. Multiple plates  70  can be securely stacked on weight stacking tube  20  of the device  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The user  100  can load the device  10  to the exact weight(s) desired when performing an exercise. Thus, the user  100  only needs access to the device  10  and the weight plates  70  needed to get to the desired weight. The user does not need to have access to or own an entire set of dumbbells or kettle bells in multiple weights. 
         [0035]    For assembly, the base  12  is placed on the floor such that the lower surface  16  is adjacent the floor surface and the weight stacking tube  20  extends vertically from the center of the upper surface  14  of the base  20  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In this position, the weight stacking tube  20  can receive weight plates  70 . A plurality of weight plates  70  can then be placed such that the central opening  71  of each plate  70  passes over the upper first end  22  of the weight stacking tube  20  and rests on the upper surface  14  of the base  12 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The number and weight of the weight plates  70  to be added to the device  10  is determined by the user  100 . 
         [0036]    Once the weight plates  70  are properly positioned on the weight stacking tube  20 , the handle unit  36  is attached to the weight stacking tube  20  by slidably fitting the second end  55  of the handle post  52  within the central hollow channel  34  at the first end  15  of the weight stacking tube  20 . The handle unit  36  is releasably secured to the weight stacking tube  20  by placement of a fastening pin  60  through the oriented openings  40  and  54  of the weight stacking tube  20  and the handle post  52  respectively. The combined placement of the weight stacking tube  20  and the handle post  52  forms the stacking pole  13 . Advantageously, the plurality of openings  40 ,  54  in the weight stacking tube  20  and handle post  52  enables variations in the placement of the fastening pin  60  which in turn allows the stacking pole  13  to have a variety of lengths depending on the desire of the user  100 . Thus, the stacking pole  13  can be relatively short as illustrated in 
         [0037]      FIG. 4A and 4B  or longer as illustrated in  FIG. 4C . The locking catch  62  on the fastening pin  60  prevents the undesired separation of the handle unit  36  from the weight stacking tube  20 . 
       In Operation 
       [0038]    Reference is made to  FIGS. 4A-C , which illustrate various users  100  of the device  10  in standing and squatting positions. When the weight plates  70  are properly positioned on the device  10 , as illustrated in FIGS.  2  and  4 A-C, the user  100  can squat to grip the handles  42 ,  44  of the device  10 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4C . The user  100  firmly grasps the handles  42 ,  44  and then thrusts upwardly to the position illustrated in  FIG. 4A . The user  100  can then repeat the squat exercise as desired. The variations in the handles  37 , as illustrated particularly in  FIG. 1  and in  FIGS. 4A-C , as well as the variation in weight applied by different weight plates  70 , allows the user  100  to vary the exercise as desired. For example, the user  100  can use the handle  37  illustrated in  FIG. 5A  to perform kettlebell routines. If the user  100  wishes to have the device  10  closer to the user&#39;s body, the handle  37  illustrated in  FIGS. 5C-D  can be used. If the user  100  prefers to exercise with a partial deep knee bend where the knees are not severely bent, the stacking pole  13  can be elongated, as illustrated in  FIG. 4C , and described above. Alternatively, the stacking pole  13  can be shortened, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-B , for deeper knee bends. By squatting to different depths, the user  100  can target which muscles are used in the exercise and limit the depth of the squat should the user  100  have limited range of motion and/or be injured. When the device  10  is set to a taller or higher level, it will be easier for the user  100  to pick it up from a ground surface. 
         [0039]    Any version of any component or method step of the invention may be used with any other component or method step of the invention. The elements described herein can be used in any combination whether explicitly described or not. 
         [0040]    All combinations of method steps as used herein can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the referenced combination is made. 
         [0041]    As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0042]    Numerical ranges as used herein are intended to include every number and subset of numbers contained within that range, whether specifically disclosed or not. Further, these numerical ranges should be construed as providing support for a claim directed to any number or subset of numbers in that range. For example, a disclosure of from 1 to 10 should be construed as supporting a range of from 2 to 8, from 3 to 7, from 5 to 6, from 1 to 9, from 3.6 to 4.6, from 3.5 to 9.9, and so forth. 
         [0043]    All patents, patent publications, and peer-reviewed publications (i.e., “references”) cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual reference were specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference. In case of conflict between the present disclosure and the incorporated references, the present disclosure controls. 
         [0044]    The devices, methods, compounds and compositions of the present invention can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations described herein, as well as any additional or optional steps, ingredients, components, or limitations described herein or otherwise useful in the art. 
         [0045]    While this invention may be embodied in many forms, what is described in detail herein is a specific preferred embodiment of the invention. The present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular examples, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such process steps and materials may vary somewhat. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the present invention will be limited to only the appended claims and equivalents thereof.