Patent Publication Number: US-11638849-B1

Title: Water weight training device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/180,525, filed Apr. 27, 2021, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the invention generally pertains to weight training, more particularly to weight training in an aquatic environment, and still more particularly to eccentric weight training in an aquatic environment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Information concerning exercise and general overall fitness is increasing almost exponentially as both professionals and lay persons learn more about how different types of exercise affect the body and overall health. This increased awareness includes the area of weight and resistance training. It has long been known that weight training increases muscle mass, strength and raises metabolic rate among other benefits. 
     One form of weight training is eccentric training which entails resistance applied to a muscle as it stretches under load. An example is found with an exercise called the bicep curl. When a person curls a dumbbell toward the chest, the bicep contracts. If the person lowers the dumbbell slowly rather than let it drop, resistance is applied to the bicep as it lengthens. Essentially, eccentric training is resistance to gravity, such as when the lowering of the dumbbell is resisted (e.g., taking 5 seconds to lower the dumbbell completely). It has been found it is particularly helpful for injured persons and the elderly as it requires less force than concentric training to increase muscle mass and strength. 
     There is also an increased awareness of aquatic exercise performed in pools, lakes, ponds, etc. Among other factors, water provides support to individuals while they exercise, helps with back problems, reduces the possibility of injury, and helps reduce the effects of arthritis on the ability to exercise to the greatest extent possible. 
     People have tried to combine the benefits of weight training with the support supplied by an aquatic setting. Usually, the weight is in the form of a foam rubber device such as a dumbbell. This creates resistance as long as the device is under water. However, a foam rubber device provides no resistance when it is lifted out of the water which is the end result of most movements in the water. In addition, eccentric movements cannot be performed with the weight under water as the water negates the effect of gravity. Consequentially, the aquatic environment that would be beneficial for elderly and injured people does not allow for the most beneficial type of resistance training for those groups of people. 
     Thus, there is a need in the field for a device or devices that allow for weight training, including eccentric training, in an aquatic setting. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The current invention broadly comprises an aquatic weight training device comprising: at least one hollow bar having first end and a second end; a pair of hollow end weights in which one of the pair of hollow end weights is attached to the first end of the at least one bar and one of the pair of hollow end weights is attached to the second end of the at least one bar; wherein each hollow end weight includes a pair of end caps attached to and enclosing each one of the pair of hollow end weights; and a plurality of holes defined by one side of each of the pair of end weights. A liquid may be poured into the at least one hollow bar through at least one of the pair of hollow end weights. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the invention the at least one bar comprises two hollow bars each having a first end and a second end. Each of the first ends is attached to an end weight while each of the second ends is attached to a middle weight. In a second alternative embodiment, the end weights are releasably attached to the at least one bar by a lock ring. 
     One object of the invention is to provide a suitable weight training device that will allow the user to take advantage of an aquatic environment. 
     A second object of the invention is to depict a weight training device that increases user control over eccentric weight training. 
     A third object of the invention is to supply an aquatic weight training device that enables both concentric and eccentric weight training exercises. 
     A fourth object of the invention is to show an aquatic weight training device allows for adjusting the total weight lifted by a user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The nature and mode of the operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing Figures, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a front view of the water weight training device of the present invention; 
         FIG.  1 A  is a top perspective view of the water weight training device showing the plurality of holes in each end weight in line with each other; 
         FIG.  2    is a top perspective view of a dumbbell type of water weight training device; 
         FIG.  3    is a top perspective view of the end cap that encloses the end weights in the inventive water weight training device; 
         FIG.  4    is a bottom perspective view of the end cap; 
         FIG.  5    is a top perspective view of the locking end plug used to seal the end of the end cap; 
         FIG.  6    depicts the handle cap with an opening and a side extension obtruding from the side wall of the handle cap; 
         FIG.  7    is a top perspective view of the lock ring used to attach and seal the end weight to the bar; 
         FIG.  7 A  is a side view of a lock ring releasably a bar of the weight training device against an end weight; 
         FIG.  8    depicts a V-shaped spring clip used to hold the lock ring in place when it is in the sealed position; 
         FIG.  9 A  shows a user holding the inventive device under the water surface to allow water to flow into holes in the end weights; 
         FIG.  9 B  shows a user rotating the inventive device out of the water to allow water to drain out of the holes in the end weights; 
         FIG.  10 A  depicts water filling the end weight when the plurality of holes face in an upward direction when underwater; 
         FIG.  10 B  depicts water pouring out of the end weight when the plurality of holes face in a downward direction when above the surface of the water; and, 
         FIG.  10 C  shows the holes at a “9 o&#39;clock” position demonstrating some water can be retained in end weights depending on their degree of rotation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical structural elements of the invention. It also should be appreciated that figure proportions and angles are not always to scale in order to clearly portray the attributes of the present invention. 
     While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 
     Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly”, “very nearly”, “about”, “approximately”, “around”, “bordering on”, “close to”, “essentially”, “in the neighborhood of”, “in the vicinity of”, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby”, “close”, “adjacent”, “neighboring”, “immediate”, “adjoining”, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described. 
       FIG.  1    is a front view of water weight training device  10  (device  10 ″) of the present invention. Bar  12  supports end weights  14  at each end of bar  12 . In the embodiment shown, middle weight  18  is supported by at least one bar  12 . Bar  12  and end weights  14  are hollow to allow them and middle weight  18  to be filled with water as explained below. 
     Reducers  15  are attached to one end of end weights  14  and to each end of middle weight and receive bar(s)  12 . End caps  16  (“caps  16 ”) are attached to the end of each end weight  14 . Reducers  15  and end caps  16  may be fixedly attached to bar  12  and end weight  14 , respectively, as with glue or other adhesives or may be releasably attached with collar lock rings as described below. In a preferred embodiment, end caps  16  and reducers  15  may have the same size and configuration making them interchangeable and fabrication more efficient. Optionally, end caps  16  may have end plugs  24  (not seen in  FIG.  1   ) that are releasably attached to end caps  16  and allow water to be poured into or drained from device  10  when removed from one or both of end caps  16 . 
     In some embodiments, bar  12  may be two or more separate bars with one bar  12  attached at one bar end to one end weight  14  and at the other end to middle weight  18  with a second bar  12  attached to a second end weight  14  and the other end of middle weight  18 . This embodiment allows for a longer device  10  that forms a type of barbell as seen in  FIG.  1   . Each end weight  14  defines a plurality of holes  14   a  that allow end weights  14  to fill quickly with water when device  10  is submerged. Holes  14   a  are positioned so that they form a straight line across the length of end weight  14 .  FIG.  1 A  is a top perspective view of the water weight training device showing a preferred embodiment in which end weights  14  are attached to bar  12  such that the plurality of holes  14   a  are on the same side of each end weight  14  so as to have both end weights  14  hold the same amount of water when each of holes  14   a  face upward. 
     Alternatively, a shorter hollow single bar  42  may be attached to two hollow end weights  44  to form a dumbbell  40  as seen in  FIG.  2   . As with device  10 , bar  42  is hollow as are end weights  44  which enables dumbbell  40  to hold water when submerged. End weights  44  define a plurality of holes  44   a . Preferably, each plurality of holes  44   a  face in the same direction so both end weights  44  retain water when holes  44   a  face upward. In one embodiment, end weights  44  have an end cap  46  releasably attached to end weight  44 . In another embodiment, reducers  45  may be attached both to bar  42  and end weight  44  to attach end weight  44  to bar  42 .  FIG.  2    depicts a preferred embodiment in which end caps  46  include a plurality of straight edges or sides to prevent rolling of dumbbell  40  along a floor, ground, etc. 
     Preferably, devices  10  and  40  and ancillary parts are fabricated from such suitable plastics as HPE although person of skill in the art will recognize that other materials may be used. 
       FIG.  3    is a top perspective view of end cap  16 . Opening  20  is at the center of end cap  16 . If cap  16  is dome shaped as shown in  FIG.  3   , opening  20  is preferably located at the apex of the dome. If cap  16  is flat, opening  20  is preferably located at the center of cap  16 . Wedges  16   a  interact with similar wedges in the end plug with the same slope to form a sealed cap  16 . 
       FIG.  4    is a bottom perspective view of end cap  16 . Receiver  22  extends from cap  16  and defines the inner end of opening  20 . Channel  22   a  runs along the length of receiver  22  and receives side extension  30  that extends from handle cap  26  (not shown in  FIG.  4   ) as described below.  FIG.  5    is a top perspective view of locking end plug  24  which rotates into opening  20  so that wedges  24   a  of end plug  24  slip between wedges  16   a  to form a water-tight seal on the end of end cap  16 . 
       FIG.  6    depicts handle cap  26  with opening  28  and side extension  30  (“extension  30 ”) obtruding from side wall  26   a  of handle cap  26 . One end of opening  28  fits into receiver  22  of end cap  16  so that extension  30  fits into channel  22   a  to hold handle cap  26  in place inside receiver  22 . The other end of opening  28  receives bar  12  or single bar  42  to form a hollow channel from receiver  22  of end weight  14  or  44  that is sealed to hold water. It will be recognized that bars  12  and  42  may fit into opening  28  (male friction fitting) or opening  28  may fit over bars  12  and  42  (female friction fitting). Adhesives and/or sealants known to those having skill in the art may be used to ensure a proper seal to hold the water in a fixed attachment of end weight  14  or  44  to bars  12  or  42 , respectively. 
       FIG.  7    is a top perspective view of lock ring  50 . Lock ring  50  releasably attaches end weight  14  to bar  12  and also seals the water within end weight  14  to prevent leaking between end weight  14  and bar  12 . Lock ring  50  includes wedges  52   a  located on peripheral edge  52  and notches  54  located 180 degrees from each cut into wall  56 . Tabs  58  facilitate rotation of lock ring  50  by a user.  FIG.  8    depicts spring clip  60  (“clip  60 ”) which includes two legs  62  jointly held at base  61  and extending from base  61  to form a V shape. At the end of each leg  62  are knobs  64  which protrude outwardly from legs  62 . Space  59  is the space into which hollow bar  12  is inserted during assembly (and refilling) of exercise device  10 . 
     To seal bar  12  and end weight  14 , lock ring  50  is placed in opening  20  of end cap  16  and rotated until wedges  52   a  fall between wedges  16   a  to form a water-tight seal as see in  FIG.  7 A . Spring clip  60  is positioned inside bar  12  with each knob  64  inside holes (not shown) placed in bar  12  to hold clip  60  in position. As lock ring  50  is rotated, notches  54  come into position over the holes allowing knobs  64  to protrude through notches  54  to hold lock ring  60  in the sealed position. To unseal lock ring  60 , the user presses in knobs  64  and rotates lock ring  50  until lock ring wedges  52   a  move from between end cap wedges  16   a . Persons of skill in the art will recognize that lock rings  50  and spring clip  60  can be used in a similar, if not identical, manner to seal end weights  44  to bar  12  to prevent leakage of water from end weights  44  in dumbbell  40 . 
     The plurality of holes  14   a  in end weights  14  allow a user to use device  10  to combine the advantages of water weight training device  10  in the water with the effects of eccentric weight training as discussed above.  FIG.  9 A  shows user U holding device  10  under the water surface WS to allow water to flow into holes  14   a . The arrows indicate user U has rotated device  10  so holes  14   a  face upward so end weights  14  hold the maximum amount of water. User U may keep holes  14   a  facing upward and/or out of the water and use device  10  as a typical barbell type weight training device. Alternatively, device  10  may be rotated downward as seen in  FIG.  9 B  to allow some or all of the water to be drain through holes  14   a  as seen in  FIG.  9 B . 
     The advantage regarding eccentric training in using device  10  is that user U can adjust the weight of the water in end weights  14  by controlling the amount of rotation of device  10  that takes place during the eccentric (muscle stretching) phase of an exercise. As user U repeats an exercise, the muscle gets fatigued and it becomes more difficult to allow the eccentric phase to proceed as slowly as it should to achieve maximum benefit. By draining some water and thus removing weight, user U can perform more repetitions (reps) before the muscle is finally exhausted, i.e., the muscle cannot work any longer without rest. This can be controlled by the amount of rotation applied—greater amounts of rotation of holes  14   a  from the upward facing orientation will release more water from end weights  14 . In addition, at the end of the rep, end weights  14  can be filled by dipping device  10  under water. Again, by controlling the rotation, the amount of water entering end weights  14  can be controlled without having to stop an exercise to adjust weights.  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  show how the rotation and orientation of holes  14   a  enable water to enter or leave end weights  14 .  FIG.  10 C  shows holes  14   a  at a “9 o&#39;clock” position demonstrating some water can be retained in end weights  14  by user U depending on to what degree end weights  14  are rotated. Persons of skill in the art will recognize that the same advantage regarding eccentric weight training can be found when using dumbbell(s)  40  having end weights  14  with a plurality of holes  14   a  as seen in  FIG.  2   . 
     It will be recognized that user U can increase resistance weight by hanging weights from bar  12  while still retaining the advantages gained by using device  10  with its hollow end weights  14  and holes  14   a.    
     Thus, it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained, although changes and modifications to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which changes would not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.