Patent Publication Number: US-9833653-B2

Title: Exercise and massage device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to exercise and massage devices and the uses thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the exercise and massage device, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise and massage device shown being used in a dumbbell or kettle ball mode of use; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the exercise and massage device of  FIG. 1  showing an opening and central cavity with a handle positioned within the cavity; 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of the exercise and massage device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the exercise and massage device of  FIG. 3  that is partially sectioned along the lines  4 - 4 ; 
         FIG. 5  is side elevational view of the exercise and massage device of  FIG. 1 , shown being used in a medicine or slam-ball mode of use; and 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the exercise and massage device of  FIG. 1 , shown being used in massage mode of use. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a combination exercise and massage device  10  is shown being used in a dumbbell or kettle ball mode of use by a user  12 . The device  10  can be seen in greater detail in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the device  10  comprises a substantially spherical body  14 . The size of the device  10  may vary. In certain embodiments, the device  10  may have an overall spherical diameter of from 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 inches to 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 inches, more typically from 8, 9, 10, or 11 inches to 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 inches, and still more typically from 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, or 10 inches to 10.5, 11, 11.5, or 12 inches. In many cases, the device may have an overall spherical diameter of from 8, 8.5, or 9 inches to 9.5 or 10 inches. 
     It should be understood that with respect to any amount or range listed or described in any summary or detailed description as being useful, suitable, or the like, it is intended to include every amount or point within the range, including the end points, and is to be considered as having been specifically stated. For example, “a range of from 1 to 10” is to be read as indicating each and every possible number along the continuum between about 1 and about 10. Thus, even if specific data points within the range, or even no data points within the range, are explicitly identified or refer to only a specific few, it is to be understood that the inventors appreciate and understand that any and all data points within the range are to be considered to have been specified, and that the inventors are in possession of the entire range and all points within the range, unless explicitly stated otherwise. 
     The device  10  is partially hollowed out to provide a central cavity  16  that extends to opposite sides of the spherical body  14  so that the cavity forms openings  18  on opposite sides of the body  14  ( FIG. 3 ). The openings  18  and cavity  16  are sized and configured to allow a user to position his or her hand through either of the openings  18  and into the cavity  16 . 
     A single rigid handle  20  is positioned within the cavity  16  and extends transversely across the cavity  16 . The handle  20  will typically be centered within the body  14 , with the center or midpoint of the handle  20  being located at the center of the spherical body  14 . The handle  20  is typically shaped as a bar or cylinder, although it may be contoured as well. The handle  20  may have a width or diameter ranging from ¾ inch to 1½ inches. A typically width or diameter for the handle  20  is from about 1 inch to 1¼ inch. If the handle  20  is contoured, the width or diameter may vary along its length. The outer surface of the handle  20  may have surface texturing or knurling  22  to facilitate gripping of the handle  20 . The handle  20  may also be provided with finger grooves (not shown) for receiving each of a user&#39;s fingers. 
     The handle  20  may be of solid construction or may be hollow. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the handle  20  is shown with a central core  24  all or a portion of which is surrounded or encased within a sleeve, casing or outer layer of material  26 . The central core  24  may be of a rigid solid material that provides structural rigidity and strength to the handle  20 . This may include metal materials and non-metal materials or combinations thereof. Metal materials may include steel, iron, lead, etc. Non-metal materials may also be used, such as fiberglass, graphite, wood, plastic, composites, etc. A combination of metal and non-metal materials may also be used, such as a solid non-metal matrix with metal particulate dispersed in the matrix. The material may be selected to provide both rigidity and structural integrity for the handle  20 , as well as facilitate weighting of the device  10 . Heavier materials for the solid core material  24  may include metals, such as steel, iron, lead, etc. 
     Where less weight is desired for the handle  20 , non-metal materials, such as those discussed, may be used. Where the inner core  24  provides the structural rigidity for the handle  20  the outer sleeve  26  may eliminated in some embodiments. In others, the outer sleeve, casing or layer  26  may be formed from a soft or resilient material, such as rubber, neoprene, leather, etc. to provide a comfortable grip. 
     In other embodiments, the outer sleeve or casing  26  may provide the structural rigidity for the handle  20 . In such cases, the sleeve  26  is formed from a structurally rigid material of sufficient strength to form the handle  20 . This may include fiberglass, plastic, graphite, composite materials, etc. In such cases, the handle core  24  may be hollow or may be filled with a filler material. The filler material forming the handle core  24  may be a non-rigid material or may be a material that is rigid but does not provide sufficient structural rigidity or strength to be used alone without the rigid outer sleeve or casing  26 . This may include concrete, foam, particulates, sand, beads, shot (steel or lead shot), resin, composites, matrix with dispersed particulate, etc. Such materials may be selected to provide a desired weight for the handle  20  to increase or decrease the weight of the device  10 . 
     The cavity  16  and openings  18  should be sized and configured to not only allow the user to insert his or her hand within the cavity  16  but also to allow the user to manually grasp the handle  20  so that sufficient clearance is provided so that the handle  20  can be readily gripped while using the device  10 . The size of the openings  18  may also be minimized to maintain as much of the spherical shape of the spherical body  14  as possible. Thus, openings  18  have a width or diameter of no more than 4½ to 6 inches may be used to accommodate most hand sizes. In some embodiments, the openings  18  may have a width that is greater than the height of the opening  18 . In certain embodiments, the height may be from 3 to 4½ inches, while the width may be from 4½ to 6 inches. This allows more of the spherical shape of the spherical body  14  to be maintained. The cavity  16  may have greater dimensions (i.e., width and height) than that of the openings  18 . The openings  18  can have different configurations or shapes, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, etc. In most cases, the width or greatest dimension of the opening  18  would be substantially parallel with the handle  20 . 
     As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the spherical body  14  is composed of an outer core  28  that is substantially spherical and provides the overall shape, structural rigidity and strength of the device  10 , as well as provides a degree of resiliency to the device  10 . In certain embodiments, the outer core  28  of the spherical body  14  may have a Shore OO hardness of from 70 durometers or more. In particular embodiments, the outer core  28  may have a Shore  00  hardness of from 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85 durometers to 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100 durometers. 
     The outer core  28  may be formed of a variety of different materials. These may include, but are not limited to, plastic, rubber, elastomerics, vinyl, nylon, neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, ethyl vinyl acetate, leather, etc. In some cases, a combination of metal and non-metal materials may also be used, such as a solid non-metal matrix with metal particulate, which may serve as a weighting agent, dispersed in the matrix. In some embodiments, the materials of the outer core  28  may have a density of from 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, or 1.9 g/cm 3  to 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, or 3.5 g/cm 3 , more particularly from 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5 g/cm 3  to 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2 g/cm 3 , to provide weight to the device  10 . The thickness of the outer core  28  may vary but can range from ¼, ⅜, ½, ⅝, ¾, ⅞, 1, 1⅛, 1¼, 1⅜, 1½, or 1⅝ inches to 1¾, 1⅞, 2, 2¼, 2⅜, 2½, 2⅝, 2¾, 2⅞, or 3 inches or more, including extending from its outer surface all the way to and terminating at the central cavity  16 . In specific embodiments, the outer core  28  may have a thickness of from ¼, ⅜, ½, ⅝, ¾, ⅞, 1, or 1⅛inch to 1¼, 1⅜, 1½, or 1⅝, 1¾, 1⅞, or 2 inches, or from ¼, ⅜, ½, or ⅝ inch to ¾, ⅞inch, or 1 inch. In other embodiments, the outer core  28  may have a thickness of from ½, ⅝, ¾, ⅞, 1, 1⅛, or 1¼ inch to 1 ⅜, 1½, 1⅝, 1¾, 1⅞, or 2 inches, or from ½, ⅝, or ¾ inch to ⅞ or 1 inch. 
     In some embodiments, the device  10  has further inner core  30  radially inwardly adjacent to the outer core  28 . The inner core  30  may be the same or a different material than the outer core  28 . In still other embodiments, the outer core  28  and inner core  30  may be the same material with the inner core  30  being merely a continuation of the material of the outer core  28 . The inner core  30  is hollowed out and generally defines the shape of the central cavity  16 . Furthermore, the ends of the handle  20  may extend a distance into and be set, anchored, or otherwise coupled in or to the material of the inner core  30  ( FIG. 4 ). In other embodiments, the ends of the handle  20  may extend further into and be set, anchored, or otherwise coupled in or to the material of the outer core  28 . 
     The inner core  30  may be formed from a variety of different materials. These may be rigid or non-rigid and may be selected to give a desired weight to the device  10 . Suitable materials for the inner core  30  may include, but are not limited to, plastic, rubber, elastomerics, vinyl, nylon, neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyurethane, ethyl vinyl acetate, leather, concrete, foam, particulates, sand, beads, shot (steel or lead shot), resin, composites, etc. In some cases, a combination of metal and non-metal materials may also be used for the inner core, such as a solid non-metal matrix with metal particulate, which may serve as a weighting agent, dispersed in the matrix. 
     In some embodiments, an inner liner, layer or encasing material  32  may be provided within the cavity  16  to cover all or a portion of the inner core  30 , as is shown in  FIG. 4 . The inner liner or layer  32  may be flexible or rigid. In some embodiments, the inner material  32  may have a thickness of from 1/16, ⅛, 3/16, or ¼ inch to 5/16, ⅜, 7/16, or ½ inch, more particularly from ⅛ inch to ¼ inch. Non-limiting examples of the inner material  32  include plastic, rubber, elastomerics, vinyl, nylon, neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyurethane, ethyl vinyl acetate, leather, etc. The liner, layer or encasing material  32  may serve merely as a cover for the inner core  30  or may serve as a containment layer of sufficient structural rigidity and strength so that it contains the material of inner core  30  when the material of the inner core  30  is non-rigid or lacks sufficient structural rigidity or strength to be used alone without the liner or layer  32 . Examples of material for the inner core  30  that may lack this structural rigidity or strength may include concrete, foam, particulates, sand, beads, shot (steel or lead shot), resin, matrix material, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the ends of the handle  20  may engage and be held, anchored, or coupled solely in or to the material of the inner liner or casing  32 . The inner material  32  may also be molded or formed with all or a portion of the handle  20 . For example, the inner material  32  may be formed or molded with the outer sleeve  26  of the handle  20  so that they form a single unitary piece or assembly. The core  24  may be a separate piece that is then held or contained within the sleeve  26  of this unitary assembly. In other instances, the inner material  32  may be molded or formed with the inner core  24  of the handle  20  so that they form a single unitary piece or assembly. The outer sleeve  26 , if provided, may be a separate piece that is added to cover the handle core  24  of this unitary assembly. 
     In certain embodiments, the inner core  30  may be a fluid-tight bladder that can be filled with a fluid, such as a liquid or gas (e.g., air) through a valve (not shown) that communicates with the bladder. In some instances, the bladder of the inner core  30  may be formed by the surfaces of the outer core  28  and the inner liner or material  32 , which may be fluid tight materials so that the volume of space between the outer core  28  and inner liner  32  forms the bladder or inner core  30 , the inner core  30  constituting a fluid, such as a liquid or gas (e.g., air). In other embodiments, a separate self-contained bladder may be positioned between the outer core  28  and the inner liner or material  32 . If a gas is used for the inner core  30 , this may facilitate providing a degree of bounce to the device  10 . In contrast, if the inner core  30  is a liquid, this may contribute to impact absorbing properties of the device  10 , which may be desirable in certain instances. In some embodiments, the inner core  30  can be filled with the same or different selected materials through a suitable valve mechanism (not shown) to give different properties to the device. Changing the amounts (increased or decreased pressure) or types of materials (liquid or gas) can change the properties of the device  10 , providing the desired degree of bounce or resiliency or change its impact absorbing properties. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 2-4 , all of the outer surface or substantially all of the outer surface of the outer core  28  is covered with an outer layer  34  of resilient material. The outer layer  34  may be of unitary construction or formed as one piece. In other embodiments, the outer layer  34  may be formed of several pieces that cover all or substantially all of the outer surface of the outer core  28 . 
     The outer layer  34  is formed from a resilient material having a resilient hardness that is less than that of the resilient hardness of the outer core  28  to provide a cushioning effect when the device  10  is used in a massage mode. Examples of materials for the outer layer  34  include, but are not limited to, plastic, rubber, elastomerics, vinyl, nylon, neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyurethane, ethyl vinyl acetate, leather, etc. Particularly useful materials for the outer layer  34  are resilient foam materials, which may be an opened or closed cell foam material. Rubber or neoprene foam is particular useful for the outer layer  34 . In certain embodiments, the resilient outer layer  34  surrounding the outer core  28  of the spherical body  14  may have a Shore OO hardness of less than 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, or 70 durometers. In particular embodiments, the outer layer  34  may have a Shore OO hardness of from 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 durometers to 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 durometers. 
     The thickness of the outer layer  34  may range from ¼, 5/16, ⅜, 7/16, ½, 9/16, ⅝, 11/16, ¾, 13/16, or ⅞ inch to 15/16, 1, 1 1/16, 1⅛, 1 3/16, 1¼, 1 5/16, 1⅜, 1 7/16, or 1½ inches in some instances. In particular embodiments the outer layer  34  may have a thickness of from ½, 9/16, or ⅝inch to ¾, 13/16, ⅞, 15/16, or 1 inch. 
     The outer layer  34  may be formed with or otherwise provided with a plurality of small projections  36 . The projections  36  may cover all or a portion of the outer layer  34 . The projections  36  may be formed from the same or similar materials to that of the outer layer  34  and may be molded or formed with the outer layer  34  as a single unitary piece or assembly. In other embodiments, the projections  36  may be separate pieces that are coupled to the exterior surface of the outer layer  34  with suitable coupling means (e.g., mechanical fasteners, glue, epoxy, heat welding, injection molding, etc). In such instances, the projections  36  may be formed from the same or different materials than those of the outer layer  34 . In certain cases, the projections  36  may have a resilient hardness that is greater than that of the outer layer  34 . In such instances, all or a portion of the projection  36  may have a Shore OO hardness of from 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85 durometers to 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100 durometers. In cases where the projections  36  have a greater resilient hardness, the outer layer  34  should have a sufficient thickness and lower resilient hardness such that the outer layer  34  provides a cushioning effect. In other instances, the projections  36  may have a resilient hardness that is the same or less than that of the outer layer  34 . 
     The projections  36  may have a height or project from the surface of the outer layer  34  a distance of from 1/16, ⅛, 3/16, ¼, 5/16, or ⅜ inch to 7/16, ½, 9/16, ⅝, 11/16, or ¾ inch. In particular embodiments, the projections  36  may project a distance of from 1/16, ⅛, 3/16, or ¼ inch to 5/16, ⅜, 7/16, or ½ inch from the surface of the outer layer  34 . The projections  36  may all be of uniform height or the height of the projections  36  may vary. The projections  36  may have a variety of different configurations and sizes. The size of each of the projections  36  of the device  10  may be the same or may vary, with projections  36  of different sizes and configurations being used on the same device  10 . The projections  36  may be in the form of discrete projections with well defined perimeters and side edges that intersect the outer surface of the projections  36  at well defined angles or corners  38  and straight sidewalls  40  that intersect the outer surface of the outer layer  34  at well defined angles or corners. Alternatively, the projections  36  may have curved or rounded corners  38  and/or curved sidewalls  40  that extend from the corners  38 . In some cases, the projections  36  may have curved corners  38  and sidewalls  40  to form gradual undulations that gradually rise and recede into and merge with the surface of the outer layer  34 . In some embodiments, some but not all of the projections  36  of the device  10  may have angular corners  38  with well defined side edges and/or straight sidewalls  40 , while others may have curved or rounded corners  38  and/or curved sidewalls  40 , and some may form gradual undulations that gradually rise and recede into and merge with the surface of the outer layer  34 . The projections  36  may also constitute rounded or spherical nodules formed on the outer surface of the outer layer  34 . In certain embodiments, the projections  36  may be elongated ridges that extend around all or a portion of the circumference of the device  10 . 
     In certain embodiments, each projection  36  may cover a surface area of the outer layer  34  ranging from 0.015 in 2  to 9 in 2 . In other embodiments, each projection  36  may cover a surface area of the outer layer  34  of from 0.125 in 2  to 1 in 2 . In some embodiments, from 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% to 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90% of the outer layer  34  may be covered with projections  36 . In particular embodiments, from 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% to 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, or 75% of the outer layer  34  may be covered with projections  36 . 
     When all the components making up the device  10  are combined, the materials forming the device  10  provide a total weight of the device of from 2 lbs or more. In particular embodiments, the total weight of the device  10  may range from 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or 25 lbs to  30 ,  35 ,  40 ,  45 , or 50 lbs. In some embodiments, the total weight of the device  10  may range from 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 lbs to 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, or 30 lb. In still other embodiments, the total weight of the device  10  may range from 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 lbs to 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 lbs. 
     In use, the device  10  may be used in a variety of different ways. The device  10  may be provided as a set in a variety of different weights and sizes. In certain instances, pairs of the devices  10  may be provided of the same size, shape and weight so that they can be used as uniform pairs, with one device  10  being held in each hand. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the device  10  is shown in use in a dumbbell or kettle ball mode. In this mode, one of the devices  10  is held by the user inserting his or her hand through one of the openings  18  and into the cavity  16  and grasping the handle  20  in a manner similar to grasping a dumbbell or kettle ball. The user may then perform various lifting exercises (e.g., curls) or movements with the device or devices  10  being held in a user&#39;s hand or hands by the handle  20 . 
     The device  10  may also be placed on the floor or a support surface with the user grasping the handle  20  while the device  10  is resting or held on the support surface while performing a push up or similar movements. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the device  10  is shown being used in a medicine ball or slam ball mode of use. The device  10  may be thrown, swung or otherwise moved by the user while holding the outer periphery of the device  10 . Various exercises may then be performed while holding the device  10  in this manner. The projections  36  may facilitate gripping or holding of the device  10 . The device  10  may also be thrown against a surface, as with a slam ball, or may be thrown into the air and caught or thrown to a different user who the catches the device  10 . In certain instances, a rope or flexible cord or strap (not shown) may be tied to the handle  20  and the device  10  may be swung or moved by holding the rope, cord or strap. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the device  10  is shown being used in a massage mode of use. In this mode, the device  10  is rolled along portions of a user&#39;s body to perform massage or myofascial release. The softer outer layer  34  provides a certain degree of give or cushioning effect, while the harder outer core  28  provides a rigid support surface to provide sufficient pressure to the user&#39;s body to facilitate massage or myofascial release. The projections  36  provide more isolated pressure points that facilitate massaging. The device  10  may be used as shown in  FIG. 6 , wherein the user may use the device  10  as a massage roller that can be rolled along portions of the user&#39;s body, such as when pressing the user&#39;s body against the device  10  when it is supported on a support surface (e.g., floor or wall). Alternatively, another user may roll the device  10  over portions of the user&#39;s body, either relying on the weight of the device  10  itself to provide the desired pressure, with no or little added pressure, or applying additional pressure to the device  10  as it is rolled over user&#39;s body. 
     While the invention has been shown in only some of its forms, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.