Patent Publication Number: US-2013244843-A1

Title: Weight exercise apparatus

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to a means for adjusting the weight of an exercise apparatus and specifically to a means of securing and removing weights from barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, and similar exercise equipment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is often desirable for fitness equipment used for weight training, or resistance training, to be configured such that exercises can be done using the same basic equipment, but at different weights, or resistances. As a result, fitness exercises are commonly performed using an apparatus that can weigh one of a plurality of predetermined weights. Such apparatuses include barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, and machines configured to provide various weights, i.e, resistances, against one or more different motions. 
     One problem with conventional adjustable weight apparatuses is that the position of the center of gravity can differ for different weights. 
     Another problem with conventional adjustable weight apparatuses is they they do not have surface features that are similar to non-adjustable versions. In other words, some conventional adjustable-weight kettlebells are not shaped like non-adjustable kettlebells. For example, non-adjustable kettlebells have gently-curved, smooth surfaces. They are often used for various exercises that require contact of the kettlebell against different parts of the body. For example, many exercises using kettlebells require palming of the exercise device. Conventional adjustable kettlebells are not shaped such that they are easily or effectively palmed for the purposes of exercise. 
     Another problem with conventional adjustable weight kettlebells is that they have a retaining pin or shaft that extends from the body of the weight and might interfere with use of the device. 
     Yet another problem with conventional adjustable-weight kettlebells is that some require a tool for adjustment of weight. 
     Yet another problem with conventional adjustable-weight kettlebells is that they are not durable enough to be safely dropped and reused. This is important because for many kettlebell exercises the exerciser will drop the kettlebell accidentally or if they become hurt or overly tired. Conventional adjustable weight kettlebells have retention features such as threaded closures or pins or shafts that could become damaged when dropped such that they bind. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention addresses the foregoing problems by providing a kettlebell having a body configured to receive one or more inserts that each have a predetermined weight. The inserts are dimensioned to be retained within the body by a cap configured to be attached to the body by an interlocking cam system. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a weight apparatus, that includes a body that has a first cavity defined therein and the cavity extends from a closed end to an open end. A cap is configured to engage the body at the open end of the first cavity such that the first cavity is closed. A master latch that is configured to be retained by the cap. The cap is configured to rotate between an open first position and a closed second position. When in the open first position the cap can be separated from the body such that the first cavity is accessible and in the closed second position the cap cannot be separated from the body. The master latch is configured to move between an unlatched first position wherein the master latch does not interfere with rotation of the cap and a latched second position wherein the master latch does interfere with rotation of the cap. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, the cap includes a safety latch that is configured to move between an off first position wherein the master latch is free to move between the unlatched position and the latched position and an on second position wherein the master latch is not free to move between the unlatched position and the latched position. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a first insert having a first predetermined weight is configured to be received within the first cavity and retained therein by the cap when the cap is in the closed second position. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, the first insert is configured to receive a second insert having a second predetermined weight such that both weights are retained within the first cavity by the cap when the cap is in the closed position. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, the weight apparatus has a center of gravity positioned at a first predetermined location when no inserts are positioned within the cavity. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, the weight apparatus has a center of gravity positioned generally at the first predetermined location when a first insert is positioned within the cavity. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, the weight apparatus has a center of gravity positioned generally at the first predetermined location when a second insert is positioned within the first insert. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a body, a cavity defined in the body, a first insert, a second insert, a cap that is configured such that it can be engaged with the body in a manner sufficient to retain at least one of the first and second inserts within the cavity, a master latch that is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position and the master latch is configured to retain the cap such that it is engaged with the body when the master latch is in the latched position, and a safety latch that is configured to be movable between an off position and an on position such that when the safety latch is in the on position, the master latch is retained in the latched position. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, the cap includes a plurality of tabs and the body includes a plurality of ears and the tabs and the ears are configured to interact such that the cap is retained over the cavity. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, the master latch includes a tongue that is configured to engage with adjacent ears of the body when the master latch is in the latched position such that the cap cannot be rotated relative to the body. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, the first insert is configured to receive the second insert therein such that both weights are retained within the cavity when the cap is engaged with the body. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, the weight apparatus has a center of gravity positioned at a first predetermined location when no inserts are positioned within the cavity. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, the weight apparatus has a center of gravity positioned generally at the first predetermined location when a first insert is positioned within the cavity. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, the weight apparatus has a center of gravity positioned generally at the first predetermined location when a second insert is positioned within the first insert. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for adjusting the weight of an exercise apparatus. The method includes the steps of: A) providing_a body, a cavity defined in the body, a first insert, a cap that is configured such that it can be engaged with the body in a manner sufficient to retain at least one of the first and second inserts within the cavity, a master latch that is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position and the master latch is configured to retain the cap such that it is engaged with the body when the master latch is in the latched position, and a safety latch that is configured to be movable between an off position and an on position such that when the safety latch is in the on position, the master latch is retained in the latched position, B) placing the first insert within the cavity, C) positioning the cap over the cavity, D) engaging the cap with the body, E) ensuring that the safety latch is in the off position and the master latch is in the unlatched first position, F) moving the master latch such that it is in the latched position, and G) moving the safety latch such that it is in the on position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a kettlebell according to the present invention wherein a master latch and a cap are positioned such that the cap can be removed from the body of the kettlebell; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the kettlebell in  FIG. 1  wherein the master latch is positioned such that the cap cannot be rotated and the safety latch is positioned such that the master latch can be moved; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the kettlebell in  FIG. 1  wherein the master latch is positioned such that the cap cannot be removed without first repositioning the master latch and the safety latch is in a latched position; 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the kettlebell in  FIG. 1  taken along line  4 - 4 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the kettlebell in  FIG. 2  taken along line  5 - 5 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front few of a kettlebell body and handle; 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view of the kettlebell in  FIG. 6  taken along line  7 - 7 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a stop according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of a cap according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the cap in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a back view of the cap in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the cap in  FIG. 9  taken along line  12 - 12 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective, partially-exploded view of a kettlebell according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are perspective views of a cap without a master latch or safety latch being in place according to one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 15A and 15B  are perspective views of a master latch separate from the cap component shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an improved system for the retention of weighted inserts within or on an exercise apparatus. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a kettlebell  10 . It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the present invention can be implemented in various types of exercise apparatuses in addition to kettlebell  10 . By way of example and not limitation, such exercise apparatuses can include the following: dumbbells, barbells, weight lifting machines, medicine balls. According to the present invention, kettlebell  10  is adjustable to different weights or resistances while generally maintaining a predetermined center of gravity. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 7 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, kettlebell  10  includes a body  12 , a handle  14 , and a cap  60 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , body  12  includes a first cavity  22  formed therein. First cavity  22  is defined by a side wall  26  of body  12  and first cavity  22  extends from an end wall  24  to an open end  32 . In the illustrated embodiment, first cavity  22  is generally cylindrical such that it has a generally circular cross-section. In other embodiments, first cavity  22  can have a non-circular cross-section. By way of example and not limitation, such non-circular cross-sections can be octagonal, hexagonal, square, and other regular or irregular geometries. Side wall  26  defines a shoulder  28  at open end  32 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , a plurality of ears is spaced radially around open end  32  of cavity  22 . In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of ears includes a first ear  46 , a second ear  48 , a third ear  52  and a fourth ear  53  that are each spaced-apart from shoulder  28  to define a locking track  56 . A pin  57  extends from each of first ear  46 , second ear  48 , and third ear  52  such that passage of the ears along locking track  56  is limited by contact of at least one pin  57  with an adjacent ear  46 ,  48 ,  52 . The ears and body  12  also define a generally circular face  58  that is positioned around the open end  32  of cavity  22 . A stopping pin The plurality of ears defines a plurality of recesses that are positioned between the ears. The plurality of recesses include a first recess  36  positioned between first ear  46  and third ear  52 , a second recess  38  positioned between second ear  48  and fourth ear  53 , and a third recess  42  positioned between second ear  48  and third ear  52 . A safety latch recess  44  is positioned between first ear  46  and fourth ear  53 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  7 , and  9 ; body  12  is configured to receive cap  60  such that is it positioned against circular face  58  and is configured to seal first cavity  22 . Cap  60  is configured to be rotated between an open unsecure first position and a closed and secure second position. As shown in  FIG. 9 , cap  60  includes a top  62  and a sloped shoulder  64  that extends from top  62  to a rim  65 . Sloped shoulder  64  also defines a flange face  76 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . Continuing to refer to  FIG. 9 , a plurality of dimples  78  are positioned in sloped shoulder  64  and are configured to provide a surface for gripping when cap  60  is removed from body  12 . In other embodiments, sloped shoulder  64  includes other surface configurations. By way of example and not limitation, such other surface configurations include the following: smooth, knurled, pits or depressions, ridges, grooves, and a combination thereof. 
     Cap  60  also includes a base  82  that is positioned adjacent flange face  76  and extends away from the top surface  62  of cap  60  as shown in  FIG. 10 . The base is configured to be received within open end  32  as shown in  FIG. 4 . A plurality of spaced-apart tabs is positioned radially around the base and include a first tab  84 , a second tab  86 , and a third tab  88 . Each of the plurality of tabs  84 ,  86 , and  88  have a first side this is generally flush with a bottom surface  83  of base  82  and a sloped second side that is positioned away from the bottom surface  83  toward flange face  76 . 
     The sloped second side of each tab has a camming face that is positioned opposite flange face  76 . The camming face extends from a narrow end of the respective tab to a thicker end of the respective tab. The camming face is configured such that an ear of the opening of body  12  of kettlebell  10  is captured between a tab and flange face  76  when cap  60  is in the closed first position. In this regard, first ear  46  is configured to be captured between first tab  84  and flange face  76 , second ear  48  is configured to be captured between second tab  86  and flange face  76 , and third ear  52  is configured to be captured between third tab  88  and flange face  76 . 
     When cap  60  is in the unsecure, open first position, first tab  84  is aligned with first recess  36 , second tab  86  is aligned with second recess  38 , and third tab  88  is aligned with third recess  42 . When in the unsecure, open first position, cap  60  can be moved away from body  12  of kettlebell  10  such that first cavity  22  is open. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 ,  5 , cap  60  is configured to receive a master latch  100  in a slot  66 . Master latch  100  includes a sliding body  102 , a latch shoulder  104 , a tip  105 , and a tongue  106 . Master latch  100  is configured to move between a latched first position and an unlatched second position.  FIGS. 1 ,  4 , and  9  show master latch  100  in the first position wherein master latch  100  is positioned such that safety latch receiver  119  and safety track  118  are displaced relative to each other and tip  105  of master latch  100  is positioned away from, and out of line with, the rim  65 . As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , when cap  60  is positioned within open end  32  of cavity  22  and master latch  100  is in the first position, a first void  124  is defined between tongue  106  and body  12  of kettlebell  10 . 
     When master latch  100  is in its second position and cap  60  is positioned within the opening of body  12  of kettlebell  10 , second void  125  is formed between master latch  100  and cap  60 . In addition, tongue  106  is positioned within master latch recess  44  such that tongue  106  is between first ear  46  and flange face  76 . Tongue  106 , first ear  46 , and fourth ear  53  are configured to prevent rotational movement of cap  60  relative to body  12  of kettlebell  10  when master latch  100  is in the second position and cap  60  is positioned in the opening. In this regard, if cap  60  were to be rotated relative to body  12 , such movement would be blocked by the interaction of tongue  106  and first ear  46  or tongue  106  and fourth ear  53 . 
     Sliding body  102  is configured to be received within a sliding body track  103 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , a safety latch receiver  119  is defined in sliding body  102 . Safety latch receiver  119  is a notch, recess, or opening dimensioned to receive a safety latch  116 . Safety latch  116  is configured to be retained in a safety track  118  that is defined in the top of cap  60 . Safety latch  116  is configured to move between an off first position in which safety latch  116  is clear of master latch  100  and an on second position in which a portion of safety latch  116  is received within safety latch receiver  119 . When safety latch  116  is in its off, first position, safety latch  116  does not interfere with movement of master latch  100 . When safety latch  116  is in its on second position, safety latch  116  is configured to prevent movement of master latch  100 . In this regard, when safety latch  116  in its second position, master latch  100  cannot be moved between its first position and its second position.  FIGS. 2 and 5  show master latch  100  in it&#39;s latched second position wherein master latch  100  is positioned such that safety latch receiver  119  and safety track  118  are aligned with each other. In this manner, safety latch  116  is free to move between its off first position, clear of the master latch, and its on second position, interfering with or blocking master latch  100  when master latch  100  is in the latched second position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14A ,  14 B,  15 A, and  15 B, in one embodiment, detents  142  are positioned on sliding body  102  such that detents  142  engage notches  144  that are positioned track  103  to retain sliding body  102  such that it resists movement from either the first position or the second position. In this manner master latch  100  is retained within the second position by detents  142 . Movement of master latch  100  from the second position to the first position requires sufficient force to overcome resistance provided by detents  142 . Detents  142  of sliding body  102  are configured such that movement of master latch  100  between the first and second position provides audible and tactile indications. In one embodiment, the audible indication is in the form of a clicking sound and the tactile indication is in the form of either a change in resistance, vibration, or bump. Thus, a user can be assured that master latch  100  has been successfully moved into the safe and secure second position without visually checking. In some embodiments, safety latch  116  also is configured to have detents or to receive detents such that safety latch  116  is secured in position and audible and tactile indications are provided with movement between positions. 
     It should be appreciated that cap  60  and its components can be made from the same materials or different materials. By way of example and not limitation, the materials of cap  60  and its components can include the following: metal, thermoplastic, polyurethane, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate ABS, fiberglass, fiberglass-reinforced nylon, nylon, and a combination thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 13 , first cavity  22  is configured to receive a generally tubular first insert  132  having a predetermined weight. First insert  132  defines a second cavity  134  therein that is dimensioned to receive a second insert  136 . When cap  60  is positioned within open end of cavity  22  and in the second position such that the tabs are locked in by the ears, first cavity  22  and first insert  132  are dimensioned such that first insert  132  is substantially restrained from motion. Likewise, when cap  60  is in the closed second position, and second insert  136  is positioned within second cavity  134 , both the second and first insert  132  are substantially restrained from motion. 
     In should be appreciated that handle  14  of kettlebell  10  and body  12  of kettlebell  10  can be made from the same materials or different materials. By way of example and not limitation, these materials can include the following: metal, cast iron, aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, polyurethane, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate ABS, fiberglass, fiberglass-reinforced nylon, nylon, and a combination thereof. 
     According to the illustrated embodiment, body  12 , first insert  132 , and second insert  136  can be combined such that kettlebell  10  can be in one of three configurations. In a first configuration, first cavity  22  is empty and kettlebell  10  has a predetermined first weight. In a second configuration, first insert  132  is within first cavity  22  and kettlebell  10  has a predetermined second weight. In a third configuration first insert  132  is within first cavity  22 , and second insert  136  is within second cavity  134  and kettlebell  10  has a predetermined third weight. It should be appreciated that second insert  136  can be configured to receive a third insert which can be configured to receive a fourth insert up to N inserts. It should also be appreciated that kettlebell  10  can be used in N plus one configurations. Thus a user could use kettlebell  10  to exercise with N+1 different predetermined weights using the same body  12  and up to N inserts. 
     All configurations of kettlebell  10  also have substantially the same center of gravity. According to the illustrated embodiment, body  12  of kettlebell  10 , first insert  132 , and second insert  136  are all configured such that the center of gravity is in the same position relative to body  12  for each configuration. 
     The present invention can be understood in light of a description of the operation thereof. First insert  132  is placed within first cavity  22  defined within body  12 . Then second insert  136  is placed within second cavity  134 . It should be understood that the step of placing second insert  136  within second cavity  134  can be omitted or performed prior to the step of placing first insert  132  within first cavity  22 . Cap  60  is prepared for being attached to body  12  by ensuring that safety latch  116  is in its off first position and master latch  100  is in its unlatched first position. Cap  60  is then positioned over the open end  32  of cavity  22  such that first tab  84  of cap  60  is aligned with first recess  36  of body  12 , second tab  86  is aligned with second recess  38 , and third tab  88  is aligned with third recess  42 . After being placed in position, cap  60  is moved toward body  12  into its open and unsecure first position. In this regard, first tab  84 , second tab  86 , and third tab  88  are positioned such that they will pass under the associated ear of body  12 . In this regard, first tab  84  is positioned to be moved to a position under first ear  46 , second tab  86  is positioned to be moved under second ear  48 , and third tab  88  is positioned to be moved under third ear  52 . When positioned such that the tabs are in locking track  56  defined between the ears and shoulder  28 , cap  60  is in the unsecure first position. Cap  60  is then rotated such that first, second, and third tabs move within locking track  56  until at least one stopping pin  57  is engaged by an adjacent ear. Contact with a stopping pin  57  ensures that first tab  84  is positioned under first ear  46 , second tab  86  is positioned under second ear  48 , and third tab  88  is positioned under third ear  52 . In this manner, cap  60  is moved from the unsecure first position to the secure second position. 
     To secure cap  60  in the in the second position, master latch  100  is moved from its clear and unlatched first position to its engaged and latched second position. In such a configuration, cap  60  cannot be rotated relative to body  12  because master latch  100  tongue engages the adjacent first ear and fourth ears of body  12 . To prevent master latch  100  from being moved unintentionally from the engaged second position to the clear first position, safety latch  116  is moved from its free first position to its locked second position. In this manner the inserts are retained within first cavity  22  and risk that cap  60  will be accidentally removed is essentially eliminated. 
     In the above manner the first and second inserts can be secured within body  12  of kettlebell  10  such that kettlebell  10  is ready for use. In order to remove cap  60  from body  12  such that the number of inserts within the cavity can be increased or decreased, the steps above are reversed. In this regard, safety latch  116  is moved from its locked second position to its free first position. Master latch  100  is moved from its engaged second position to its clear first position. Cap  60  is then rotated from the secure second position to its unsecure second position. Finally cap  60  is moved away from body  12  such that the first, second, and third tabs are no longer positioned within the race. The first and second inserts can be removed or added as appropriate. 
     To summarize, three deliberate steps are required to remove inserts from body  12  of kettlebell  10 . Safety latch  116  must be moved, master latch  100  must be moved, and cap  60  must be rotated. Accidental contact with cap  60  will not cause cap  60  to become disengaged from body  12 . Furthermore it is believed that a weight apparatus made according to the present invention can withstand a substantial amount of dropping without binding cap  60  or causing cap  60  to disengage. 
     While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made and the Invention can be practiced in other environments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, set forth in the accompanying claims.