US20100144498A1

US20100144498A1 - Adjustable fluid-fillable exercise weights

Info

Publication number: US20100144498A1
Application number: US12/633,208
Authority: US
Inventors: Stephen Barber
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-12-08
Filing date: 2009-12-08
Publication date: 2010-06-10
Also published as: WO2010066032A1; US20110230317A9

Abstract

A weight container, which includes an adjustable calibrating bellow including two outer ribs and at least one inner rib; wherein the outer ribs may collapse and fold around the inner rib; a locking apparatus located adjacent to one outer rib; and a cover receiving apparatus located adjacent to the other outer rib. Further, a pair of weight containers may be connected to a crossbar to define an exercise apparatus. The weight container may further be adapted to engage a base to define a drinking apparatus.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/120,510, filed Dec. 8, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The current disclosure is generally directed at exercise weights and more specifically at adjustable fluid fillable exercise weights.

BACKGROUND

In any weight training program, it is desired to have a variety of dumbbells or barbells in which the end weight portions can be selectively increased by integral increments. The hand-held exercise devices provided in the prior art are not entirely satisfactory for this purpose, either from the point of view of non-collapsibility (i.e. of a fluid refillable exercise apparatus including a fluid filling scale) or of collapsibility, but without any readily measurable and reproducible weight increment on adding fluid to the device.
For those individuals who exercise in a swimming pool, adjustable air filled buoyancy resistance weights are used. These are typically air or water fillable weights. Other individuals may wish to engage in hydrotherapeutic form of exercise and require an adjustable weight that would not damage the surroundings when dropped.
Therefore, there is provided a novel adjustable fluid-filled exercise weight.

SUMMARY

There is a need for an adjustable fluid-filled exercise weight that overcomes some of the disadvantages of the prior art. There is a further need to have a handheld exercise weight that is collapsible for easy moving and storage. There is a further need for an exercise weight that may be filled with either water or another fluid for the purpose of hydration during exercise. There is also a need for an exercise weight to be made of flexible food grade material that will not break or cause the breaking of other objects when dropped.
In one aspect, there is provided a fluid fillable weight container comprising: an adjustable calibrating bellow including two outer ribs and at least one inner rib; wherein the outer ribs may collapse and fold around the inner rib; locking apparatus located adjacent to one outer rib; and a cover receiving apparatus located adjacent to the other outer rib.
In another aspect, there is provided an exercise apparatus comprising: a pair of weight containers; and a crossbar for connecting the two weight containers; wherein each of the weight containers includes an adjustable calibratable cylindrical bellow and a locking apparatus adapted to engage the crossbar.
In a further aspect, there is provided A drinking apparatus comprising; a weight container; and a base; wherein the weight container includes an adjustable calibrating cylindrical bellow and a locking apparatus adapted to engage the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an adjustable fluid fillable exercise weight in expanded form according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view an adjustable fluid fillable exercise weight in a semi-collapsed form according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable fluid fillable exercise weight in a fully collapsed form according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an adjustable fluid fillable weight according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a drinking cap cover attached to an adjustable fluid fillable weight according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exercise weight in collapsed form according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exercise weight in expanded form according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exercise weight in semi-collapsed form according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a mating plate according to one embodiment of the adjustable fluid fillable exercise weight;

FIG. 10 illustrates a weight container of the adjustable fluid fillable exercise weight in collapsed;

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the weight container of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 illustrates a weight container of the adjustable fluid fillable exercise weight in an semi-collapsed form;

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the weight container of FIG. 12;

FIGS. 14 illustrate a weight container of the adjustable fluid fillable exercise weight in an expanded form;

FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of a cover for the adjustable fluid fillable exercise weight according to one embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates a weight container in expanded form in a base according to an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 17 illustrates a weight container in collapsed form in a base; and

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is an aspect of the invention to provide easily portable and packable dumbbell/barbell equipment, which can be assembled and reproducibly filled with water or another fluid to a desired weight.
Weight lifting equipment according to the present adjustable fluid fillable exercise weights may be particularly useful for exercising at the beach, where water is readily available and the lightness and portability of the equipment is advantageous. Similarly, the ease of adjustability of the variable weight levels make adjustable fluid fillable exercise weights ideal for carrying out a graded workout beside a swimming pool or in other locations where water is easily accessed.
The present adjustable fluid fillable exercise weight may also be beneficial for a traveler having arrived at a hotel room and may find it desirous to carrying out weight lifting exercises. The traveler can unobtrusively assemble the dumbbell or barbell, fill the weight containers to desired calibrated levels and later empty the adjustable fluid fillable exercise weight containers and pack the apparatus away.
Power walkers may also use these adjustable fluid fillable exercise weights and have the ability to consume a hydrating beverage from one of the weight containers as they are exercising. When desired, a power walker or other exerciser may consume some of the beverage and then partially or fully collapse the weight container. When collapsed the excess air may be dispelled and the weight may remain balanced as the beverage or fluid remains steady and may not slosh or splash around within the weight container.
In one aspect, the adjustable fluid fillable exercise weights may be used in hydrotherapy warm water thermogenics, a form of physical activity in a warm water environment such as a shower or bath. Hydrotherapy may create a thermogenic response to both muscles and joints, potentially making motion easier and producing beneficial physical results. The adjustable fluid fillable exercise weights may be made of a material that will not cause damage to the surrounding environment when used for this purpose.
Turning to FIG. 1, a side view of an adjustable fluid fillable exercise apparatus in an expanded position is shown. The apparatus 10 includes a crossbar 12 or handle, located between a pair of weight containers 14, seen as weight containers 14 a and 14 b. The crossbar 12 is connected to each weight container 14 a and 14 b through a locking means at one end of the weight containers to form a traditionally shaped dumbbell, which may be used by an individual for exercising or for therapeutic activities. The weight containers 14 may be filled with a desired amount of water or other fluid to provide the required resistance for the individual wishing to exercise.
Connection between the crossbar 12 and the weight containers 14 may be done in any number of ways including a screw and threading technique, a button locking technique, or, as in the current embodiment, the crossbar 12 may be locked in place via complementary parts on the crossbar 12 and the weight container 14, which is described in further detail below. Each weight container may also be closed by a cover, which may include a drinking cap 22, screw cap or the like, to ensure that fluid added to the weight container remains in the apparatus until a user chooses to empty it.
Each weight container 14 has a cylindrical bellow 16, which may have two outer ribs 18 a and 18 b and at least one inner rib 20. The outer ribs 18 may be expanded or contracted around the at least one inner rib 20 by way of a hinge line. The weight container 14 is a singular cavity, which can be compressed and decompressed in order to control both the overall size and weight of the apparatus 10. Each outer rib 18 may collapse or fold around the inner rib 20 when an individual applies pressure to the bellow 16. FIG. 2 illustrates the adjustable fluid fillable exercise apparatus 10 with in a semi-collapsed position; while FIG. 3 illustrates the adjustable fluid fillable exercise apparatus 10 in a fully collapsed position, with the inner rib 20 hidden within the outer ribs 18. After use, the bellow may be collapsed and the empty weight containers can be taken off the crossbar, packed and carried around in a suitcase or the like.
Each outer rib 18 may have a larger diameter than the inner rib 20 and, in a preferred embodiment, may be molded with the same amount of plastic as the inner rib 20. As each outer rib 18 is larger than the inner rib 20, the plastic must stretch farther to mold the outer rib 18 than the inner rib 20. This process may create a thicker and more rigid inner rib 20. When pressure is applied to the top or bottom of the bellow 16, the more rigid inner rib 20 forces the thinner outer ribs 18 to collapse inward (actuate) as the inner rib 20 maintains its shape. Preferably, the weight container 14 will be blow molded but other molding methods may be used.
FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the adjustable fluid fillable exercise apparatus 10. Each end of the crossbar 12 is connected to a mating plate 24 by at least one fastener 26 which may include screws, nuts and bolts or the like. In the alternative the mating plate 24 may be integrated with the crossbar 12 so that the crossbar and the mating plate are one molded part.
Each weight container 14 contains the bellow 16, a locking means 28 and a cover receiving means 30 surrounding an inlet/outlet port 32. As illustrated, the cover may be a drinking cap 22, which may be adapted to engage the cover receiving means 30. For example, the cover receiving means 30 may be a threaded portion on the weight container 14, which may threadibly engage the cover. In the alternative the cover may snap onto the cover receiving means 30.
In the illustrated drinking cap embodiment, a seal 34 is recessed within the cover 22 to further reduce the chances of the fluid leaking from the weight container 14. The seal may be a rubber gasket or be made of a rubberized material or the like. In the alternative, the cover may be sealed by way of an interface fit, comprising a plastic tapered cone that is adapted to fit tightly within a smaller plastic orifice. This sealing method may allow for a plastic-to-plastic watertight seal without any need for a secondary sealing device.
The drinking cap cover 22 may further include a control or pressure valve such as a drinking valve 36. The drinking valve 36 allows the fluid contained within the weight container 14 to be consumed. In an alternative cap design, other pressure valves, which may assist in controlling the fluid and air release between the expanded, semi-collapsed and fully collapsed positions of the bellow 16, may be used.
As an improvement over prior art apparatus, the crossbar 12 may be attached to the outside of the weight containers 14 and does not have to pass through the weight itself; thereby, allowing for only a single cavity bellowed weight container. In this manner, the method of calibrating the weight levels of the apparatus 10 is also different from known systems. As there is only a single cavity, the individual bellow 16 folds within the weight container 14 when it is compressed, thereby minimizing the amount of force needed to expel the internal fluid or air. The single cavity also allows the bellow 16 of the individual weight container 14 to fold and pressure lock within the weight container and allows both excess air and water to be released, when necessary or required. With the control valve 36, the expulsion of the fluid is controlled so that the correct amount of fluid is expelled during the calibration process. For instance, without the control valve 36, it would be difficult to control the amount of fluid being expelled so that the expected weight is possibly not achieved. However, if an exact weight measurement is not required, the inlet/outlet port 32 can be closed with a cover, as suggested above. Where exact weight measurement is required, the control valve provides a convenient way to obtain a more accurate weight measurement.
FIG. 5 illustrates the front view of the drinking cap cover 22 attached to the weight container 14. The drinking cap 22 includes the drinking valve 36, which provides a convenient opening to allow the user the ability to drink the fluid within the weight container 14. The drinking cap may further comprise a plurality of recesses 38, which may aid a user in attaching and removing the cap by providing finger locations for screwing on and off the cover 22.
FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate cross-sectional views of the exercise weight in expanded, collapsed and semi-collapsed forms. From these views the methods required for collapsing and expanding the bellows 16 are discernible. Preferably, the bellows 16 should be made of food grade plastic, and more specifically the food grade plastic may be dishwasher and microwave safe and may be able to withstand temperatures of 220° F., the boiling point of water.
FIG. 9 illustrates the mating plate 24 according to an embodiment where it is not integrated with the crossbar. The mating plate 24 may comprise of at least one opening 40 adapted to engage a fastener. The opening 40 of the mating plate may be aligned with a similar opening molded within the crossbar 12. A further aperture 42 is included and adapted to engage the locking means 28 of the weight container 14.
When the crossbar 12 is connected to the mating plate 24, the aperture 42 may then be mated with the locking means 28 of the weight container 14 and locked into place by a quarter or half turn or rotation. Other locking means are also contemplated.
FIG. 10 illustrates the weight container 14 of the exercise apparatus with the bellow 16 in the collapsed position. FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the weight container 14 of FIG. 10. These figures show the two outer ribs 18 collapsed around the inner rib 20. The inner rib 20 is fully incorporated within the outer ribs 18 but, as the inner rib 20 is thicker and more rigid than the outer ribs 18, it will not collapse and instead maintains its form. When pressure by a user is exerted on the bellow 16 to collapse a rib, the thinner plastic of the outer rib 18 allows it to collapse and fold in around the inner rib 20. In this collapsed form, the weight container will hold the least amount of fluid and make for a lighter exercise apparatus than when expanded and filled. When empty the adjustable fluid fillable exercise apparatus may be more compact and easier to transport.
The locking means 28 include an abutment that is designed to mate with the aperture 42 of the mating plate and lock into place with a partial turn. Alternatively the locking means 28 of the weight container 14 and aperture of the mating plate may be threaded and the weight container may be locked into the crossbar by screwing the weight container in tightly.
FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the weight container 14 with the bellow 16 in a semi-compressed position with only one of the two outer ribs 18 compressed, while FIG. 14 illustrates the weight container 14 with the bellow 16 fully expanded. Each weight container 14 may provide for at least four separate weight settings. Neither collapsing nor expanding the bellow 16 will impede the function of either the cover receiving means 30 or locking means 28 of the weight container 14.
In one example, when both bellows of the apparatus are fully expanded and filled with fluid, the apparatus will weigh approximately 3 pounds. When one outer rib 18 on each weight container 14 is compressed the weight may be close to 2.1 lbs. When the second outer rib on each weight container is compressed the weight may be diminished to about 1.6 lbs. When the weight container is empty of fluid the adjustable fluid fillable exercise apparatus may weigh approximately 0.5 lbs. Other weight configurations are possible by changing the size or circumference of the bellow and/or the volume of the weight container cavity.
In order to fill the weight containers and make the apparatus operational, each bellow 16 may be expanded to the desired level. The inlet/outlet port 32 is uncovered and the weight container 14 is filled with a fluid such as water. The weight containers 14 may be filled prior to being attached to the crossbar 12 or after they have been locked into place.
After the weight container is filled, the cover is removably attached to the cover receiving means 30, so that the fluid can not escape. As shown in FIG. 15, the inside of the drinking cap cover 22 or other cover may contain a threading 44 that will allow it to be threadibly attached to the weight container 14. Other means for attaching the cover to the weight are contemplated.
If the user determines that the weight is too heavy and wishes to reduce the amount of fluid in the weight container 14, the control valve 36 or cover may be opened and an outer rib 18 compressed to expel the extra fluid and air. After the desired weight has been achieved, the control valve or cover may be closed so that no more water or liquid can escape. Other materials such as sand may also be used to fill the weights. If sand is used, the control valve will be sized accordingly.
As will be understood, depending on the maximum weight of the individual weights, the manufacture of the crossbar 12 is predetermined and preferably proportional to this maximum weight.
FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate an alternative embodiment that provides for a base for the weight container. Once attached, the device may be used as a re-usable collapsible beverage container. The base 46 may attach to the weight container 14 through a similar locking manner as described above with reference to the exercise apparatus. The base 46 may contain an aperture 48 that is adapted to engage the locking means 28 of the weight container 14. Once the locking means 28 is inserted into the aperture 48, the user may turn or rotate the weight container 14 to lock it into place. Other locking means are contemplated including a screw and threading technique or a button lock technique.
As a beverage container, the device may be filled with either a hot or cold beverage. The circumference of the bottom of the base 46 is greater than that of the locking means abutment and may be equal or greater than the circumference of the outer rib. The size of the bottom of the base 46 may provide for greater stability when the device is used as a beverage container.
In another embodiment, the weight container may be used as a reusable beverage container reducing the need for plastic bottles. As the weight container can be used to store a beverage for hydrating the user, further hydrating beverage containers are not required. When not being used as an exercise apparatus, the weight container may be attached to a separate base and serve as a re-usable and collapsible handheld beverage container. In this embodiment, the weight container may be filled with either hot or cold beverages.
In an alternative embodiment, the weight may be used in a swimming pool, lake or similar body of water without the addition of a fluid within the weight. The adjustable fluid fillable exercise weight may add resistance by its buoyancy sufficient for the desired exercise.
The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations can be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of this application.
In the preceding description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the disclosure.
The above-described embodiments of the disclosure are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations can be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A weight container comprising:

an adjustable calibrating bellow including two outer ribs and at least one inner rib;

wherein the outer ribs may collapse and fold around the inner rib;

a locking apparatus located adjacent to one outer rib; and

a cover receiving apparatus located adjacent to the other outer rib.

2. The weight container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the outer ribs have a larger diameter than the inner rib.

3. The weight container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the weight container is made of food grade plastics.

4. The weight container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cover receiving apparatus is adapted to receive a drinking cap cover including a drinking valve.

5. The weight container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the locking apparatus is an abutment designed to engage a corresponding aperture.

6. An exercise apparatus comprising:

a pair of weight containers; and

a crossbar for connecting the two weight containers;

wherein each of the weight containers includes an adjustable calibratable cylindrical bellow and a locking apparatus adapted to engage the crossbar.

7. The exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the crossbar contains a mating plate designed to engage the locking apparatus of the weight container.

8. The exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the bellow includes two outer ribs and at least one inner rib; wherein the outer ribs may collapse and fold around the inner rib.

9. The exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the outer ribs have a larger diameter than the inner rib.

10. The exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the weight container is made of food grade plastics.

11. The exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the exercise apparatus further comprises a cover designed to engage a cover receiving means of the weight container.

12. The exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the cover is a drinking cap cover including a drinking valve.

13. A drinking apparatus comprising;

a weight container; and

a base;

wherein the weight container includes an adjustable calibrating cylindrical bellow and a locking apparatus adapted to engage the base.