US20150174445A1

US20150174445A1 - Adjustable exercise device

Info

Publication number: US20150174445A1
Application number: US14/573,149
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas M. Robertson, JR.
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-12-23
Filing date: 2014-12-17
Publication date: 2015-06-25
Also published as: WO2015100106A1

Abstract

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

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application entitled “GOBLET SQUAT EXERCISE DEVICE,” Ser. No. 61/920,196, filed Dec. 23, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an exercise device and specifically a device for use with goblet squats, deadlifts, kettlebell exercises, bent-over rows and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to physical fitness exercises in general and more specifically to an adjustable exercise device primarily used for goblet squat exercises. The exercise is called a goblet squat because the user typically holds a weight with both hands in front similar to holding a goblet. The term “user” is intended to include both male and female users. For simplicity, this application will reference the user in the masculine gender. Keeping his back fairly straight, the user pushes his hips back and bends his knees to lower his body to a desired squat position, which may be from a slightly bent position to a position where the tops of his thighs are parallel to the floor or lower depending on the ability of the user. For purposes of the invention, the term “floor” is intended to include any horizontal exercise surface, such a floor, the ground, a stand, a bench or an elevated platform. After pausing, the user pushes up to the start position.
Goblet squats are typically performed using a single dumbbell or a kettle bell. When using a dumbbell, the weight is placed on its side such that one plate lies on the floor and the other plate is extended upwardly by means of the dumbbell handle. The user then grasps the upper weight plate to hold the dumbbell in goblet fashion. A kettle bell may also be used for this exercise. With a kettlebell, the user grasps the horns or handle of the weight to lift it.
Because of its relatively short size, using a dumbbell or kettlebell for performing squat exercises becomes difficult as the weight becomes increasingly heavier in that it can be awkward and possibly dangerous for the user to pick the device from the floor into the goblet squat beginning exercise position, perform a set and return the weight to the floor when the goblet squat exercise set is complete. A “set” is defined as the number of repetitions a user completes of goblet squats.
Therefore, it is an object of this invention to develop an exercise device which allows the user to conduct a set of squat exercises in convenient and safer manner while still enabling the user to gain maximum strength building benefit from the exercise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to an adjustable goblet squat exercise device which consists of a removable handle, a stacking pole and a base. The handle can be any of a number of shapes for ergonomic control. The stacking pole is designed to hold typical round weightlifting discs in a stack on the base, which is attached to the bottom of the stacking pole to both restrain the weights and serve as a platform base for the floor. The handle can be removed from the stacking pole by pulling a pin thereby releasing the handle.
The present invention is also directed to an adjustable exercise device comprising a base having an upper surface and a lower surface; a handle unit comprising a handle; an extendable stacking pole comprising a first member and a second member, wherein the first member is slidably received within the second member, wherein the first member has a first end affixed to the base and a second end, wherein the second member has a first end affixed to the handle unit and a second end for slidably receiving the second end of the first member; and a device for releasably securing the first member and the second member.
The present invention is further directed to an adjustable hand held exercise device, comprising a base having an upper surface and a lower surface; a handle unit comprising a handle affixed to a handle post, wherein the handle post has a first end affixed to the handle unit and a second end, wherein further the handle post includes at least one set of openings passing through the handle post; a weight stacking tube of varying length having a first end, a second end and a central channel for slidably receiving the second end of the handle post, wherein the first end of the weight stacking tube is connected to the base, and wherein the weight stacking tube includes at least one set of openings passing through the weight stacking tube, such that the weight stacking tube openings can align with the handle post openings; and a fastening pin passing through the aligned openings of the weight stacking tube and the handle post for releasably securing the weight stacking tube to the handle post.
The weight stacking tube and the handle can be manufactured in various lengths for ease of use for people of all heights. It is within the scope of the present invention to include an extension to the stacking pole if necessary and if the user wishes to extend the length of the handle from the floor. This will enable users of all sizes to transition the device from the ground, floor, stand or bench to the standing position of the exercise in an efficient and comfortable manner.
Unlike standard kettle bells or dumbbells, known to the industry, the adjustable goblet squat exercise device of the present invention allows a user to hold the device closer to the user's body so that more weight can be comfortably used when performing an exercise. Further, the height of the adjustable goblet squat exercise device can be easily adjusted so that the user can control the depth of the squat intended to be performed. By squatting to different depths, the user can target which muscles are used in the exercise and limit the depth of the squat should the user have limited range of motion and/or be injured. When the device is set to a taller or higher level, it will be easier for the user to pick it up from the ground.
Further still, the weight to the device of the present invention is variable by adjusting the number of weight plates to meet the needs of the user. Further, the weight can be easily changed by a relatively quick and easy step, thus eliminating the need for several devices of different heights and weights.
The shape of the device of the present invention is specifically suited for the goblet squat exercise in that the desired weights are added to the base of the device which keeps the bulk of the weight resistance during the exercise in the lower core area of the user's body.
Further, the handle of the device can be ergonomically shaped, angled and positioned to make lifting the device from the floor, ground, stand or a bench, using the device when performing the exercise and returning the device after completion of the exercise to the floor efficiently and reasonably safe. The handle can also have grips with rotational abilities to assist in various lifting capabilities. The handle may be padded to offer additional comfort and gripping security when the device is being used.
The device of the present invention is not “top heavy” like a dumbbell since dumbbells have heavy ends on both ends of the unit. It can be uncomfortable and awkward to have a heavy end of dumbbell resting against the top of the chest near the neck and face during the performance of the exercise. For females, dumbbells can be even more awkward and uncomfortable than they are for men because ends of dumbbells often hit a female's breasts when performing the exercise. The design of the exercise device of the present invention will be such that the stacking pole from the base to the handle will rest between or in front of a female's breasts to add comfort during the exercise process.
The device of the present invention is intended to be with the performance of goblet squats. Goblet squats can be performed in various forms by changing the width of the user stance or the position of the feet. It is also contemplated that alternative handles can be adapted to the device to turn it into a device which can be used for deadlifts, kettlebell exercises, bent-over rows and the like.
The objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 which now includes the addition of weight plates.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 illustrating the three main pieces separately.

FIGS. 4 A-C are front views illustrating the use of the goblet squat exercise device.

FIGS. 5 A-C are front views illustrating alternative embodiments of handle shapes.

FIG. 5D is a side perspective view illustrating a further alternative embodiment of a handle shape.

FIGS. 6 A-C are perspective views of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4D illustrating that the handle can rotate around a center collar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-3 for the adjustable exercise device 10 of the present invention, which is defined by a base 12, an extendable stacking pole 13 having a first end 15 and a second end 17, and a handle unit 36, wherein the first end 15 of the stacking pole 13 is affixed to the base 12 and the second end 17 of the stacking pole 13 is affixed to the handle unit 36. As described further in this disclosure, the stacking pole 13 may advantageously be lengthened or shortened depending on the wishes of the user 100 and the type of exercise performed. When the appropriate length of the stacking pole 13 is determined, the length is then secured by a securing device 60. The materials used for making exercise devices 10, such as that described herein, are well known to the art and can include metals such steel, iron, aluminum, as well as other composite materials including plastics and polycarbonates, as long as the strength and the integrity of the material is sufficient for the purpose intended.

The Base 12

The device 10 includes a base 12, which is typically round or disk shaped and made of a heavy metal, such as steel or iron. It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a base 12 of different shapes, such as square, rectangular, triangular, etc. While the dimensions of the base 12 can vary, a representative dimension will have a length or diameter of approximately five inches and a thickness of between one-half inch and one inch. The base 12 includes an upper surface 14, a lower surface 16, and a side 18. The lower surface 16 is generally flat to enable the device 10 to be safely positioned on a floor surface. It is contemplated that surfaces 14 and 16 will be smooth. If desired, the lower surface 16 can include bumpers or pads (not illustrated) to prevent marring on the floor.

Weight Stacking Tube

20

Attached to the center of the upper surface 14 of the base 12 is a weight stacking tube 20, which forms the lower portion of the stacking pole 13. As illustrated, the weight stacking tube 20 is square or rectangular in configuration. It is also within the scope of the present invention to include a first member or weight stacking tube 20 of different cross-sectional shapes, such as circular or oval. The weight stacking tube 20 includes an upper first end 22, a lower second end 24 attached to the surface 14 of the base 12, parallel front and rear sides 26, 28 connected by parallel sides 30, 32. The weight stacking tube 20 is typically attached to the center of the base 12 by welding, bolts or other attachment means. The weight stacking tube 20 further includes a central hollow channel 34 for receiving the handle unit 36 as described below. Situated on the front side 26 of the tube 20 are a series of vertically oriented openings 40 which pass from the outer surface of side 26 to the inner channel 23. Likewise, the back side 28 includes similarly oriented openings 40 to provide a pass through. The weight stacking tube 20 is designed to be manufactured in various lengths for ease of use for people of all heights. This will enable users of all sizes to transition the device 10 from a ground surface, and an elevated stand or bench to the standing position of the exercise in an efficient and comfortable manner.

Handle Unit 36

The handle unit 36 is defined by a handle 37 securely affixed to a second member or handle post 52, which forms the upper portion of the stacking pole 13. The handle post 52 has a first end 53 and a second end 55. The handle 37 is affixed to the first end 53. The handle 37 includes a pair of opposing handle ends 42, 44, extending from an intersection point 50. Each handle end 42, 44 may optionally and preferably include a comfort grip 46, 48, which may be foam padding or the like. Comfort grips are known to the art. As illustrated, the handle ends 42, 44 are capable of being firmly and securely grasped with each hand of the user 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C.
In the embodiment illustrated with respect to FIGS. 1-3, the handle ends 42, 44 meet at an intersection point 50 and are securely affixed to the handle post 52 Like the weight stacking tube 20, the handle post 52 has a series of pass-through openings 54 designed to align with the openings 40 of the weight stacking tube 20. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the handle post 52 is designed to be slidably placed within the channel 23 of the weight stacking tube 20.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the handle ends 42, 44 may be bent at the intersection point 50 to angle in an upward position. An alternative embodiment to the handle is illustrated in FIG. 5A, in which the handle 37 is enclosed to form a closed triangle or ring, similar to a kettlebell. In a second alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5B, the handle 37 forms a straight bar situated at a perpendicular angle to the handle post 52. In a third alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5C-D, the handle 37 is formed such that the handle ends 42, 44 are curved at a slight angle in a fashion similar to a standard bicycle handlebar. Advantageously, the curved shape of the handle 37 and the curved top of the handle post 52, illustrated in FIGS. 5C-D, enables the stack of weights 70 and the handle 37 to be placed closer to the user's 100 body, which may be desired for certain exercises. Each embodiment is designed to add a different element to the exercise depending on the desire of the user. In this manner, the handle 37 may be shaped and positioned to make lifting the device 10 from a surface, using the device 10 when performing the exercise and returning the device 10 to the surface after completion of the exercise efficiently and reasonably safe.
A fourth embodiment to the handle 37 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-C. In this embodiment, the handle post 52 is defined by collar 90 located at the intersection point 50 and having a collar channel 92, which is affixed to the first end 53 of the handle post 52. The handle 37 is then rotatably placed within the collar channel 92 such the handle intersection point 50 resides within the collar channel 92. In this manner, the handle ends 42, 44 may rotate in an arc 94 as illustrated in FIG. 6C. It is also within the scope of this embodiment to include a catch mechanism, i.e., a partial lock, between the rotating handle 37 and the collar channel 92, such that the handle 37 can only partially rotate from an approximate horizontal position, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, to an approximate vertical position, as illustrated in FIG. 6B. If desired, the grip can have rotational abilities and will also be beneficial during the various steps in using the device. The handle 37 may be padded to offer additional comfort or gripping security when the device is being used. When performing the actual exercise, the grip of the device 10 with the rotational handle 37 as illustrated in FIG. 5C will be more comfortable. This is particularly true when heavier weights in the 50 to 120 pound (22.7 to 54.4 kilogram) or higher range are used.

Adjustable Height

The height of the stacking pole 13 of the device 10, i.e., the distance between the base 12 and the intersection point 50 of the handle unit 36, can be adjusted by placement of a fastener, such as a fastening pin 60, through the pass-through openings 40, 54 in the weight stacking tube 20 and the handle post 52. The fastening pin 60 is easily manipulated by one hand of a user 100. The fastening pin 60 may include a spring-activated locking catch 62 to inhibit its removal once it is inserted through the pass-through openings 40, 54. Therefore, the height of the device 10 can be easily adjusted in increments merely by raising the handle unit 36 to a position where the openings 40, 54 are in alignment. The pin fastening 60 is then passed through the openings 40, 54 for securing the handle post 52 to the weight stacking tube 20. While the pass-through openings 40, 54 are illustrated on the front and back sides of the weight stacking tube 20 and the handle post 52, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, it is within the scope of the present invention to place the pass-through opening 40, 54 on the side walls of both the weight stacking tube 20 and the handle post 52. In this manner, the pin 60 would be placed through the openings 40, 54 in a manner parallel to the direction of the handles 37, rather than perpendicular to the direction of the handles 37 as illustrated in the figures.
While the fastening pin 60 is the preferred method for securing the handle post 52 to the weight stacking tube 20, it is within the scope to include other securing means for affixing the handle post 52 to the weight stacking tube 20. For example, the weight stacking tube 20 may be provided with a lever grip or a retaining ring which, when activated, tightens the weight stacking tube 20 to the handle post 52 at a location provided a desired height for the stacking pole 13.

Weight Plates

70

Reference is made to FIG. 2 which illustrates the device 10 with a series of vertically stacked weight plates 70. Weight plates 70 in the open market are available in the following increments: 2.5, 5, 10 and 25 pounds (1.1, 2.3, 4.5 and 11.3 kilograms) and higher. The weight plates 70 are typically defined by a central opening 71 which allows the weight plates 70 to slide over and onto the weight stacking tube 20 for placement thereon. Multiple plates 70 can be securely stacked on weight stacking tube 20 of the device 10 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The user 100 can load the device 10 to the exact weight(s) desired when performing an exercise. Thus, the user 100 only needs access to the device 10 and the weight plates 70 needed to get to the desired weight. The user does not need to have access to or own an entire set of dumbbells or kettle bells in multiple weights.
For assembly, the base 12 is placed on the floor such that the lower surface 16 is adjacent the floor surface and the weight stacking tube 20 extends vertically from the center of the upper surface 14 of the base 20 as illustrated in FIG. 3. In this position, the weight stacking tube 20 can receive weight plates 70. A plurality of weight plates 70 can then be placed such that the central opening 71 of each plate 70 passes over the upper first end 22 of the weight stacking tube 20 and rests on the upper surface 14 of the base 12, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The number and weight of the weight plates 70 to be added to the device 10 is determined by the user 100.
Once the weight plates 70 are properly positioned on the weight stacking tube 20, the handle unit 36 is attached to the weight stacking tube 20 by slidably fitting the second end 55 of the handle post 52 within the central hollow channel 34 at the first end 15 of the weight stacking tube 20. The handle unit 36 is releasably secured to the weight stacking tube 20 by placement of a fastening pin 60 through the oriented openings 40 and 54 of the weight stacking tube 20 and the handle post 52 respectively. The combined placement of the weight stacking tube 20 and the handle post 52 forms the stacking pole 13. Advantageously, the plurality of openings 40, 54 in the weight stacking tube 20 and handle post 52 enables variations in the placement of the fastening pin 60 which in turn allows the stacking pole 13 to have a variety of lengths depending on the desire of the user 100. Thus, the stacking pole 13 can be relatively short as illustrated in
FIG. 4A and 4B or longer as illustrated in FIG. 4C. The locking catch 62 on the fastening pin 60 prevents the undesired separation of the handle unit 36 from the weight stacking tube 20.

In Operation

Reference is made to FIGS. 4A-C, which illustrate various users 100 of the device 10 in standing and squatting positions. When the weight plates 70 are properly positioned on the device 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4A-C, the user 100 can squat to grip the handles 42, 44 of the device 10, as illustrated in FIG. 4C. The user 100 firmly grasps the handles 42, 44 and then thrusts upwardly to the position illustrated in FIG. 4A. The user 100 can then repeat the squat exercise as desired. The variations in the handles 37, as illustrated particularly in FIG. 1 and in FIGS. 4A-C, as well as the variation in weight applied by different weight plates 70, allows the user 100 to vary the exercise as desired. For example, the user 100 can use the handle 37 illustrated in FIG. 5A to perform kettlebell routines. If the user 100 wishes to have the device 10 closer to the user's body, the handle 37 illustrated in FIGS. 5C-D can be used. If the user 100 prefers to exercise with a partial deep knee bend where the knees are not severely bent, the stacking pole 13 can be elongated, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, and described above. Alternatively, the stacking pole 13 can be shortened, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-B, for deeper knee bends. By squatting to different depths, the user 100 can target which muscles are used in the exercise and limit the depth of the squat should the user 100 have limited range of motion and/or be injured. When the device 10 is set to a taller or higher level, it will be easier for the user 100 to pick it up from a ground surface.
Any version of any component or method step of the invention may be used with any other component or method step of the invention. The elements described herein can be used in any combination whether explicitly described or not.
All combinations of method steps as used herein can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the referenced combination is made.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
Numerical ranges as used herein are intended to include every number and subset of numbers contained within that range, whether specifically disclosed or not. Further, these numerical ranges should be construed as providing support for a claim directed to any number or subset of numbers in that range. For example, a disclosure of from 1 to 10 should be construed as supporting a range of from 2 to 8, from 3 to 7, from 5 to 6, from 1 to 9, from 3.6 to 4.6, from 3.5 to 9.9, and so forth.
All patents, patent publications, and peer-reviewed publications (i.e., “references”) cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual reference were specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference. In case of conflict between the present disclosure and the incorporated references, the present disclosure controls.
The devices, methods, compounds and compositions of the present invention can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations described herein, as well as any additional or optional steps, ingredients, components, or limitations described herein or otherwise useful in the art.
While this invention may be embodied in many forms, what is described in detail herein is a specific preferred embodiment of the invention. The present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular examples, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such process steps and materials may vary somewhat. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the present invention will be limited to only the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

I claim:

1. An adjustable exercise device comprising:

a. a base having an upper surface and a lower surface;

b. a handle unit comprising a handle;

c. an extendable stacking pole comprising a first member and a second member, wherein the first member is slidably received within the second member, wherein the first member has a first end affixed to the base and a second end, wherein the second member has a first end affixed to the handle unit and a second end for receiving the second end of the first member; and

d. a device for releasably securing the first member and the second member.

2. The adjustable exercise device of claim 1 wherein the first member includes at least one set of openings passing through the first member and the second member includes at least one set of openings passing through the second member, such the openings in the first member align with the openings of the second member, and wherein the exercise device includes a fastening pin passing through the aligned openings of the first and second members.

3. The adjustable exercise device of claim 1 wherein the first and second members comprise a plurality of vertically oriented openings.

4. The adjustable exercise device of claim 1 wherein the handle unit comprises a pair of opposing handle ends extending from a midpoint of the handle unit.

5. The adjustable exercise device of claim 4 wherein the handle ends form a straight bar situated at a perpendicular angle to the second member.

6. The adjustable exercise device of claim 4 wherein the handle ends are angled away from the midpoint of the of the handle unit.

7. The adjustable exercise device of claim 4 wherein each of the pair of handle ends includes a comfort grip.

8. The adjustable exercise device of claim 1 wherein the handle is securely affixed to the second member.

9. The adjustable exercise device of claim 1 wherein the handle is rotatably affixed to the second member.

10. The adjustable exercise device of claim 9 wherein the handle unit comprises a collar affixed to the first end of the second member, wherein the collar includes a collar channel for rotatably receiving the handle.

11. The adjustable exercise device of claim 1 wherein the handle forms a ring.

12. The adjustable exercise device of claim 1 further comprising at least one removable vertically stacked weight plate, wherein the weight plate includes a central opening for receiving the first member.

13. An adjustable hand held exercise device, comprising:

a. a base having an upper surface and a lower surface;

b. a handle unit comprising a handle affixed to a handle post, wherein the handle post has a first end affixed to the handle unit and a second end, wherein further the handle post includes at least one set of openings passing through the handle post;

c. a weight stacking tube of varying length having a first end, a second end and a central channel for slidably receiving the second end of the handle post, wherein the first end is connected to the base, and wherein the weight stacking tube includes at least one set of openings passing through the weight stacking tube, such that the weight stacking tube openings can align with the handle post openings; and

d. a fastening pin passing through the aligned openings of the weight stacking tube and the handle post for releasably securing the weight stacking tube to the handle post.

14. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein the weight stacking tube and the handle post comprise a plurality of vertically oriented openings.

15. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein the handle includes a pair of opposing handle ends extending from a midpoint of the handle unit.

16. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein the handle is securely affixed to the handle post.

17. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein the handle is rotatably affixed to the handle post.

18. The exercise device of claim 17 wherein the handle unit comprises a collar affixed to the first end of the handle post, wherein the collar includes a collar channel for rotatably receiving the handle.

19. The exercise device of claim 18 wherein the collar includes a catch mechanism for partially obstructing the rotation of the handle.

20. The exercise device of claim 13 further comprising at least one removable vertically stacked weight plate, wherein the weight plate includes a central opening for receiving the weight stacking tube.