Strength Training Assembly

Abstract

An apparatus, method of construction and method of use of a strength training assembly which also has the ability of aiding in user rehabilitation. The apparatus includes an elongate bar with a first end and a second end, with a first retaining member fixed proximate to the first end, and a second retaining member capable of releasably securing one or more weights against the first retaining member.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a strength training assembly and to methods for its use.

Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and others continuously seek new techniques to increased strength and performance. Many such persons engage in weight training to increase strength or otherwise improve muscular function, which may include the use of either free weights and/or weight machines. One problem experienced by those engaged in weight training, however, is that the repetitive lifting of weights may sometimes inhibit flexibility and/or mobility, particularly around the shoulder region. Repetitive motion, especially if a lifter does not lift weights with proper procedure and/or form, may decrease muscle length and thereby decrease a lifter's range in motion. Thus, although weight training is an effective approach to increasing strength, such increased strength is often achieved at the cost of diminished mobility and flexibility.

Moreover, weight training can potentially strain a person's spine, leading to pain and discomfort. Although some degree of weight-bearing is essential for spinal health, too much weight on the spine during weight training can cause spinal discs to move or bulge. Exercises that increase the axial load on the spine are especially prone to increase spine strain and back pain. Physical therapists often only recommend stretches to fix such issues.

What is desired, therefore, is a strength training device that improves a user's mobility and flexibility, while avoiding spinal injury.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strength training assembly.

FIG. 2 shows a partially disassembled view of a portion of the assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of an end of the strength training assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows the assembly shown in FIG. 1, held in a static position by a user.

FIG. 5 shows the assembly shown in FIG. 1, swung in a pendulum motion by a user, during use of the assembly in a preferred strength training procedure.

FIG. 6 shows the assembly shown in FIG. 1 held at a vertical position in front of a user, during use of the assembly in the preferred strength training procedure of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of strength training assembly 10, which in an exemplary use as described later in this specification, advantageously allows a user to both increase strength while also improving shoulder mobility. The use of the strength training assembly 10 as later described also tends to reduce or avoid the occurrence of spinal injuries that are endemic to some other strength training exercises. The strength training assembly 10 may include an elongate bar 12 having a first end 14 capable of retaining at least one weight 24 and a second end 16 capable of being grasped by a person. In some embodiments, the elongate bar 12 has a length preferably within the range of 40 to 50 inches, and more preferably in the range of 47 to 48 inches. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other embodiments may have different lengths than those just described.

The elongate bar 12 is preferably cylindrical and dimensioned at the second end 16 so as to easily permit the bar 12 to be grasped by a person. For example, in one embodiment, the elongate bar 12 may have a diameter of approximately 1.125 inches, though those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other dimensions may be used. It should also be understood that, although the elongate bar 12 is shown in the drawings as having a relatively constant diameter along a majority of the distance from the second end 16 to the first end 14, other embodiments may include an elongate bar 12 with a diameter that varies along the length of the elongate bar 12. Such a variable diameter may be useful, for example, in embodiments where a large amount of structural strength is needed at the second end—requiring thicker material—or alternatively in embodiments where a large diameter is needed at the second end to matingly retain weights having a large inner aperture but where that diameter is greater than what a typical person could securely grasp. It should also be understood that, although the cylindrical configuration of the elongate bar 12 shown in the figures has a circular cross section, other cylindrical configurations may have cross sections of any other appropriate shape, e.g., hexagonal, square, triangular, etc.

The first end 14 preferably includes a first retaining member 23 (shown in FIG. 2) rigidly affixed at the first end 14 of the elongate bar 12 and a second retaining member 22 slidable along the length of the elongate bar 12. The first retaining member 23 preferably includes a cap 18 having a retaining surface 20 that faces the second end 12. The second retaining member 22 and the retaining surface 20 cooperate to selectively and rigidly retain a desired one or more of a plurality of weights 24 between the first retaining member 22 and the retaining surface 20. For example, the second retaining member 22 and the retaining surface 20 may be configured to selectively retain one weight of a desired value, e.g., 15 lbs., or two weights of e.g., 15 lbs., or one weight of 15 lbs. and another weight of 5 lbs., etc., thereby allowing such an assembly 10 to be beneficial for users of a variety of fitness levels.

In one embodiment shown in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first retaining member 23 is located at the first end of the elongate bar 12 and has a cap 18 surrounding one end of a sleeve 26 that itself has an inner diameter shaped and sized to snugly fit over the cylindrical elongate bar 12. The sleeve 26 preferably has an outer diameter sized to matingly receive apertures of each of a set of one or more weights associated with the assembly 10, and in a preferred embodiment, the sleeve 26 has an outer diameter sized to matingly receive one or more standard Olympic-sized weights. The cap 18 is preferably sized to form the retaining surface 20 perpendicular to, and surrounding the outer surface the sleeve 26 so that any weights that are slid over the sleeve 26 towards the first end 14 do not fall off the assembly 10.

The sleeve 26 of the first retaining member 23 preferably has an outer surface that is threaded, and the second retaining member 22 preferably has an inner aperture 28 similarly threaded so that the second retaining member may be selectively screwed over the sleeve 26. In this fashion, one or more weights located around the sleeve 26 may be selectively and releasably secured in place by rotating the second member 22 around the threads of the sleeve 26. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, however, that other mechanisms exist for securing weights against the retaining surface 20. For example, the second retaining member 22 may include a clamping mechanism that clamps around the outer surface of the sleeve 26. In such embodiments the outer surface of the sleeve 26 may be smooth rather than threaded, or may instead include notches or grooves to facilitate clamping of the second retaining member 22 to the first retaining member 23. In any such configuration, the second retaining member 22 is preferably capable of allowing a user to change weights 24 quickly depending on a user's preference and without having to alternate between different strength training devices.

The second end 16 may preferably include a grip-enhancing surface 32. Such a grip-enhancing surface 32 may include a rough, cross-hatched design, as shown in FIG. 1, or may include other grip-enhancing properties such as a rubber surface. The position and size of the grip-enhancing surface 32 on the elongate bar 12 may be varied, and in some instances, the grip-enhancing surface may extend a significant distance along the elongate bar 12 to permit a user to grasp the bar at various positions along its length, thereby varying the torque or moment of the assembly 10 as it is swung in accordance with the procedure described later in the specification.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the disclosed strength training apparatus may comprise an assembly that may in some embodiments be fabricated from an elongate bar 12, a first retaining member 23, and a second retaining member 22. The first retaining member 22 may in turn be assembled from a sleeve 26 and a cap 18. As indicated previously, in some embodiments, threads may be formed on the outer surface of the sleeve 26 prior to assembling the first retaining member on the elongate bar 12. Similarly, threads may preferably be formed on the inner surface of the second retaining member 22, and which surrounds aperture 30 by which the second retaining member is selectively slid along the elongate bar 12.

The sleeve 26 may in some embodiments be between approximately 2 to 5 inches in length, and more preferably approximately 3-4 inches long. The threaded portion of the sleeve 26 may in some embodiments be approximately 2.5 inches long. The cap 18 may in some embodiments be approximately 0.375 inches thick and approximately 3 inches in diameter.

The first retaining member 23 may preferably be assembled prior to attachment to the elongate bar 12. For example, the first retaining member 23 may be formed by welding the cap 18 to a flanged end of the sleeve 26. Once the first retaining member 23 is formed, the first retaining member 23 may be slid over the elongate bar 12 and welded in place using a spin welding process or other suitable technique.

Other methods of securely fastening the retaining member 23 to the first end 14 of the elongate bar 12 may be used, if desired. For example, the first retaining member 23 may be assembled on the elongate bar 12 by first sliding sleeve 26 onto the elongate bar 12 and fastening it in place proximate the edge of the first end 14 by any appropriate means, such as welding or applying an adhesive. Then the cap 18 may be mounted around the outer perimeter of the sleeve 26 so that it is flush with the edge of the first end 14 and similarly fastened in place by any appropriate means, such as welding, applying an adhesive, etc.

If a welding process is used to secure either the sleeve 26 to the elongate bar 12 or the cap 18 to the sleeve 26, the welds may preferably be ground to be flush with the edge of the first end 14. The second retaining member 22 may thereby be selectively, detachably mountable to the sleeve 26 at a desired location along the length of the sleeve 26.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the first retaining member 23 may be assembled or fabricated from other processes, as desired. For example, the first retaining member may be forged around a mold and then threaded, or alternatively may be simply cut from a solid metal bar and subsequently threaded. It should also be understood that the retaining member 23, as well as other components of the assembly 10, may be fashioned of any appropriate material, such as iron, steel, metal alloys, fiber-reinforced composite material, etc. In some embodiments, all parts may be plated with an appropriate material, such as zinc and/or nickel plating.

In use, when a user desires to attach weights to the assembly, the user may select one or more weights 24 and insert the second end of the bar 16 into the one or more apertures of the weights 36, and slide the weight or weights toward the retaining surface 20. After assembling a desired amount of weight, a user inserts the second end of the bar 16 into the aperture of the second retaining member 22. The one or more weights 24 may then be secured against the retaining surface 20 by rotating the second retaining member 22 around the first retaining member 23 until the weight or weights are secured.

FIGS. 4 through 6 show one technique of using the strength training assembly. As mentioned, the use of the assembly provides a variety of benefits to a user, especially a user who engages in weight training. The assembly described herein advantageously increases user strength while improving shoulder mobility without tending to cause spinal injury. In the method shown, a user 34 lifts the assembly 10 so that the second end 12 is over his or her head and the first end 14, with any attached weights, is behind his or her back. This is preferably a starting position from which use of the strength training assembly may begin.

Next, the user 34 may swing the assembly 10 in a controlled manner in a pendulum motion over an arc 32 that extends at least partially behind a user's back, as exemplified in FIG. 5. Such an activity, wherein the user must counteract the force of gravity to swing the weights in the pendulum motion, engages and stretches all of the user's shoulder muscles, and the muscles that support the shoulder, which improves shoulder mobility and strength.

Gradually, the user may increase the length of the arc by which the weights swing in a pendulum motion, until the weights reach an apex above and in front of a user's head (shown in FIG. 6), such that the user may no longer swing the assembly on a pendulum motion but instead guide the weights along a circuitous route in either a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation from the apex position shown in FIG. 6, downwards behind the user's back to the originating position shown in FIG. 4, and upwards again to the apex position of FIG. 6.

This exercise also engages a user's core muscles and improves spinal health for two reasons. First, since the user must engage his or her core muscles to counteract the force of the weight 24 behind the user's back, which would otherwise pull the user's shoulders backward and downward, the use of this procedure will strengthen the user's core muscles, over time. Secondly, the procedure described causes a user to naturally maintain a proper spinal position throughout the exercise so as to not lose balance. Specifically, as the user is swinging the assembly with the weights behind the back, the weights will prevent the user's shoulders from slumping forward while, at the same time, the user will need to keep his or her back from arching backwards to maintain balance. The same is also true while the weight is in front of the user's body, i.e., to maintain balance, the user will tend not to move the shoulders forward into a slouched position while the weight prevents the person's back from arching.

Such a strength training exercise is especially advantageous to weight lifters. By increasing muscle mass, weight lifting often decreases shoulder mobility and impairs spine positioning. The non-stationary character of such an exercise greatly improves shoulder mobility by both engaging and stretching shoulder muscles thereby employing the full range of motion of a user's shoulders while engaging the user's core. In addition, the user's balance is improved because of the length of the bar, practicing such a pendulum motion, shifts the weights 24 from one side of the user's body to another.

The exercise just described is highly strenuous, and needs only a relatively small amount of weights attached to the assembly 10 to be effective for the purposes just described. For example, an individual who might typically bench press approximately 350 lbs. may require only approximately 35-40 lbs. of weight on the assembly. Thus, the assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 may be effective even while having a relatively compact spacing of the sleeve 23.

The terms and expressions that have been employed in the foregoing specification are used therein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising an elongate bar having a first end and a second end;a first retaining member fixedly located proximate said first end and having a retaining surface facing said second end; anda second retaining member capable of releasably securing a selective one or more of a plurality of different sized weights against retaining surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 where said second end includes a grip-enhancing surface.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 where said elongate bar has a circular cross-section.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 where said first end includes a threaded portion extending from said first retaining member toward said second end, until a user-selected location on said elongate bar.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 where said second retaining member has an aperture sized to accept said elongate bar and wherein said aperture includes threads that correspond to said threaded portion of said elongate bar, whereby said threads permits said second retaining member to be secured to said elongate bar.

6. A method for constructing a strength training assembly capable of selectively retaining a selective one or more of a plurality of different sized weights, the method comprising forming an elongate cylindrical first piece having a first end and a second end;attaching a second piece to said first end said second piece having a planar retaining surface facing said second end after attachment; andforming a third piece slidably engageable around said elongate first piece and capable of selectively, twistably securing said selective one or more of said plurality of different sized weights against said planar retaining surface.

7. The method of claim 6 where said forming of said elongate first piece includes forging a threaded portion proximate said first end.

8. The method of claim 6 where said forming of said first piece includes forming an elongate bar.

9. The method of claim 8 where said forming of said first piece includes forming an elongate bar with a circular cross-sectional area.

10. The method of claim 9 where said forming of said third piece includes forming an aperture within said third piece that corresponds with the cross-sectional area of said first piece.

11. The method of claim 10 where said forming of said third piece includes forging a threaded portion within said third piece wherein said threaded portion within said third piece corresponds to said threaded portion proximate said first end thereby allowing said third piece to be securable to said first piece.

12. A method for using a strength training assembly, said assembly including an elongate bar having a first end and a second end, for retaining a relative one or more different sized weights, said method comprising gripping said second end of said elongate bar; andlifting said assembly such that said one or more different sized weights are behind a user's back while said user grips said second end above said user's head; andswinging said assembly in a pendulum motion over an arc extending partially behind said user's back.