Patent Application
20210016127
The present invention relates to weight bar assembly including a shorter main bar that can be used as a conventional dumbbell and extension bar that can be attached to the main bar to perform swinging exercises.
Conventional weight systems typically include a shorter dumbbell that allows a user to perform various exercises with a single hand, or a longer barbell that is designed to be used by both hands. In order to enjoy the benefits of a dumbbell and barbell, a user must purchase both, which is expensive and burdensome. Furthermore, there are a myriad of desirable exercises in which a user benefits by swinging, lifting or manipulating an elongated implement having a weighted distal end. For example, a weighted shaft allows an exerciser to simulate swinging a sledge hammer to strengthen the core, the latissimus dorsi and numerous other muscles. However, these types of exercises cannot be practically performed with either a barbell or dumbbell.
A review of the prior art reveals a few devices that are purportedly designed to overcome some of the aforementioned disadvantages associated with conventional weights. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,364,536 issued to Cappellini et al. discloses a weight bar including an elongated tube having two opposing internally threaded ends. A shorter dumbbell having two opposing externally threaded ends can be secured to either end of the weight bar. The device combines the features and advantages of a dumbbell and barbell into a single implement.
International patent publication no. WO9309850 to Siegfried discloses a combined long and short dumbbell including a pair of shorter segments that can be individually used as a dumbbell and an additional two segments that can be coupled with the shorter segments to form a longer barbell. The segments are joined with threaded connections.
Korean patent no. KR20170050795 discloses a weight bar including a pair of segments having externally threaded ends and a central internally threaded sleeve that can be secured to one or both of the segments to form a barbell having a desired length.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,713 issued to Wilkinson discloses an adjustable exercise pole.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,047,974 issued to Kanelos discloses a weight bar formed of a plurality of threaded segments, any number of which can be joined with threaded couplers to form an exercise bar having a desired length.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,586,073 issued to Walker discloses a variable-weight hammer for performing certain exercises.
U.S. patent publication no. 2012/0028766 to Zeek discloses a sandal adapted to attach to a dumbbell.
U.S. patent publication no. 2014/00336019 to Villella discloses an exercise bar formed of three attachable segments to vary the length according to a given exercise.
Although several weight assemblies with attachable bar segments exist, none include unique attachments that allow a user to perform a multitude of exercises according to the present invention.
The present invention relates a barbell assembly including a main bar having a pair of opposing, internally threaded ends and a central collar. A longer extension bar includes an externally threaded post at a first end and a cap at the opposing end. A weight disc with a central aperture is slidable onto either the main bar or extension bar depending upon an exercise to be performed. The main bar and weight disc can be used independently to perform a myriad of resistance exercises somewhat similar to a conventional dumbbell. Alternatively, the threaded post on the extension bar can be secured to either end of the main bar to allow a user to perform various exercises that require an elongated implement having a weighted end. For example, a weighted hammer attachment allows a user to swing the extension bar against a heavy bag or similar surface.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a weight bar assembly that conveniently combines the features and advantages of a dumbbell and barbell.
It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide a weight bar assembly having an attachable extension bar that allows a user to perform various swinging exercises with a weighted implement.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a weight bar assembly having several interchangeable attachments.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the attached drawings and the appended claims.
The present invention relates to a versatile weight bar assembly for performing a myriad of exercises including a shorter main bar 1 and a longer extension bar 2. The main bar is formed of an elongated tubular shaft 3 having a pair of opposing, internally threaded ends 4 and a central collar 5. The extension bar 2 includes an externally threaded post 6 at a first end that is configured to couple with either threaded end 4 of the main bar. At an opposing is a cap 7 that supports the bar on a floor or other surface when a user is performing certain exercises. The cap 7 covers an internally threaded end 54 for coupling additional attachments as described, infra. For example, as depicted in
One or more weight discs 8 are securable to the main bar, on either side of the central collar. The disc has a central aperture 9 that receives either the main bar or extension bar depending upon an exercise being performed. Retaining clamps 10 can be secured to either bar to retain the weighted disc thereon during a given exercise. Each clamp includes a cup-shaped housing 11 having a central aperture 12 for receiving either bar. Spring-biased gripping members extend into the central aperture for releasably engaging the outer circumference of either bar. Depressing a button 13 retracts the gripping members to allow the clamp to be attached or removed.
The weight assembly further includes various attachments that allow a user to perform additional exercises. For example, a hammer attachment 14 includes a weighted cylinder 15 having a central, threaded bore 16 for coupling with the threaded post on the extension bar. The hammer attachment allows a user to swing the extension bar like a sledge hammer or ax against a heavy bag or similar padded surface. As depicted in
Now referring to
A foot attachment 17 includes a sole portion 18 with a transverse bore 19 for receiving the main bar to allow the user to perform various leg exercises. A releasable strap 20 extends over the top surface of the attachment for securing to a user's foot. Accordingly the user can perform numerous exercises that involve suspending a weight using the leg and feet muscles.
The main bar and weight disc can be used independently to perform a myriad of resistance exercises similar to conventional dumbbells. In addition, the threaded post on the extension bar can be secured to either end of the main bar to allow a user to perform various exercises that require an elongated implement having a weighted end. Finally, a first extension bar can be secured to the main bar and the second extension bar can be secured to the opposing end of the first extension bar. Either end of the elongated bar can then be positioned within the corner of a room to allow a user to perform multiple exercises.
The above-described device is not limited to the exact details of construction and enumeration of parts provided herein. Furthermore, the size, shape and materials of construction of the various components can be varied without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims.
