Patent Application
20240082619
The weightlifting industry includes various accessories to serve different functions. Some accessories can be coupled to the end of a barbell to enable that barbell to be used for certain exercises that otherwise might not be possible or practical without the accessory. One example is the Landmine™ weightlifting attachment, available from the Sorinex® Exercise Equipment company. The Landmine™ weightlifting attachment, for example, has a sleeve that can be slid over the end of a barbell and a joint that allows the barbell to pivot about the joint.
In one aspect, a weightlifting accessory includes a housing that defines a first (sleeve) portion and a second (rounded) portion. The first (sleeve) portion of the housing has one or more surfaces that define a cylindrical sleeve with a circular opening at an upper end thereof. The cylindrical sleeve and the circular opening are configured to receive a first end of a weightlifting bar (e.g., a barbell). The second portion of the housing defines a rounded exterior surface at a lower end of the first portion of the housing. In a typical implementation, coupling the weightlifting accessory to a barbell produces an assembly that is able to be used for exercises, for which the barbell alone would not be suitable.
In another aspect, a method includes providing a weightlifting bar (e.g., a barbell) that has a first end and a second end opposite the first end and providing a weightlifting accessory that can be coupled to the weightlifting bar, for example, to produce an assembly that is able to be used for exercises, for which the weightlifting bar alone would not be suitable. The weightlifting accessory, for example, includes a housing that defines a first (sleeve) portion and a second (rounded) portion. The first (sleeve) portion of the housing has one or more surfaces that define a cylindrical sleeve with a circular opening at an upper end thereof. The cylindrical sleeve and the circular opening are configured to receive the first end of the weightlifting bar (e.g., with a compression fit between the two). The second (rounded) portion of the housing defines a rounded exterior surface at a lower end of the first portion of the housing. The method further includes sliding the first end of the weightlifting bar (e.g., a sleeve at one end of the barbell) through the opening on the weightlifting accessory and into the cylindrical sleeve. In some implementations, the method also includes sliding one or more weightlifting plates onto the second end of the weightlifting bar.
In a typical implementation, the weightlifting accessory (coupled to the weightlifting bar) is set upon a surface (e.g., the floor of a gym) and the assembly (of the optionally weighted weightlifting bar and the weightlifting accessory) is used by a human to perform exercises. The exercises, for example, may include repeatedly moving the second (optionally, weighted) end of the weightlifting bar between a first (e.g., lower) position and a second (e.g., higher) position while the weightlifting accessory maintains contact with the surface. In a typical implementation, the rounded exterior surface of the weightlifting accessory rolls, pivots, and/or swivels about a contact point on the surface, as the second end of the weightlifting bar moves between the first position and the second position. Moreover, at least the rounded exterior surface of the weightlifting accessory (and, in some instances, an entirety of the weightlifting accessory) is a slip resistant material (e.g., rubber and/or a rubber-like material), such that as the weightlifting accessory rolls, pivots, and/or swivels about the contact point on the surface, the accessory resists sliding across the surface.
The weightlifting bar can be virtually any kind of weightlifting bar. In one example, the weightlifting bar may be a barbell that includes a shaft, a collar at each end of the shaft, and a sleeve that extends from each collar to the first end or the second end of the weightlifting bar. In those instances, sliding the first end of the weightlifting bar through the opening and into the cylindrical sleeve of the weightlifting accessory includes sliding a first one of the sleeves of the weightlifting bar at the first end of the weightlifting bar through the opening and into the cylindrical sleeve of the weightlifting accessory. Moreover, sliding the one or more weightlifting plates onto the second end of the weightlifting bar includes sliding a second one of the sleeves of the weightlifting bar at the second end of the weightlifting bar through a hole in each of the one or more weightlifting plates.
In some implementations, the weightlifting accessory is configured such that each one of the cylindrical sleeve, the circular opening, and the rounded exterior surface of the weightlifting accessory is symmetrical about a common axis of the accessory. Moreover, in some implementations, the common axis of the weightlifting accessory aligns with an axis of the barbell when the barbell is coupled to the weightlifting accessory.
The second portion of the housing of the weightlifting accessory may define a passage (e.g., a pinhole) that extends through the second portion of the housing. In such instances, the passage enables air to be expelled from the cylindrical sleeve, through the passage as the first end of the weightlifting bar is slid through the opening and into the cylindrical sleeve. This may be important particularly where the sleeve achieves a compression fit over the end of the weightlifting bar. The passage typically has a smaller diameter than the cylindrical sleeve and the circular opening of the weightlifting accessory. Moreover, although this can vary, the passage typically lies along an axis that aligns with (e.g., is the same as) the common axis of the weightlifting accessory referred to above.
An entirety of the weightlifting accessory may be one material and may be manufactured, for example, in its entirety from a rubber or a rubber-like material (e.g., by molding the entirety of the accessory as a single, integrated component in a single molding process).
In some implementations, one or more of the following advantages are present.
First, in a typical implementation, coupling the weightlifting accessory disclosed herein to an end of a barbell for example produces an assembly that is able to be used for exercises, for which the barbell alone would not be suitable. In an exemplary implementation, the weightlifting accessory disclosed herein can slide securely onto the end of any standard barbell (e.g., with a 1.975″ diameter sleeve) to facilitate a stationary nonfixed Landmine-type training experience, including exercises such as certain types of presses (see, e.g.,
Moreover, in certain implementations, the accessory is a simply configured, single piece component (e.g., cast/molded, in its entirety, as one integrated component with no other pieces or parts beyond the integrated cast/molded component) that can be slid onto, and thereby convert, a traditional Olympic barbell, for example, into a piece of equipment suitable to facilitate a Landmine™-type training experience. In a typical implementation, one simply slides the accessory onto either end of the barbell and then work out anywhere, on any surface, without the need for mounting, bolting, or otherwise adhering the accessory to the surface.
In a typical implementation, the accessory is made of a soft, compressible material (e.g., a high-density polyurethane foam) and is soft enough so that its otherwise rounded exterior surface compresses against the floor under the weight of the barbell and as more weight is added to the barbell. This compression creates a larger surface area that is in contact with the floor which increases friction between the accessory and the floor. More weight on the bar equals more friction. Increased friction can be desirable because it decreases the chances of slippage. Also, in a typical implementation, the material that the accessory is made from (e.g., polyurethane foam) helps ensure a very good grip (e.g., between the accessory and the floor) and certain practices within the molding process can be implemented to increase that grip.
Additionally, in some implementations, the bulb shape of the weightlifting accessory, apart from the sleeve, is substantially spherical meaning that every point of the sphere apart from the sleeve can be rotated upon giving the weightlifting accessory a superior range of motion to any other potentially similar weightlifting accessories on the market. This is accomplished with no bearings or other mechanical components that may limit the direction of force, for example, that a user can apply in attempting various exercises. Thus, in a typical implementation, the weightlifting accessory disclosed here provides a user with a lifting experience that includes a large—virtually unlimited—number of planes in which force can be applied without hindrance. This makes implementations of the weightlifting accessory disclosed herein exceptional for rotational work where the traditional Landmine™ weightlifting attachment, for example, can be rather limited.
Moreover, in some implementations, the weightlifting accessory relies on a compression fit to connect to an end of a barbell. This allows it to operate without any cranks or fasteners needed to keep the device fixed to the barbell whether in use or not. This may be achieved by tension and friction. For example, where a traditional Olympic barbell sleeve generally has an outside diameter of 1.975″ the sleeve of the weightlifting accessory may have an inside diameter of 1.935″. Since the material used is relatively flexible it is capable of stretching around the sleeve of the barbell with relative ease and provide a strong grip. A small hole (e.g., a pin hole) is provided on the opposite end of the weightlifting accessory from the sleeve to allow air to escape when being installed to prevent any air pressure build up that would make the product difficult to install and to remove without any suction.
Additionally, in certain implementations, the weightlifting accessory disclosed herein can be attached to the lifting end of the barbell (i.e., the end opposite the one that remains close to the floor). In such implementations, the shape and material of the weightlifting accessory provides a highly comfortable grip for the opposite side of a barbell that is not in contact with the floor as a molded grip. Where most traditional methods of using a Landmine™ weightlifting attachment leave most users bearing a heavy load upon their palms, the weightlifting accessory disclosed herein offers a more ergonomic feeling with a better distribution of weight across the whole hand with a supple material compared to a rigid metal sleeve.
Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
Like reference characters refer to like elements.
In a typical implementation, the weightlifting accessory 100 is light and compact, making it easy for the person to carry in his or her gym bag or the like. Moreover, it has a simple configuration and is relatively easy to manufacture. In most instances, in fact, the weightlifting accessory 100 is molded as a single, integrated component from rubber, or some other rubber-like material, or combination thereof, using a single step molding process. The material of the weightlifting accessory 100 (e.g., rubber) gives its slip-resistant characteristics.
The weightlifting accessory 100 has outer surfaces and inner surfaces. The major portions of the outer surfaces of the weightlifting accessory 100, seen for example in the view in
In the illustrated implementation, a beveled surface 106 extends upward and inward from the upper edge of the cylindrical upper portion 102 of the weightlifting accessory 100 to a circular edge 108 at the top of the weightlifting accessory 100.
The overall height H of the weightlifting accessory can vary. In various implementations, the overall height H can be between 2 inches and 12 inches, or between 5 inches and 9 inches, or between 6 inches and 8 inches. In an exemplary implementation, the overall height H is about 7 inches. Moreover, height will vary depending on the sphere size and length of the sleeve. In various implementations, the height of the upper cylindrical portion 102 and beveled surface 106 of the weightlifting accessory 100 accounts for between 40% and 50% of the overall height H. In an exemplary implementation, the height of the upper cylindrical portion 102 and beveled surface 106 of the weightlifting accessory 100 accounts for about 43% to 45% of the overall height H.
The major portions of the inner surfaces of the weightlifting accessory 100, best seen in
The upper cylindrical surface 110 and the flat surface 112 at the bottom of the upper cylindrical surface 110 collectively define a cylindrical sleeve 114 in the exercise accessory 100 that is configured to receive an end of a weightlifting bar (e.g., barbell 750, see, e.g.,
The length (depth) LS of the cylindrical sleeve 114 (i.e., the distance between the top of the circular opening 108 and the flat bottom surface 110) can vary, for example, between 3.5 inches and 7.5 inches. In one exemplary implementation, the length LS is about 5.5 inches.
The inner diameter DS of the cylindrical sleeve 114 in the illustrated implementation is constant from the flat surface 112 up to the bottom of the bevel 116 near the top of the cylindrical sleeve 114. The inner diameter DS can vary, however, typically, the inner diameter DS is just large enough to receive and accommodate the portion of a barbell intended to be inserted into the cylindrical sleeve 114. Moreover, since the accessory 100 is typically made from a flexible material (e.g., rubber), this inner diameter DS may be slightly smaller than (but able to stretch over) the barbell it is intended to be used with. This inner diameter DS can vary, for example between 0.85 inches and 2.1 inches (e.g., depending on if the accessory were designed to fit a 1 inch barbell sleeve or a 2 inch barbell sleeve). In an exemplary implementation, the inner diameter DS is about 1.93 inches to 1.96 inches. In one very specific example, the inner diameter DS is 1.935 inches (e.g., for use with a barbell having a sleeve diameter of 1.975 inches).
In the illustrated implementation, the side wall of the cylindrical sleeve 114 in the upper cylindrical portion 102 of the weightlifting accessory 100 has unform thickness TS across its entirety. That thickness Ts (i.e., the distance between the interior cylindrical surface 110 and the corresponding exterior cylindrical surface in a radial direction can vary, for example, between 1/16 of an inch and 1 inch. In one exemplary implementation, the thickness Ts is between ⅛ of an inch and 3/16 of an inch.
The second (lower) cylindrical surface 115 defines an interior cylindrical tube 120 (or pinhole) that extends from a first hole 118 in flat surface 112 to a second hole 122 in the bottom of the outer surface of the rounded portion 104 of the exercise accessory 100. The tube 120 in the illustrated implementation extends along the longitudinal axis “A” of the exercise accessory 100. The tube 120 has a diameter DT (see, e.g.,
In a typical implementation, the end of the weightlifting bar 750 is inserted into the cylindrical sleeve of the exercise accessory 100 as far as possible, so that a distal end surface of the weightlifting bar (see, e.g., 775 in
A weight plate 758 is slipped onto an end of the barbell 750 opposite the weightlifting accessory 100 in
The weightlifting accessory 100 can be made from a variety of different types of materials. In a typical implementation, an entirety of the weighting accessory 100 is formed as a single, integrated component (e.g., by molding or casting the weightlifting accessory in one single molding or casting process). In such implementations, all of what is shown in
In some instances, the weightlifting accessory 100 may be attached to the gripping end of the barbell 750 opposite the end where the weightlifting accessory is shown in
A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
For example, the weightlifting accessory 100 can be configured to be used with any size or shape of barbell 200. The dimensions of the barbell 200 and its various sections, both absolute and relative, can vary. For example, the overall length of the barbell 200 can be anywhere from 5 feet to 8 feet or longer. A common overall length is 7 feet. A 7 foot bar typically has about a shaft length (i.e., the length between the collars 204) that is about 52 inches, so that the barbell 200 will be able to fit on a 48 inch wide squat rack (or bench press rack) with the collars and sleeves sitting just outside both sides of the rack. Some 6 foot bars may be made to the same dimensions but with the sleeved ends cut short, so they fit in a 48 inch wide rack. Some barbells, however, will not fit in such a rack. The sleeve length on a 7 foot barbell may be about 16 inches. If the barbell is shorter than 7 feet, then it typically has shorter sleeves, but this too can vary. The diameter (thickness) of the shaft 202 can range, for example, from 0.98 inches to 1.26 inches. The sleeved ends of an Olympic bar are, for example, just under 2″ thick (e.g., approximately 1.975 inches). This too can vary as well+/−10% or more. In one implementation, the barbell 202 may have the following dimensions: overall length: 86.6 inches, shaft length: 51.6 inches, shaft diameter: 1.1 inches, sleeve diameter: 1.97 (or 1.975) inches. Moreover, in a typical implementation, the cylindrical sleeve 106 is sized to fit snugly around (and engage) the collar sleeve 206 of a standard Olympic-style barbell.
The upper portion of the cylindrical sleeve can be beveled (as discussed above), rounded, flat, etc. The smaller tube 120 in the weightlifting accessory (that can allow air to escape from the sleeve portion of the weightlifting accessory) can be tubular, as disclosed herein, or have any other cross-sectional shape (e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, etc.).
The specific configuration, as well as dimensions, absolute and/or relative, of the weightlifting accessory 100 and/or any one or more of its components may vary dimensionally (e.g., +/−5% or more) from what is explicitly disclosed herein. The portion of the sleeve that extends above the rounded lower portion 102 of the weightlifting accessory 100 is not necessary in all implementations, but it can help with stability and adhesion between the weightlifting accessory 100 and a barbell. When present, the portion of the sleeve that extends above the rounded lower portion 102 of the weightlifting accessory 100 may extend about 3 inches from where the sphere ends, making the entire device roughly 7 inches tall. In various implementations, the portion of the sleeve that extends above the rounded lower portion 102 of the weightlifting accessory 100 can be anywhere from 0 inches to 7 inches in length.
The depth of the sleeve, whether it extends above or is contained within the sphere portion of the accessory, can be important to the overall function of the accessory. The depth generally exceeds 50% of the diameter of the sphere. This helps facilitate rotation without any additional lift being created by the height of the sphere. For instance, an accessory with a 4.5 inch sphere generally has an internal sleeve depth of at least 2.25 inches or the device may not pivot optimally. Optimization aside the sleeve can simply rest atop a sphere without plunging past its center and still function but not with the ideal results.
In an exemplary implementation, the weightlifting accessory is formed, in its entirety, from a high density molded polyurethane foam molded out of an aluminum casting. The material choice is not limited to this selection or means of molding. Many different materials could be used including alternate foams such as Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), urethane rubber, crumb rubber and other rubbers and rubber-like materials such as silicone and soft plastics. Additionally, more common materials such as wood and metal could be used on the right surfaces or all surfaces if any of those materials were dipped or coated or over molded (e.g., with high density molded polyurethane foam, rubber, or another more grippy material) as a secondary process. Additionally with regards to the molding process, other materials and substrates can be used to cast the product such as wood, plastic, resin, brass, steel, and/or similar rigid materials.
Although the weightlifting accessory may be formed in its entirety from a single type of material (e.g., in a single molding process) such that the material of the weightlifting accessory is the same throughout, in some instances, different portions of the weightlifting accessory may be made of different materials from one another. In those instances, typically, at least the rounded exterior surface of the accessory is a slip resistant material (e.g., rubber or rubber-like material), such that as the accessory is able to roll, pivot, or swivel about a contact point on the surface, while resisting slipping or sliding across the surface
Some dimensions are described herein as being “about” or “approximately” some value. Unless otherwise indicated, these terms should indicate an acceptable degree of variation to accommodate standard manufacturing tolerances and/or +/−1% from the indicated dimension.
While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
Other implementations are within the scope of the claims.
