U.S. patent application number 10/659429 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-01 for weight lifting apparatus.
Invention is credited to Viscount, Darrin.
Application Number | 20040063553 10/659429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32033701 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040063553 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Viscount, Darrin |
April 1, 2004 |
Weight lifting apparatus
Abstract
The invention relates to a weight lifting apparatus which
provides for the center of gravity of a weight to be maintained
below the point where the apparatus is gripped by a user, as the
user raises and lowers the apparatus. The center of gravity of the
weight is thus maintained centered about the user's body, which
improves the user's control of the weight and improves efficiency
of the exercise. In one embodiment the weight lifting apparatus
comprises a frame having a handle disposed thereon; and a member
extending from the frame for attaching one or more weights thereto,
the member being substantially co-planar with the frame; wherein
the handle swivels about its longitudinal axis.
Inventors: |
Viscount, Darrin; (Cobourg,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DOWELL & DOWELL PC
SUITE 309
1215 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
|
Family ID: |
32033701 |
Appl. No.: |
10/659429 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60414405 |
Sep 30, 2002 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/107 ;
482/105; 482/106 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/072 20130101;
A63B 21/065 20130101; A63B 21/0728 20130101; A63B 21/075
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/107 ;
482/106; 482/105 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/072; A63B
021/065 |
Claims
1. A weight lifting apparatus comprising: a frame having a handle
disposed thereon; and a member extending from said frame for
attaching one or more weights thereto, the member being
substantially co-planar with said frame; wherein said handle
swivels about its longitudinal axis.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises four
sides and said swivelling handle comprises one of said sides.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said member extends from said
frame substantially parallel to said handle.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said member extends from said
frame substantially perpendicular to said handle.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising means to attach
said apparatus to a user's foot and/or leg.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said means to attach said
apparatus to a user's foot and/or leg comprises a strap.
7. A weight lifting apparatus comprising: a first frame having a
handle disposed thereon; a second frame having a handle disposed
thereon; and a member extending between said first and second
frames for attaching one or more weights thereto, the member
maintaining said first and second frames aligned such that their
respective handles are substantially parallel to each other and
distal to said member; wherein said handles swivel coaxially about
their longitudinal axes; and wherein the member is substantially
perpendicular to said longitudinal axes of said handles.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said first and second frames
each comprise four sides and said swiveling handles each comprise
one of said sides.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said member extends from a
side of each said first and second frames which is substantially
parallel to said handle.
10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said member further comprises
an arm for accepting weights, said arm extending substantially
perpendicularly from said member.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said arm extends from a
midpoint of the length of said member.
12. A weight-lifting kit, comprising the apparatus of claim 1 and
instructions for using said kit to carry out weight-lifting
exercises.
13. The kit of claim 12, further comprising means to attach said
apparatus to a user's foot and/or leg.
14. A weight-lifting kit, comprising the apparatus of claim 7 and
instructions for using said kit to carry out weight-lifting
exercises.
15. The kit of claim 12 further comprising one or more weights.
16. A weight plate having a rebate on an edge thereof.
17. The weight plate of claim 16, wherein said rebate is disposed
on a lobe of said weight plate.
18. A weight plate system, comprising at least two weight plates of
claim 16.
19. A weight plate system, comprising at least two weight plates of
claim 17.
20. The weight plate system of claim 19, further comprising
indexing disposed on each weight plate, said indexing preventing
overlap of lobes of adjacent weight plates when said weight plates
are stacked.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
U.S. Patent Application No. 60/414,405, filed Sep. 30, 2002, the
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to portable exercise apparatus. In
particular, this invention relates to a weight lifting apparatus
which is portable and which provides for isolation and exercise of
specific muscles during weight lifting. This invention also relates
to an improved weight plate system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In exercise for conditioning and building strength of
muscles, such as in weight-training, targeting of specific muscles
or muscle groups produces superior results. For this reason there
is available a diverse array of weight-training equipment, mostly
in the form of complex machines employing levers, cables, and
pulleys, any one of such machines being dedicated to the
conditioning of only a single muscle or small group of muscles. An
individual seeking a complete workout using such machines must
therefore use many different machines to achieve his/her goal. A
potential drawback of using a weight-training regime employing such
machines is the considerable time required in using many machines
to complete the workout. Further, it is impossible for most
individuals to set up home gyms using such machines because of
their substantial cost and space requirement.
[0004] An alternative to large weight-lifting machines is small
portable equipment. Traditionally, such equipment has consisted
primarily of dumbbells and/or barbells. These have an advantage
over the above-mentioned machines in that they are relatively
inexpensive and portable. Exercising specific muscles or small
groups of muscles can be achieved, albeit to a limited degree, by
varying techniques and grip positions. However, technique is
critical to the success of a weight-training regime employing such
equipment, and there exists the possibility of injury to the user
in the event of poor technique, attempting to lift too much weight,
or dropping a weight.
[0005] Attempts to overcome the above-noted shortcomings of
dumbbells and/or barbells have resulted in a number of alternatives
being proposed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,702 to Jordan
teaches a weight lifting bar having a pair of handles and a holder
between the handles for mounting a barbell weight thereto. The
handles are rotatably attached to the holder, and can rotate about
an axis transverse to their longitudinal axis. The weight can
rotate on the bar, to avoid a twisting force of the weight, due to
its moment of inertia, being transferred to a user during
weight-lifting exercises. U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,256 to Lee discloses
a barbell comprising a bar passing through a hole in a weight, such
that the weight is disposed between the two ends of the bar. As
with the Jordan patent, above, the weight can rotate on the bar to
avoid a twisting force of the weight being transferred to a user
during weight-lifting exercises. U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,292 to Panes
relates to an exercise device comprising a resilient ball disposed
between two handles, for two-handed use. Either handle may be
removed, to permit one-handed use. However, none of the
above-mentioned apparatus provides sufficient versatility to permit
a range of weight-lifting exercises, and hence the conditioning of
many different muscles and muscle groups.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with a broad aspect of the invention there is
provided a weight lifting apparatus comprising: a frame having a
handle disposed thereon; and a member extending from said frame for
attaching one or more weights thereto, the member being
substantially co-planar with said frame; wherein said handle
swivels coaxially about its longitudinal axis.
[0007] In one embodiment, the frame comprises four sides and said
swiveling handle comprises one of said sides. In a further
embodiment, the member extends from a side of said frame which is
substantially parallel to said handle. In various embodiments, the
member extends substantially perpendicular with said handle, or
substantially parallel with said handle. In a further embodiment,
the apparatus comprises means to attach said apparatus to a user's
foot and/or leg. In a preferred embodiment, said means to attach
said apparatus to a user's foot and/or leg comprises straps.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is
provided a weight lifting apparatus comprising: a first frame
having a handle disposed thereon; a second frame having a handle
disposed thereon; and a member extending between said first and
second frames for attaching one or more weights thereto, the member
maintaining said first and second frames aligned such that their
respective handles are substantially parallel to each other and
distal to said member; wherein said handles swivel coaxially about
their longitudinal axes; and wherein the member is substantially
perpendicular to said longitudinal axes of said handles.
[0009] In one embodiment the first and second frames each comprise
four sides and said swiveling handles each comprise one of said
sides. In a further embodiment the member extends from a side of
each said first and second frame which is substantially parallel to
said handle.
[0010] In another embodiment, the member further comprises an arm
for accepting weights, said arm extending substantially
perpendicularly from said member. In one such embodiment, the arm
extends from a midpoint of the length of said member.
[0011] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there
is provided a weight-lifting kit, comprising a frame having a
swiveling handle disposed thereon; and a member extending from said
frame for attaching one or more weights thereto, the member being
substantially co-planar with said frame; wherein said handle
swivels coaxially about its longitudinal axis; and instructions for
using said kit to carry out weight-lifting exercises. In one
embodiment, the kit further comprises means to attach said
apparatus to a user's foot and/or leg.
[0012] In another embodiment, the kit comprises a first frame
having a swiveling handle disposed thereon; a second frame having a
swiveling handle disposed thereon; and a member extending between
said first and second frames for attaching one or more weights
thereto; the member being substantially co-planar with said first
and second frames; wherein said handles are distally located on
said apparatus; and wherein said handles swivel coaxially about
their longitudinal axes; and instructions for using said kit to
carry out weight-lifting exercises.
[0013] In accordance with the invention, the kits may further
comprise one or more weights.
[0014] According to another aspect of the invention there in
provided a weight plate having a rebate on an edge thereof. In one
embodiment said rebate is disposed on a lobe of said weight plate.
In a further embodiment, the weight plate is provided with an
indexing system which, when two or more such weight plates are
stacked, prevents overlap of the lobes of the weight plates.
[0015] The invention also provides a weight plate system,
comprising at least two weight plates each having a rebate on an
edge thereof. In another embodiment, the weight plate system
comprises at least two weight plates each having at least one lobe,
and a rebate on each said lobe. In a further embodiment, the weight
plate system further comprises indexing disposed on each weight
plate, said indexing preventing overlap of lobes of adjacent weight
plates when said weight plates are stacked.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a weight lifting apparatus
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 configured for leg
exercises;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a weight lifting apparatus
according to a further embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 shows a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG.
3;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a weight lifting system
according to the invention; and
[0022] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a weight plate system
according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] According to a broad aspect of the invention, there is
provided a weight lifting apparatus which provides for the center
of gravity of a weight to be maintained below the point where the
apparatus is gripped by a user, as the user raises and lowers the
apparatus. The center of gravity of the weight is thus maintained
centered about the user's body, which improves the user's control
of the weight and improves efficiency of the exercise.
[0024] As can be seen in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the
apparatus comprises a frame 1 having a handle or grip 2 and a
member or rod 3 extending from the frame. The rod 3 accepts one or
more weight disks 8, such as conventional weight disks, and is
adapted to retain the weight disks securely, using, for example, a
series of holes, each of which can accommodate a clip 5. A washer 4
is optionally disposed between the weight disk 8 and the clip 5.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 constitutes a dumbbell.
[0025] It will be appreciated that when holding the frame 1 by the
grip 2, the weight will hang below the grip and the center of
gravity of the weight will be maintained below the grip during
weight-lifting exercises. Preferably, the handle or grip 2 swivels
about its longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1,
the grip comprises an outer coaxial sleeve 2a which swivels on the
inner frame member. In other embodiments, bearings, bushings, and
the like can be employed in the swivel grip. The swivel grip
enhances performance and comfort of the apparatus by allowing the
center of gravity of the weight 8 to swing below the grip 2 as the
dumbbell is moved during exercises.
[0026] The rod 3 can be permanently attached to the frame 1;
however, it is preferred that the frame 1 is adapted so that the
rod 3 can be removed therefrom. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,
the frame 1 can be provided with a hole 10 to accept the rod 3, and
a second transverse hole 12 which accepts a pin 6 inserted through
the frame 1 and the rod 3, and secured by a clip 7 or other
suitable arrangement. In such an embodiment, a central portion 9
optionally disposed in the frame 1 accepts the rod 3 axially. The
rod 3 can be secured at various amounts of penetration into the
hole 10 using the pin 6 and locking clip 7. In a further
embodiment, the portion 14 of the frame 1 which is parallel to the
grip 2 is adapted to accept the rod 3 axially; for example, by
providing a hole 16 at each end thereof (only one such hole is
shown in FIG. 1). In such embodiment, the rod 3 is secured
coaxially within the frame portion 14 by passing the pin 6 through
the hole 12 and a hole of the rod 3 .
[0027] As a dumbbell, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is ideally
suited to exercises requiring one-handed use, although it can also
be used with a two-handed grip. In addition to the grip 2, the
frame 1 may be gripped at other locations, such as, for example,
the central portion 9 of the frame and the outer frame portions 11
which are parallel to the central portion 9. Such various points of
grip provide versatility required for exercising different muscles
and/or groups of muscles, because different grips, relative to the
weight, are required for different exercises. Examples of the type
of exercises that can be performed include, but are not limited to,
one and two arm curls, tricep extensions, dumbbell flies, shrugs,
dumbbell raises (forward, reverse, and side), tricep kicks, and
overhead presses. In all such exercises, the center of gravity of
the weight is maintained below the point where the apparatus is
gripped by a user. Thus, little or none of the user's energy is
spent balancing and steadying the weight, resulting in a
substantial improvement in the efficiency of the exercise.
Moreover, in maintaining the center of gravity of the weight below
point of grip as the weight is moved through an exercise routine,
the swivel grip 2a eliminates torque on the user's wrist. As a
result, there is less fatigue, and more energy can be devoted to
conditioning the muscle or muscles of interest.
[0028] In accordance with the above, depending where the frame 1 is
gripped can have a marked difference in the effective weight (i.e.,
the weight "experienced") by the user. While not wishing to hold to
any particular theory at the exclusion of others, it is believed
that this effect is caused by the moment arm created when the
weight is displaced longitudinally from the center of effort (i.e.,
the point where the frame is gripped). The invention thus provides
for varying the intensity of a workout, simply by changing the
position of grip on the frame 1, without reconfiguring the
apparatus. This effect can be exploited by varying the position of
the weight 8 along the rod 3, and/or varying the amount of
extension/insertion of the rod 3 into hole 10. In the case of the
former, one or more weights 8 can be secured at any position along
the rod 3 by, for example, installing a clip 5, and optionally
washer 4, on either side of the weight.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the embodiment of FIG. 1 (shown without
frame portion 9) can be attached to a user's foot, using, for
example, straps 30 with suitable fasteners such as Velcro.RTM. or
buckles. This configuration provides for leg exercises such as
extensions, curls, side lifts, and the like. In such configuration,
the rod 3 can be inserted into either of the holes 16 provided in
the frame portion 14, so as to dispose the weight either above or
below the user's foot. Preferably, the frame 1 is configured with
the weight disposed below the user's foot, which configuration
provides the full benefit of the invention; that is, maintaining
the center of gravity of the weight below the point of grip.
However, in situations where such configuration is inconvenient,
the frame can be configured with the weight above the user's foot
as shown in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which the invention is
configured as a barbell. This embodiment is suitable for weight
lifting exercises where a two-handed grip is used, such as a bench
press. This embodiment comprises two frames 1 (shown without frame
portion 9), one attached to each end of the rod 3. One or more
weight disks 8 are placed on the rod 3 between the frames 1. In a
preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the rod 3 is "T" shaped,
such that it has disposed midway along its length a perpendicular
portion or arm 3a. Like the rod 3, the perpendicular portion 3a is
appropriately sized to accommodate weights, and is adapted to
secure one or more weights thereon. For example, the perpendicular
portion 3a can be provided with a series of holes to accept locking
pins to secure weights, like the rod 3 in FIGS. 1 to 3. Preferably,
the longitudinal axis of the perpendicular portion 3a is
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the grips
2, such that any weight disks 8 secured thereto will be disposed
only on one side of the apparatus. This facilitates performing an
exercise such as a bench press, since the apparatus can be lowered
all the way to the chest, even when many weight disks are stacked
thereon. It will be appreciated that in this configuration the
center of gravity of the weight is not below the point of grip.
However, unlike a conventional barbell, the center of gravity of
the weight is between the two grips, and thus the center of effort
is maintained at or close to the center line of the body, which
substantially improves the user's comfort and control of the
weight, and the efficiency of exercise.
[0031] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the frames 1 and
rod 3 can be constructed as a unit. In such case, the portion
connecting the two frames 1 need not be a rod and instead can be of
any design. However, it is preferable that the frames 1 and rod 3
are each separate units, like those shown in FIG. 1, so that they
can be used separately as dumbbells, or assembled as in FIGS. 3 and
4, as a barbell. In accordance with the invention, having separate
components provides great versatility in the range of weight
lifting exercises that can be performed with a minimal amount of
equipment. That is, with only a pair of frames 1, a rod 3, weights,
and required locking pins, clips, and straps, a complete
weight-lifting workout, in which specific muscles and groups of
muscles can be isolated, is possible.
[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is
provided a weight lifting kit. In one embodiment, the kit comprises
a frame 1, rod 3, straps 30, and required hardware for assembling
the apparatus and securing weights thereto, such as a pin 6, clips
5 and 7, and washer 4. In another embodiment the kit further
comprises one or more weight disks. In yet another embodiment, the
kit further comprises a second frame 1 and a second rod 3, and
optionally a rod 3 having portion 3a, and required hardware for
assembling two dumbbells or one barbell. According to the
invention, such kits optionally comprise a carrying case. The kits
of the invention provide great versatility in the range of weight
lifting exercises that can be performed with a minimal amount of
equipment. Further, the weight lifting apparatus is compact and
portable, and hence can easily be transported for use anywhere.
[0033] In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is
provided a complete exercise system which utilizes the dumbbell
frame 1 as described above. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the
exercise system comprises a bench 40 having an adjustable backrest
portion 44, a frame 50 with stub shafts 52 for storage of weight
disks 8 and dumbbell frames, cradles 56 to accommodate a barbell 60
as described above with reference to FIG. 4, and a detachable leg
extension apparatus 70. The leg extension apparatus attaches to the
bench support 42 with a locking mechanism such as a pin and locking
clip like those described above for securing the rod 3 to the frame
1. The bench 40 is pivotally attached to the frame 50, so that when
the leg extension apparatus is removed, the bench can be folded up
and into the frame 50, for compact storage.
[0034] The pivot point 72 of the leg extension apparatus 70 has two
or more positions. In one position, the arc traveled by the
apparatus 70 is of a smaller radius and is appropriate for leg
extensions and curls. Two pairs of padded collars, corresponding to
reference numerals 74 and 76, respectively, are provided for these
exercises. With the pivot point 72 in another position, the arc
traveled by the apparatus 70 is of a larger radius, and is suitable
for pull-down exercises, which can be performed by a user lying on
the bench with his/her head at the end of the bench closest to the
extension apparatus. A pair of dumbbell frames 1, as described
above with reference to FIG. 1, are provided for pull-down
exercises. Seated-row exercises can also be performed by a user
seated at the end of the bench facing the extension apparatus and
grasping the dumbbell frames 1.
[0035] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a weight plate system. As discussed above, the dumbbell
frame 1 with rod 3 can be used with any conventional system of
weight disks. However, most conventional weight disks have inherent
drawbacks, namely, when stacking, the weights create a pinching
hazard to the fingers, and the weights are difficult to pick up
from a smooth surface, owing to the lack of a grip point. The
weight plate system of the invention overcomes these drawbacks.
Firstly, as shown in FIG. 6, the weight plates 80 are not fully
round; rather, they are scalloped or lobed. The lobes on all plates
can be of substantially the same shape, or they can be of different
shapes (e.g., FIG. 6B). In addition, the edges of the lobes are
rebated on one side of the plate, indicated by reference numeral
84, providing clearance for fingers so that the plates can easily
be gripped and picked up from a flat surface. Secondly, the weight
plates of the invention are provided with an indexing system, such
that when stacked on a dumbbell or barbell, the plates fit together
in a manner that avoids overlapping of the lobes of adjacent plates
(e.g., with lobes alternately arranged). This provides room for
fingers between edges of plates and hence substantially reduces the
possibility of fingers being crushed between plates. In one
embodiment the indexing system comprises a series of
regularly-spaced indentations 86 and one or more projections 88 on
both sides of each plate. The indentations and projections are
arranged on plates such that when plates are stacked, the
indentations receive the projections so as to maintain lobes of
plates in a non-overlapping relationship. Weight plates according
to the invention are compatible with conventional weight lifting
equipment.
[0036] The contents of all cited publications are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
[0037] Equivalents
[0038] Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to
ascertain variants to the embodiments described above. Such
variants are understood to be within the scope of the invention and
are covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *