U.S. patent application number 11/071353 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-07 for weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps.
Invention is credited to Rodney Shepherd.
Application Number | 20060199709 11/071353 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36944820 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060199709 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shepherd; Rodney |
September 7, 2006 |
Weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps
Abstract
A weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps includes a
central weight bearing section with opposing handles, each handle
having multiple gripping positions. The combined assembly has a
center of gravity which lies between handle extensions 12, both
laterally and longitudinally. The apparatus may be held behind the
head and then repeatedly extended over the head in order to isolate
and exercise the triceps. The centrally located weight bearing
section can accommodate a number of weight plates and includes a
clamping arrangement for securely holding the plates in a central
position. A number of other exercises are facilitated with the
apparatus.
Inventors: |
Shepherd; Rodney;
(Fredericksburg, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Alfred F. Hoyte, Esq.
Suite 700
733 15th Street, N.W.
Washington
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
36944820 |
Appl. No.: |
11/071353 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/109 ;
482/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/1281 20130101;
A63B 21/072 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/109 ;
482/093 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06; A63B 15/00 20060101 A63B015/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus designed to receive weight plates and
collars comprising: a weight receiving central portion; a pair of
handle portions extending from and securely fastened to said
central portion, each of said handle portions having a centrally
located main gripping area and a pair of mutually opposed secondary
gripping areas; at least one upper and a lower weight plate, said
at least one upper weight plate having a downwardly projecting male
member and said lower weight plate having a receptacle sized for
receiving said male member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said handle portions extend
from said central portion at an angle of about 20 degrees.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said handle portions are formed
from a single piece of metal stock.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said main gripping areas and
said secondary gripping areas are formed on equal length portions
of said tube stock.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said main gripping areas are
parallel and said secondary gripping areas extend towards said
central portion from said main gripping area.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to weightlifting
equipment. More particularly, it relates to an improved exercise
apparatus for isolating the triceps muscles.
STATEMENT OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] Various types of barbell and dumbbell arrangements for
isolating specific muscle groups are known. Additionally, other
non-traditional exercising apparatus purporting to isolate and
exercise a specific muscle group or groups are available. These
apparatuses generally suffer from major drawbacks. One major
drawback is that all barbell apparatuses having a relatively long
bar are difficult to balance. There are two reasons for this
difficulty. First, because the bar is long and the weight is very
heavy relative to the bar, significant torque is generated since
the weights are connected to the end of the bar thus producing a
long lever arm depending upon the user hand positions. Also, even
most accomplished body builders have strength differences between
their left and right arms, requiring the user to exert extra
strength to both compensate for the strength difference and balance
the weight. Once the user becomes fatigued, the ability to
compensate for the weight difference is seriously compromised
resulting in a dangerous off balance position which has often
resulted in injury.
[0003] Accordingly, some apparatuses which do not use weights have
been devised. These apparatuses tend to be associated with large
expensive fitness machines which have limited effectiveness for
serious body builders and are thus rarely used by them.
Furthermore, these apparatuses tend to use mechanical parts which
are highly specialized and subject to failure such as rubberized
bands and tension means, and hydraulics. Finally, weight bearing
exercise apparatuses having a centered weight or weights have been
devised. None of these apparatuses is seen to be as effective as
the present invention.
[0004] Another common problem with weightlifting equipment,
specifically associated with triceps exercisers, is that most
equipment used for working triceps require that palms face upward.
This type of hand position makes it difficult to keep the elbows
inward especially while lifting heavy weight. Without strict form,
other upper body muscles are recruited while lifting the weight.
This action reduces the effectiveness of the exercise.
[0005] Another common problem with triceps exercisers is the
inability to keep proper and strict form while performing overhead
triceps extensions. The traditional way to perform this exercise is
with either a straight bar or curl bar, in an overhead position,
with palms facing up. This exercise requires that the bar be
lowered behind the neck and then back up above the head. The
problem with this movement is keeping strict form. Due to palm
position (facing up) it's awkward keeping elbows in and palms
facing up throughout this movement. There's a natural tendency to
allow the elbows to protrude outward, away from the body.
[0006] An additional shortcoming germane to free weight assemblies
in general, is the need to replace weight plates to increase the
effective resistance. While some weight machines allow for
repositioning weight plates or weight bearing components in order
to increase the effective resistance for a particular exercise,
this type of adjustment is not available on barbells, dumbbells, or
other free weight supporting apparatuses.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,222 issued to Shannon discloses a
weightlifting exercising bar. The bar has a center section with
grasping handles formed therein. The weights are disposed on either
end of the bar. While this apparatus can be used to isolate
triceps, it suffers from the aforementioned balancing problem. The
apparatus also allows for only one hand placement. By contrast, the
present invention has a centrally located weight plate securing
means which substantially reduces the balancing problem.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,634 issued to Pointer discloses a
dumbbell adapted to be held behind the user's head while performing
sit ups. While Pointer does disclose a central weight, he does not
disclose hand position and spacing conducive to triceps extensions.
By contrast, the present invention discloses a triceps extension
apparatus which allows multiple hand positions and spacing.
[0009] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention
as claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the
prior art by providing a weightlifting apparatus for exercising the
triceps. The apparatus includes a central weight bearing section
with opposing handles, each handle having multiple gripping
positions. The apparatus may be held behind the head and then
repeatedly extended over the head in order to isolate and exercise
the triceps. The weight bearing section can accommodate a number of
weight plates and includes a clamping arrangement for securely
holding the plates in a central position. The weight plates are
designed to be compact and low profile and are thus of non-standard
configuration. At least two plates are provided, the plates
designed for interlocking attachment with only a single locking
pin. A number of other exercises are facilitated with the
apparatus. In an alternative embodiment, means for increasing the
effective resistance for specific exercises, while maintaining a
given mass, is provided.
[0011] The primary hand position on the apparatus of the present
invention requires a closed (facing each other) hand position. By
utilizing this unique hand position, the arms are forced to stay
closer together, therefore retaining strict triceps isolation
throughout the movement. When fatigue sets in during an exercise,
there is a tendency to break form to complete the exercise. The
apparatus will not allow deviation because the hand position forces
the elbows to remain inward.
[0012] Alternatively, the apparatus allows for a standard or
traditional hand position. This hand position is achieved by using
both hands and grabbing hold of each inside arch of the unit.
[0013] The apparatus alleviates the tendency to resort to improper
form, thereby recruiting other muscles to complete the exercise, by
changing hand position, by changing from a palms up hand position
to an end-to-end hand position. This creates a natural feel, making
it easier to keep the elbows perpendicular to the body.
[0014] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide an improved weightlifting apparatus for exercising the
triceps.
[0015] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an
improved weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps which
has a centrally located weight bearing section.
[0016] It is another object of the invention to provide an improved
weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps which has
opposing handles with multiple gripping positions.
[0017] It is another object of the invention to provide an improved
weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps which allow for
end to end hand placement.
[0018] It is another object of the invention to provide an improved
weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps having at least
two substantially rectangular, mutually interlocking, low profile
weight plates.
[0019] It is another object of the invention to provide an improved
weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps having means for
extending the effective center of gravity of the apparatus to
increase resistance for particular exercises.
[0020] Finally, it is a general object of the invention to provide
improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the
purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully
effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
[0021] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the
same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters
designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views,
and wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the apparatus of the
invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the apparatus of the
invention with weight plates attached in an extended position.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the apparatus of the invention
with weight plates attached in an extended position.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a front view, partly in section, of an
alternative embodiment of the weightlifting apparatus of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a front view, partly in section of the weight
plates the alternative embodiment of the weightlifting apparatus of
the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 6 shows an exploded sectional view of the weight plates
of the alternative embodiment of the weightlifting apparatus of the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 7 shows a plan view, partly in section, of the
underside of upper weight plate of the weightlifting apparatus
shown in FIG. 6
[0030] FIG. 8 shows a top sectional view of the weight plates shown
in FIG. 6 detailing the interconnection of the upper and lower
plates.
[0031] FIG. 9 shows a side view of a user using the weightlifting
apparatus in an initial position.
[0032] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a user using the weightlifting
apparatus in a fully extended position.
[0033] FIG. 11 shows a rear view of a user using the weightlifting
apparatus in an initial position.
[0034] FIG. 12 shows a side view of a user using the weightlifting
apparatus in a fully extended position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the apparatus of the present
invention, generally indicated by the numeral 1, is shown. The
apparatus 1, has particular application as a triceps exerciser, its
shape facilitating overhead triceps extensions. The apparatus 1 has
two main components, the bar and handle assembly, and the support
and clamping assembly.
[0036] The bar 10 is preferably formed by bending a single, solid
piece of iron bar or tube stock. The tube stock should be about 1
inch in diameter, and should have a total length of about 4 feet.
This length of bar 10 will create an optimal hand spacing for the
average weightlifter. Of course, the length of the bar 10 may be
adjusted to adjust the hand spacing. The surface of bar 10 can be
bare metal, plated, plastic coated, or painted, as desired. Also,
the surface of the bar 10 may be textured to enhance grip. The bar
10 has two mutually opposed handle extensions, 12, each extension
having a main gripping area 16, and two alternate gripping areas
18, 20. The main handle extension 12 may include a padded sleeve.
The final configuration of bar 10 is characterized in that the
combined assembly has a center of gravity which lies between handle
extensions 12, both laterally and longitudinally. The center of
gravity may be adjusted to increase the effective resistance of the
weights as will be explained in connection with the alternative
embodiment discussed below. This feature is significant since it
enables a user to grasp handles 12 and lift the apparatus 1 without
there being a resultant torsional loading exerted on the user's
wrists. This feature would not result if the main handle extensions
12 were offset. It can be seen that the bar 10 has a level portion
24 parallel to weight bearing platform 26 which, in the event the
bar 10 has a total length of 4 feet long prior to shaping, may be
about 4 inches.
[0037] An upstanding post 30 is used to position one or more
standard weight plates 32 on the platform 26, the post 30 secured
to the platform by an suitable means, and may even be releasably
secured to the platform 26 to allow for the use of smaller diameter
posts 30 to accommodate weight plates 32 having various standard
center apertures. A key feature of the invention is the provision
of a post 30 allowing for positioning weight plates 32 at various
distances from the platform 26 to vary the effective resistance for
certain exercises as will be explained in more detail below. The
weight bearing platform 26, upstanding post 30, and releasable
clamping means 38 form the support and clamping subassembly. The
centrally located weight bearing platform 26 is secured to the bar
10 which may be made of the same material as the bar 10. Attachment
of the platform 26 to the bar 10 is preferably accomplished by
welding to eliminate a single stress point, or a plurality of
stress points which can cause failure of the apparatus 1 after
repeated use or during heavy weightlifting. While the platform 26
is shown as square, any shape will suffice for the platform,
provided it is substantially symmetrical. Also, bar 10 may be
welded to the underside of the platform 26 allowing the platform 26
to be relatively large. It can be appreciated that the width and
length of the platform 26 can be limited to the space 40 between
parallel bar segments 42, 44 and the length of segments 42, 44. Of
course, the upstanding post 30 is centrally located to ensure that
the symmetry of the apparatus 1 is maintained. It can be seen that
the post 30 can accommodate a number of weight plates 32.
[0038] A key aspect of the invention is the provision of a support
and clamping assembly which allows one or more weight plates 32 to
be suspended above the platform 26 and therefore further away from
the hands of the user. It can be appreciated that positioning the
weights 32 above the platform creates torsional loading which is
directly proportional to the additional length of post 30 between
the center of gravity of the plates 32 and the platform 26. The
additional torque, and therefore the effective resistance due to
the weight of the plates 32 will be primarily apparent for exercise
routines where the arc of motion of the opposed gripping areas 16
of the handle 12 is in the direction shown by arrow 132. The
increased resistance is apparent regardless of which portion of the
handle 102 is gripped, provided the motion is perpendicular to post
30. Any routine such as a bench press where the primary motion is
parallel to the bar 10, as shown with arrow 48, will not be subject
to an increase in resistance other than some additional effort
required to balance the apparatus.
[0039] The clamping means 38 consists of a locking collar 52 and
spring loaded weight pin 54, both of which are of standard
configuration. The pin 54 is adapted for insertion into and through
aligned apertures 56 on opposing sides of post 30, and preferably
at least three discrete positions are available for the insertion
of the pin 54. Once pin 54 is secured through a selected pair of
apertures 56, one or more weight plates 32 may be placed over the
post, coming to rest on the pin 54. Locking collar 52 may then be
placed on the post 30 and slid downwardly until coming to rest upon
the top surface of the uppermost weight plate 32. Thus, in use, the
user 50 selects a pair of aligned apertures 56 and inserts pin 54
therethrough, adding weight plates 32 and locking collar 52 to
secure the apparatus for use. To obtain a different effective
weight, the user 50 can select a different pair of apertures
56.
[0040] An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS.
4-8. A key feature of this embodiment of the invention is the use
of mutually interlocking weight plates to allow for a more compact
and easily adjustable apparatus 100. In this configuration, the
apparatus 100 is designed for aerobics and muscle toning routines,
not for power lifting. While several interlocking weight plates may
be used without departing from the spirit of the invention, in the
preferred embodiment only two plates are used. It can be seen that
the weight plates include an upper plate 128 and a lower plate 130,
the lower plate 130 being secured to the assembly by bolts 132
which are inserted into and through apertures 134 in the weight
bearing platform 126. The platform 126 is secured to the bar 127 by
welding as in the previous embodiment, the bar 127 configured in an
identical manner to that of the previous embodiment, including
multiple gripping areas as discussed above. The apertures 134
correspond to threaded bores 138 formed in lower plate 130 so that
bolts 132 extend into and through apertures 134 and are threadedly
engaged within bores 138.
[0041] Weight plates 128, 130 are configured for interlock by way
of downwardly protruding male member 144 extending from upper plate
128, which is sized for engagement within female receptacle 146
formed in lower plate 130. It can be seen that laterally opposed
edges 147 of the male member 144 are beveled, as are the interior
sidewalls 149 of the receptacle 146 to "funnel" the upper plate 128
into position. Bore 148 formed in upper plate 128 is axially
aligned with bore 150 formed in lower plate 130 when the male
member 144 is properly seated within receptacle 146. A spring
loaded pin 152, of the type commonly used with barbells, is
insertable within the aligned bores, with opposing projecting
pieces 154 serving to limit axial movement of the pin 152 as is
well known. The upper plate is characterized by a pair of recessed
areas 155 which allow easier access to the front edge 157 of the
lower plate. Thus, this embodiment allows at least three discrete
weight settings, the minimum with no plates, the maximum with at
least two plates.
[0042] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate the apparatus 1 being used for a
triceps extension exercise. After adding weights as described
above, the user 50 assumes an initial or starting position for a
particular exercise routine. The initial position of the user 50
when performing the triceps exercise movement is shown with
reference to FIGS. 9 and 11.
[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the initial position of
the bar with respect to the user. Both hands grasp main gripping
areas 16 and the apparatus 1 is placed behind the user's head. The
apparatus 1 is thereafter raised along an arc over the user's head
to the position shown in FIGS. 10 and 12. The positioning and
orientation of gripping areas 16 is ideal for the triceps extension
exercise since the user's hands are positioned end to end. By
utilizing this unique hand position, the arms are forced to stay
closer together, therefore retaining strict triceps isolation
throughout the movement. As the apparatus 1 is lifted over the
user's head, there is no resultant torque load being imposed on the
user's wrist due to the center of gravity placement described
previously. Use of a conventional barbell for this exercise results
in an undesirable grasping angle, and the elbows are forced
outward, as opposed to the grasping angle illustrated in FIG. 11
where the elbows are in. A more traditional hand placement may be
facilitated by grasping the apparatus 1 by grasping either of the
alternate gripping areas 18, 20. It can be seen that the width of
the apparatus 1 also serves a role in causing optimal hand
placement as has been previously described. The apparatus may be
made slightly larger to accommodate weightlifters with
exceptionally wide shoulders. Other exercise routines may be
utilized using the apparatuses 1, 100, as would be apparent to one
of skill in the art.
[0044] From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can
easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention
and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make
various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to
various usages and conditions.
[0045] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the sole embodiment described above, but encompasses any
and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims:
* * * * *