Weightlifting belt with hook

Abstract

A weightlifting belt with hook for a person exercising to be able to hang a weight from a belt around their waist. This invention enables the quick and easy removal (or addition) of the weight by the person exercising or by a third party (`spotter`) while the person exercising remains in the exercising position on the exercise equipment. The weight hanging from the belt increases their total weight and therefore the difficulty of the exercise and in turn the exercise's effectiveness. The `pull-up`, `chin-up` and `dip` exercises are particularly targeted with this invention. The inventive device includes a belt that goes around a person's waist with a hook attached to hang a dumbbell-style weight from. A metal plate formed to create a hook from which to hang a dumbbell-style weight. A belt is passed through a slot-shaped hole in the metal plate so that a person can wear the device around their waist.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/191,737, filed 2008, Sep. 11 by the present inventors.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

[0003] Not applicable

BACKGROUND

[0004] 1. Field

[0005] The present invention relates generally to weightlifting belts and more specifically it relates to a weightlifting belt with hook for a person exercising to be able to hang a weight from a belt around their waist. This invention enables the quick and easy removal (or addition) of the weight by the person exercising or by a third party (`spotter`) while the person exercising remains in the exercising position on the exercise equipment. The weight hanging from the belt increases their total weight and therefore the difficulty of the exercise and in turn the exercise's effectiveness. The `pull-up`, `chin-up`, `dip`, `push-up`, `squat` and `calf-raise` exercises are particularly targeted with this invention.

[0006] 2. Prior Art

[0007] It can be appreciated that weightlifting belts have been in use for years. Typically, weightlifting belts do not allow the quick and easy removal (or addition) of the weight.

[0008] The main problem with a conventional weightlifting belt is that commonly a chain is used to pass through the central hole in a `plate` type weight to suspend the weight from the belt. This chain-type weightlifting belt demands that the person exercising must dismount from the exercise equipment, un-fasten the chain and then remove the weight. The fact that they have had to dismount from the equipment, un-fasten the chain to remove the weight takes too much time. This extended break during any exercise is not desirable. The time taken to remove the weight from the chain-style weightlifting belt, allows for muscle tension to be lost, and therefore the effectiveness of the exercise is reduced.

[0009] Another problem with conventional weightlifting belts are the type of weight used to hang from the chain-style weightlifting belt. They must have a through-hole. These are typically known as `weight plates`. These can be very large in diameter and can restrict the movement of the weightlifter and therefore the effectiveness of the exercise.

[0010] While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for a person exercising to be able to hang a weight from a belt with hook around their waist. The weight hanging from the belt increases their total weight and therefore the difficulty of the exercise and in turn the exercise's effectiveness. This invention enables the quick and easy removal (or addition) of the weight by the person exercising or by a third party (`spotter`) while the person exercising remains in the exercising position on the exercise equipment.

[0011] In these respects, the weightlifting belt with hook according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of a person exercising to be able to hang a weight from a belt around their waist. The weight hanging from the belt increases their total weight and therefore the difficulty of the exercise and in turn the exercise's effectiveness. The `pull-up`, `chin-up`, `dip`, `push-up`, `squat` and `calf-raise` exercises are particularly targeted with this invention. This invention enables the quick and easy removal (or addition) of the weight by the person exercising or by a third party (`spotter`) while the person exercising remains in the exercising position on the exercise equipment.

SUMMARY

[0012] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of weightlifting belt now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new weightlifting belt with hook construction wherein the same can be utilized for a person exercising to be able to hang a weight from a belt around their waist. This increases their total weight and therefore the effectiveness of the exercise. The `pull-up`, `chin-up` and `dip` exercises are particularly targeted with this invention. This invention enables the quick and easy removal (or addition) of the weight by the person exercising or by a third party (`spotter`) while the person exercising remains in the exercising position on the exercise equipment.

[0013] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new weightlifting belt with hook that has many of the advantages of the weightlifting belt mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new weightlifting belt with hook which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art weightlifting belt, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0014] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a belt that goes around a person's waist with a hook attached to hang a dumbbell-style weight from. A metal plate

formed to create a hook from which to hang a dumbbell-style weight. A belt is passed through a slot-shaped hole in the metal plate so that a person can wear the device around their waist.

[0015] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter.

[0016] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0017] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a weightlifting belt with hook that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

[0018] An object of the present invention is to provide a weightlifting belt with hook for a person exercising to be able to hang a weight from a belt around their waist. The `pull-up`, `chin-up` and `dip` exercises are particularly targeted with this invention. This invention enables the quick and easy removal (or addition) of the weight by the person exercising or by a third party (`spotter`) while the person exercising remains in the exercising position on the exercise equipment. The weight hanging from the belt increases their total weight and therefore the difficulty of the exercise and in turn the exercise's effectiveness.

[0019] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of weightlifting belt now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new weightlifting belt with hook construction wherein the same can be utilized for a person exercising to be able to hang a weight from a belt around their waist. This increases their total weight and therefore the effectiveness of the exercise. The `pull-up`, `chin-up` and `dip` exercises are particularly targeted with this invention. This invention enables the quick and easy removal (or addition) of the weight by the person exercising or by a third party (`spotter`) while the person exercising remains in the exercising position on the exercise equipment.

[0020] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new weightlifting belt with hook that has many of the advantages of the weightlifting belt mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new weightlifting belt with hook which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art weightlifting belt, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0021] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a belt that goes around a person's waist with a hook attached to hang a dumbbell-style weight from. A metal plate formed to create a hook from which to hang a dumbbell-style weight. A belt is passed through a slot-shaped hole in the metal plate so that a person can wear the device around their waist.

[0022] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter.

[0023] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DRAWINGS

Figures

[0024] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become 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:

[0025] FIG. 1 is an overall view of the present invention showing a person wearing the invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 is an overall view of the present invention showing the placement of a dumbbell weight.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a top view of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a front view of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a view of a person wearing the weightlifting belt with hook during the `pull-up` exercise.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a view of a person wearing the weightlifting belt with hook during the `dips` exercise.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a view of a person wearing the weightlifting belt with hook during the `push-ups` exercise.

[0036] FIG. 12 is a view of a person wearing the weightlifting belt with hook during the `calf-raises` exercise.

[0037] FIG. 13 is a view of a person wearing the weightlifting belt with hook during the `squats` exercise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

[0038] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the attached figures illustrate a weightlifting belt with hook. This comprises of a belt that goes around a person's waist with a hook attached to hang a dumbbell-style weight from (FIG. 1).

[0039] A hook can be created by forming a piece of 0.125 inch thick stainless steel plate around a curved mandrel. The radius of the resulting hook shape should be larger than the dumbbell weight's handle (in this case 0.625 inches). A slot can be machined through the stainless steel plate at the opposite end to the hook. This slot is created to pass a belt through (FIG. 3).

[0040] The length of the hook plate can be 5.50 inches and the width 4.00 inches. The slot can be 0.313 inches wide and 2.18 inches in length and 0.75 inches from the non-hook end of the plate. The sides and ends of the slot can be deburred to prevent wear and/or chaffing of the belt. The 4.00 inch width of the hook is critical to support the dumbbell and prevent it from being unstable during use. All sharp corners and edges can be deburred to prevent injury. The hook will hang between the legs of the person exercising. A dumbbell of any weight up to 150 lbs can be placed in the hook.

[0041] The hook could have various shapes. Any hook or weight-hanging shape that enables the quick and easy removal (or addition) of the weight could be used. Different hook shapes that would enable a dumbbell to be held in place could have a square or `V` cross-section. Another possible hook design could be constructed from a pre-formed hook or hooks attached to a plate that hangs around a person's waist.

[0042] Other materials could be used to make the hook, for example other metals, plastics, reinforced plastics, carbon-fiber and other composite materials.

[0043] A belt can be created by passing a length of webbing material through the slot in the stainless steel hook and permanently joining the ends (FIG. 5). This enabled a person to wear the belt and hook around their waist. The belt can be made from 2 inch wide nylon webbing purchased from Rochford supply INC of Minneapolis, Minn. part #9163-005. This belt material has been chosen for it's flexibility and strength. The belt has a breaking strain of 6000 pounds and can therefore safely withstand heavy weights hanging from it. The un-sewn length of the belt can be 54 inches. Once the belt has been passed through the hook and the ends sewn together using a 3 inch overlap, the circumference of the belt loop becomes 48 inches. A non-perishable nylon yarn is used to sew the overlapping ends together. A square and crisscross stitch pattern is used. This belt length is for an average sized person and can be varied to produce smaller or larger belts depending on the waist-size of the person exercising. Alternative belt designs can feature devices such as buckles to adjust belt length and aid quick removal. Another belt variation can be a different width of belt. The belt material can also be varied, for example, leather or other types of strong fabrics. Various words, slogans and/or designs can be embroidered and or attached to the belt for example the name of an exercise facility or company or the name of the person exercising. In this case the word "HANGMANBELT" was embroidered using electronic sewing equipment.

[0044] One end of the belt is passed through the open slot in the hook. The ends of the belt can be overlapped and permanently joined together to form a weightlifting belt with hook. The hook attached to the belt can have alternative designs including any type of shape that enables the quick and easy removal (or addition) of the dumbbell-style weight (FIG. 2). The hook can be constructed from various materials such as different types of metals, plastics, polymers and composite materials. The belt widths, lengths and colors can be varied. The belt material can be any type of strong fabric, textile or leather. The belt ends can be joined using buckles or other types of fastening devices.

[0045] The Belt can be passed around a person's waist with the Hook facing front. The wearer of the Belt and Hook must ensure that the Hook is in the upward orientation to enable the placement of a dumbbell-style weight into the Hook. The Hook and dumbbell then hang between the wearer's legs while they are exercising. The invention is particularly effective when performing `pull-ups` (FIG. 9), `chin-ups` or `dips` (FIG. 10). The dumbbell adds extra weight to a person exercising. The weight hanging from the belt increases their total weight and therefore the difficulty of the exercise and in turn the exercise's effectiveness. The short amount of time taken to remove the weight keeps tension on the muscles being used and increases the effectiveness of the exercise. The open Hook design enables the quick and easy removal (or addition) of the weight by the person exercising or by a third party (`spotter`) while the person exercising remains in the exercising position on the exercise equipment. Previous designs of weight belts force the

person exercising to stop the particular exercise and dismount from the piece of exercise equipment while the weight is being removed. The time taken to dismount allows the muscles to relax and lose tension and therefore the effectiveness of the exercise. If the person is exercising alone and needs to remove the hanging weight, they can dismount from the equipment and in a short amount of time un-hook the dumbbell style weight from the Hook and resume the exercise. The removal (or addition) of the weight takes less time than it would with existing designs of weightlifting belts.

[0046] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0047] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0048] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A weightlifting belt with hook

2. A weightlifting belt with hook for a person exercising to be able to hang a weight from a belt around their waist

3. A weightlifting belt with hook that a dumbbell type weight can be suspended

4. A weightlifting belt with hook that hangs a dumbbell type weight on a weightlifting belt using a hook, which passes around a person's waist for the purpose of increasing their body-weight during exercising.

5. A weightlifting belt with hook that hangs a dumbbell type weight on a weightlifting belt using a hook which passes around a person's waist for the purpose of increasing their body-weight during exercising and enables the quick and easy removal (or addition) of the weight.

6. A weightlifting belt with hook that hangs a dumbbell type weight on a weightlifting belt using a hook which passes around a person's waist for the purpose of increasing their body-weight during exercising and enables the quick and easy removal (or addition) of the weight by a third party (`spotter`) while the person exercising remains in the exercising position on the exercise equipment.