Exercise Bar Having Sliding Hand Grips

Abstract

An exercise apparatus includes an elongate bar having a medial portion and opposed ends disposed outwardly of the medial portion with a pair of hand grips mounted on the bar in spaced-apart relation and configured to slide along the length of the bar against a resistance force from a first exercise position to a second exercise position. A resistance member fixed to the bar and movably attached to at least one of the hand grips increases the resistance force as the hand grip slides along the bar from the first exercise position to the second exercise position. The resistance member includes inner and outer band attachment mounts spaced-apart along the length of the bar and an elastic band attached to and disposed between the band attachment mounts. A user performs push-up exercises from a prone position and barbell exercises from a supine position or a standing position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/394,413 filed Oct. 19, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to exercise apparatus for performing anaerobic exercises, and more particularly, to an exercise apparatus having sliding hand grips for performing push-up exercises from a prone position, and for performing barbell exercises from a supine position or a standing position.

BACKGROUND AND RELATED ART

[0003] Push-up exercises (also known in British-English as "press-up" exercises) have long been used to develop pectoral, triceps and deltoid muscles. Push-ups are a common calisthenics exercise typically performed in a prone (lying face-down) position by raising and lowering the upper body using the arms. Various push-up exercise apparatus exist that increase the difficulty of the exercise and/or the range of motion of the exercise, and thereby enhance the benefits obtained from performing push-up exercises.

[0004] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,930 issued Feb. 13, 2001 to Ignaczak discloses a push-up exercise trainer including an elongate base and a pair of handgrip assemblies slidably mounted within the base to allow for lateral movement of the handgrips relative to the base. Each handgrip is further configured to allow for rotation about a vertical axis and for rotation about a horizontal axis, as well as means for selectively allowing or preventing the sliding and/or rotating motions.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,162 issued Jul. 1, 1997 to Landers et al. discloses an exercise apparatus for performing lateral extension exercises from a prone position. The apparatus includes one or more grip means in combination with an elongate guide means wherein the grip means are configured for rolling or sliding movement within the guide means. Adjustable stop means may also be provided to vary the distance that the grip means is permitted to move within the guide means.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 7,645,218 issued Jan. 12, 2010 to Potok discloses an exercise apparatus for performing a bent-elbow plank position (i.e. armless) push-up from a prone position. The apparatus includes a pair of trolleys movably mounted on top of opposed rails that are inclined toward an elevated centerline. A user places his or her elbows in the trolleys and moves the trolleys inwardly up the inclined rails. Resistance against the inward and upward movement may be varied, for example, by adding resistance to the movement of the trolleys and/or increasing the incline of the rails.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,111,417 issued Sep. 5, 1978 to Gardner discloses a torso exercise apparatus including an elongate frame and a pair of spaced-apart handles secured to slides that are slidably mounted in the frame. Compression coil springs on opposite sides of the handles bias the handles towards a neutral position. The springs act as a form of resistance to sliding motion of the handles while the user performs a push-up exercise from a prone position.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,938,803 issued Feb. 17, 1976 to Wilmoth et al. discloses an exercise device including an elongate bar and a pair of hand grips disposed at the outer ends of the bar. Wheels are slidably mounted on the bar between the hand grips and a compression spring is disposed between the wheels. The hand grips and wheels may be moved inwardly against the resistance of the spring while the device is used as a roller exerciser from a prone position.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 7,481,753 issued Jan. 27, 2009 to James et al. discloses a rotatable exercise device for aiding a user to perform push-up exercises from a prone position. The device includes a platform rotatably mounted on a base that is adapted to be supported on a substantially horizontal surface, such as a floor. A gripping bar mounted on the platform is grasped by the user during a push-up exercise so that the shoulders and other muscle groups must be worked in addition to the arm and chest muscles in order to maintain a stable position during the exercise.

[0010] Barbell exercises have long been used to develop chest, shoulder, biceps, triceps and abdominal muscles. Barbell exercises are typically performed from a supine (lying face-up) position or a standing position. Likewise, various barbell exercise apparatus exist that increase the difficulty of the exercise and/or the range of motion of the exercise, and thereby enhance the benefits obtained from performing barbell exercises.

[0011] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,122 issued Dec. 18, 1990 to Dibowski discloses a barbell exercise apparatus including an elongate bar, one or more weights mounted at each end of the bar, and a safety lock at each end of the bar for preventing the weights from sliding off the bar. Handles are also mounted on the bar with a compression spring disposed between each handle and the corresponding weight(s). As such, a user may force the handles outwardly against the resistance of the springs while performing an arm extension exercise from a supine position or a standing position.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,731 issued Oct. 6, 1992 to Troutman discloses another barbell exercise apparatus including an elongate bar and a pair of grips that are freely movable on the bar in both the inward and outward directions (i.e. axially), while being prevented from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the bar. Stops may be provided on the bar to limit the axial travel of the grips.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 3,756,597 issued Sep. 4, 1973 to Monti discloses an exercise device including an elongate shaft having hand grips adjacent opposite ends of the shaft. Weight members are mounted on the shaft outwardly of the hand grips by bearing assemblies that allow the weight members to rotate independently about the lengthwise axis of the shaft. The hand grips may be slidingly supported on the shaft and provided with springs for resisting sliding movement of the hand grips towards one another.

[0014] Although known exercise apparatus are suitable for performing either push-up exercise or barbell exercises, it is apparent that none are suitable for performing both push-up exercises and barbell exercises without modification or alteration of the apparatus. Furthermore, the known exercise apparatus that provide resistance against sliding movement of hand grips on an exercise bar do not permit the amount of the resistance to be readily varied over a significant range. In particular, the prior art exercise devices require the mechanical interface between the hand grips and a slide or rail to be adjusted (i.e. tightened or loosened), or alternatively, rely on the natural increase in compression force or extension force generated by a conventional coil spring.

[0015] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved exercise apparatus having sliding hand grips for performing push-up exercises from a prone position, and for performing barbell exercises from a supine position or a standing position. More particularly, these exists a need for such an exercise apparatus that permits the amount of resistance against sliding movement of the hand grips to be readily varied over a significant range. There exists a specific need for an exercise apparatus having sliding hand grips that combines the advantages of versatility of the type of exercise and the variability of the amount of resistance required to execute sliding movement of the hand grips in a single exercise device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus, namely an exercise bar with sliding hand grips, for performing push-up exercises according to the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 2A is an elevation view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in a first exercise position.

[0018] FIG. 2B is an elevation view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in a second exercise position.

[0019] FIG. 3A is a plan view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in the first exercise position.

[0020] FIG. 3B is a plan view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in the second exercise position.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a section view of a portion the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along the line and in the direction indicated by arrows 4-4 in FIG. 3A.

[0022] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a typical one of a band attachment mount configured for receiving a resistance band of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for performing push-up exercises according to the present invention with the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in the first position.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view further illustrating the exemplary method for performing push-up exercises of FIG. 6 with the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in the second position.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for performing barbell exercises according to the present invention using the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view further illustrating the exemplary method for performing barbell exercises of FIG. 8.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus, namely an exercise bar with sliding hand grips, for performing push-up exercises according to the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a typical one of the opposed ends of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The accompanying drawing figures illustrate one or more exemplary, and in some instances preferred, embodiments of an exercise apparatus and method for performing push-up and barbell exercises. The drawing figures are provided to fully and accurately describe the best mode of practicing the invention known to the inventor(s) at this time, and thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and practice the invention without undue experimentation. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that alterations and/or modifications may be made to any embodiment described herein without departing from the intended spirit and the broadest available scope of the invention.

[0030] FIGS. 1-5 show an exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus, indicated generally at 10, according to the invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus 10 comprising an exercise bar indicated generally at 30. As shown, exercise bar 30 comprises an elongate bar 32 having a medial portion and opposed ends disposed outwardly of the medial portion. A pair of hand grips, indicated generally at 40, is mounted on the bar 32 in spaced-apart relation. Each hand grip 40 is slidably mounted on the bar 32 for sliding movement along the length of the bar, as will be described. Stops 46 may optionally be secured on the bar 32 outwardly of the hand grips 40 to limit the extent of sliding movement of the hand grips along the bar towards the opposed ends. Optional resistance members, indicated generally at 50, may also be provided for increasing a resistance force against sliding movement of the hand grips 40 inwardly along the length of the bar 32, as will be described. Exercise apparatus 10 further comprises a stand 20 for supporting the exercise bar 30 a suitable distance above a generally horizontal surface, such as a floor. As shown, stand 20 comprises an elongate, generally rectangular base 22 and a pair of cradles 24 extending upwardly from the base at opposite ends of the stand. Each of the cradles 24 is formed with a generally U-shaped trough for receiving and supporting the opposed ends of the bar 32, for example during a push-up exercise. A removable clip 35 may also be attached at each of the opposed ends of the bar 32 for retaining one or more weights (not shown) on the bar outwardly of the stops 46, for example during a barbell exercise.

[0031] FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A are elevation and plan views, respectively, showing the exercise apparatus 10 in a first exercise position. FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B are elevation and plan views, respectively, showing the exercise apparatus 10 in a second exercise position. In the first exercise position, the hand grips 40 are positioned outwardly on the bar 32 against the respective stops 46. In the second exercise position, the hand grips 40 are positioned inwardly on the bar 32 in generally abutting relation. Resistance members 50 retain the hand grips 40 in the first exercise position and exert a resistance force against sliding movement of the hand grips from the first exercise position to the second exercise position. FIG. 6 illustrates a person P performing a push-up exercise in the first exercise position (i.e. hand grips 40 positioned outwardly on bar 32). FIG. 7 illustrates the person P performing the push-up exercise in the second exercise position (i.e. hand grips 40 positioned inwardly on bar 32 in generally abutting relation). Similarly, FIG. 8 illustrates the person P performing a barbell exercise in the first exercise position, while FIG. 9 illustrates the person P performing the barbell exercise in the second exercise position.

[0032] Stand 20 may be made of any suitable high-strength, high stiffness material, such as metal, plastic or composite. Preferably, stand 20 is made of a relatively inexpensive metal alloy. Bar 32 may be made of any suitable high strength, high stiffness material, such as metal. Preferably bar 32 is made of relatively inexpensive hardened steel. Bar 32 may be solid or partially hollow and may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as round, cylindrical, rectangular or square. Preferably, bar 32 is solid and formed with a round cross-section having a diameter of between about one inch and about three inches.

[0033] As best shown in FIG. 4, each hand grip 40 comprises a generally cylindrical slide 42 and a sleeve 44 that is disposed concentrically about at least a portion of the slide. Slide 42 may be made of any suitable high strength, low-friction material, such as metal, plastic or composite. Preferably, slide 42 is made of a relatively inexpensive metal, such as aluminum or hardened steel. In an alternative embodiment, slide 42 is made of an engineering thermoplastic, such as polyoxymethylene (POM) available from E.I du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del., under the trade name Delrin.RTM.. Sleeve 44 may be made of any suitable relatively high-strength, high-friction material, such as soft plastic, close-cell foam or rubber. Preferably, sleeve 44 is made of a relatively inexpensive elastomer, such as natural or synthetic polyisoprene. The slide 42 has an inner periphery configured to conform closely to the outer diameter of the bar 32, and the sleeve 44 has an inner periphery configured to conform to the outer periphery of the slide. Preferably, the outer periphery of slide 42 and the inner periphery of sleeve 44 are circular (i.e. round) for ease of manufacture and fit. However, at least an outer portion of the outer periphery of slide 42 may be rectangular or square for a purpose to be described. Regardless, sleeve 44 is positioned over the outer end of slide 42 and the inner periphery of the sleeve is adhered to the outer periphery of the slide in a suitable manner, for example by a high-strength adhesive, to prevent the sleeve from slipping relative to the slide during use.

[0034] Resistance member 50 comprises a pair of band attachment mounts 52 for receiving an elastic band 54 having a restraining bulb 56 at each end. As shown, an inner one of the band attachment mounts 52 is adapted to be secured to the slide 42 of the hand grip 40 such that the hand grip is biased outwardly along the length of the bar 32. The inner band attachment mount 52 is positioned onto and secured to the outer portion of the slide 42. The inner band attachment mount 52 may be secured to the outer portion of the slide 42 in any conventional manner, for example by a threaded tap screw, as previously described, or alternatively, by a high-strength adhesive, to prevent the mount from slipping relative to the slide. In another embodiment, the outer periphery of the outer portion of the slide 42 may be non-circular (e.g. rectangular or square) and the inner periphery of the inner band attachment mount 52 may be configured to conform to the outer periphery of the outer portion of the slide. In this manner, the inner band attachment mount 52 is further prevented from slipping relative to the slide 42 and may be readily aligned in a vertical orientation to receive the elastic band 54.

[0035] An outer one of the band attachment mounts 52 is adapted to be positioned onto and secured to an outer portion of the bar 32. As shown, the outer band attachment mount 52 and the inner band attachment mount 52 are made of the same material and configured to be the same size and shape for commonality of manufacture and reduced cost. Accordingly, a spacer 58 is positioned between outer band attachment mount 52 and bar 32. Spacer 58 may be made of any suitable lightweight, high-strength material, such as metal, plastic or composite. Preferably, spacer 58 is made of a relatively inexpensive plastic, such as polycarbonate. The band attachment mounts 52 are preferably made of the same or similar material as spacer 58 for reduced cost of materials. The outer band attachment mount 52 and the spacer 58 may be secured to each other and to the outer portion of the bar 32 in any conventional manner, for example by a threaded tap screw, as previously described, or alternatively, by a high-strength adhesive, to prevent the mount from slipping relative to the bar. Alternatively, the spacer 58 may be secured to the bar 32 as previously described and the outer band attachment mount 52 may be press fit (i.e. tight interference fit) onto the spacer. In another embodiment, the outer periphery of the spacer 58 may be non-circular (e.g. rectangular or square) and the inner periphery of the outer band attachment mount 52 may be configured to conform to the outer periphery of the spacer. In this manner, the outer band attachment mount 52 is prevented from slipping relative to the spacer 58 and may be readily aligned in a vertical orientation to receive the elastic band 54. In yet another embodiment, the band attachment mounts 52 may be configured to have a loose interference fit with outer periphery of the bar 32. In this embodiment, the inner band attachment mount 52 is positioned directly onto the bar 32 and secured to slide 42, for example to an annular flange (not shown) provided on the outer portion of the slide. The outer band attachment mount 52 (having the same configuration as the inner band attachment mount) is likewise positioned directly onto the bar 32 and secured directly to the bar, so that the spacer 58 is eliminated.

[0036] As best shown in FIG. 5, each of the band attachment mounts 52 is formed with a relatively large through opening 52A for receiving the outer periphery of the portion of the slide 42 and the outer periphery of the spacer 58, or alternatively, for receiving the outer periphery of the bar 32, as required by the particular embodiment. Each band attachment mount 52 is further formed with a relatively small opening 52B that defines a groove or slot 52C sized and shaped to receive the elastic band 54. The restraining bulb 56 provided at each end of the elastic band 54 is sized and shaped to be larger than both opening 52B and slot 52C of band attachment mount 52. In this manner, the restraining bulbs 56 are restrained by the respective band attachment mounts 52 against compressive forces exerted by the elastic band 54. Preferably, the relaxed, or non-extended, length of the elastic band 54 is slightly less than the distance between the inner band attachment mount 52 and the outer band attachment 52 when the hand grip 40 is in the first exercise position. As such, the elastic band 54 need only be elongated, or extended, slightly to be received within the slots 52C and the openings 52B of the band attachment mounts 52 with each of the restraining bulbs 56 restrained by the respective band attachment mount (FIG. 4). If desired, different elastic bands 54 or a plurality of the same or different elastic bands may be utilized with each elastic band 54 having essentially the same relaxed, or non-extended, length, but a different resistance to elongation. In this manner, the amount of resistance to sliding movement of the hand grips 40 along the length of the bar 32 from the first exercise position to the second exercise position may be readily varied over any desired range.

[0037] Stop 46 may be made of any suitable high-strength material, such as metal, plastic or composite. Preferably, stop 46 is made of a relatively inexpensive metal, such as aluminum or hardened steel and is the same or similar to the material of the slide 42. Stop 46 is secured to the bar 32 in any conventional manner, for example by a threaded tap screw passed through a bore formed in the stop and inserted into a threaded bore formed in the outer periphery of the bar 32. Alternatively, stop 46 may be secured to the bar 32 by welding, by a high-strength adhesive, or by a through pin, such as a cotter pin similar to removable clip 35. Regardless, stop 46 is positioned onto bar 32 between the band attachment mounts 52 of resistance member 50 such that the stop is adjacent the inner band attachment when the hand grip 40 is in the first exercise position. In this manner, the hand grips 40 are prevented from sliding movement outwardly on the bar 32 beyond the first exercise position and can only be moved inwardly along the length of the bar 32 in the direction of the second exercise position.

[0038] Exercise bar 30 may be assembled by first attaching sleeves 44 to slides 42 as previously described. The inner band attachment mounts 52 are then positioned on and secured to the slides 42 of the hand grips 40 as previously described. The hand grips 40 including inner band attachment mounts 52 are then slid over the opposed ends of bar 32 inwardly to at least the first exercise position. Next, the stops 46 are slid over the opposed ends of the bar 32 and positioned adjacent the inner band attachment mounts 52 with the hand grips 40 in the first exercise position. The stops 46 are then secured to the bar 32 as previously described. Alternatively, the stops 46 may be formed in two pieces and clamped together tightly around the outer periphery of the bar 32 at the desired location. Similarly, the inner band attachment mounts 52 could be formed in two pieces and clamped together tightly around the outer portion of the slides 42 before or after the hand grips 40 are positioned on the bar 32. Regardless, the outer band attachment mounts 52 with spacers 58, or alternatively, the outer band attachment mounts without spacers, are then slid over the opposed ends of the bar 32 and positioned on the bar at the location corresponding to the relaxed, or non-extended, length of the elastic band 54. The spacers 58 and/or outer band attachment mounts 52 are then secured to the bar 32 as previously described. Likewise, the spacers 58 and/or outer band attachment mounts 52 alternatively may be formed in two pieces and clamped together tightly around the outer periphery of the bar 32 at the desired location. Finally, the elastic bands 54 are inserted into the slots 52C and openings 52B of the inner and outer band attachment mounts 52 with the hand grips 40 (including inner band attachment mounts 52) in the first exercise position adjacent the stops 46. The opposed ends of the bar 32 may then be placed in the troughs defined by the cradles 24 of the stand 20 for convenient storage of the exercise bar 30, or for performing push-up exercises from a prone position. Subsequently, at least one weight W (FIG. 8 and FIG. 9) may be slid over the opposed ends of the bar 32 and retained on the bar by a corresponding removable clip 35 for performing barbell exercises from a supine position or from a standing position.

[0039] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a method for performing push-up exercises from a prone position according to the present invention. A person P desiring to perform push-up exercises from a prone position places the opposed ends of the bar 32 into the troughs defined by the cradles 24 of the stand 20 with the stand securely positioned on a generally horizontal surface, such as a floor. If desired, the stand 20 may be secured to the floor in any suitable manner to prevent the exercise apparatus 10 from slipping relative to the floor. Furthermore, the opposed ends of the bar 32 may be secured to the cradles 24 in any suitable manner that does not obstruct the extension and retraction movement of the elastic bands 54. Once the exercise bar 30 is properly positioned on the stand 20, the person P uses his or her hands to grip the sleeves 44 of the hand grips 40 in the "down portion" of a conventional push-up exercise with the elbows bent and the legs extended away from the bar 32 in the prone position illustrated in FIG. 6. The position of the hand grips 40 (including the inner band attachment mounts 52) in the down portion of the push-up exercise is also referred to herein as the first exercise position. The person P next moves to the "up portion" of a conventional push-up exercise by moving (i.e. sliding) the hand grips 40 inwardly along the length of the bar 32 against the resistance of the elastic bands 54 until the elbows are locked with the legs still extended in the prone position illustrated in FIG. 7. The position of the hand grips 40 (including the inner band attachment mounts 52) in the up portion of the push-up exercise is also referred to herein as the second exercise position. The person P returns to the "down portion" of the push-up exercise by moving (i.e. sliding) the hand grips 40 outwardly along the length of the bar 32 back to the first exercise position to compete the push-up exercise in the prone position illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0040] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a method for performing barbell exercises from a standing position according to the present invention. It will be readily appreciated that barbell exercises may also be performed from a supine position in essentially the same manner as described hereafter. A person P desiring to perform barbell exercises from a standing position removes the opposed ends of the exercise bar 32 from the troughs defined by the cradles 24 of the stand 20. If desired, at least one weight W is slid positioned on each of the opposed ends of the bar 32 and retained on the bar by a removable clip 35, or the like. With the exercise bar 30 removed from the stand 20, the person P uses his or her hands to grip the sleeves 44 of the hand grips 40 in the "retracted portion" of a conventional barbell exercise with the elbows bent and the legs in the standing position illustrated in FIG. 8. The position of the hand grips 40 (including the inner band attachment mounts 52) in the retracted portion of the barbell exercise is also referred to herein as the first exercise position. The person P next moves to the "extended portion" of a conventional barbell exercise by moving (i.e. sliding) the hand grips 40 inwardly along the length of the bar 32 against the resistance of the elastic bands 54 until the elbows are locked with the legs still in the standing position illustrated in FIG. 9. The position of the hand grips 40 (including the inner band attachment mounts 52) in the extended portion of the barbell exercise is also referred to herein as the second exercise position. The person P returns to the "retracted portion" of the barbell exercise by moving (i.e. sliding) the hand grips 40 outwardly along the length of the bar 32 back to the first exercise position to compete the barbell exercise in the standing position illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0041] FIGS. 10-11 show another exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus, indicated generally at 10', according to the invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus 10' comprising an exercise bar indicated generally at 30'. As shown, exercise bar 30' comprises an elongate bar 32' having a medial portion and opposed ends disposed outwardly of the medial portion. A pair of hand grips, indicated generally at 40', is mounted on the bar 32' in spaced-apart relation. Each hand grip 40' is slidably mounted on the bar 32' for sliding movement along the length of the bar, as previously described. Stops 46' may optionally be secured on the bar 32' outwardly of the hand grips 40' to limit the extent of sliding movement of the hand grips along the bar towards the opposed ends. Optional resistance members, indicated generally at 50', may also be provided for increasing a resistance force against sliding movement of the hand grips 40' inwardly along the length of the bar 32', as previously described. Exercise apparatus 10' further comprises a stand 20' for supporting the center of the bar 32' a suitable distance above a generally horizontal surface, such as a floor. As shown, stand 20' comprises a generally rectangular base 22' having an opening therethrough for receiving the bar 32' with the base secured to the bar, for example by a fastener 24' extending downwardly through the base and into contact with the bar. In a further embodiment, the stand 20' may also serve as an inner stop for the hand grips 40'.

[0042] It should be noted that each of the outer stops 46' also serves as a cradle formed with a generally U-shaped trough for receiving and supporting the opposed ends of the bar 32' during a push-up exercise. As shown in FIG. 11, the opposed ends of the bar 32' are configured (i.e. sized and shaped) to be secured, for example by press fit, within a trough formed by a cradle portion 48 of the corresponding stop 46'. The bar 32' is secured to the stops 46' to thereby prevent rotation and/or slipping of the bar during a push-up exercise, and further, to maintain the alignment of the stand 20' with the stops. However, if desired, the bar 32' may be releasably secured to (i.e. removable from) the stops 46' so that the exercise bar 30' (without the stops) may be used in a standing position as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. Regardless, the stops 46' function to support the exercise bar 32' in conjunction with stand 20' on a floor during a push-up exercise from a prone position as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. If further desired, the opposed ends of the bar 32' may be extended and a removable clip (not shown) attached at each of the opposed ends of the bar for retaining one or more weights (not shown) on the bar outwardly of the stops 46' to permit the removable bar 32' to be used, for example, to perform barbell exercises from a standing position as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0043] Stand 20' and stops 46' may be made of any suitable high-strength, high stiffness material, such as metal, plastic or composite. Preferably, stand 20' and stops 46' are both made of a relatively inexpensive high strength plastic. Likewise, bar 32' may be made of any suitable high strength, high stiffness material, such as metal, plastic or composite. Preferably bar 32' is made of relatively inexpensive hardened steel. Bar 32' may be solid or partially hollow and may have any desired and suitable cross-sectional shape, such as round, cylindrical, rectangular or square. Preferably, the center portion of bar 32' extending between the opposed stops 46' is solid and formed with a round cross-section having a diameter of between about one inch and about three inches. As such, stand 20' can be aligned relative to bar 32' in a suitable position for engaging a horizontal surface, for example a floor, and hand grips 40' will slide easily along the length of the bar 32' inwardly towards stand 20' and outwardly towards stops 46'. In contrast, the opposed ends of the bar 32' are preferably formed with an irregular (e.g. square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.) cross-section to engage bar 32' within cradle portions 48 of stops 46' in a predetermined orientation, and thereby further prevent rotation and/or slipping of the bar during a push-up exercise. Alternatively, the entire length of the bar 32' may be formed with a uniform round or irregular cross-section as desired.

[0044] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the opposed ends of bar 32' of the exercise bar 30' showing the stop 46' and corresponding resistance member 50' in greater detail. Resistance member 50' comprises a pair of band attachment mounts 52' for receiving an elastic band 54' having a restraining bulb 56' at each end. As shown, an inner one of the band attachment mounts 52' is adapted to be secured to the hand grip 40'. Preferably, the inner band attachment mount 52' is positioned onto and secured to an outer portion of the hand grip 40', as previously described, such that the hand grip is biased outwardly along the length of the bar 32'. An outer one of the band attachment mounts 52' is adapted to be positioned onto and secured to an outer portion of the opposed end of bar 32'. As previously described, the outer band attachment mount 52' and the inner band attachment mount 52' are preferably made of the same material and configured to be the same size and shape for commonality of manufacture and reduced cost.

[0045] The restraining bulb 56' provided at each end of the elastic band 54' is sized and shaped to be larger than a respective opening formed in each of the inner and outer band attachment mounts 52'. In this manner, the restraining bulbs 56' are restrained by the respective band attachment mounts 52' against compressive forces exerted by the elastic band 54'. Preferably, the relaxed, or non-extended, length of the elastic band 54' is slightly less than the distance between the inner band attachment mount 52' and the outer band attachment 52' when the hand grip 40' is in the first exercise position previously described with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A. As such, the elastic band 54' need only be elongated, or extended, slightly to be received within the openings of the respective inner and outer band attachment mounts 52' so that each of the restraining bulbs 56' is restrained by the respective band attachment mount. As previously mentioned, a plurality of elastic bands 54' may be made available for use with each elastic band having essentially the same relaxed, or non-extended, length, but a different resistance to elongation. In this manner, the amount of resistance to sliding movement of the hand grips 40' along the length of the bar 32' from the first exercise position to the second exercise position (described with reference to FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B) may be readily varied over any desired range. Regardless, stops 46' are spaced apart along the length of bar 32' with each stop positioned between the band attachment mounts 52' of resistance member 50' such that the stop is adjacent the inner band attachment mount when the hand grip 40' is in the first exercise position. In this manner, the hand grips 40' are prevented from sliding movement outwardly on the bar 32' beyond the first exercise position and can only be moved inwardly along the length of the bar 32' in the direction of the second exercise position.

[0046] Exercise bar 30' is used in the manner previously described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 for performing push-up exercises from a prone position according to the present invention. In particular, a person desiring to perform push-up exercises from a prone position places the exercise apparatus 10' on a generally horizontal surface, such as a floor. If desired, the stand 20' and/or stops 46' may be secured to the floor in any suitable manner to prevent the exercise apparatus 10' from slipping relative to the floor. As previously mentioned, the opposed ends of the bar 32' are preferably secured within the troughs formed by the cradle portions 48 of the stops 46' in a manner that does not obstruct the extension and retraction movement of the elastic bands 54' relative to the stops. With the stand 20' properly positioned on the bar 32' and the bar properly positioned on the stops 46', the person uses his or her hands to grip the hand grips 40' in the "down portion" of a conventional push-up exercise with the elbows bent and the legs extended in the prone position illustrated in FIG. 6. The position of the hand grips 40' (including the inner band attachment mounts 52') in the down portion of the push-up exercise is also referred to herein as the first exercise position described with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A. The person next moves to the "up portion" of a conventional push-up exercise by moving (i.e. sliding) the hand grips 40' inwardly along the length of the bar 32' against the resistance of the elastic bands 54' until the elbows are locked with the legs still extended in the prone position illustrated in FIG. 7. The position of the hand grips 40' (including the inner band attachment mounts 52') in the up portion of the push-up exercise is also referred to herein as the second exercise position described with reference to FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B. The person then returns to the "down portion" of the push-up exercise by moving (i.e. sliding) the hand grips 40' outwardly along the length of the bar 32' back to the first exercise position to compete the push-up exercise in the prone position illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0047] As previously mentioned, in other embodiments exercise bar 30' may also be used in the manner described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 for performing barbell exercises from a standing position according to the present invention. It will be readily appreciated that barbell exercises may also be performed from a supine position in essentially the same manner. In particular, a person desiring to perform barbell exercises from a standing position removes the opposed ends of the bar 32' from the troughs formed by the cradle portions 48 of the stops 46', and if desired, positions at least one weight on each of the opposed ends of the bar retained by a removable clip 35, or the like. With the bar 32' removed from the stops 46', the person uses his or her hands to grip the hand grips 40' in the "retracted portion" of a conventional barbell exercise with the elbows bent and the legs in the standing position illustrated in FIG. 8. The position of the hand grips 40' (including the inner band attachment mounts 52') in the retracted portion of the barbell exercise is also referred to herein as the first exercise position described with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A. The person next moves to the "extended portion" of a conventional barbell exercise by moving (i.e. sliding) the hand grips 40' inwardly along the length of the bar 32' against the resistance of the elastic bands 54' until the elbows are locked with the legs in the standing position illustrated in FIG. 9. The position of the hand grips 40' (including the inner band attachment mounts 52') in the extended portion of the barbell exercise is also referred to herein as the second exercise position described with reference to FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B. The person the returns to the "retracted portion" of the barbell exercise by moving (i.e. sliding) the hand grips 40' outwardly along the length of the bar 32' back to the first exercise position to compete the barbell exercise in the standing position illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0048] The foregoing has described one or more exemplary embodiments of an exercise apparatus for performing anaerobic exercises. In the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, the exercise apparatus is an exercise bar having sliding hand grips for performing push-up exercises from a prone position and for performing barbell exercises from a supine position or from a standing position. Preferred embodiments of the exercise apparatus and methods of using the same have been shown and described herein for purposes of illustrating and enabling the best mode of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, will readily understand and appreciate that numerous variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from its intended spirit and scope. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims. In particular, it will be readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the inner and outer band attachment mounts, stops, and hand grips of the exercise bar may be reversed on the bar to provide resistance against sliding movement of the hand grips outwardly along the length of the bar. Furthermore, push-up exercises and barbell exercises may be performed in either configuration by moving the hand grips along the length of the bar in either direction (i.e. inwardly or outwardly) from a first exercise position to a second exercise position and back to the first exercise position to complete the exercise.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus for performing anaerobic exercises comprising: an elongate bar having a medial portion and opposed ends disposed outwardly of the medial portion; and a pair of hand grips mounted on the bar in spaced-apart relation, each of the hand grips being slidably mounted on the bar and configured to slide along the length of the bar against a resistance force from a first exercise position to a second exercise position.

2. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the hand grips is configured to slide inwardly along the length of bar from the first exercise position to the second exercise position.

3. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the hand grips is configured to slide outwardly along the length of bar from the first exercise position to the second exercise position.

4. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the pair of hand grips is biased in a predetermined direction along the length of the bar.

5. An exercise apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of the pair of hand grips is biased outwardly along the length of the bar.

6. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a resistance member fixed to the bar and movably attached to at least one of the pair of hand grips for increasing the resistance force as the hand grip slides along the length of the bar from the first exercise position to the second exercise position.

7. An exercise apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the at least one of the pair of hand grips is configured to slide inwardly along the length of bar from the first exercise position to the second exercise position.

8. An exercise apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the at least one of the pair of hand grips is configured to slide outwardly along the length of bar from the first exercise position to the second exercise position.

9. An exercise apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the resistance member comprises an inner band attachment mount and an outer band attachment mount spaced-apart along the length of the bar and at least one elastic band attached to and disposed between the inner band attachment mount and the outer band attachment mount.

10. An exercise apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the outer band attachment mount is fixedly attached to the bar and the inner and attachment mount is attached to the at least one of the hand grips such that inner band attachment mount slides with the hand grip along the length of the bar.

11. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of cradles for receiving the opposed ends of the bar to thereby support the bar on a generally horizontal surface for performing a push-up exercise.

12. An exercise apparatus according to claim 11, wherein each of the pair of cradles defines a trough for receiving one of the opposed ends of the bar and wherein at least one of the opposed ends of the bar is secured within the corresponding trough to thereby prevent rotation and slipping of the bar.

13. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of stops disposed on the opposed ends of the bar outwardly of the pair of hand grips, the stops being fixedly attached to the bar to thereby prevent outward movement of each of the hand grips on the bar beyond the respective one of the stops.

14. A method of performing a push-up exercise from a prone position comprising: positioning an exercise bar on a generally horizontal surface, the exercise bar comprising an elongate bar supported above the horizontal surface and a pair of hand grips mounted on the bar for sliding movement against a resistance force along the length of the bar; gripping at least one of the hand grips; sliding the at least one of the hand grips against the resistance force along the length of the bar from a first exercise position to a second exercise position; and sliding the at least one of the hand grips along the length of the bar from the second exercise position back to the first exercise position.

15. A method of performing a barbell exercise from a supine position or from a standing position comprising: holding an exercise bar above a generally horizontal surface, the exercise bar comprising an elongate bar and a pair of hand grips mounted on the bar for sliding movement against a resistance force along the length of the bar; gripping at least one of the hand grips; sliding the at least one of the hand grips against the resistance force along the length of the bar from a first exercise position to a second exercise position; and sliding the at least one of the hand grips along the length of the bar from the second exercise position back to the first exercise position.