U.S. patent application number 14/931011 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-05 for weightlifting apparatus and method of using same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Roy Steven Rogers. Invention is credited to Roy Steven Rogers.
Application Number | 20160121159 14/931011 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55851520 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160121159 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rogers; Roy Steven |
May 5, 2016 |
WEIGHTLIFTING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING SAME
Abstract
A weightlifting apparatus can include a weightlifting bar having
a pair of moveable hand gripping members, and means for providing
resistance against inward movement of the hand grips. The bar can
be substantially cylindrical, and hand gripping members can be
telescopically positioned on the bar. The hand gripping members can
move axially along the bar and rotate about the bar. A first
resistance member can be positioned on the bar intermediate the
center of the bar and the first hand gripping member, and a second
resistance member can be positioned on the bar intermediate the
center and the second hand gripping member. The resistance members
can be spring loaded tension coils that provide resistance against
the first and second hand gripping members when moved inwardly
toward the center of the bar.
Inventors: |
Rogers; Roy Steven; (Irmo,
SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rogers; Roy Steven |
Irmo |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55851520 |
Appl. No.: |
14/931011 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62122970 |
Nov 3, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/107 ;
482/106 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/12 20130101;
A63B 21/4045 20151001; A63B 21/0724 20130101; A63B 21/023 20130101;
A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 21/4035 20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A63B 21/02 20060101 A63B021/02; A63B 23/12 20060101
A63B023/12; A63B 21/072 20060101 A63B021/072 |
Claims
1. A weightlifting apparatus comprising: (a) a bar having first and
second ends and defining a center midway between the first and
second ends; (b) first and second hand gripping members positioned
on the bar and adapted for sliding movement on the bar, wherein the
center of the bar is intermediate the first and second hand
gripping members; and (c) a first resistance member positioned on
the bar intermediate the center and the first hand gripping member,
the first resistance member adapted for providing resistance
against the first hand gripping member when the first hand gripping
member is moved toward the center of the bar, and a second
resistance member positioned on the bar intermediate the center and
the second hand gripping member, the second resistance member
adapted for providing resistance against the second hand gripping
member when the second hand gripping member is moved toward the
center of the bar.
2. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
first and second hand gripping members are adapted for rotational
movement on the bar.
3. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the bar
is substantially cylindrical, and each of the first and second hand
gripping members comprises a substantially cylindrical sleeve
telescopically positioned on the bar.
4. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each of
the first and second hand gripping members further comprise first
and second guard sections formed at opposite ends of the sleeve and
having a diameter greater than a diameter of the sleeve.
5. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the bar
and the first and second hand gripping members are comprised of
metal.
6. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of
the first and second resistance members comprise a spring loaded
tension coil.
7. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bar
is adapted to support and maintain a first weight proximate the
first end, and a second weight proximate the second end.
8. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the
first weight comprises a first plurality of weighted plates, and
the second weight comprises a second plurality of weightlifting
plates.
9. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a first
stop member sleeve is positioned on the bar proximate the first end
for maintaining the first plurality of weightlifting plates on the
bar, and a second stop member is positioned on the bar proximate
the second end for maintaining the second plurality of
weightlifting plates on the bar.
10. A weightlifting apparatus comprising: (a) a substantially
cylindrical bar having first and second ends and defining a center
midway between the first and second ends; (b) first and second
substantially cylindrical hand gripping members telescopically
positioned on the bar, wherein the first and second hand gripping
members can move axially along the bar and rotate about the bar,
and the center of the bar is intermediate the first and second hand
gripping members; and (c) a first resistance member positioned on
the bar intermediate the center and the first hand gripping member,
the first resistance member adapted for providing resistance
against the first hand gripping member when the first hand gripping
member is moved toward the center of the bar, and a second
resistance member positioned on the bar intermediate the center and
the second hand gripping member, the second resistance member
adapted for providing resistance against the second hand gripping
member when the second hand gripping member is moved toward the
center of the bar.
11. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each
of the first and second hand gripping members comprise an elongate
center section for gripping by a user, and inner and outer guard
sections formed at opposite ends of the elongate center section and
having a diameter greater than a diameter of the elongate center
section.
12. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the
first resistance member comprises a first spring loaded tension
coil, the inner guard section of the first hand gripping member
being adjacent to the first spring loaded tension coil, and further
wherein second resistance member comprises a second spring loaded
tension coil, the inner guard section of the second hand gripping
member being adjacent to the second spring loaded tension coil.
13. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 11, further
comprising a first stop member releasably attached to the bar
proximate the first end of the bar, and a second stop member
releasably attached to the bar proximate the second end of the bar,
wherein axial movement of the first hand gripping member is stopped
by the outer guard section of the first hand gripping member
contacting the first stop member, and axial movement of the second
hand gripping member is stopped by the outer guard section of the
second hand gripping member contacting the second stop member.
14. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 13, wherein each
of the first and second stop members comprise a collar that is
releasably attached to the bar by a locking screw.
15. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each
of the first and second resistance members comprise a spring loaded
tension coil.
16. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the
bar is adapted to support and maintain a first plurality of
weightlifting plates proximate the first end, and a second
plurality of weightlifting plates proximate the second end.
17. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a
first stop member is positioned on the bar proximate the first end
for maintaining the first plurality of weightlifting plates on the
bar, and a second stop member is positioned on the bar proximate
the second end for maintaining the second plurality of
weightlifting plates on the bar.
18. A method of exercise comprising: (a) providing a weightlifting
apparatus comprising: (i) a bar having first and second ends and
defining a center midway between the first and second ends, (ii)
first and second hand gripping members positioned on the bar and
adapted for axial and rotational movement on the bar, wherein the
center of the bar is intermediate the first and second hand
gripping members; and (iii) a first resistance member positioned on
the bar intermediate the center and the first hand gripping member,
the first resistance member adapted for providing resistance
against the first hand gripping member when the first hand gripping
member is moved toward the center of the bar, and a second
resistance member positioned on the bar intermediate the center and
the second hand gripping member, the second resistance member
adapted for providing resistance against the second hand gripping
member when the second hand gripping member is moved toward the
center of the bar; (b) lifting the bar; and (c) moving the first
and second hand gripping members inwardly toward the center of the
bar.
19. The method of exercise according to claim 18, further
comprising moving the first and second hand gripping members
outwardly away from the center of the bar.
20. The method of exercise according to claim 18, wherein further
comprising rotating the first and second hand gripping members
about the bar.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/122,970, filed Nov. 3, 2014, which is
incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a weightlifting apparatus,
and a method of using the apparatus. One embodiment of the
invention comprises a weightlifting bar having moveable hand grips,
and means for providing resistance against inward movement of the
hand grips.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] Weightlifting is a popular and effective means for
developing muscle strength and improving overall health and
fitness. Barbells and dumbbells are commonly used to develop
muscles in the upper body, and in particular the pectoralis muscle.
Barbells feature equal weights positioned on opposite ends of a
single long bar that is gripped by both hands of the user, while
dumbbells have a short bar gripped by only one hand of the user.
Barbells provide greater stability for the user than dumbbells, and
therefore the user can typically lift more weight on a single
barbell than with two dumbbells. However, dumbbells generally allow
for a greater range of motion for the user than a barbell, which
requires the user to keep both hands in place on a single bar.
Accordingly, there is a need for a weightlifting apparatus
providing stability similar to that of a barbell, while allowing
for a greater variety of motion than traditional barbells.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide
a weightlifting bar that allows the user to engage in multiple
motions while lifting. Another object of the present invention is
to provide a method of weightlifting that effectively develops the
pectoralis muscle. These and other objects of the invention can be
achieved by the embodiments of the invention disclosed below.
[0005] One embodiment of the invention comprises a weightlifting
apparatus comprising a bar having first and second ends and
defining a center midway between the first and second ends, and
first and second hand gripping members positioned on the bar and
adapted for sliding movement on the bar. The center of the bar is
intermediate the first and second hand gripping members. A first
resistance member is positioned on the bar intermediate the center
and the first hand gripping member, and provides resistance against
the first hand gripping member when the first hand gripping member
is moved toward the center of the bar. A second resistance member
is positioned on the bar intermediate the center and the second
hand gripping member, and provides resistance against the second
hand gripping member when the second hand gripping member is moved
toward the center of the bar.
[0006] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first
and second hand gripping members are adapted for rotational
movement on the bar.
[0007] According to another embodiment of the invention, the bar is
substantially cylindrical, and each of the first and second hand
gripping members comprises a substantially cylindrical sleeve
telescopically positioned on the bar.
[0008] According to another embodiment of the invention, each of
the first and second hand gripping members include first and second
guard sections formed at opposite ends of the sleeve having a
diameter greater than a diameter of the sleeve.
[0009] According to another embodiment of the invention, the bar
and the first and second hand gripping members are comprised of
metal.
[0010] According to another embodiment of the invention, each of
the first and second resistance members comprise a spring loaded
tension coil.
[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, the bar is
adapted to support and maintain a first weight proximate the first
end, and a second weight proximate the second end.
[0012] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first
weight comprises a first plurality of weighted plates, and the
second weight comprises a second plurality of weightlifting
plates.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, a stop
member, such as an enlarged end sleeve or removable collar, is
positioned on the bar proximate the first end of the bar to
maintain the first plurality of weightlifting plates on the bar.
Another stop member is positioned on the bar proximate the second
end for maintaining the second plurality of weightlifting plates on
the bar.
[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, a
weightlifting apparatus comprises a substantially cylindrical bar
having first and second ends and a center point located midway
between the first and second ends. First and second substantially
cylindrical hand gripping members are telescopically positioned on
the bar and can move axially along the bar and rotate about the
bar. The center of the bar is intermediate the first and second
hand gripping members. A first resistance member is positioned on
the bar intermediate the center and the first hand gripping member,
and provides resistance against the first hand gripping member when
the first hand gripping member is moved toward the center of the
bar. A second resistance member is positioned on the bar
intermediate the center and the second hand gripping member, and
provides resistance against the second hand gripping member when
the second hand gripping member is moved toward the center of the
bar.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, each of
the first and second hand gripping members comprise an elongate
center section for gripping by a user, and inner and outer guard
sections formed at opposite ends of the elongate center section
having a diameter greater than a diameter of the elongate center
section.
[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first
resistance member comprises a first spring loaded tension coil, and
the inner guard section of the first hand gripping member is
adjacent to the first spring loaded tension coil. A second
resistance member comprises a second spring loaded tension coil,
and the inner guard section of the second hand gripping member is
adjacent to the second spring loaded tension coil.
[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention, a first
stop member is releasably attached to the bar proximate the first
end of the bar, and a second stop member is releasably attached to
the bar proximate the second end of the bar. Axial movement of the
first hand gripping member is stopped by the outer guard section of
the first hand gripping member contacting the first stop member,
and axial movement of the second hand gripping member is stopped by
the outer guard section of the second hand gripping member
contacting the second stop member.
[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, each of
the first and second stop members can be comprised of a collar that
is releasably attached to the bar by a locking screw.
[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, the bar is
adapted to support and maintain a first plurality of weightlifting
plates proximate the first end, and a second plurality of
weightlifting plates proximate the second end.
[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, a first
collar is positioned on the bar proximate the first end for
maintaining the first plurality of weightlifting plates on the bar,
and a second collar is positioned on the bar proximate the second
end for maintaining the second plurality of weightlifting plates on
the bar.
[0021] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of
exercise comprising providing a weightlifting apparatus comprising
a bar having first and second ends and defining a center midway
between the first and second ends, first and second hand gripping
members positioned on the bar adapted for axial and rotational
movement on the bar, and a first resistance member positioned on
the bar intermediate the center of the bar and the first hand
gripping member, and a second resistance member positioned on the
bar intermediate the center and second hand gripping member. The
first resistance can provide resistance against the first hand
gripping member when the first hand gripping member is moved
inwardly toward the center of the bar, and the second resistance
member can provide resistance against the second hand gripping
member when the second hand gripping member is moved inwardly
toward the center of the bar. The bar is lifted, and the first and
second hand gripping members are moved inwardly toward the center
of the bar.
[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first
and second hand gripping members are moved outwardly away from the
center of the bar.
[0023] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first
and second hand gripping members are rotated about the bar.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a weightlifting apparatus
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the
weightlifting apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 3 is an environmental perspective view illustrating a
method of using the weightlifting apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 4 is another environmental perspective view
illustrating a method of using the weightlifting apparatus of FIG.
1;
[0028] FIG. 5 is another environmental perspective view
illustrating a method of using the weightlifting apparatus of FIG.
1;
[0029] FIG. 6 is another environmental perspective view
illustrating a method of using the weightlifting apparatus of FIGS.
1; and
[0030] FIG. 7 is another environmental perspective view
illustrating a method of using the weightlifting apparatus of FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF INVENTION AND BEST
MODE
[0031] A weightlifting apparatus according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown
generally at reference numeral 10. The weightlifting apparatus 10
comprises a substantially cylindrical elongate bar 12, a pair of
substantially cylindrical hand gripping members 20, 30 positioned
on the bar 12, and a pair of resistance members 25, 35 positioned
on the bar 12.
[0032] The bar 12 can be made of a metal such as steel, aluminum or
other suitable material. The bar 12 can have the length and
diameter of a standard barbell. The bar 12 can support a plurality
of standard two inch weight plates at opposite ends 14, 16 of the
bar. The apparatus 10 includes stop members proximate opposite ends
14, 16 of the bar 12 to maintain the weight plates on the bar 12
and prevent the weight plates from sliding on the bar 12. The stop
members can be enlarged end sleeves 18, 19 formed on the bar 12
proximate opposite ends 14, 16 of the bar 12, as shown in FIG. 1.
Alternatively, the stop members can be removable weight collars
positioned proximate opposite ends 14, 16 of the bar 12 to maintain
weight plates on the bar 12.
[0033] Hand gripping members 20 can be comprised of an elongate
center sleeve section 21 and a pair of enlarged guard sections 22,
23 at opposed ends of the center section 21, as shown in FIG. 2.
Likewise, the other hand gripping member 30 can be comprised of an
elongate center sleeve section 31 and a pair of enlarged guard
sections 32, 33 at opposed ends of the center section 31. The hand
gripping members 20, 30 can be made of a metal such as steel,
aluminum or other suitable material. Each of the hand gripping
members 20, 30 can be approximately seven inches long.
[0034] The hand gripping members 20, 30 can be hollow and have an
inner diameter slightly greater than the outer diameter of the bar
12. The hand gripping members can be telescopically positioned on
the bar 12. As such, the hand gripping members 20, 30 can slide
axially on the bar, and can rotate about the bar. The hand gripping
members 20, 30 are positioned on opposite sides of the center 15 of
the bar 12, approximately equal distance from the center 15, as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0035] The apparatus 10 includes means for providing resistance to
inward movement of the hand gripping members 20, 30. The means for
providing this resistance can be a pair of resistance members 25,
35 positioned on the bar 12, as shown in FIG. 1. Each of the
resistance members 25, 35 can be comprised of a spring loaded
tension coil. The spring loaded tension coils 25, 35 can be made of
a metal, such as steel or aluminum, or other suitable material. The
coils 25, 35 are positioned on the bar 12 proximate the hand
gripping members 20, 30, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1. One coil
25 is positioned between the center 15 of the bar 12 and the left
hand gripping member 20, and the other coil 35 is positioned
between the center 15 and the right hand gripping member 30, as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0036] A plurality of stop members 26, 27, 36, 37 are positioned on
the bar 12 to restrict movement of the hand gripping members 20, 30
and the coils 25, 35. Each of the stop members can be comprised of
a collar that is releasably attached to the bar 12 by a locking
screw 40, shown in FIG. 2. The collars 26, 27, 36, 37 are held in
place on the bar 12 by tightening the locking screws 40. Inner
collars 26, 36 are positioned on the bar 12 between the center 15
and the hand gripping members 20, 30, respectively, as shown in
FIG. 1. As such, the coils cannot move inwardly beyond the inner
collars 26, 36. Outer collars 27, 37 are positioned on the bar 12
to the outside of the hand gripping members 20, 30. Left outer
collar 27 is positioned between the left end 14 of the bar 12 and
the left hand gripping member 20, and the right outer collar 37 is
positioned between the right end 16 of the bar 12 and the right
hand gripping member 30. As such, the left hand gripping member 20
cannot move outwardly on the bar 12 beyond the left outer collar
27, and the right hand gripping member 30 cannot move outwardly on
the bar 12 beyond the right outer collar 37.
[0037] The left hand gripping member 20 and the left coil 25 are
maintained on the bar 12 between the inner collar 26 and outer
collar 27, as shown in FIG. 2. Likewise, the right hand gripping
member 30 and the right coil 35 are maintained on the bar 12
between the inner collar 36 and outer collar 37. If desired, the
user can release the collars 26, 27, 36, 37 by unscrewing the
locking screws 40, and the collars 26, 27, 36, 37 can be moved to
different positions on the bar 12 to adjust to the comfort and
preferences of the user. When the collars 26, 27, 36, 37 are in the
desired position, the collars can be re-secured to the bar 12 by
tightening the locking screws 40.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the inner guard section 22 of the left
hand gripping member 20 is adjacent to the left coil 25, and the
outer guard section 23 of the left hand gripping member 20 is
adjacent to the outer collar 27. Likewise, the inner guard section
32 of the right hand gripping member 30 is adjacent to the right
coil 35, and the outer guard section 33 of the right hand gripping
member 30 is adjacent to the outer collar 37. When the hand
gripping members 20, 30 are moved inwardly toward the center 15 of
the bar 12, the spring loaded coils 25, 35 provide resistance
against the hand gripping members 20, 30.
[0039] A method of using the weight lifting apparatus 10 according
to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS.
3-5. As shown in FIG. 3, weight plates 50 are positioned at
opposite ends 14, 16 of the bar 12 proximate the end sleeves 18,
19. The user's hands 80 grip the hand gripping members 20, 30, with
the hand gripping members 20, 30 in their natural position at rest
on the bar 12. The user lifts the bar 12 upwardly in a bench press
type motion, while simultaneously sliding the handles 20, 30
inwardly toward the center 15 of the bar 12, as shown in FIG. 4.
The spring loaded tension coils 25, 35 provide resistance against
the inward movement of the handles 20, 30 as the user pushes the
handles 20, 30 inwardly. This provides isolation and contraction of
the user's pectoralis muscles. The pectoralis muscles of the user
are simultaneously worked at two distinct angles by two distinct
exercise motions. When the user's bench press reaches full
extension, the user can slowly release the pressure on the handles
20, 30 and slide the handles 20, 30 outwardly back to their natural
position, as shown in FIG. 5. The user can then lower the apparatus
10 back to the position shown in FIG. 3, and repeat the above steps
until the desired number of repetitions are done.
[0040] The weightlifting apparatus 10 can be used in a variety of
exercises. For example, the apparatus can be used in a front raise
type exercise. Before lifting the bar 12, the user should firmly
grip the handles 20, 30, while standing or seated on an incline
bench. The handles 20, 30 are pushed inwardly toward the center 15
of the bar 12. This isolates and contracts the muscles. The user
raises the bar 12 in front of himself in a straight, locked arm
motion. The user slowly releases pressure to the handles 20, 30
when the bar is at shoulder height. The user lowers the bar 12 back
down in front of himself in a straight, locked arm motion. These
steps can be repeated until the desired number of repetitions are
done.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the user can rotate the hand
gripping members 20, 30 about the bar 12. This can help develop
muscles in the user's wrist, and add to the variety of exercises
that can be accomplished with the apparatus 10.
[0042] The weightlifting apparatus 10 helps facilitate muscle
isolation during work outs, and enables the user to perform two
different type workouts at the same time in a single exercise.
Because multiple exercise motions can be performed simultaneously,
the apparatus 10 can shorten work out times, and provide a more
intense workout than a standard barbell.
[0043] A weightlifting apparatus and method of using same are
described above. Various changes can be made to the invention
without departing from its scope. The above description of various
embodiments and best mode of the invention are provided for the
purpose of illustration only and not limitation--the invention
being defined by the claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *