U.S. patent application number 14/879836 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-16 for strength training assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to ELITE STRENGTH EQUIPMENT, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is ELITE STRENGTH EQUIPMENT, LLC. Invention is credited to Christopher Duffin.
Application Number | 20170072249 14/879836 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58236487 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170072249 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Duffin; Christopher |
March 16, 2017 |
Strength Training Assembly
Abstract
An apparatus, method of construction and method of use of a
strength training assembly which also has the ability of aiding in
user rehabilitation. The apparatus includes an elongate bar with a
first end and a second end, with a first retaining member fixed
proximate to the first end, and a second retaining member capable
of releasably securing one or more weights against the first
retaining member.
Inventors: |
Duffin; Christopher;
(Portland, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ELITE STRENGTH EQUIPMENT, LLC |
Clackamas |
OR |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ELITE STRENGTH EQUIPMENT,
LLC
Clackamas
OR
|
Family ID: |
58236487 |
Appl. No.: |
14/879836 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14856280 |
Sep 16, 2015 |
|
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14879836 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/14 20130101;
A61H 2201/0107 20130101; A61H 2201/1635 20130101; A61H 2201/1253
20130101; A63B 21/072 20130101; A63B 26/003 20130101; A63B 21/0004
20130101; A63B 2023/006 20130101; A61H 2201/1261 20130101; A61H
2201/0153 20130101; A63B 21/0023 20130101; A61H 1/0281 20130101;
A63B 23/03525 20130101; A63B 21/4047 20151001; A61H 1/0292
20130101; A63B 23/0238 20130101; A63B 15/00 20130101; A63B 23/0205
20130101; A63B 21/0608 20130101; A63B 21/0728 20130101; A63B
21/0724 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/072 20060101
A63B021/072 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising an elongate bar having a first end and a
second end; a first retaining member fixedly located proximate said
first end and having a retaining surface facing said second end;
and a second retaining member capable of releasably securing a
selective one or more of a plurality of different sized weights
against retaining surface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 where said second end includes a
grip-enhancing surface.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 where said elongate bar has a circular
cross-section.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 where said first end includes a
threaded portion extending from said first retaining member toward
said second end, until a user-selected location on said elongate
bar.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 where said second retaining member has
an aperture sized to accept said elongate bar and wherein said
aperture includes threads that correspond to said threaded portion
of said elongate bar, whereby said threads permits said second
retaining member to be secured to said elongate bar.
6. A method for constructing a strength training assembly capable
of selectively retaining a selective one or more of a plurality of
different sized weights, the method comprising forming an elongate
cylindrical first piece having a first end and a second end;
attaching a second piece to said first end said second piece having
a planar retaining surface facing said second end after attachment;
and forming a third piece slidably engageable around said elongate
first piece and capable of selectively, twistably securing said
selective one or more of said plurality of different sized weights
against said planar retaining surface.
7. The method of claim 6 where said forming of said elongate first
piece includes forging a threaded portion proximate said first
end.
8. The method of claim 6 where said forming of said first piece
includes forming an elongate bar.
9. The method of claim 8 where said forming of said first piece
includes forming an elongate bar with a circular cross-sectional
area.
10. The method of claim 9 where said forming of said third piece
includes forming an aperture within said third piece that
corresponds with the cross-sectional area of said first piece.
11. The method of claim 10 where said forming of said third piece
includes forging a threaded portion within said third piece wherein
said threaded portion within said third piece corresponds to said
threaded portion proximate said first end thereby allowing said
third piece to be securable to said first piece.
12. A method for using a strength training assembly, said assembly
including an elongate bar having a first end and a second end, for
retaining a relative one or more different sized weights, said
method comprising gripping said second end of said elongate bar;
and lifting said assembly such that said one or more different
sized weights are behind a user's back while said user grips said
second end above said user's head; and swinging said assembly in a
pendulum motion over an arc extending partially behind said user's
back.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/856,280, filed Sep. 16, 2015, and
claims the benefit of and priority thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a strength training
assembly and to methods for its use.
[0003] Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and others continuously seek
new techniques to increased strength and performance. Many such
persons engage in weight training to increase strength or otherwise
improve muscular function, which may include the use of either free
weights and/or weight machines. One problem experienced by those
engaged in weight training, however, is that the repetitive lifting
of weights may sometimes inhibit flexibility and/or mobility,
particularly around the shoulder region. Repetitive motion,
especially if a lifter does not lift weights with proper procedure
and/or form, may decrease muscle length and thereby decrease a
lifter's range in motion. Thus, although weight training is an
effective approach to increasing strength, such increased strength
is often achieved at the cost of diminished mobility and
flexibility.
[0004] Moreover, weight training can potentially strain a person's
spine, leading to pain and discomfort. Although some degree of
weight-bearing is essential for spinal health, too much weight on
the spine during weight training can cause spinal discs to move or
bulge. Exercises that increase the axial load on the spine are
especially prone to increase spine strain and back pain. Physical
therapists often only recommend stretches to fix such issues.
[0005] What is desired, therefore, is a strength training device
that improves a user's mobility and flexibility, while avoiding
spinal injury.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
of a strength training assembly.
[0007] FIG. 2 shows a partially disassembled view of a portion of
the assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of an end of the strength
training assembly of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 shows the assembly shown in FIG. 1, held in a static
position by a user.
[0010] FIG. 5 shows the assembly shown in FIG. 1, swung in a
pendulum motion by a user, during use of the assembly in a
preferred strength training procedure.
[0011] FIG. 6 shows the assembly shown in FIG. 1 held at a vertical
position in front of a user, during use of the assembly in the
preferred strength training procedure of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of strength training
assembly 10, which in an exemplary use as described later in this
specification, advantageously allows a user to both increase
strength while also improving shoulder mobility. The use of the
strength training assembly 10 as later described also tends to
reduce or avoid the occurrence of spinal injuries that are endemic
to some other strength training exercises. The strength training
assembly 10 may include an elongate bar 12 having a first end 14
capable of retaining at least one weight 24 and a second end 16
capable of being grasped by a person. In some embodiments, the
elongate bar 12 has a length preferably within the range of 40 to
50 inches, and more preferably in the range of 47 to 48 inches.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other
embodiments may have different lengths than those just
described.
[0013] The elongate bar 12 is preferably cylindrical and
dimensioned at the second end 16 so as to easily permit the bar 12
to be grasped by a person. For example, in one embodiment, the
elongate bar 12 may have a diameter of approximately 1.125 inches,
though those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
other dimensions may be used. It should also be understood that,
although the elongate bar 12 is shown in the drawings as having a
relatively constant diameter along a majority of the distance from
the second end 16 to the first end 14, other embodiments may
include an elongate bar 12 with a diameter that varies along the
length of the elongate bar 12. Such a variable diameter may be
useful, for example, in embodiments where a large amount of
structural strength is needed at the second end--requiring thicker
material--or alternatively in embodiments where a large diameter is
needed at the second end to matingly retain weights having a large
inner aperture but where that diameter is greater than what a
typical person could securely grasp. It should also be understood
that, although the cylindrical configuration of the elongate bar 12
shown in the figures has a circular cross section, other
cylindrical configurations may have cross sections of any other
appropriate shape, e.g., hexagonal, square, triangular, etc.
[0014] The first end 14 preferably includes a first retaining
member 23 (shown in FIG. 2) rigidly affixed at the first end 14 of
the elongate bar 12 and a second retaining member 22 slidable along
the length of the elongate bar 12. The first retaining member 23
preferably includes a cap 18 having a retaining surface 20 that
faces the second end 12. The second retaining member 22 and the
retaining surface 20 cooperate to selectively and rigidly retain a
desired one or more of a plurality of weights 24 between the first
retaining member 22 and the retaining surface 20. For example, the
second retaining member 22 and the retaining surface 20 may be
configured to selectively retain one weight of a desired value,
e.g., 15 lbs., or two weights of e.g., 15 lbs., or one weight of 15
lbs. and another weight of 5 lbs., etc., thereby allowing such an
assembly 10 to be beneficial for users of a variety of fitness
levels.
[0015] In one embodiment shown in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3, the
first retaining member 23 is located at the first end of the
elongate bar 12 and has a cap 18 surrounding one end of a sleeve 26
that itself has an inner diameter shaped and sized to snugly fit
over the cylindrical elongate bar 12. The sleeve 26 preferably has
an outer diameter sized to matingly receive apertures of each of a
set of one or more weights associated with the assembly 10, and in
a preferred embodiment, the sleeve 26 has an outer diameter sized
to matingly receive one or more standard Olympic-sized weights. The
cap 18 is preferably sized to form the retaining surface 20
perpendicular to, and surrounding the outer surface the sleeve 26
so that any weights that are slid over the sleeve 26 towards the
first end 14 do not fall off the assembly 10.
[0016] The sleeve 26 of the first retaining member 23 preferably
has an outer surface that is threaded, and the second retaining
member 22 preferably has an inner aperture 28 similarly threaded so
that the second retaining member may be selectively screwed over
the sleeve 26. In this fashion, one or more weights located around
the sleeve 26 may be selectively and releasably secured in place by
rotating the second member 22 around the threads of the sleeve 26.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, however, that
other mechanisms exist for securing weights against the retaining
surface 20. For example, the second retaining member 22 may include
a clamping mechanism that clamps around the outer surface of the
sleeve 26. In such embodiments the outer surface of the sleeve 26
may be smooth rather than threaded, or may instead include notches
or grooves to facilitate clamping of the second retaining member 22
to the first retaining member 23. In any such configuration, the
second retaining member 22 is preferably capable of allowing a user
to change weights 24 quickly depending on a user's preference and
without having to alternate between different strength training
devices.
[0017] The second end 16 may preferably include a grip-enhancing
surface 32. Such a grip-enhancing surface 32 may include a rough,
cross-hatched design, as shown in FIG. 1, or may include other
grip-enhancing properties such as a rubber surface. The position
and size of the grip-enhancing surface 32 on the elongate bar 12
may be varied, and in some instances, the grip-enhancing surface
may extend a significant distance along the elongate bar 12 to
permit a user to grasp the bar at various positions along its
length, thereby varying the torque or moment of the assembly 10 as
it is swung in accordance with the procedure described later in the
specification.
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the disclosed strength training
apparatus may comprise an assembly that may in some embodiments be
fabricated from an elongate bar 12, a first retaining member 23,
and a second retaining member 22. The first retaining member 22 may
in turn be assembled from a sleeve 26 and a cap 18. As indicated
previously, in some embodiments, threads may be formed on the outer
surface of the sleeve 26 prior to assembling the first retaining
member on the elongate bar 12. Similarly, threads may preferably be
formed on the inner surface of the second retaining member 22, and
which surrounds aperture 30 by which the second retaining member is
selectively slid along the elongate bar 12.
[0019] The sleeve 26 may in some embodiments be between
approximately 2 to 5 inches in length, and more preferably
approximately 3-4 inches long. The threaded portion of the sleeve
26 may in some embodiments be approximately 2.5 inches long. The
cap 18 may in some embodiments be approximately 0.375 inches thick
and approximately 3 inches in diameter.
[0020] The first retaining member 23 may preferably be assembled
prior to attachment to the elongate bar 12. For example, the first
retaining member 23 may be formed by welding the cap 18 to a
flanged end of the sleeve 26. Once the first retaining member 23 is
formed, the first retaining member 23 may be slid over the elongate
bar 12 and welded in place using a spin welding process or other
suitable technique.
[0021] Other methods of securely fastening the retaining member 23
to the first end 14 of the elongate bar 12 may be used, if desired.
For example, the first retaining member 23 may be assembled on the
elongate bar 12 by first sliding sleeve 26 onto the elongate bar 12
and fastening it in place proximate the edge of the first end 14 by
any appropriate means, such as welding or applying an adhesive.
Then the cap 18 may be mounted around the outer perimeter of the
sleeve 26 so that it is flush with the edge of the first end 14 and
similarly fastened in place by any appropriate means, such as
welding, applying an adhesive, etc.
[0022] If a welding process is used to secure either the sleeve 26
to the elongate bar 12 or the cap 18 to the sleeve 26, the welds
may preferably be ground to be flush with the edge of the first end
14. The second retaining member 22 may thereby be selectively,
detachably mountable to the sleeve 26 at a desired location along
the length of the sleeve 26.
[0023] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
first retaining member 23 may be assembled or fabricated from other
processes, as desired. For example, the first retaining member may
be forged around a mold and then threaded, or alternatively may be
simply cut from a solid metal bar and subsequently threaded. It
should also be understood that the retaining member 23, as well as
other components of the assembly 10, may be fashioned of any
appropriate material, such as iron, steel, metal alloys,
fiber-reinforced composite material, etc. In some embodiments, all
parts may be plated with an appropriate material, such as zinc
and/or nickel plating.
[0024] In use, when a user desires to attach weights to the
assembly, the user may select one or more weights 24 and insert the
second end of the bar 16 into the one or more apertures of the
weights 36, and slide the weight or weights toward the retaining
surface 20. After assembling a desired amount of weight, a user
inserts the second end of the bar 16 into the aperture of the
second retaining member 22. The one or more weights 24 may then be
secured against the retaining surface 20 by rotating the second
retaining member 22 around the first retaining member 23 until the
weight or weights are secured.
[0025] FIGS. 4 through 6 show one technique of using the strength
training assembly. As mentioned, the use of the assembly provides a
variety of benefits to a user, especially a user who engages in
weight training. The assembly described herein advantageously
increases user strength while improving shoulder mobility without
tending to cause spinal injury. In the method shown, a user 34
lifts the assembly 10 so that the second end 12 is over his or her
head and the first end 14, with any attached weights, is behind his
or her back. This is preferably a starting position from which use
of the strength training assembly may begin.
[0026] Next, the user 34 may swing the assembly 10 in a controlled
manner in a pendulum motion over an arc 32 that extends at least
partially behind a user's back, as exemplified in FIG. 5. Such an
activity, wherein the user must counteract the force of gravity to
swing the weights in the pendulum motion, engages and stretches all
of the user's shoulder muscles, and the muscles that support the
shoulder, which improves shoulder mobility and strength.
[0027] Gradually, the user may increase the length of the arc by
which the weights swing in a pendulum motion, until the weights
reach an apex above and in front of a user's head (shown in FIG.
6), such that the user may no longer swing the assembly on a
pendulum motion but instead guide the weights along a circuitous
route in either a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation from the
apex position shown in FIG. 6, downwards behind the user's back to
the originating position shown in FIG. 4, and upwards again to the
apex position of FIG. 6.
[0028] This exercise also engages a user's core muscles and
improves spinal health for two reasons. First, since the user must
engage his or her core muscles to counteract the force of the
weight 24 behind the user's back, which would otherwise pull the
user's shoulders backward and downward, the use of this procedure
will strengthen the user's core muscles, over time. Secondly, the
procedure described causes a user to naturally maintain a proper
spinal position throughout the exercise so as to not lose balance.
Specifically, as the user is swinging the assembly with the weights
behind the back, the weights will prevent the user's shoulders from
slumping forward while, at the same time, the user will need to
keep his or her back from arching backwards to maintain balance.
The same is also true while the weight is in front of the user's
body, i.e., to maintain balance, the user will tend not to move the
shoulders forward into a slouched position while the weight
prevents the person's back from arching.
[0029] Such a strength training exercise is especially advantageous
to weight lifters. By increasing muscle mass, weight lifting often
decreases shoulder mobility and impairs spine positioning. The
non-stationary character of such an exercise greatly improves
shoulder mobility by both engaging and stretching shoulder muscles
thereby employing the full range of motion of a user's shoulders
while engaging the user's core. In addition, the user's balance is
improved because of the length of the bar, practicing such a
pendulum motion, shifts the weights 24 from one side of the user's
body to another.
[0030] The exercise just described is highly strenuous, and needs
only a relatively small amount of weights attached to the assembly
10 to be effective for the purposes just described. For example, an
individual who might typically bench press approximately 350 lbs.
may require only approximately 35-40 lbs. of weight on the
assembly. Thus, the assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 may be effective
even while having a relatively compact spacing of the sleeve
23.
[0031] The terms and expressions that have been employed in the
foregoing specification are used therein as terms of description
and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such
terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features
shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that
the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the
claims that follow.
* * * * *