Adjustable squat bar

Abstract

A fitness bar comprises: a central bar; a pair of weighted bars, each of which can rotate relative to the central bar about a pivot axis to a plurality of curvature positions; a pair of support bars, which are configured to rest on the shoulders of a user and each support bar extends from one of the weighted bars; and a locking mechanism for locking the weighted bars in any of the plurality of curvature positions.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 032,830, filed on June 1, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates generally to exercise bars. More specifically, certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to a squat bar with adjustable bend, a squat bar with adjustable width handles, and a squat bar with a back support pad.

[0005] Related technologies

[0006] Squat is a common weight training exercise, especially for the quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteus maximus of a person. Other muscles and muscle groups (including but not limited to core muscles and back muscles) are also activated in various squatting positions. Weights can be added to squat to increase the resistance during exercise. The most common squatting position is perhaps the back squat, during which the barbell is balanced on the upper back of the squatter. The position of the barbell during the back squat usually allows the squatter to support the maximum weight, thereby maximizing the activation of the leg muscles. However, people with back problems may not be able to perform back squats effectively, and squatters may feel uncomfortable with the barbell load on their upper back. In addition, the back squat usually requires the squatter to lean forward to balance the weight of the barbell, which may lead to suboptimal hip, back and knee angles during exercise.

[0007] An alternative to the back squat is the front squat, which removes some of the load from the squatter's back and improves the angles of the hips, back, and knees. During the front squat, the barbell is supported in front of the squatter's upper chest. However, the weight that can be used in the front squat is usually limited by the user's arm strength and is usually much lighter than the weight that can be used in the back squat.

[0008] Figure 1 A user is shown performing a back squat with the barbell 10 positioned behind the user's neck and resting on the user's upper back. Figure 2 A user is shown performing a front squat with the barbell 10 supported by the user's arms against the user's upper chest. Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be seen that supporting the bar in a back squat posture requires a sharper back angle BA and hip angle HA, which can lead to discomfort and injury.

[0009] Various devices are known in the art that attempt to combine the advantages of a back squat (i.e., allowing the squatter to support more weight) with the advantages of a front squat (i.e., reducing the load on the squatter's back and improving the back angle BA, hip angle HA, and knee angle KA). Hoagland's U.S. Patent No. 4,274,628 is directed to a squat bar with weights offset from the main axis of the bar. In addition, the Hoagland patent also includes handles extending over the user's shoulders, which allow the user to partially support the weight with their hands. Pittroff's U.S. Patent No. 5,342,272 and Waszkelewicz's U.S. Patent No. 4,722,524 are directed to barbell pads to improve the distribution of weight on the user's shoulders and back. Zane's U.S. Patent No. 4,986,536 and Mattox's U.S. Patent No. 6,652,431 are directed to devices for increasing the weight that a user can support when performing a front squat.

[0010] However, none of these references involve adjusting the position of the weights, nor do they involve adjusting for users of different body sizes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In view of the above, there is a need for a fitness bar that allows the user to adjust the position of the counterweight to optimize the squat exercise. In addition, there is a need for a fitness bar that can be adjusted for users of different body types. Furthermore, there is a need to improve the comfort and safety of the user.

[0013] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is directed to an exercise bar comprising: a center bar; a pair of weighted bars, each of which is rotatable relative to the center bar about a pivot axis to a plurality of curvature positions; a pair of support bars extending from the center bar and configured to rest on shoulders of a user; and a locking mechanism for locking the weighted bars in any of the plurality of curvature positions.

[0014] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, in at least one of the plurality of camber positions, the weighted rod may be horizontally forward of the center rod toward the user.

[0015] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, in at least one of the plurality of curvature positions, the weight bar can be configured to be horizontally located in front of the user's chest. The weight bar can be configured to be horizontally located behind the user.

[0016] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, each counterweight rod may have a curvature in the horizontal direction ranging from approximately 4-10 inches.

[0017] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, each weighted rod is rotatable about a pivot axis when attached to the center rod.

[0018] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the locking mechanism may include a bracket having a plurality of holes, each of the holes corresponding to one of the plurality of camber positions; and a pin that can extend into each of the plurality of holes to lock the counterweight rod to one of the plurality of camber positions.

[0019] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the pin may be biased toward the plurality of holes.

[0020] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the plurality of holes may include a first row of holes and a second row of holes, wherein the first row of holes is spaced apart from the second row of holes, and the support rod may slide relative to the center rod so that the pin may be aligned with the first row of holes or the second row of holes.

[0021] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the bracket may be rigidly connected to the support rod.

[0022] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the support rods can slide along the center rod to adjust the spacing between the support rods.

[0023] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the exercise bar may further include at least one attachment mount secured to the center bar or weight bar and configured to be attached to a chain or elastic band.

[0024] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the fitness bar may further include a pad extending from the central bar and configured to engage with the back of a user. The pad may include a substantially flat surface configured to engage with the back of a user.

[0025] Non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present invention are directed to an exercise bar comprising: a center bar; a pad extending from the center bar and having a substantially flat surface configured to engage a user's back; a pair of support bars extending from the center bar and configured to rest on a user's shoulders; and a pair of weight bars extending from the center bar.

[0026] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the exercise bar may further include a pair of support bars extending from a center bar or weight bar and configured to rest on the shoulders of a user.

[0027] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, each of the support rods can slide along the central rod to adjust the spacing between the pair of support rods.

[0028] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the exercise bar can also include a locking mechanism for locking the weight bar relative to the center bar. The locking mechanism can include a pin that can extend into the hole.

[0029] In a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the exercise bar may further include at least one attachment mount secured to the center bar or weight bar and configured to be attached to a chain or elastic band.

[0030] Other non-limiting embodiments or aspects are described in the following clauses:

[0031] Article 1: A fitness bar comprising: a center bar; a pair of weighted bars, each of which is rotatable about a pivot axis relative to the center bar to a plurality of curvature positions; a pair of support bars extending from the center bar and configured to rest on shoulders of a user; and a locking mechanism for locking the weighted bars in any of the plurality of curvature positions.

[0032] Clause 2: The exercise bar of Clause 1, wherein in at least one of the plurality of flexion positions, the weight bar is positioned horizontally forward of the center bar toward the user.

[0033] Clause 3: The exercise bar of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein in at least one of the plurality of flexion positions, the weighted bar is configured to be positioned horizontally in front of the chest of the user.

[0034] Clause 4: The exercise bar of any of Clauses 1-3, wherein in at least one of the plurality of flexion positions, the weighted bar is configured to be positioned horizontally behind the user.

[0035] Clause 5: The exercise bar of any of Clauses 1-4, wherein each weight bar has a curvature in the horizontal direction in a range of approximately 4-10 inches.

[0036] Clause 6: The exercise bar of any of Clauses 1-5, wherein each weight bar is rotatable about the pivot axis when attached to the center bar.

[0037] Article 7: A fitness bar as described in any of Articles 1-6, wherein the locking mechanism includes: a bracket having a plurality of holes, each of which corresponds to one of the plurality of camber positions; and a pin that can extend into each of the plurality of holes to lock the counterweight bar to one of the plurality of camber positions.

[0038] Clause 8: The exercise bar of any of Clauses 1-7, wherein the pin is biased toward the plurality of holes.

[0039] Article 9: A fitness bar as described in any of Articles 1-8, wherein the plurality of holes includes a first row of holes and a second row of holes; wherein the first row of holes is separated from the second row of holes, and the support rod can slide relative to the center rod so that the pin can be aligned with the first row of holes or the second row of holes.

[0040] Clause 10: The fitness bar of any of Clauses 1-9, wherein the bracket is rigidly connected to the support bar.

[0041] Item 11: The fitness bar of any one of Items 1-10, wherein the support bars are slidable along the center bar to adjust the spacing between the pair of support bars.

[0042] Clause 12: The exercise bar of any of Clauses 1-11, further comprising: at least one attachment mount secured to the center bar or the weight bar and configured to be attached to a chain or elastic band.

[0043] Clause 13: The exercise bar of any of Clauses 1-12, further comprising: a pad extending from the center bar and configured to engage the back of the user.

[0044] Clause 14: The exercise bar of any of Clauses 1-13, wherein the backing plate comprises a substantially flat surface configured to engage the back of the user.

[0045] Article 15: An exercise bar comprising: a center bar; a pad extending from the center bar and having a substantially flat surface configured to engage the back of the user; a pair of support bars extending from the center bar and configured to rest on the shoulders of the user; and a pair of weight bars extending from the center bar.

[0046] Item 16: The exercise bar of Item 15, further comprising: a pair of support bars extending from the center bar or the weight bar and configured to rest on the shoulders of the user.

[0047] Item 17: The fitness bar of Item 15 or 16, wherein each of the support bars is slidable along the center bar to adjust the spacing between the pair of support bars.

[0048] Clause 18: The fitness bar of any of Clauses 15-17, further comprising a locking mechanism for locking the weight bar relative to the center bar.

[0049] Clause 19: The exercise bar of any of Clauses 15-18, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a pin extendable into a hole.

[0050] Clause 20: The exercise bar of any of Clauses 1-19, further comprising: at least one attachment mount secured to the center bar or the weight bar and configured to be attached to a chain or elastic band.

[0051] These and other features and characteristics of the fitness bar will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings, the following description and the appended claims, all of which constitute a part of this specification, in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. However, it should be expressly understood that these drawings are for illustration and description purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" also include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Figure 1 is a side view of the user performing a back squat;

[0053] Figure 2 is a side view of the user performing a front squat;

[0054] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the fitness bar of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Side view of the middle fitness bar;

[0056] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 a side view of the middle exercise bar showing various bend positions;

[0057] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Rear view of the middle fitness bar;

[0058] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 Top view of the medium fitness bar;

[0059] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Rear view of detail A;

[0060] Fig. 9 Is used by users Figure 3 Side view of a fitness bar performing a squat;

[0061] Fig.10 Is used by users Figure 3 Side cross-section of a fitness bar performing a squat;

[0062] Fig.11 Is used by users Figure 3 A perspective view of a fitness bar performing a squat;

[0063] Fig.12 is a perspective view of the fitness bar of the present invention;

[0064] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 Side view of the middle fitness bar;

[0065] Fig.14 yes Fig.12 Top view of the medium fitness bar;

[0066] Fig.15 yes Fig.12 Front view of the middle fitness bar;

[0067] Fig.16 is a perspective view of the fitness bar of the present invention;

[0068] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 a rear view of the middle exercise bar; and

[0069] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 Top view of fitness bar. Summary of the invention

[0070] Hereinafter, "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and their derivatives shall relate to the context of the present invention as related to the accompanying drawings. However, it shall be understood that the present invention may employ alternative variations and step sequences unless otherwise expressly stated herein. It shall also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the aspects disclosed herein shall not be considered limiting.

[0071] As used herein, "substantially" and "approximately" when modifying a number or numerical range means within 10% of the stated value unless otherwise specified. All numbers and numerical ranges herein should be understood to include a range of plus or minus 10% of the stated value unless otherwise specified.

[0072] As used herein, a "substantially planar" surface refers to a surface having a curvature of less than 5%.

[0073] As used herein, "at least one" is synonymous with "one or more". For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" refers to any one of A, B, and C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, and C. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes one or more individual A, or one or more individual B, or one or more individual C, or one or more A and one or more B, or one or more A and one or more C, or one or more B and one or more C, or one or more all of A, B, and C. Similarly, as used herein, "at least two" is synonymous with "two or more". For example, "at least two of D, E, and F" refers to any combination of any two or more of D, E, and F. For example, "at least two of D, E, and F" includes one or more D and one or more E, or one or more D and one or more F, or one or more E and one or more F, or one or more all of D, E, and F.

[0074] See also Figure 3-8 , embodiments of the present invention are directed to an exercise bar 100. The exercise bar 100 may include a center bar 110 and a pair of weighted bars 120. The exercise bar 100 may be particularly suitable for use during squat exercises, wherein the center bar 110 engages the upper back of a user directly or through a backing plate 130. The backing plate 130 may include a substantially flat surface having a surface area greater than that of the center bar 110 to distribute the load of the exercise bar 110 over a larger area of ​​the user's back than a standard barbell. In other embodiments, the backing plate 130 may be rounded. In other embodiments, the backing plate 130 may be omitted and the center bar 110 may engage directly with the user's back.

[0075] A pair of support bars 140 extend from the center bar 110 and are configured to rest on the shoulders of a user. Each support bar 140 may include a handle portion 142 so that the user can hold the handle portion 142 to balance the fitness bar 100 in place for exercising. In some embodiments, the support bars 140 can slide along the center bar 110 parallel to the pivot axis P, thereby allowing the spacing between the support bars 140 to be adjusted to accommodate users of different body types. The support bars 140 may be provided with cushions 144 at the position where they rest on the shoulders of the user.

[0076] Each pair of weight rods 120 extends outwardly from the center rod 110 in opposite directions. The end 122 of each weight rod 120 may have a circular cross-section, the size of which may allow the end 122 to receive a standard weight plate. The weight rods 120 may rotate relative to the center rod 100 about a pivot axis P. Each weight rod 120 may be fixed to the center rod 110 by a pivot pin 124 (e.g., a bolt) to allow the weight rod 120 to rotate relative to the center rod 110. In some embodiments, the weight rods 120 may be connected to each other so that the weight rods 120 rotate relative to the center rod 110 as a unit. In other embodiments, each weight rod 120 may rotate independently relative to the center rod 110. Each weight rod 120 and / or the center rod 110 may include an attachment seat 126 for connecting to an auxiliary device (e.g., a chain, an elastic band, etc., for changing the load distribution of a weight training exercise). The attachment mount 126 may include a hook, eye, U-bolt, U-clip, or other fastening element to connect to an auxiliary device.

[0077] The rotation of the weight bar 120 relative to the center bar 110 about the pivot axis P causes the end 122 of the weight bar 120 to move along the arc α, thereby adjusting the camber of the fitness bar 100. As used herein, the term "camber" refers to the position of the center of gravity of the weight bar 120 (including any weight plates loaded thereon) as viewed from the side of the user. Adjusting the camber of the fitness bar 100 changes the position where the weight of the fitness bar 100 acts on the user, forcing the user to adjust the angle of their hips, back, and knees to support the weight of the fitness bar 100.

[0078] like Figure 5 As shown, the weight bar 120 can be rotated to the forward camber position shown by the weight bar 120, the mid-camber position shown by the weight bar 120', and the rear camber position shown by the weight bar 120". In the forward camber position, the weight bar 120 can be rotated forward along the horizontal direction X, thereby simulating the position of a traditional barbell during a user's front squat (see Figure 2 ). Thus, the front camber position allows the user's back to be relatively upright compared to the other camber positions. In the rear camber position, the weight bar 120' can be rotated rearwardly in the horizontal direction X, thereby simulating the position of a conventional barbell during a user's back squat (see Figure 1 ). In the mid-camber position, the counterweight bar 120" can rotate between the front and rear positions to produce a more centered rear angle relative to the front and rear camber positions. The camber range R of the counterweight bar 120 between the front and rear camber positions can be at least 4 inches in the horizontal direction X, and in some non-limiting embodiments can be about 4-10 inches in the horizontal direction X, and in some embodiments can be at least 6 inches in the horizontal direction X, and in some embodiments can be about 6 inches in the horizontal direction X. Although Figure 5Three camber positions are shown in FIG, but it should be understood that any number of camber positions may be provided.

[0079] Continue to see Figure 3-8 , the fitness bar 100 may include a locking mechanism 150 for locking or fixing the weight bar 120 in any one of the bending positions. The locking mechanism 150 may include a bracket 152 having a plurality of holes 154. A pin 156 may extend into any of the plurality of holes 154 to prevent the weight bar 120 from rotating relative to the center bar 110 and / or the support bars 140. Each of the plurality of holes 154 may correspond to one of the bending positions. The locking mechanism 150 may include two brackets 152 and two pins 156, wherein each bracket 152 is integrated with one of the support bars 140, and each pin 156 is disposed on one of the weight bars 120. It can be understood from the accompanying drawings that the bracket 152 may include a plate bent into an arc, the axis of the arc being coaxial with the pivot axis P. The hole 154 may pass through the bracket 152 along an axis extending radially from the pivot axis P. It should be understood that the shape and arrangement of the bracket 152 and the hole 154 are not limited to those shown in the drawings. For example, the bracket 152 may include a plate extending in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis P, and the plurality of holes 154 may extend along an axis parallel to the pivot axis P in an arcuate pattern.

[0080] The pin 156 may be biased toward the plurality of holes 154, such as by using a spring, so that the pin 156 passively snaps into any hole 154 that is aligned with the pin 156. The pin 156 may include a handle 158 for the user to grasp in order to pull the pin 156 out of engagement with the hole 154 during adjustment of the camber position.

[0081] To adjust the camber position of the exercise bar 100, the user may pull the handle 158 of the pin 156 to release the pin 156 from the hole 154 in which it is engaged. The user may then rotate the weight bar 120 relative to the bracket 152 about the pivot axis P until the pin 156 is aligned with the hole 154 corresponding to the desired camber position. The pin 156 may then be snapped into the hole 154, thereby locking the weight bar 120 into the desired camber position. The pivot connection between the center bar 110, the weight bar 120, and the support bar 140 allows the camber to be adjusted without disassembling and reassembling the exercise bar 100. That is, the camber may be adjusted by rotating the weight bar 120 about the pivot axis P when the weight bar 120 is connected to the center bar 110.

[0082] See now Figure 9-11, which shows a fitness bar 100 used during a squat exercise. The fitness bar 100 is supported by a user, wherein the pad 130 engages the user's upper back and the support bar 140 rests on the user's shoulders. The user holds the handle portion 142 of the support bar 140 to prevent the fitness bar 100 from rolling forward or backward away from the user. When the fitness bar 100 is in this orientation, the camber range R of the weight bar 120 between the front and rear camber positions can be at least 4 inches in the horizontal direction X, and in some non-limiting embodiments can be about 4-10 inches in the horizontal direction X, and in some embodiments can be at least 6 inches in the horizontal direction X, and in some embodiments can be about 6 inches in the horizontal direction X. In the front camber position, the weight bar 120 can be located in front of the user's chest and in front of the center bar 110 in the horizontal direction X, thereby simulating a front squat. In the rear flexion position, the weight bar 120" can be located behind the user's back in the horizontal direction X, thereby simulating a back squat. In various other flexion positions, the weight bar 120 is placed at a position between the front and rear flexion positions, including various positions between the user's chest and back in the horizontal direction X.

[0083] See again Figure 3-11 In some embodiments, the support rods 140 can slide along the center rod 110 parallel to the pivot axis P to adjust the spacing between the support rods 140. This adjustment allows the fitness bar 100 to be calibrated for users of different body types (especially users with different shoulder widths). Figure 8 As shown, for example, the plurality of holes 154 may include a first row of holes 154a and a second row of holes 154b spaced apart from each other in the width direction W. The pin 156 may engage with any hole in the first row of holes 154a to reduce the spacing between the support bars 140. Conversely, the pin 156 may engage with any hole in the second row of holes 154b to increase the spacing between the support bars 140. The first row of holes 154a and the second row of holes 154b may be symmetrically arranged so that the curvature position corresponding to each hole in the first row of holes 154a is the same as the curvature position corresponding to the adjacent hole in the second row of holes 154b. Therefore, by moving the pin 156 from one hole (if in the first row of holes 154a) to the adjacent hole in the second row of holes 154b, the spacing between the support bars 140 may be adjusted without changing the curvature position of the weight bar 120, and vice versa. Since the support bars 140 may slide along the center bar 110, the spacing between the support bars 140 may be adjusted without disassembling and reassembling the fitness bar 100.

[0084] Although the spacing between the support bars 140 can also be adjusted by the plurality of holes 154 and pins 156 of the locking mechanism 150 in the embodiment shown in the drawings, other embodiments may also include a separate adjustment mechanism for adjusting the spacing between the support bars 140. In other embodiments, the support bars 140 may be fixed in the width direction W and not allow for spacing adjustment. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism 150 may only be used to adjust the spacing between the support bars 140, and the fitness bar 100 may not have an adjustable flex.

[0085] See now Figure 12-15 , which shows a non-limiting embodiment of the fitness bar 200 of the present invention. The center bar 210, the pad 230, the support bar 240, the cushion 244 and the handle 242 can be substantially similar to Figure 3-11 The central rod 110, the pad 130, the support rod 140, the cushion 144 and the handle 142 are included in the embodiment of the present invention, but the central rod 310 may be immovable relative to the counterweight rod 220.

[0086] Continue to see Figure 12-15 , the weight bar 220 may be rigidly mounted on opposite ends of the center bar 210, or the weight bar 220 may be integrated with the center bar 210. The support rods 240 may be rigidly mounted on the center bar 210. The support rods 240 may be arranged on the center bar 210 so that the support rods 240 may be parallel to each other at the center bar 210 and extend in the same direction substantially perpendicular to the center bar 210. The support rods 240 may be spaced apart so that the space between the support rods 240 allows the soft pads 244 of each handle 242 to be located on the shoulders of the user at the same time. The pad 230 may be mounted directly on the center bar 210 so that the user's back engages with the pad 230 during use of the fitness bar 200. The pad 230 may be arranged so that it is located between the support rods 240. In a non-limiting embodiment, the pad 230 may be rigidly mounted to the pad support rod 232. The pad support bar 232 may extend to the entire width of the pad 230, or may extend to a width wider than the pad 230 (e.g., its extended width is as wide as the center spacing of the support bars 240). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the pad support bar 232 is less wide than the pad 230. The pad support bar 232 may be rigidly attached to the center bar 210. The pad support bar 232 may be rigidly attached to the center bar 210 by the connecting rod 234. The connecting rod 234 may be spaced apart so that they are aligned with the support bar 240. The connecting rod 234 may extend from the center bar 210 so that the angle between the connecting rod 234 and the support bar 240 is between 5° and 90°. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the pad support bar 232 may be rigidly attached to the support bar 240.

[0087] See now Figure 16-18, which shows a non-limiting embodiment of an exercise bar 300 according to the present invention. The center bar 310, the weight bar 320, the end 322, the pivot pin 324, the attachment seat 326, the pad 330, the support bar 340, the cushion 344 and the handle 342, the locking mechanism 350, the bracket 352, the hole 354 and the pin 356 can be substantially similar to Figure 3-11 The center rod 110, the counterweight rod 120, the end 122, the pivot pin 124, the attachment seat 126, the pad 130, the support rod 140, the soft pad 144 and the handle 142, the locking mechanism 150, the bracket 152, the hole 154 and the pin 156.

[0088] Continue to see Figure 16-18 In a non-limiting embodiment, the pivot pin 324 can be supported by a gusset 370 (e.g., a support bracket) extending from the center pole 310. The gusset 370 can include at least one slot or hole for receiving the pivot pin 324. The pivot pin 324 can be fixed to a support arm 374 of the gusset 370 or can be directly fixed to the gusset 370. One end of the support arm 374 can be fixed to the gusset 370 and the other end can be fixed to the center pole 310. The support arm 374 can be fixed to the gusset 370 by welding, fasteners, etc. The gusset 370 can be fixed to multiple locations on the center pole 310 to increase the rigidity of the exercise bar 200.

[0089] In some non-limiting embodiments, the gusset 370 may also be fixed to the center rod 310 by a support ring 372. The support ring 372 may have a groove with a diameter large enough so that the center rod 310 can pass through the groove of the support ring 372. The support ring 372 and the pivot pin 324 may be located on the same plane. The support ring 372 may be fixed to the gusset 370. One end of the support ring 372 may have one or more grooves (e.g., two grooves, three grooves, etc.) for fasteners (e.g., bolts, pins, rivets, screws, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments, there may be two or more support rings 372, so that the gusset 370 is located between two support rings 372 and the gusset 370 can be fixed to the support ring 372 by fasteners.

[0090] The gusset 370 may be secured to the weight bar 320 at one or more locations (e.g., two locations, three locations, etc.). The gusset 370 may be secured to the weight bar 320 by welding and / or fasteners to increase the rigidity of the exercise bar 200. The gusset 370 may be welded to the weight bar 320 such that the gusset 370 is welded to a majority of the circumference of the weight bar 320 (e.g., 30% to 40%, 40% to 50%, 50% to 60%, etc.). The two portions of the gusset 370 may be secured to the same straight section of the weight bar 320, or may be secured to different straight sections of the weight bar 320 separated by a curved section.

[0091] Although various embodiments of the fitness bar have been described in the foregoing, modifications and variations may be made to these aspects by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, it should be understood that the present invention contemplates that one or more features of any aspect may be combined with one or more features of any other aspect, to the extent possible. Therefore, the foregoing is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. The invention described above is defined by the appended claims, and all modifications made to the invention within the meaning and equivalent range of the claims shall be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fitness bar, comprising: Center rod; a pair of counterweight rods, each counterweight rod being rotatable about a pivot axis relative to the central rod to a plurality of camber positions; a pair of support bars extending from the central bar and configured to rest on the shoulders of a user; as well as A locking mechanism, used to lock the counterweight rod at any one of the plurality of curvature positions, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a bracket having a plurality of holes, each of the holes corresponding to one of the plurality of bend positions; and A pin may extend into each of the plurality of holes to lock the counterweight rod into one of the plurality of camber positions.

2. The fitness bar according to claim 1, wherein: In at least one of the plurality of camber positions, the weighted rod is located horizontally forward of the central rod toward the user.

3. The fitness bar of claim 1, wherein: In at least one of the plurality of flexion positions, the weighted bar is configured to be positioned horizontally in front of the chest of the user.

4. The fitness bar of claim 1, wherein: In at least one of the plurality of curvature positions, the weighted bar is configured to be positioned horizontally behind the back of the user.

5. The fitness bar of claim 1, wherein: Each weight bar has a horizontal bend range of approximately 4-10 inches.

6. The fitness bar of claim 1, wherein: Each counterweight rod is rotatable about the pivot axis when attached to the central rod.

7. The fitness bar of claim 1, wherein: The pin is biased toward the plurality of holes.

8. The fitness bar of claim 1, wherein: The plurality of holes comprises a first row of holes and a second row of holes; wherein the first row of holes is separated from the second row of holes; and The support rod may slide relative to the central rod so that the pin may be aligned with the first row of holes or the second row of holes.

9. The fitness bar of claim 1, wherein: The bracket is rigidly connected to the support rod.

10. The exercise bar of claim 1, wherein: The supporting rods can slide along the central rod to adjust the distance between the pair of supporting rods.

11. The exercise bar of claim 1 , further comprising: At least one attachment mount is secured to the center pole or the counterweight pole and is configured to be attached to a chain or elastic band.

12. The exercise bar of claim 1, further comprising: A pad extends from the central rod and is configured to engage the back of the user.

13. The exercise bar of claim 12, wherein: The pad includes a substantially planar surface configured to engage the user's back.

14. The exercise bar of claim 1, wherein: Each of the support rods can slide along the central rod to adjust the spacing between the pair of support rods.

15. The exercise bar of claim 1, further comprising: At least one attachment mount is secured to the center pole or the counterweight pole and is configured to be attached to a chain or elastic band.

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