barbell

Abstract

Barbell (10), including: a rod (12) having a first end section (20) and a second end section (22); a first sleeve assembly (14) comprising a first sleeve (30) with a first axial bore (31) defined by a first inner bore surface, with a first proximal opening (32) and a first proximal bore section (41) extending inward from the first proximal opening (32), wherein the first end section (20) of the rod is received through the first axial bore (31) and extends through the first proximal bore section, wherein the first proximal bore section (41) has a first groove (44) extending radially outward on the first inner bore surface, and wherein the first groove (44) is spaced distally from the first proximal opening (32); and a first proximal bushing (50) which is received in the first proximal bore section (41) of the first sleeve (30) and fixed against axial movement with respect to the first sleeve assembly (14), wherein the first proximal bushing (50) has a first axial passage (54) which receives the rod, wherein the first proximal bushing (50) has a first outer surface (52) which engages in the first sleeve (30) and a first inner surface (53) which engages in the rod (12) within the first axial passage (54), and wherein the first proximal bushing (50) further has a first engagement surface (57) which is received in the first groove (44) and engages in a first surface of the first groove (44) to hold the first proximal bushing (50) in the first proximal bore section (41) and to prevent axial movement of the first proximal bushing (50) in the direction of the first to resist the proximal opening (32) in relation to the first sleeve (30); wherein the first proximal bushing (50) allows the first sleeve assembly (14) to be freely rotatable with respect to the rod (12).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a non-provisional application and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 906,225, filed September 26, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 983,135, filed February 28, 2020, both of which prior applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure relates to barbells, and more particularly to a barbell having polymer engagement structures disposed between a bar and sleeves of the barbell. SHORT SUMMARY

[0003] Aspects of the disclosure relate to a barbell comprising a rod having a first end portion and a second end portion, a first sleeve assembly having a first sleeve having a first axial bore with a first proximal bore portion, a first distal bore portion, and a first central bore portion extending between the first proximal bore portion and the first distal bore portion, the first end portion of the rod being received by the first axial bore and extending through the first proximal bore portion and the first central bore portion to the first distal bore portion, a first proximal bushing received in the first proximal bore portion of the first sleeve, and a first distal bushing received in the first distal bore portion of the first sleeve.The first proximal bushing is fixed against axial movement with respect to the first sleeve assembly and has a first axial passage that receives the rod, the first proximal bushing having a first outer surface that engages the first sleeve and a first inner surface that engages the rod within the first axial passage. The first distal bushing is secured against axial movement with respect to the first sleeve assembly and has a first cavity. The barbell also includes a first shaft attached to the first end portion of the rod, the first shaft having a cylindrical outer shape and being received within the first cavity of the first distal bushing. The first distal bushing has a second outer surface that engages the first sleeve and a second inner surface that engages the first shaft in the first cavity.The first proximal bushing and the first distal bushing allow the first sleeve assembly to rotate freely about the rod and the first shaft, and the first outer surface and the first inner surface, the second outer surface and the second inner surface are polymeric surfaces.

[0004] In one aspect, the rod further includes a first threaded protrusion extending outwardly from the first end portion. In one embodiment, the first shank is secured to the first end portion of the rod by a first fastener threaded onto the first threaded protrusion.

[0005] In another aspect, the first axial bore has a first proximal opening and a first distal opening, and the first proximal bore portion extends inwardly from the proximal opening and the first distal bore portion extends inwardly from the distal opening.

[0006] In another aspect, the first sleeve assembly is freely rotatable with respect to the rod by the first proximal sleeve rotating about the rod and the first distal sleeve rotating about the first shaft.

[0007] In another aspect, the first central bore portion has a first inner diameter that is smaller than the first proximal bore portion and the first distal bore portion.

[0008] According to a further aspect, the first shaft is fixed against axial movement with respect to the first distal bushing and against axial movement with respect to the rod, such that the rod is thereby also fixed against axial movement with respect to the first distal bushing.

[0009] In another aspect, the first outer surface, the first inner surface, the second outer surface and the second inner surface are formed from the same polymer material.

[0010] In another aspect, the first axial bore has a first proximal opening and a first distal opening, and the first proximal bore portion is located proximate the proximal opening and the first distal bore portion is located proximate the first distal opening.

[0011] In another aspect, the barbell also includes a second sleeve assembly comprising a second sleeve having a second axial bore with a second proximal bore portion, a second distal bore portion, and a second central bore portion extending between the second proximal bore portion and the second distal bore portion, wherein the second end portion of the bar is received by the second axial bore and extends through the second proximal bore portion and the second central bore portion to the second distal bore portion, a second proximal bushing received in the second proximal bore portion of the second sleeve, and a second distal bushing received in the second distal bore portion of the second sleeve.The second proximal bushing is fixed against axial movement with respect to the second sleeve assembly and has a second axial passage that receives the rod, the second proximal bushing having a third outer surface that engages the second sleeve and a third inner surface that engages the rod within the second axial passage. The second distal bushing is secured against axial movement with respect to the second sleeve assembly and has a second cavity. The barbell further includes a second shaft attached to the second end portion of the rod, the second shaft having a cylindrical outer shape and being received within the second cavity of the second distal bushing. The second distal bushing has a fourth outer surface that engages the second sleeve and a fourth inner surface that engages the second shaft within the second cavity.The second sleeve assembly is freely rotatable with respect to the rod by the second proximal sleeve rotating about the rod and the second distal sleeve rotating about the second shaft, and the third outer surface, the third inner surface, the fourth outer surface, and the fourth inner surface are polymeric surfaces.

[0012] In another aspect, the first distal sleeve comprises a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion in abutting contact with each other. The first sleeve portion has a first cylindrical wall with a first annular flange extending inwardly from the first cylindrical wall to define the first axial passage at a proximal end of the first distal sleeve, and the second sleeve portion is disposed at a distal end of the first distal sleeve. The first and second sleeve portions together define the first cavity of the first distal sleeve.In one device, the second sleeve portion has a second cylindrical wall with a second annular flange extending inwardly from the second cylindrical wall to define a second axial passage at the distal end of the first distal sleeve, and the first cylindrical wall of the first sleeve portion and the second cylindrical wall of the second sleeve portion together define the second outer surface and the second inner surface and further define the first cavity as a cylindrical cavity. In another device, the first stem engages the first annular flange and further engages the second sleeve portion to resist axial movement of the first stem relative to the first distal sleeve. In another device, the second sleeve portion is identical to the first sleeve portion and is arranged in reverse orientation relative to the first sleeve portion.

[0013] In another aspect, the barbell includes a retaining member that engages a distal end of the first distal bushing to retain the first distal bushing in the first distal bore portion.

[0014] In another aspect, the first sleeve has a first groove within the first proximal bore portion, and the first proximal bushing has a first engagement surface received in the first groove and engaging a surface of the first groove to retain the first proximal bushing within the first proximal bore portion.

[0015] According to a further aspect, the polymer surfaces are all made of polymer materials with a hardness of 50 Shore A to 100 Shore A.

[0016] Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a barbell comprising a first rotating body with a bar having a first end portion and a second end portion, a second rotating body mounted on the first end portion of the bar, a first rotational engagement structure connecting the first rotating body to the second rotating body so that the second rotating body is freely rotatable with respect to the first rotating body, such that the first rotational engagement structure forms all structures that engage both the first rotating body and the second rotating body, a third rotating body mounted on the second end portion of the bar, and a second rotational engagement structure connecting the first rotating body to the third rotating body so that the third rotating body is freely rotatable with respect to the first rotating body, such that the second rotational engagement structure forms all structures,which engage both the first rotating body and the third rotating body. The second rotating body includes a first sleeve having a first bore that receives the first end portion of the rod, and the third rotating body includes a second sleeve having a second bore that receives the second end portion of the rod. All surfaces of the first rotational engagement structure that engage at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body, and all surfaces of the second rotational engagement structure that engage at least one of the first rotating body and the third rotating body, are formed from one or more polymeric materials.

[0017] In one aspect, the first rotational engagement structure comprises at least one first bushing having a first surface engaging the first rotating body and a second surface engaging the second rotating body to permit rotation of the second rotating body relative to the first rotating body, and at least one of the first and second surfaces is formed from the one or more polymeric materials. Furthermore, the second rotational engagement structure comprises at least one second bushing having a third surface engaging the first rotating body and a fourth surface engaging the third rotating body to permit rotation of the third rotating body relative to the first rotating body, and at least one of the third and fourth surfaces is formed from the one or more polymeric materials.In one device, the first bushing is a first distal bushing located near a distal end of the second rotating body and the first end portion of the first rotating body, and the second bushing is a second distal bushing located near a distal end of the third rotating body and the second end portion of the first rotating body. In another device, the first bushing is a first proximal bushing located near a proximal end of the second rotating body and spaced from the first end portion of the first rotating body, and the second bushing is a second proximal bushing located near a proximal end of the third rotating body and spaced from the second end portion of the first rotating body.In another feature, the first rotating body comprises a first cylindrical shaft connected to the first end portion of the rod, and a second cylindrical shaft connected to the second end portion of the rod, the first and second cylindrical shafts having a larger diameter than the rod. In this feature, the first cylindrical shaft engages the second surface of the first bushing to permit rotation of the second rotating body relative to the first cylindrical shaft, and the second cylindrical shaft engages the fourth surface of the second bushing to permit rotation of the third rotating body relative to the second cylindrical shaft.

[0018] In another aspect, the first rotational engagement structure comprises at least a first proximal bushing formed from a first polymeric material of the one or more polymeric materials and a first distal bushing formed from a second polymeric material of the one or more polymeric materials, wherein the first proximal bushing and the first distal bushing engage the first rotary body and the second rotary body to allow rotation of the second rotary body relative to the first rotary body.Additionally, the second rotational engagement structure comprises at least a second proximal bushing formed from a third polymeric material of the one or more polymeric materials and a second distal bushing formed from a fourth polymeric material of the one or more polymeric materials, wherein the second proximal bushing and the second distal bushing engage the first rotary body and the third rotary body to allow rotation of the third rotary body relative to the first rotary body.

[0019] In another aspect, the first rotational engagement structure comprises a first rotor attached to the first end portion of the rod and having a first cylindrical outer surface that engages an inner surface of the first bore to permit rotation of the second rotating body relative to the first rotating body, and the second rotational engagement structure comprises a second rotor attached to the second end portion of the rod and having a second cylindrical outer surface that engages an inner surface of the second bore to permit rotation of the third rotating body relative to the first rotating body.

[0020] In yet another aspect, the first polymer material, the second polymer material, the third polymer material, and the fourth polymer material are the same.

[0021] In yet another aspect, the one or more polymer materials each have a durometer hardness of 50 Shore A to 100 Shore A.

[0022] Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a barbell comprising a rod having a first end portion and a second end portion, a first sleeve assembly having a first sleeve having a first axial bore with a first proximal opening and a first distal opening, the first axial bore having a first proximal bore portion extending inwardly from the proximal opening, a first distal bore portion extending inwardly from the distal opening, and a first central bore portion extending between the first proximal bore portion and the first distal bore portion, a first proximal bushing received in the first proximal bore portion of the first sleeve, a first distal bushing received in the first distal bore portion of the first sleeve, a first shaft,which has a cylindrical outer shape and is received in the first cylindrical cavity of the first distal sleeve, a second sleeve assembly comprising a second sleeve having a second axial bore with a second proximal opening and a second distal opening, the second axial bore having a second proximal bore portion extending inwardly from the proximal opening, a second distal bore portion extending inwardly from the distal opening, and a second central bore portion extending between the second proximal bore portion and the second distal bore portion, a second proximal sleeve received in the second proximal bore portion of the second sleeve, a second distal sleeve received in the second distal bore portion of the second sleeve, and a second shaft having a cylindrical outer shape,which is received in the second cylindrical cavity of the second distal sleeve. The rod has a first threaded projection extending outwardly from the first end portion and a second threaded projection extending outwardly from the second end portion. The first central bore portion has a first inner diameter that is smaller than the first proximal bore portion and the first distal bore portion, and the first end portion of the rod is received by the first axial bore and extends through the first proximal bore portion and the first central bore portion to the first distal bore portion. The second central bore portion has a second inner diameter that is smaller than the second proximal bore portion and the second distal bore portion.and the second end portion of the rod is received by the second axial bore and extends through the second proximal bore portion and the second central bore portion to the second distal bore portion. The first proximal bushing is fixed against axial movement with respect to the first sleeve assembly and has a first axial passage that receives the rod, and the first proximal bushing is formed from a first polymeric material. The first distal bushing is fixed against axial movement with respect to the first sleeve assembly and has a first cylindrical cavity and a first opening that extends into the first interior cavity and receives the first end portion of the rod.and the first distal bushing is formed from a second polymer material. The second proximal bushing is received in the second proximal bore portion of the second sleeve and fixed against axial movement with respect to the second sleeve assembly and has a second axial passage that receives the rod, and the second proximal bushing is formed from a third polymer material. The second distal bushing is received in the second distal bore portion of the second sleeve and fixed against axial movement with respect to the second sleeve assembly and has a second cylindrical cavity and a second opening extending to the second interior cavity and receiving the second end portion of the rod therethrough, and the second distal bushing is formed from a fourth polymer material. The first shaft is attached to the first end portion of the rod by a first fastener,which is threaded onto the first threaded projection, and the first shaft is fixed against axial movement with respect to the first distal bushing and against axial and rotational movement with respect to the rod. The second shaft is attached to the second end portion of the rod by a second fastener which is threaded onto the second threaded projection, and the second shaft is fixed against axial movement with respect to the second distal bushing and against axial and rotational movement with respect to the rod. The first sleeve assembly is freely rotatable with respect to the rod by rotating the first proximal bushing about the rod and the first distal bushing about the first shaft, and the second sleeve assembly is freely rotatable with respect to the rod by rotating the second proximal bushing about the rod and the second distal bushing about the second shaft.

[0023] In one aspect, the first proximal bushing is formed entirely from the first polymeric material, the first distal bushing is formed entirely from the second polymeric material, the second proximal bushing is formed entirely from the third polymeric material, and the second distal bushing is formed entirely from the fourth polymeric material.

[0024] In another aspect, the first polymer material, the second polymer material, the third polymer material and the fourth polymer material are the same.

[0025] In another aspect, the first distal sleeve comprises a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion in abutting contact with each other, the first sleeve portion having a first cylindrical wall with a first annular flange extending inwardly from the first cylindrical wall to define the first axial passage at a proximal end of the first distal sleeve, and the second sleeve portion is disposed at a distal end of the first distal sleeve such that the first and second sleeve portions together define the first cylindrical cavity of the first distal sleeve.In one embodiment, the second sleeve portion includes a second cylindrical wall with a second annular flange extending inwardly from the second cylindrical wall to define a second axial passage at the distal end of the first distal sleeve, and the first cylindrical wall of the first sleeve portion and the second cylindrical wall of the second sleeve portion together define the first cylindrical cavity. In another embodiment, the second sleeve portion is identical to the first sleeve portion and arranged in reverse orientation relative to the first sleeve portion, and the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion are both formed from the second polymeric material.

[0026] In another aspect, the first sleeve includes a first groove within the first proximal bore portion, and the first proximal bushing includes an annular shoulder defining a first engagement surface received within the first groove and engaging a first surface of the first groove to retain the first proximal bushing within the first proximal bore portion and resist axial movement of the first proximal bushing toward the first proximal opening relative to the first sleeve. A distal end of the first proximal bushing abuts a second surface of the first groove to resist axial movement of the first proximal bushing toward the first distal opening relative to the first sleeve.

[0027] In another aspect, the first polymer material, the second polymer material, the third polymer material, and the fourth polymer material each have a durometer hardness of 50 Shore A to 100 Shore A.

[0028] Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a barbell comprising a rod assembly including a rod having a first end portion and a second end portion, a first sleeve assembly including a first sleeve having a first axial bore with a first proximal opening, a first proximal bore portion extending inwardly from the first proximal opening, a first distal bore portion, and a first central bore portion extending between the first proximal bore portion and the first distal bore portion, and a first proximal bushing received in the first proximal bore portion of the first sleeve and fixed against axial movement with respect to the first sleeve assembly.The first end portion of the rod is received by the first axial bore and extends through the first proximal bore portion and the first central bore portion to the first distal bore portion, the first central bore portion having a first inner diameter smaller than the first proximal bore portion, and the first proximal bore portion having a first groove spaced distally from the first proximal opening. The first proximal bushing has a first axial passage receiving the rod, a first outer surface abutting the first sleeve, and a first inner surface abutting the rod within the first axial passage.The first proximal sleeve further includes a first engagement surface received within the first groove and engaging a first surface of the first groove to retain the first proximal sleeve within the first proximal bore portion and resist axial movement of the first proximal sleeve toward the first proximal opening relative to the first sleeve. The first proximal sleeve allows free rotation of the first sleeve assembly relative to the rod, and the first outer surface and the first inner surface are polymeric surfaces.

[0029] In one aspect, the first groove is an annular groove, and the first proximal sleeve has an annular shoulder defining the first engagement surface.

[0030] In another aspect, the first sleeve assembly is freely rotatable with respect to the rod by the first proximal bushing rotating about the rod.

[0031] In another aspect, a distal end of the first proximal sleeve engages a second surface of the first groove to resist axial movement of the first proximal sleeve toward the first distal bore portion relative to the first sleeve.

[0032] In another aspect, the barbell also includes a first distal bushing received within the first distal bore portion of the first sleeve and having a first cavity that receives a portion of the rod assembly, the first distal bushing further having a second outer surface that engages the first sleeve and a second inner surface that engages the portion of the rod assembly. The first sleeve assembly is further freely rotatable with respect to the bar by rotating the first distal bushing about the portion of the rod assembly, and the second outer surface and the second inner surface are polymeric surfaces.

[0033] Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a barbell comprising a rod having a first end portion and a second end portion, a first sleeve assembly having a first sleeve with a first axial bore having a first proximal bore portion, a first distal bore portion, and a first central bore portion extending between the first proximal bore portion and the first distal bore portion, a first distal bushing received in the first distal bore portion of the first sleeve and fixed against axial movement with respect to the first sleeve assembly, the first distal bushing having a first cylindrical cavity and a first opening extending to the first cavity, and a first shaft removably attached to the first end portion of the rod.wherein the first shaft has a cylindrical outer shape and is received within the first cavity of the first distal sleeve. The first end portion of the rod is received by the first axial bore and extends through the first proximal bore portion and the first central bore portion to the first distal bore portion, the first central bore portion having a first inner diameter that is smaller than the first distal bore portion. The first shaft has a larger outer diameter than the rod, and the first distal sleeve has a first outer surface that engages the first sleeve and a second inner surface that defines the first cylindrical cavity and engages the first shaft within the first cylindrical cavity. The first distal sleeve further engages the first shaft to fix the first shaft against axial movement relative to the first distal sleeve.and the first sleeve assembly is freely rotatable relative to the rod by rotating the first distal bushing around the first shaft. The first outer surface and the first inner surface are polymer surfaces.

[0034] In one aspect, the rod further includes a first threaded projection extending outwardly from the first end portion, and the first shank is secured to the first end portion of the rod by a first fastener threaded onto the first threaded projection.

[0035] In another aspect, the first distal bushing comprises a first bushing portion and a second bushing portion in abutting contact with each other, the first bushing portion having a first cylindrical wall with a first annular flange extending inwardly from the first cylindrical wall to define the first axial passage at a proximal end of the first distal bushing. The second bushing portion is located at a distal end of the first distal bushing, and the first and second bushing portions together define the first cylindrical cavity of the first distal bushing. In one embodiment, the second bushing portion has a second cylindrical wall with a second annular flange extending inwardly from the second cylindrical wall to define a second axial passage at the distal end of the first distal bushing.In this device, the first cylindrical wall of the first sleeve portion and the second cylindrical wall of the second sleeve portion together define the first outer surface and the first inner surface and further define the first cylindrical cavity. In another device, the first stem engages the first annular flange and further engages the second sleeve portion to resist axial movement of the first stem relative to the first distal sleeve. In another device, the second sleeve portion is identical to the first sleeve portion and is arranged in reverse orientation relative to the first sleeve portion.

[0036] Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a barbell comprising a first pivoting body including a rod having a first end portion and a second end portion, a second pivoting body mounted on the first end portion of the rod and having a first sleeve with a first bore for receiving the first end portion of the rod, and a first pivoting engagement structure connecting the first pivoting body to the second pivoting body to allow the second pivoting body to rotate freely relative to the first pivoting body. The first pivoting body, the second pivoting body, and the first pivoting engagement structure include a plurality of pairs of surfaces that interlock in a surface engagement with pitches greater than 0.001 inches, and each of the plurality of pairs of surfaces that interlock in a surface engagement with pitches greater than 0.001 inches includes at least one polymeric surface.

[0037] In one aspect, the first rotational engagement structure comprises at least one first bushing that engages the first rotating body to form a first pair of surfaces of the plurality of surface pairs that are in surface engagement with a clearance of greater than 0.001 inches, and that engages the second rotating body to form a second pair of surfaces of the plurality of surface pairs that are in surface engagement with a clearance of greater than 0.001 inches. At least one surface of the first pair of surfaces and at least one surface of the second pair of surfaces are polymeric surfaces.

[0038] In another aspect, the first rotational engagement structure comprises at least a first proximal bushing and a first distal bushing. The first proximal bushing has a first surface that engages the first rotary body to form a first pair of surfaces of the plurality of surface pairs that engage each other with a clearance of greater than 0.001 inches, and a second surface that engages the second rotary body to form a first pair of surfaces of the plurality of surface pairs that engage each other with a clearance of greater than 0.001 inches. The first distal bushing has a third surface that engages the first rotary body to form a third pair of surfaces of the plurality of surface pairs that engage each other with a clearance of greater than 0.001 inches, and a fourth surface that engages the second rotary body to form a fourth pair of surfaces of the plurality of surface pairs that engage each other with a clearance of greater than 0.001 inches.The first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface are polymer surfaces.

[0039] In another aspect, each of the polymer surfaces is formed from a polymer material having a hardness of 50 Shore A to 100 Shore A. In a device, the polymer materials of all polymer surfaces are the same.

[0040] In another aspect, the barbell also includes a third pivot mounted on the second end portion of the bar, the third pivot including a second sleeve having a second bore that receives the second end portion of the bar, and a second pivot engagement structure connecting the first pivot to the third pivot to allow the third pivot to rotate freely relative to the first pivot. The first pivot, the third pivot, and the second pivot engagement structure include a second plurality of surface pairs that surface-engage at intervals greater than 0.001 inches, and wherein each of the second plurality of surface pairs that surface-engage at intervals greater than 0.001 inches includes at least one polymeric surface.

[0041] In another aspect, the first rotational engagement structure comprises a first rotor attached to the first end portion of the rod and having a first cylindrical outer surface that engages an inner surface of the first bore to permit rotation of the second rotating body relative to the first rotating body. The first cylindrical outer surface and the inner surface of the first bore form a first pair of surfaces among the plurality of surface pairs that surface-engage each other at intervals greater than 0.001 inches, and at least one of the first cylindrical outer surface and the inner surface of the first bore is a polymeric surface.

[0042] Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a barbell comprising a rod having a first end portion and a second end portion, a first sleeve assembly having a first sleeve having a first axial bore with a first proximal bore portion, a first distal bore portion, and a first central bore portion extending between the first proximal bore portion and the first distal bore portion, a first proximal bushing received in the first proximal bore portion of the first sleeve and fixed against axial movement with respect to the first sleeve assembly, and a first rotor received in the first distal bore portion of the first sleeve and fixed against axial movement with respect to the first sleeve assembly, the first rotor being attached to the first end portion of the rod.The first end portion of the rod is received by the first axial bore and extends through the first proximal bore portion and the first central bore portion to the first distal bore portion. The first proximal sleeve has a first axial passage that receives the rod and a first outer surface that abuts the first sleeve and a first inner surface that abuts the rod within the first axial passage. The first rotor has a cylindrical outer surface that engages the first sleeve, the cylindrical outer surface being a polymeric surface, and the first proximal sleeve and the first rotor allow the first sleeve assembly to be freely rotatable about the rod and the first shaft.

[0043] Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a barbell including a first rotating body comprising a rod having a first end portion and a second end portion, a first sleeve assembly including a first sleeve having a first axial bore with a first proximal bore portion and a first distal bore portion, a first proximal bushing received in the first proximal bore portion of the first sleeve, and a first distal bushing received in the first distal bore portion of the first sleeve and having a first cavity receiving a portion of the first rotating body located at the first end portion of the rod. The first end portion of the rod is received by the first axial bore and extends through the first proximal bore portion to the first distal bore portion.The first proximal bushing has a first axial passage that receives the rod and a first outer surface that abuts the first sleeve and a first inner surface that abuts the rod within the first axial passage. The first distal bushing has a second outer surface that engages the first sleeve and a second inner surface that engages the portion of the first rotating body within the first cavity. The first proximal bushing and the first distal bushing allow free rotation of the first sleeve assembly about the first rotating body. At least one of the first outer surface and the first inner surface of the first proximal bushing and at least one of the second outer surface and the second inner surface of the first distal bushing are polymeric surfaces.

[0044] Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a bushing comprising a cylindrical bushing body having cylindrical inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface defining an axial passage through the bushing body, the bushing body being adapted to be inserted into a bore, and an engagement surface extending outwardly from the outer surface of the bushing body. The engagement surface is adapted to be received in a groove in the bore when the bushing body is inserted into the bore, such that the engagement surface is adapted to engage a surface of the groove to retain the bushing body in the bore.

[0045] In one aspect, at least the inner surface and the outer surface are polymeric surfaces. In another aspect, the bushing is formed from a polymeric material.

[0046] Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a bushing comprising a first bushing portion having a first cylindrical wall enclosing a first cavity, a first annular flange extending inwardly from the first cylindrical wall to define a first axial passage, and a second bushing portion having a second cylindrical wall enclosing a second cavity, a second annular flange extending inwardly from the second cylindrical wall to define a second axial passage. The second bushing portion abuttingly contacts the first bushing portion such that the second bushing portion is disposed distally with respect to the first bushing portion, the second annular flange being disposed at a distal end of the bushing and the first annular flange being disposed at a proximal end of the bushing.The first cavity and the second cavity together define an internal cavity.

[0047] In one aspect, the second socket portion is identical to the first socket portion and is arranged in reverse orientation to the first socket portion.

[0048] In another aspect, the bushing has an inner surface enclosing the cavity and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and the inner and outer surfaces are polymeric surfaces. In another aspect, the bushing is formed from a polymeric material.

[0049] Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a method of assembling a barbell according to any of the devices, aspects, or embodiments described above, including inserting a proximal bushing and / or a distal bushing into a bore of a sleeve, inserting a rod through the bore, and connecting the sleeve to the rod using a connecting structure, wherein the connecting structure and the proximal and / or distal bushings allow rotation of the rod with respect to the rod.

[0050] Further elements and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] In order to enable a more complete understanding of this disclosure, it will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a barbell according to aspects of this disclosure; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a first sleeve assembly of the barbell of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the first sleeve assembly of the barbell of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first sleeve assembly of the barbell of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the first sleeve assembly of the barbell of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the Fig. 5 shown portion of the first sleeve assembly; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another portion of the first sleeve assembly of the barbell of Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the Fig. 7 shown portion of the first sleeve assembly; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a barbell bar of Fig. 1; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a first end portion of the barbell of Fig. 1; Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve of the barbell of Fig. 1; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a first bushing portion of a distal bushing of the barbell of Fig. 1; Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a second bushing portion of the distal bushing of the barbell of Fig. 1, which is connected to the first socket section of Fig. 12 is identical; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a shaft of the barbell of Fig. 1; Fig. 15 is another perspective view of the shaft of Fig. 14; Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a proximal bushing of the barbell of Fig. 1; Fig. 17 is another perspective view of the proximal socket of Fig. 16; Fig. 18 is a plan view of the barbell from Fig. 1 with weights mounted on the barbell; Fig. 19 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a first sleeve assembly of another embodiment of a barbell according to aspects of the disclosure; and Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a first sleeve assembly of another embodiment of a barbell according to aspects of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail; it is to be understood that this disclosure is an exemplary illustration of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the illustrated embodiments. In the following description of various example structures according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a portion hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various example devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced.It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of portions, exemplary devices, systems, and environments may be utilized, and that structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0053] General aspects of this disclosure relate to a barbell including structures for reducing noise and vibration when the barbell is dropped from an elevated position. Fig. 1 to 18 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a barbell 10 according to aspects of the disclosure, comprising a rod or rod member 12 having two opposite end portions 20, 22 with first and second sleeve assemblies 14, 16 disposed at the opposite end portions 20, 22 of the rod 12. The sleeve assemblies 14, 16 each comprise a sleeve or sleeve member 30 configured to receive one or more weights 11 (see Fig. 18), such as weight plates having a center hole for receiving a portion of the sleeve 30. Removable barbell collars 13 or other retaining devices may also be mounted on the sleeve assemblies 14, 16 to hold the weight(s) 11 in position. The barbell 12 also includes a connecting assembly 18 that connects the bar 12 to the sleeve assemblies 14, 16 without direct contact between the bar 12 and the sleeve 30 and without any metal parts directly contacting both the sleeve 30 and the bar 12. In this application, the term "axial" refers to the direction along the elongated length of the bar 12; the term "radial" refers to any direction perpendicular to the axial direction, e.g.along any radius of a cross-section of the rod 12 perpendicular to the axial direction; and the terms "proximal" and "distal" are relative terms that refer to structures located toward the center of the rod 12 (proximal) and toward the ends of the rod 12 (distal), respectively, in the axial direction. These terms are intended purely for illustrative purposes and do not limit the embodiments in any way.

[0054] The rod 12 has end portions 20, 22 connected to the sleeve assemblies 14, 16 and received in the sleeves 30 of the sleeve assemblies 14, 16, as described in more detail herein, and a middle portion 21 extending between the sleeve assemblies 14, 16. The rod 12 is adapted to be connected to fasteners 61 or other retaining elements at the end portions 20, 22, and the rod 12 in Fig. 1 to 10 comprises cylindrical posts or projections 23 extending axially outwardly from the end portions 20, 22 at the distal ends 24 of the rod 12. Each of the projections 23 in this embodiment has a threaded portion 25 adapted for connection to a threaded fastener 61, such as Fig. 4 and 7 to 10, however, the projections 23 may, in another embodiment, have a different connecting structure for connection to a different type of fastener or other holding element (e.g., a retaining ring, a snap ring, a pin, a clip, etc.). In a further embodiment, the fastener 61 may be a male fastener, such as a bolt, which extends for connection into a female receptacle on the rod 12, and the rod 12 need not necessarily include projections 23 in this device. The rod 12 in Fig. 1 to 10 further comprises cylindrical shoulders 26 extending axially outwardly from the end portions 20, 22, such that the projections 23 each extend outwardly from the shoulders 26. The shoulders 26 have a circumferential dimension (e.g., diameter) and a cross-sectional area that is larger than that of the end portions 20, 22 of the rod 12, but smaller than that of the projections 23. The shoulders 26 and the projections 23 in Fig. 1 to 10 are illustrated as cylindrical with a circular outer circumference, but one or both of these structures may have a different circumferential shape in another embodiment. The rod 12 is generally formed of metal, and in the embodiment of Fig. 1 to 10, the rod 12 is formed from a single piece of steel.

[0055] The central portion 21 and the end portions 20, 22 of the rod 12 in this embodiment have a circular cross-sectional shape and a substantially constant diameter and cross-sectional area over the entire combined axial length of the central portion 21 and the end portions 20, 22. It is understood that the projections 23 in Fig. 1 to 10 have a smaller diameter and a smaller cross-sectional area, and the projections 23 in one embodiment may have a non-circular circumferential shape. The central portion 21 may further include structures to improve the grip of the bar 12, such as knurls (not shown), and the bar 12 may be configured with or without knurls in the central portion of the bar 12. The end portions 20, 22 of the bar 12, in one embodiment, have smooth outer surfaces to reduce friction on the outer surface. While the bar 12 is illustrated as a straight cylindrical member, it should be understood that portions of the bar 12 need not be straight and / or cylindrical. For example, the bar 12 may include curves or bends or a more complicated grip structure, such as for use as a curl bar, tricep bar, deadlift bar, etc.

[0056] Fig. 2 to 8 illustrate the connection of the sleeve assemblies 14, 16 to the rod 12 using the connecting assembly 18. It is noted that Fig. 2 to 8 illustrate only one of the sleeve assemblies 14 and the associated portions of the rod 12 and the connecting assembly 18, the other sleeve assembly 16 being constructed similarly or identically in this embodiment. Each of the sleeve assemblies 14, 16 includes a sleeve 30 having an axial bore 31 with proximal and distal openings 32, 33 and a removable end cap 34 adapted to cover the distal opening 33 of the sleeve 30. The bore 31 of each sleeve 30 is adapted to receive one of the end portions 20, 22 of the rod 12 therein, such that the end portions 20, 22 enter the bore 31 of the respective sleeve 30 through the proximal opening 32. Each sleeve assembly 14, 16 also includes a collar 35 disposed at the proximal end of the sleeve 30.The collar 35 has a greater width / diameter than the outer surface of the sleeve 30 so that the collar 35 can act as a stop to prevent weights mounted on the sleeve 30 from slipping from the sleeve 30 onto the rod 12. In the embodiment of FIG. Fig. 1 to 18, the sleeve 35 is integrally connected to the sleeve 30 and is provided as a single piece with the sleeve 30. However, in another embodiment, the sleeve 35 may be separately connected to the sleeve 30 and / or the rod 12. The sleeve 30 and the sleeve 35 are generally formed of metal, and in Fig. 1 to 18, these sections are formed from a single piece of steel. The inner surface 36 of each sleeve 30 has a circumferentially arranged annular abutment surface 37 with a smaller width / diameter than the distal opening 33 such that the end cap 34 is inserted through the distal opening 33 into the bore 31 and abuts the abutment surface 37. Adjacent to the abutment surface is an annular groove 38 which receives a C-shaped snap ring 39 to secure the end cap 34 to close the distal opening 33. Each end cap 34 is a plate member formed from stamped steel with a cushioning member 40 on the inside, which in one embodiment may be a single-sided rubber band.

[0057] In the embodiment from Fig. 1 to 18, the minimum inner diameter ID1 of the bore 31 is defined by a central portion 42 of the bore 31 that extends over a majority of the axial length of the sleeve 30. The minimum inner diameter ID1 of the passage 30 is greater than the maximum outer diameter OD of the end portions 20, 22 of the rod 12, such that the end portions 20, 22 of the rod 12 are received in the passages 31 of the sleeve 30 without contacting the inner surface 36 at any point. The connecting assembly 18 includes bushings and / or other spacing structures that space the end portions 20, 22 of the rod from the inner surface 36 of the sleeve 30, and the inner surface 36 of the sleeve 30 includes structures for engaging components of the connecting assembly 18.Each connecting assembly 18 includes at least a proximal bushing 50 that engages the sleeve 30 and the rod 12 at or near the proximal opening 32 of the bore 31, a shaft 60 that is fixedly connected to the distal end 24 of the rod 12 by a fastener 61 or other support structure, and a distal bushing 70 that engages the sleeve 30 and the shaft 60 at or near the distal end 24 of the rod 12. All of these components of the connecting assembly 18 are partially or fully received within the bore 31 of the sleeve 30. In another embodiment, one or both of the proximal bushing 50 and the distal bushing 70 can be replaced with a bearing or a bushing / bearing combination. If a bearing is used, the bearing can be partially encapsulated or lined with a polymeric material, as discussed herein.

[0058] The proximal bushing 50 in the embodiment of Fig. 1 to 18 is in Fig. 5 to 6 and 16 to 17. In this embodiment, the proximal bushing 50 comprises a bushing body 51 which is generally tubular and has circular-cylindrical outer and inner surfaces 52, 53, the inner surface 53 defining an axial passage 54 extending through the bushing body 51 from a proximal end 55 to a distal end 56. The proximal bushing 50 is positioned such that the outer surface 52 abuts the inner surface 36 of the sleeve 30 and one of the end portions 20, 22 of the rod 12 extends through the passage 54 and abuts the inner surface 53 of the proximal bushing 50. The engagement between the proximal bushing 50 and the rod 12 is in the embodiment of Fig. 1 to 18 are not fixed, and the inner surface 53 of the proximal bushing 50 is a smooth, low-friction surface so that the sleeve 30 and the proximal bushing 50 can rotate together freely and smoothly with respect to the rod 12.

[0059] The proximal sleeve 50 has an engagement surface 57 extending outwardly from the outer surface 52 near the distal end 56 and in the embodiment of Fig. 1 to 18 in the form of an annular shoulder. The proximal sleeve 50 in the embodiment of Fig. 1 to 18 also has a ramp surface 58 placed between the engagement surface 57 and the distal end 56. The ramp surface 58 is arranged as an annular structure that is angled with respect to the axial direction AD and with respect to the outer surface 52 of the proximal bushing 50. The sleeve 30 has a first bore portion or proximal bore portion 41 extending inwardly / distally from the proximal opening 32 of the sleeve 30 and having a larger inner width / diameter ID2 than the inner diameter ID1 of the central portion 42 (see Fig. 11). The first bore portion 41 can be considered an annular cutout relative to the central portion 42 of the bore 31. The proximal bushing 50 is received within the first bore portion 41, which is dimensioned similarly to the outer surface 52 of the proximal bushing 50 to achieve a tight engagement. The first bore portion 41 further includes an engagement surface 43 defined by an annular groove 44 spaced inwardly / distally from the proximal opening 32. When the proximal bushing 50 is received within the first bore portion 41, the engagement surface 57 and ramp surface 58 of the bushing 50 are received within the groove 44, and the engagement surface 57 abuttingly engages the engagement surface 43 of the sleeve 30 to retain the bushing 50 within the cutout 41.The proximal bushing 50 can be inserted by sliding the distal end 56 of the bushing 50 into the proximal opening 32 of the sleeve 30, and the ramp surface 58 assists this insertion, for example, by causing the bushing body 51 to bend slightly inward. The proximal opening 32 of the sleeve 30 may be beveled or chamfered to further facilitate insertion, as shown in FIG. Fig. 5 to 6. Once inserted, the proximal end 55 of the proximal bushing 50 is exposed within the proximal opening 32 of the sleeve 30. In other embodiments, the engagement surface 57 and / or the ramp surface 58 may have a different structure, such as an interrupted structure with a plurality of tabs, ribs, or shoulders extending outward from the outer surface 52, and the engagement surface 57 may be positioned closer to or farther from the distal end 56 and / or may not necessarily include the ramp surface 58. It should be understood that in another embodiment, the engagement surface 57 of the proximal bushing 50 and the engagement surface 43 of the sleeve 30 may be reversed such that the sleeve 30 includes a radially projecting tab or rib that is received within a notch in the bushing 50.

[0060] In addition, the embodiment of Fig. 1 to 18, the axial passage 54 of the proximal sleeve 30 has an inner diameter ID4 defined by the inner surface 53, and the inner diameter ID4 is smaller than the inner diameter ID1 of the central portion 42, as in Fig. 5. In this device, one of the end portions 20, 22 of the rod 12 engages the inner surface 53 of the proximal bushing 50 within the axial passage 54, but is spaced from the inner surface 36 of the sleeve 30 at the central portion 42. The sleeve 30 in Fig. 1 to 18 is arranged such that the distal end 56 of the first bore portion 41 is defined at the distal end of the groove 44 and the bore 31 has a gradual change in diameter from the larger diameter of the groove 44 to the minimum inner diameter ID1 defined at the central portion 42 of the bore 31.

[0061] The shaft 60 is made of Fig. 1 to 18 is firmly connected to the distal end 24 of the rod 12 by means of a fastener 61 and the shaft 60 and the fastener 61 in this embodiment are in Fig. 7 to 8 and 14 to 15. Generally, the shaft 60 is configured to engage the distal end of the rod 24 and the distal sleeve 70 to permit relative rotation between the rod 12 and the distal sleeve 70. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 through 18, the shaft 60 firmly engages the distal end 24 of the rod 12 and engages the distal bushing 70 in a manner that allows the shaft 60 and the rod 12 to rotate with respect to the distal bushing 70, although this means may be different in other embodiments. For example, the connection between the rod 12 and the shaft 60 may allow rotation of the shaft 60 with respect to the rod 12, such as by including a bearing or other structure that facilitates rotation. The fastener 61 is illustrated as a locknut, but other fasteners may be used in other embodiments, and it is understood that the rod 12 and the fastener 61 may have complementary structures for connection.In this embodiment, the shaft 60 has a cylindrical outer surface 62 and an axial passage 63 formed by a distal cavity 64 extending inward from the distal end 67, a proximal cavity 65 extending inward from the proximal end 68, and an opening 66 extending between and connecting the proximal and distal cavities 64, 65. The opening 66 has a smaller width / diameter than the distal cavity 64 and the proximal cavity 65. In addition, the distal cavity 64 has a larger width / diameter than the proximal cavity 65 to accommodate the handling of the fastener 61, but this structure may not be used in other embodiments.The shaft 60 is fixedly connected to the end portions 20, 22 of the rod 12 by one of the projections 23 extending axially through the opening 66 and into the distal cavity 64, with the fastener 61 positioned in the distal cavity 64 and connected to the projection 23. In this device, the shoulder 26 of the rod 12 is received in the proximal cavity 65, and the surfaces 27 of the distal end 24 of the rod 12 that encompass the shoulder 26 abut the end of the shaft 60. Both the proximal and distal cavities 64, 65 are formed in the embodiment of FIG. Fig. 1 to 18 are cylindrical, and it should be understood that the shape of the proximal cavity 64 may be configured to conform to the shape of the shoulder 26 of the rod 12 to resist relative movement of the shaft 60 and the rod 12. The outer width / diameter of the shaft 60 is greater than the width / diameter of the end portion 20, 22 of the rod 12 such that portions of the proximal end 68 of the shaft 60 extend radially outward from the rod 12. In another embodiment, the rod 12 may not include the shoulder 26, and the proximal cavity 64 may receive the distal end 24 of the rod 12, or no proximal cavity 64 may be provided.

[0062] The distal bushing 70 engages the shaft 60 and the sleeve 30 in both axial directions to limit the axial movement of the shaft 60 with respect to the sleeve 30 and thus the axial movement of the sleeve 30 with respect to the rod 12. The sleeve 30, the distal bushing 70, the shaft 60 and the rod 12 in the embodiment of Fig. 1 to 18 can be secured against axial movement by these structures. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 to 18, the distal bushing 70 is formed from two separate bushing pieces or sections (also referred to as first and second bushing sections or proximal and distal bushing sections) 71, 72, which are similar or identical to one another and engage one another in an abutting manner in the axial direction. In another embodiment, the distal bushing 70 may consist of a single section or of multiple parts that are not identical to one another. The identical first and second bushing sections 71, 72 are shown in Fig. 7 to 8 and 12 to 13. Each bushing section 71, 72 in the embodiment of Fig. 1 to 18 is a cup-shaped piece comprising a cylindrical wall 77 with a cylindrical outer surface 73 and a cylindrical inner surface 78 defining a cylindrical inner cavity 74, and a flange 75 disposed around an opening 76 extending into the inner cavity 74. The two socket portions 71, 72 are arranged such that the ends of the cylindrical walls 77 face and abut each other and the inner cavities 74 are continuous with each other to define a single cavity receiving the stem 60, the socket portions 71, 72 thereby together forming the distal socket 70 enclosing the stem 60.In this arrangement, the inner surface 78 of the cylindrical wall 77 engages the outer surface 62 of the shaft 60, and the flanges 75 of the bushing portions 71, 72 abuttingly engage the distal and proximal ends 67, 68 of the shaft 60, so that the axial and radial movement of the shaft 60 relative to the distal bushing 70 is limited. The shaft 60 and the distal bushing 70 can be secured against relative axial and radial movement by this construction.

[0063] The end portion 20, 22 of the rod 12 extends through the opening 76 of the first bushing portion 71 to be connected to the shaft 60. The distal bushing 70 and the shaft 60 are not rotationally fixed to each other, and the shaft 60 can rotate together with the rod 12 in the cavities 74 of the distal bushing 70. It is noted that the flanges 75 of the bushing portions 71, 72 in the embodiment of Fig. 1 to 18 are formed as annular structures, and in other embodiments, one or both of the flanges 75 may be formed as another structure that acts by abuttingly engaging the distal and proximal ends 67, 68 of the shaft 60, comprising a plurality of intermittently spaced, inwardly extending walls. It should be understood that the first and second socket portions 71, 72 need not be identical in another embodiment, and that the socket portions 71, 72 may be configured to conform to the shapes of the shaft 60 and / or adjacent portions of the sleeve 30.

[0064] In addition, in the embodiment of Fig. 1 to 18, the diameter of the opening 76 defined by the flange 75 of the first bushing portion 71 is smaller than the inner diameter ID1 of the central portion 42 of the bore 31, as in Fig. 7. In this arrangement, the flange 75 of the first bushing portion 71 may abut the rod 12 or be spaced from the rod 12. When the flange 75 is spaced from the rod 12 around the opening 76, this distance is less than the distance between the rod 12 and the inner surface 36 of the sleeve 30 in the central portion 42 of the bore 31.

[0065] In other embodiments, the barbell 10 does not necessarily have to include a shaft 60 separate from the bar 12 at one or both end portions 20, 22. The bar 12 may, for example, include integrally formed shafts 60 or similar structures, or a combination of an integrally formed shaft 60 and a separate shaft 60 at the two end portions 20, 22. As another example, the distal bushing 70 may be configured to engage directly with the bar 12, and another structure (e.g., a retaining ring, a washer, an end cap, etc.) may be used to axially fix the bar 12 with respect to the sleeve 30. Still other embodiments may be used, such as the embodiment disclosed herein Fig. 19.

[0066] The sleeve 30 has a second bore portion or distal bore portion 45 extending inwardly / proximally from the distal opening 33 of the sleeve 30 and having a greater inner width / diameter ID3 than the inner diameter ID1 of the central bore portion 42 (see Fig. 11). The second bore portion 45 can be considered as an annular cutout with respect to the central portion 42 of the bore 31. The distal bushing 70 and the shaft 60 are received in the second bore portion 45, which is dimensioned similarly to the outer surface 73 of the distal bushing 70 to limit the radial movement of the distal bushing 70 with respect to the sleeve 30 and / or to fix the distal bushing 70 against radial movement with respect to the sleeve 30. At the proximal end of the second bore portion 45 is an abutment surface 46, which in this embodiment is formed as a shoulder that causes a change in diameter between the second bore portion 45 and the central bore portion 42. The abutment surface 46 abuts the first bushing portion 71 at the proximal end of the distal bushing 70, e.g. B. at the end of the cylindrical wall 77 and / or on the outer surface of the flange 75.The sleeve assembly 14, 16 also includes a retaining member that abuts the second sleeve portion 72 at the distal end of the distal sleeve 70, and the retaining member in the embodiment of . Fig. 1 to 18 is a C-shaped snap ring 47 which is received in an annular groove 48. The abutment surface 46 and the snap ring 47 abuttingly engage the proximal and distal ends of the distal bushing 70 to limit the axial movement of the distal bushing 70 with respect to the sleeve 30. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 to 18, these structures fix the distal bushing 70 against axial movement relative to the sleeve 30, thereby fixing the shaft 60 and the rod 12 against axial movement relative to the sleeve 30. In this arrangement, the entire axial load between the rod 12 and the sleeves 30 is applied to the shaft 60 and the distal bushing 70. The distal bushing 70 in Fig. 1 to 18 allows the sleeve 30 to rotate relative to the shaft 60 and the rod 12, which are rotationally fixed with respect to one another. The inner and outer surfaces 78, 73 of the distal bushing 70 are smooth, low-friction surfaces, so that the sleeve 30 can rotate freely and smoothly relative to the rod 12 and the shaft 60, and both the sleeve 30 and the shaft 60 are rotatable with respect to the distal bushing 70. In another embodiment, the distal bushing 70 can be fixed against rotation with respect to the shaft 60 or the sleeve 30, so that the distal bushing 70 rotates together with the sleeve 30 or the shaft 60.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal bushings 50 and the bushing portions 71, 72 of the distal bushings 70 are all made of polymer materials, including pure and blended polymer materials, as well as polymer matrix composite materials. These components can be manufactured using various techniques or combinations of such techniques, including molding, casting, thermoforming, extrusion, machining, etc. The proximal bushings 50 and the bushing portions 71, 72 can all be made of the same polymer material, or some or all of these components can be made of different polymer materials in various embodiments. The polymer material can be selected based on desired properties, including strength, durability, low friction properties (e.g., coefficient of friction), and vibration / sound absorption or damping properties.In one embodiment, the polymer material may have a durometer hardness of 50 Shore A to 100 Shore A. An example of a suitable material that provides advantageous performance in this application is a urethane or polyurethane material. Other polymer materials may also provide suitable and / or advantageous performance. Further, a lubricant may be applied to one or more surfaces of the barbell 10, including, but not limited to, the inner and outer surfaces 78, 73 of the portions 71, 72 of the distal bushings 70, the inner surfaces 53 of the proximal bushings 50, the outer surface 62 of the shaft 60, and / or the outer surfaces of the end portions 20, 22 of the rod 12, to further reduce friction during rotation of the sleeves 30 relative to the rod 12. The polymer material(s) of the bushings 50, 70 in such a device may be selected based on lubricating properties and compatibility with potential lubricants.

[0068] It should be understood that the polymer bushings 50, 70, in one embodiment, may include inserts, cores, or other internal components or portions made of other materials, such as metal. For example, one or both of the bushings 50, 70 and / or their components may be made from metal pieces coated with a polymer material on one or more surfaces, e.g., a polymer piece with a metal core. Such bushings 50, 70 and / or their components are further considered to be formed from a polymer material, as discussed herein. The advantages described herein are achieved in part by configuring the barbell such that for each pair of surfaces of the barbell 10 that engage (particularly in movable engagement) with distances greater than or equal to a specific threshold, at least one of the pair of surfaces is a polymer surface, i.e.,a surface formed from a polymeric material. The specific threshold may be at least 0.001 inches in one embodiment, or 0.002 inches in another embodiment. In the embodiment of . Fig. 1 to 18, the pairs of surfaces that engage with a distance of at least 0.001" include at least the following: the outer surface 52 of the proximal bushing 50 and the inner surface 36 of the sleeve 30; the inner surface 53 of the proximal bushing 50 and the rod 12; the outer surface 78 of the distal bushing 70 and the inner surface 36 of the sleeve 30; the inner surface 73 of the distal bushing 70 and the outer surface 62 of the shaft 60; the abutment surface 46 and the proximal end of the distal bushing 70; the snap ring 47 and the distal end of the distal bushing 70; the distal flange 75 of the distal bushing 70 and the distal end 67 of the shaft 60; the proximal flange 75 of the distal bushing 70 and the proximal end 68 of the shaft 60; and the abutting surfaces of the first and second sleeve portions 71, 72 of the distal sleeve 70. In one embodiment, each of these pairs of surfaces comprises at least one polymer surface.This can be achieved in one embodiment by forming all outer surfaces of the proximal and distal bushings 50, 70 from a polymer material.

[0069] In the embodiment from Fig. 1 to 18, at least the outer and / or inner surfaces 52, 53, 78, 73 of the bushings 50, 70 are polymeric surfaces (i.e., the surfaces that engage the rod 12, the shaft 60, and / or the sleeve 30). By this arrangement, metal-to-metal contact between the rod 12, the shaft 60, the sleeve 30, and other connecting and retaining structures as disclosed herein is avoided. Thus, the bushings 50, 70 may have at least their outer and / or inner surfaces 52, 53, 78, 73, or any other surface that engages metallic components such as the rod 12, the shaft 60, the sleeve 30, and / or the snap rings 47, formed from a polymeric material. Portions of a metallic insert or core may be exposed at one or more locations that do not contact other metallic components, e.g., at a location other than the inner surface of the bushings 50, 70. E.g. with the rod 12, the shaft 60, the sleeve 30, the snap rings 47, etc.In another embodiment, the bushings 50, 70 may include a polymeric material on only one surface, such as the inner surface that contacts the rod 12 or the shaft 60, to avoid metal-to-metal contact between the bushings 50, 70 and the rod 12 or the shaft 60. For example, one or more of the bushings 50, 70 may include a metallic outer surface that is press-fitted into the bore 31 (a tight connection with a clearance of less than 0.001") and an inner polymeric layer for contact with the rod 12, the shaft 60, or other portions that rotate within the bushings 50, 70. In another embodiment, instead of, or in addition to, the bushings 50, 70 being formed from polymeric materials as described herein, a portion of the rod 12 and / or its end portions 20, 22 may be coated with a polymeric material.

[0070] It should also be understood that the components described herein that are formed from a polymeric material, e.g., the bushings 50, 70 and / or components thereof, may be formed from various polymeric materials. Accordingly, components described herein as "formed from a polymeric material" may be considered to be formed from one or more polymeric materials, such that a first component is formed from a first polymeric material, a second component is formed from a second polymeric material, etc., where the materials may be the same or different.

[0071] In the Fig. 1 to 18 and described above, the barbell 10 includes a first rotating body 80 including the bar 12, the shafts 60, and the fasteners 61, a second rotating body 82 including the first sleeve assembly 14 (i.e., the sleeve 30 and the end cap 34), and a third rotating body 84 including the second sleeve assembly 14, all three rotating bodies 80, 82, 84 being freely rotatable relative to one another. The three rotating bodies 80, 82, 84, in one embodiment, are fixed or restricted in their axial and radial movement with respect to one another, such as using the link assemblies 18 described herein. The second and third rotating bodies 82, 84 are adapted to support the weights 11. In addition, the second and third rotating bodies 82, 84 are connected to the first rotating body 80 such that there is no metal-to-metal contact between the first rotating body 80 and the second and third rotating bodies 82, 84.The connecting assembly 18 of the barbell 10 may also include a first rotational engagement structure 86 that engages the first rotating body 80 and the second rotating body 82, and a second rotational engagement structure 86 that engages the first rotating body 80 and the third rotating body 84. The first rotational engagement structure 86 consists of all structures and components that engage both the first rotating body 80 and the second rotating body 82, and this engagement is configured to connect the first rotating body 80 and the second rotating body 82 and to allow rotation of the second rotating body 82 relative to the first rotating body 80.The second rotational engagement structure 86 consists of all structures and components that engage both the first rotational body 80 and the third rotational body 84, and this engagement is configured to connect the first rotational body 80 and the third rotational body 84 and to allow rotation of the third rotational body 84 with respect to the first rotational body 80. In this configuration, the surfaces of the rotational engagement structures 86 that engage the first rotational body 80, the second rotational body 82, and / or the third rotational body 84 can be polymeric surfaces formed from a polymeric material described herein. In particular, all surfaces of the rotational engagement structures 86 that movably engage at least one of the first rotational body 80, the second rotational body 82, and / or the third rotational body 84 can be polymeric surfaces formed from a polymeric material described herein.

[0072] In the embodiment from Fig. 1 to 18, the second and third rotating bodies 82, 84 are each separated from the first rotating body 80 by the respective proximal sleeve 50 and distal sleeve 70, which are formed from a polymer material described herein. The proximal and distal bushings 50, 70 in this embodiment allow the free rotation of the rotating bodies 80, 82, 84. In this device, the proximal bushings 50 define proximal portions of the first and second rotational engagement structures 86, and the distal bushings 70 define distal portions of the first and second rotational engagement structures 86. The engagement of the proximal and distal bushings 50, 70 with the first, second and third rotating bodies 80, 82, 84 also fixes the second and third rotating bodies 82, 84 against axial and radial movement with respect to the first rotating body 80. In this device, therefore, the metal components of the first, second and third rotating bodies 80, 82, 84 are replaced by polymer components (e.g.The bushings 50, 70 are fixed against axial and radial movement relative to one another. It is understood that components that are "fixed" against movement (e.g., axial or radial movement) relative to one another, as described herein, may include a small clearance for slight movement. As described herein, such clearance may be, for example, at least 0.001" or 0.002".

[0073] For the assembly of the barbell 10 in the version made of Fig. 1 to 18, the proximal bushings 50 are first inserted into the proximal openings 32 of the sleeves 30 and locked in the first bore portions 41 by engagement between the engagement surfaces 57 of the proximal bushings 50 and the engagement surfaces 43 of the sleeves 30. The end portions 20, 22 of the rod 12 are inserted through the proximal bushings 50 into the bores 31 of the sleeves 30, so that the distal ends 24 of the rod 12 extend into the second bore portions 45 of the sleeves 30. The first bushing portions 71 are then inserted through the distal openings 33 of the sleeves 30 into the second bore portions 45, so that the end portions 20, 22 of the rod 12 are received by the openings 76.The shafts 60 are then inserted into the cavities 74 of the first socket sections 71 so that the projection 23 of each end section 20, 22 is received through the opening 66 of the respective shaft 60, and the fasteners 61 are connected to the projections 23. The second socket sections 72 are then inserted through the distal openings 33 of the sleeves 30 into the second bore sections 45, and the snap rings 47 are inserted into the annular grooves 48 to lock the distal sockets 70 and the shafts 60 in position. The assembly can be simplified by inserting the first bushing portion 71, the shaft 60 and the second bushing portion 72 into the second bore portions 45 and locking the components axially in position via the snap rings 47 before inserting the end portion 20, 22 of the rod 12 into the bore 31 of the respective sleeve 30.The fastener 61 can then be inserted through the opening 76 of the respective second bushing portion 72 and connected to the respective projection 23. The end caps 34 are then inserted through the distal opening 33 into the bores 31 so that the cushioning elements 40 abut the abutment surfaces 37, and the snap rings 39 are inserted into the annular grooves 38 to secure the end cap 34 and close the distal opening 33. Removal or disassembly of these components can be performed in the reverse order of the steps discussed above. Removal of the proximal bushings 50 can be accomplished, for example, by prying with a suitable tool (e.g., a flat-blade screwdriver), by cutting and subsequent removal, or by applying force to the distal end 56.

[0074] Fig. Figure 19 illustrates another embodiment of a barbell 10 according to aspects of the disclosure, comprising a rod or rod member 12 having two opposite end portions 20, 22 with first and second sleeve assemblies 14, 16 disposed at the opposite end portions 20, 22 of the rod 12. The barbell 10 of Fig. 19 is similar or identical to the barbell 10 in Fig. 1 to 18, and similar reference numbers refer in Fig. 19 to similar components, which for the sake of brevity will not be described in detail again. The barbell 10 from Fig. 19 differs from the barbell 10 in Fig. 1 to 18 by making the barbell 10 from Fig. 19 does not include a shaft 60 and a distal bushing 70. Instead, each sleeve assembly 14, 16 in Fig. 19, a rotor 90 fixedly connected to the distal end 24 of the rod 12 by means of a fastener 61 or other support structure. The rotor 90 has a cylindrical outer surface 91 and an axial passage 92 formed by a distal cavity 93 extending inwardly from the distal end 94, a proximal cavity 95 extending inwardly from the proximal end 96, and an opening 97 extending between and connecting the proximal and distal cavities 95, 93. The opening 97 has a smaller width / diameter than the distal cavity 93 and the proximal cavity 95. Additionally, the distal cavity 93 has a larger width / diameter than the proximal cavity 95 to provide space for handling the fastener 61, but this structure may not be used in other embodiments.The rotor 90 is fixedly connected to the end portions 20, 22 of the rod 12 by one of the projections 23 extending axially through the opening 97 and into the distal cavity 93, with the fastener 61 disposed within the distal cavity 93 and connected to the projection 23. In this configuration, the abutment surface 46 and the snap ring 47 abuttingly engage the proximal and distal ends of the rotor 90 to limit the axial movement of the rotor 90 relative to the sleeve 30, thereby fixing the sleeve 30 against axial movement relative to the rod 12. The rotor 90 is rotatable relative to the sleeve 30 within the distal bore portion 45 to permit rotation of the sleeve 30 relative to the rod 12. The rotor 90 may be considered in this device as a distal portion of the first and / or second rotational engagement structure 86 as described herein.In one embodiment, the rotor 90 may be formed from a polymeric material as described herein. For example, at least the cylindrical outer surface 91 and all other surfaces of the rotor 90 that contact the metal components of the sleeve assembly 14, 16, e.g., the abutment surface 46, the snap ring 47, and the inner surface 36 of the sleeve 30, may be formed from a polymeric material. In one embodiment, the portion of the rotor 90 that connects to the bar 12 may be formed from a metal material, with a polymeric portion bonded to the metal portion (e.g., by coating, molding, etc.) such that the polymeric portion forms all surfaces that engage the sleeve 30 or other structures (e.g., the snap ring 47). In another embodiment, the entire rotor 90 may be formed from a polymeric material, or at least all of the outer surfaces of the rotor 90 are polymeric surfaces (e.g., with a metal core). The barbell 10 of FIG. Fig. 19 may include all other components and elements described herein, including alternative embodiments. The assembly of the barbell 10 in Fig. 19 can be carried out essentially as described above, but without inserting the distal bushings, whereby the rotor

[0075] Fig. 20 illustrates another embodiment of a barbell 10 which is provided with the barbell 10 in Fig. 1 to 18, wherein a sound-absorbing material 91 is disposed in an open space within the bore 31 of the sleeve 30. In this embodiment, the sound-absorbing material 91 is disposed in the central portion 42 of the bore 31 between the rod 12 and the inner surface 36 of the sleeve 30. In this position, the sound-absorbing material 91 may have a thickness small enough to fit within the provided space and not unduly interfere with the rotation of the sleeve 30, e.g., 1 / 16 inch. The sound-absorbing material 91 may extend over a portion of the distance or substantially the entire distance between the proximal and distal bushings 50, 70. In other embodiments, the sound-absorbing material 91 may additionally or alternately be disposed in other open spaces within the bore 31, e.g., near the distal opening 33.The sound-absorbing material 91 may, for example, be a rubber or neoprene material, a foam material, a cotton material, or another material used to dampen and / or absorb sound. In various embodiments, the sound-absorbing material 91 may be bonded to either the sleeve 30 or the rod 12 (or other structure) or may lie loosely in the open space. In one embodiment, the sound-absorbing material 91 may only come into contact with one of the two rods 12 or the sleeve 30 to reduce friction.

[0076] Described herein are various embodiments of barbells and their components, including various components and elements. In other embodiments, the barbell may be provided with any combination of such components and elements. It is also understood that in other embodiments, the various devices, components, and elements of the barbell described herein may be constructed with similar structural and functional elements with different features, including different ornamental appearances.

[0077] The barbells and their components described here offer advantages over existing barbells. Fig. For example, the barbells 10 shown in Figures 1 to 19 exhibit significantly lower noise emissions and vibrations when dropped from an elevated position onto several different surfaces compared to existing barbells. Fig. For example, the barbell 10 shown in Figures 1 to 18 has demonstrated a reduction in noise of at least 10 dB compared to existing barbells that include metal-to-metal contact between the rotating bodies when dropped from a fixed, uniform height with the same load. In conjunction with the frequency of the sound emission when dropping a loaded barbell from an elevated position, the barbell 10 made of Fig. 1 to 18 creates the impression that the noise is reduced by 50%. It is considered that the barbell 10 in Fig.19 can produce similar power. It is also considered that this significantly improved performance is due to the use of polymer bushings and / or polymer surfaces and the resulting lack of metal-to-metal contact. This advantage is particularly beneficial in smaller, residential gyms where the noise of falling weights can disturb nearby residents. In addition, the barbell structures described herein provide good durability and product life, and bushings or other components can be easily replaced if damaged. Furthermore, the low-friction surfaces provided by the bushings allow free rotation of the sleeve assemblies (and the weights mounted thereon) with respect to the bar, providing better performance. It is envisaged that the use of low-friction polymer structures (i.e.The bushing portions 71, 72 of the distal bushing) for axial placement of the sleeves relative to the bar reduce friction and resistance to rotation of the sleeves relative to the bar. Furthermore, the barbell's design allows the bushings 50, 70 to be easily and quickly removed, exchanged, or replaced using simple tools, allowing the consumer to perform these tasks at home. The consumer could also replace the bushings with other bushings made of different materials and with different properties (e.g., hardness, noise / vibration dampening, lubricity, friction, color / design, etc.) as desired by the consumer to "tune" or customize the performance or appearance of the barbell, such as spin, noise / vibration dampening, appearance, etc.The use of a sound-absorbing material 91, as described herein, can further reduce the noise generated when the barbell 10 is dropped. Other advantages will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0078] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize the features of each embodiment and the possible combinations and variations of the components. One of ordinary skill in the art would further recognize that each of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is to be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. These examples and embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein.When describing a method or process, the term "providing" (or variations thereof) as used herein generally means making an article available for further action and does not imply that the entity "providing" the article manufactured, assembled, or otherwise created it. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures to fall within the scope of this invention unless expressly provided by the claims.As used herein, "integral joining technique" means a technique for joining two sections such that the two sections effectively become a single, integral section, including, but not limited to, irreversible joining techniques such as welding, brazing, soldering, or the like, in which separation of the joined sections is not possible without structural damage thereto. In addition, the term "plural" as used herein refers to any number greater than one, either disjunctive or conjunctive, as appropriate, up to an infinite number. Accordingly, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous changes may be made without materially departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 62 / 906,225

[0001] US 62 / 983,135

[0001]

Claims

[1] Barbell (10), comprising: a rod (12) having a first end portion (20) and a second end portion (22); a first sleeve assembly (14) comprising a first sleeve (30) with a first axial bore (31) defined by a first inner bore surface, with a first proximal opening (32) and a first proximal bore portion (41) extending inwardly from the first proximal opening (32), wherein the first end portion (20) of the rod is received by the first axial bore (31) and extends through the first proximal bore portion, wherein the first proximal bore portion (41) has a first groove (44) extending radially outwardly on the first inner bore surface, and wherein the first groove (44) is spaced distally from the first proximal opening (32); and a first proximal bushing (50) received in the first proximal bore portion (41) of the first sleeve (30) and fixed against axial movement with respect to the first sleeve assembly (14), the first proximal bushing (50) having a first axial passage (54) receiving the rod therein, the first proximal bushing (50) having a first outer surface (52) engaging the first sleeve (30) and a first inner surface (53) engaging the rod (12) within the first axial passage (54), and the first proximal bushing (50) further having a first engagement surface (57) received in the first groove (44) and engaging a first surface of the first groove (44) to retain the first proximal bushing (50) in the first proximal bore portion (41) and to prevent axial movement of the first proximal bushing (50) in direction of the first proximal opening (32) with respect to the first sleeve (30); wherein the first proximal bushing (50) allows the first sleeve assembly (14) to be freely rotatable with respect to the rod (12). [2] The barbell (10) of claim 1, wherein the first outer surface (52) and the first inner surface (53) are polymeric surfaces. [3] Barbell (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first proximal bushing (50) is formed from a polymeric material. [4] Barbell (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first axial bore (31) has a first inner diameter which is smaller at the first central bore portion (42) than at the first proximal bore portion (41). [5] Barbell (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first groove (44) is an annular groove (44) and the first proximal sleeve (50) has an annular shoulder extending radially outwardly from the first outer surface (52) and forming the first engagement surface (57). [6] The barbell (10) of claim 5, wherein the first proximal bushing (50) includes an annular ramp surface (58) extending from a distal end (56) of the first proximal bushing (50) to the annular shoulder, the annular ramp surface (58) being angled outwardly with respect to the first outer surface (52) of the first proximal bushing (50) from the distal end (56) to the annular shoulder. [7] Barbell (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first engagement surface (57) is spaced proximally from a distal end (56) of the first proximal sleeve (50). [8] The barbell (10) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first proximal bushing (50) includes a shoulder extending radially outwardly from the first outer surface (52) and defining the first engagement surface (57), and a ramp surface (58) extending from a distal end (56) of the first proximal bushing (50) to the shoulder, the ramp surface (58) being angled outwardly with respect to the first outer surface (52) of the first proximal bushing (50) from the distal end (56) to the shoulder. [9] Barbell (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first sleeve assembly (14) is freely rotatable with respect to the rod (12) by the first sleeve (30) and the first proximal bushing (50) rotating about the rod (12). [10] The barbell (10) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first proximal bushing (50) engages a second surface of the first groove (44) to resist axial movement of the first proximal bushing (50) toward a first distal bore portion (45) relative to the first sleeve (30). [11] Barbell (10), comprising: a rod assembly comprising a rod (12) with a first end portion (20) and a second end portion (22); a first sleeve assembly (14) having a first sleeve (30) having a first axial bore (31) with a first proximal opening (32), a first proximal bore portion (41) extending inwardly from the first proximal opening (32), a first distal bore portion (45), and a first central bore portion (42) extending between the first proximal bore portion (41) and the first distal bore portion (45), wherein the first end portion (20) of the rod (12) is received by the first axial bore (31) and extends through the first proximal bore portion (41) and the first central bore portion (42) to the first distal bore portion (45), wherein the first axial bore (31) has a first inner diameter that is smaller at the first central bore portion (42) than at the first proximal bore portion (41),and wherein the first proximal bore portion (41) has a first groove (44) spaced distally from the first proximal opening (32); and, a first proximal bushing (50) received in the first proximal bore portion (41) of the first sleeve (30) and fixed against axial movement with respect to the first sleeve assembly (14), the first proximal bushing (50) having a first tubular bushing body (51) defining a first axial passage (54) receiving the rod (12) therethrough, the first tubular bushing body (51) having a first outer surface (52) engaging the first sleeve (30) and a first inner surface (53) engaging the rod (12) within the first axial passage (54), and the first proximal bushing (50) further having a first engagement surface (57) received in the first groove (44) and engaging a first proximal groove surface of the first groove (44),to retain the first proximal sleeve (50) in the first proximal bore portion (41) and to resist axial movement of the first proximal sleeve (50) toward the first proximal opening (32) relative to the first sleeve (30); wherein the first proximal bushing (50) of the first sleeve assembly (14) allows it to be freely rotatable with respect to the rod (12), and wherein the first outer surface (52) and the first inner surface (53) are polymer surfaces. [12] The barbell (10) of claim 11, wherein the first groove (44) is an annular groove (44) and the first proximal sleeve (50) has an annular shoulder extending radially outwardly from the first outer surface (52) and defining the first engagement surface (57). [13] The barbell (10) of claim 12, wherein the first proximal bushing (50) includes an annular ramp surface (58) extending from a distal end (56) of the first proximal bushing (50) to the annular shoulder, the annular ramp surface (58) being angled outwardly with respect to the first outer surface (52) of the first proximal bushing (50) from the distal end (56) to the annular shoulder. [14] Barbell (10) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the first engagement surface (57) is spaced proximally from a distal end (56) of the first proximal sleeve (50). [15] The barbell (10) of claim 11, wherein the first proximal bushing (50) has a shoulder extending radially outwardly from the first outer surface (52) and defining the first engagement surface (57), and a ramp surface (58) extending from a distal end (56) of the first proximal bushing (50) to the shoulder, the ramp surface (58) being angled outwardly with respect to the first outer surface (52) of the first proximal bushing (50) from the distal end (56) to the shoulder. [16] The barbell (10) of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the first sleeve assembly (14) is freely rotatable relative to the rod by the first sleeve (30) and the first proximal bushing (50) rotating about the rod (12). [17] The barbell (10) of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein a distal end (56) of the first proximal bushing (50) abuts a second surface of the first groove (44) to resist axial movement of the first proximal bushing (50) toward the first distal bore portion (45) relative to the first sleeve (30). [18] Barbell (10) according to one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising: a first distal bushing (70) received in the first distal bore portion (45) of the first sleeve (30) and engaging the rod assembly at the first end portion (20) of the rod (12), the first distal bushing (70) further comprising a second outer surface (78) engaging the first sleeve (30) and a second inner surface (73) engaging the rod assembly, wherein the first distal bushing (70) further allows the first sleeve assembly (14) to be freely rotatable with respect to the rod, and wherein the second outer surface (78) and the second inner surface (73) are polymer surfaces. [19] The barbell (10) of claim 18, wherein the rod assembly further comprises a first shaft (60) engaging the first end portion (20) of the rod (12), the second inner surface of the first distal sleeve (70) engaging the first shaft (60). [20] Barbell (10) according to one of claims 11 to 19, further comprising: a second sleeve assembly (16) having a second sleeve (30) having a second axial bore (31) with a second proximal opening (32), a second proximal bore portion (41) extending inwardly from the second proximal opening (32), a second distal bore portion (45), and a second central bore portion (42) extending between the second proximal bore portion (41) and the second distal bore portion (45), wherein the second end portion (22) of the rod (12) is received by the second axial bore (31) and extends through the second proximal bore portion (41) and the second central bore portion (42) to the second distal bore portion (45), wherein the second axial bore (31) has a second inner diameter that is smaller at the second central bore portion (42) than at the second proximal bore portion (41),and wherein the second proximal bore portion (41) has a second groove (44) spaced distally from the second proximal opening (32); and, a second proximal bushing (50) received in the second proximal bore portion (41) of the second sleeve (30) and fixed against axial movement with respect to the second sleeve assembly (16), the second proximal bushing (50) having a second tubular bushing body (51) defining a second axial passage (54) receiving the rod therethrough, the second tubular bushing body (51) having a second outer surface (52) engaging the second sleeve (30) and a second inner surface (53) engaging the rod (12) within the second axial passage (54), and the second proximal bushing (50) further having a second engagement surface (57) received in the second groove (44) and engaging a second proximal groove surface of the second groove (44),to retain the second proximal sleeve (50) in the second proximal bore portion (41) and to resist axial movement of the second proximal sleeve (50) toward the second proximal opening (32) relative to the second sleeve (30); wherein the second proximal bushing (50) allows the second sleeve assembly (16) to be freely rotatable with respect to the rod (12), and wherein the second outer surface (52) and the second inner surface (73) are polymer surfaces. [21] Barbell (10) according to one of claims 11 to 20, wherein the first proximal bushing (50) is formed from a polymeric material. [22] Assembly for connection to a bar (12) of a barbell (10), the assembly comprising: a sleeve assembly (14, 16) comprising a sleeve (30) with an axial bore (31) defined by an inner bore surface and extending from a proximal opening (32) to a distal opening (33), the axial bore (31) having a proximal bore portion (41) extending inwardly from the proximal opening (32), a distal bore portion (45) extending inwardly from the distal opening (33), and a central bore portion (42) extending between the proximal bore portion (41) and the distal bore portion (45), the axial bore (31) being adapted to receive an end portion (20, 22) of the rod (12) inserted through the proximal bore portion (41) and the central bore portion (42) to the distal bore portion (45), the axial bore (31) has an inner diameter,which is smaller at the central bore portion (42) than at the proximal bore portion (41) and at the distal bore portion (45), and wherein the proximal bore portion (41) has an annular groove (44) extending radially outward on the inner bore surface, and wherein the annular groove (44) is spaced distally from the proximal opening (32); and, a bushing (50) received in the proximal bore portion (41) of the sleeve (30) and fixed against axial movement with respect to the sleeve assembly (14, 16), the proximal bushing (50) having a tubular bushing body (51) defining an axial passage (54) adapted to receive the rod (12) therethrough, the tubular bushing body (51) having a cylindrical outer surface (52) engaging the sleeve (30) and a cylindrical inner surface adapted to engage the rod (12) within the axial passage (54), and the bushing (50) further having a shoulder extending radially outwardly from the cylindrical outer surface (52) and received within the annular groove (44), the shoulder having an engagement surface (57) engaging a proximal groove surface of the annular groove (44),to hold the proximal sleeve (50) within the proximal bore portion (41) and to resist axial movement of the proximal sleeve (50) toward the proximal opening (32) with respect to the sleeve (30), wherein at least the cylindrical inner surface and the cylindrical outer surface (52) of the bushing (50) are polymer surfaces. [23] The assembly of claim 22, wherein the shoulder is an annular shoulder and the bushing (50) further comprises an annular ramp surface (58) extending from a distal end (56) of the bushing (50) to the annular shoulder, the annular ramp surface (58) being angled outwardly with respect to the cylindrical outer surface of the bushing (50) from the distal end (56) to the annular shoulder. [24] An assembly according to any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein the bushing (50) further comprises a ramp surface (58) extending from a distal end (56) of the bushing (50) to the shoulder, the ramp surface (58) being angled outwardly with respect to the cylindrical outer surface of the bushing (50) from the distal end (56) to the shoulder. [25] An assembly according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the bushing (50) is formed from a polymer material.

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