Improvements in or relating to weights support apparatus

Abstract

A weight support apparatus for supporting a free weight comprises support means comprising: first and second weight portions 4, 6 for supporting respective first and second regions of said free weight

Description

The present invention relates to a weights support apparatus for supporting a free weight, in particular a dumbbell. The invention also relates to gym apparatus comprising one or more weights support apparatus and use of a weights support apparatus during exercise. Free weights are widely acknowledged as providing better exercise for those gym goers who wish to train hard and build muscle mass. However, as the weight increases, the inherent danger of using free weights also increases, which is further compounded when a user starts to tire. Accordingly, unlike with machines, spotting is often required and generally recommended during training, so as to prevent inadvertent injury and danger to the user as his or her muscles become tired. That does tend to mean for heavy free weights, one must always train with a partner who will be spotting during your exercise. Those skilled in the art will understand that the term ‘spotting’ in weight or resistance training is a person supporting the user during training so as to train harder than one could normally do safely, reducing potential harm to the user. For a single bar, such as with a bench press, a single spotter will be required; however, when one is using heavy dumbbells, that can mean a spotter is required for each arm and each dumbbell, as a single person could not adequately support each arm at the same time. In a similar way to when using a barbell during such exercise as a chest press, the forearm of a user needs to be positioned in approximately the same plane as the user’s hands and, therefore, the bar of the barbell so as to properly support its weight. If one does not have his or her forearm in such an arrangement, then, although exercise may still be possible, for heavy free weights exercise would not be safe and could cause injury or damage to property. A further disadvantage to present use of free weights is the relatively common dropping of the weight on the final rep, because the individual has no safe place to easily rest the weight when the muscles are tired. The present invention is, therefore, aimed at providing an improved gym apparatus, alleviating at least some of the disadvantages mentioned above. Further, gym goers face various difficulties when training with dumbbells - not necessarily just with heavy dumbbells but generally - as they need to be unloaded from a dumbbell rack and, with dumbbell in hand, carried / transferred to one’s normal bench and positioned on the floor, before being hoisted up into position to do one’s set. Alternatively, they need to be transferred from the rack to one’s normal bench and, straight away, hoisted up into position to do one’s set, without putting them on the floor. In a further alternative, once transferred to one’s normal bench, a training partner may hoist up the dumbbells into position to do one’s set, if one is available. The process of getting ready to start one’s set can be quite tiresome and can take up a lot of energy, which could be better used completing the set. Further, people have busy lives and often train alone, at a time which suits the individual - so a training partner may not be available. Dumbbell training can lead to increased risk of injury when hoisting the dumbbells up to do a set, especially front-shoulder injuries and ligament damage in the biceps. This alone can lead people to avoid dumbbell training - and cause time out of the gym, effecting workout routines and gym memberships. Those who are not confident nor experienced with using dumbbells (not necessarily heavy ones) tend to avoid dumbbell training altogether, preferring the barbell bench or machine training. The present invention is, therefore, additionally aimed at opening up the training possibilities to all gym goers, offering a new, easy and safe way of using dumbbells. According to a first aspect, the invention provides a weights support apparatus for supporting a free weight, the apparatus comprises support means comprising: first and second weight portions, for supporting respective first and second regions of said free weight; and one or more stems, for supporting the first and / or second weight portion(s), wherein the support means is configured to provide a gap or space between at least parts of the first and second weight portions and / or between at least parts of the one or more stems, providing unobstructed access to a central region of a bar of said free weight. Preferably, providing unobstructed access from beneath said central region of said bar. Preferably, the support means is configured to support from beneath said first and second regions of said free weight, whilst providing from (substantially) beneath unobstructed access to said central region of said bar. Most preferably, the first and second weight portions are relatively upwardly directed. Preferably, said central region of said bar is a grip region, for holding said free weight. Preferably, the gap or space comprises a volume of free space between the at least parts of the first and second weight portions and / or between the at least parts of the one or more stems, capable of allowing, in use, movement of a user’s forearm to lift said free weight. Preferably, capable of allowing, in use, movement of a user’s forearm to lift said free weight from beneath said free weight. Preferably, the first and second weight portions, and the one or more stems are spatially arranged and configured to provide support axes for said free weight which are radially offset from a central support axis of the weights support apparatus. Preferably, the one or more stems the one or more stems are configured to: separately and individually support the first or second weight portions; or connect and support the first and second weight portions. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a central support member, for receiving a proximal end, or proximal ends, of the one or more stems. Preferably, a distal end, or distal ends, of the one or more stems is configured for receiving the first and / or second weight portions. Preferably, first and second stems each extend from the central support member to a respective first or second weight portion. Preferably, the central support member provides a / the central support axis for bearing the overall weight of the weights support apparatus and said free weight. Preferably, the central support member is operatively connectable to a support stand, weights stand, weights machine, other support member or fixture. Preferably, the support member or fixture is an upright support member or fixture, although may be a wall or vertical surface. Preferably, the support means is configured to support first and second weights of said free weight, whilst providing a gap or space between the support surfaces commensurate with a grip portion of said bar. Preferably, the first and second weight portions are configured to support said bar of said free weight and / or a / said weight(s) of said free weight. Preferably, when configured for supporting said bar, the first and / or second weight portions comprise one or more notches capable of receiving said bar of said free weight. Preferably, when configured for supporting said weights, the first and / or second weights portions comprises one or more surfaces capable of (directly) receiving a weight / weighted end of said free weight. Preferably, a / the distal end, or distal ends, of the one or more stems connect and support the first and / or second weight portions from at least partly beneath the first and / or second weight portions and a / the proximal end, or proximal ends, of the one or more stems are operatively connected to a support stand, weights stand, weights machine, other support member or fixture. Preferably, the first and second stems comprises a pair of (initially) diametrically extending arms, whose orientation is subsequently altered so as to transversely extend in a common direction. Most preferably, the arms are mirror images of each other. Preferably, as the first and second arms extend, they undergo a change in orientation / plane, so as to be inclined or declined with respect to initial extension of the arms. Most preferably, in view of the above three paragraphs, the first and second arms create a bull’s horns effect, which distances and offsets the first and second weight portions from a central region of the apparatus. Preferably, the first and / or second weight portion comprise(s) a lower support surface, having one or more retaining surfaces extending upwardly therefrom, so as to cause a part of said free weight to rest upon the lower support surface. Preferably, the one or more upwardly extending surfaces are inclined and / or upright surfaces. Preferably, an inclined surface is located along at least part of a first edge of the weight portion and an upright surface is located along at least part of an opposed second edge of the weight portion. Preferably, the first and / or second weight portion(s) comprises a dished support surface, for retaining a first and / or second region of said free weight. Preferably, the dished support surface is configured to receive and retain a first or second weighted end of said free weight. Preferably, the dished support surface comprises a central support surface and opposed lateral first and second lips, for assisting retaining the free weight on the support surface. Preferably, the first lip and second lip, or inclined surface and upright surface, are of different sizes and / or dimensions so as to, in one aspect, not hinder, in use, loading or unloading said free weight whilst preventing said free weight from rolling-off the support surface in the direction of the first lip, or inclined surface, and, in a second aspect, provide a backstop preventing movement of the free weight from the support surface in a direction of the second lip, or upright surface. Most preferably, the free weight is a dumbbell. Preferably, the weight support apparatus is a dumbbell support apparatus. In a second aspect, the invention provides gym apparatus comprising one or more weights support apparatus according to the first aspect. Preferably, the gym apparatus comprises a pair of weights support apparatus configured as left-arm and right-arm support apparatus, forming a chest press apparatus, shoulder press apparatus, inclined press apparatus or declined press apparatus, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the pair of weights support apparatus are configured to be individually adjustable laterally and / or in elevation, so as to be capable of (individually or together) adjusting a lateral position and / or height of each weights support apparatus. Preferably, the pair of weights support apparatus are configured to be individually adjustable to alter an orientation of the weights support apparatus through a movement of approximately 90 degrees. Preferably, the orientation of each weights support apparatus is configured to be adjustable to provide free weights in an orientation either approximately parallel to a torso of a user (or weights bench or the like), or transverse a torso of a user (or weights bench or the like). Preferably, the gym apparatus comprises an adjustable weights bench, capable of adjusting its height, and / or a position and / or orientation of its back-rest portion. In a third aspect, the present invention provides use of a weights support apparatus during exercise, the apparatus comprises support means comprising: first and second weight portions, for supporting respective first and second regions of a free weight; and one or more stems, for supporting the first and / or second weight portion(s), wherein the support means is configured to provide a gap or space between at least parts of the first and second weight portions and / or between at least parts of the one or more stems, providing unobstructed access to a central region of a bar of the free weight, wherein the use further comprising: resting the free weight on the support means prior to conducting exercise; locating a forearm of a user in the gap or space between the first and second weights portions and / or between at least parts of the one or more stems, and holding and supporting the bar from beneath; and raising the free weight in a upwards movement whilst the forearm moves upwardly through the gap or space. Preferably, use further comprising conducting exercise outside the constraints of the gap or space and, towards the end, lowering the free weight and, thereby, downwardly moving the forearm through the gap or space so as to rest the free weight on the support means. Preferably, use comprising utilising a weights support apparatus according to the first aspect. Advantageously, the present invention allows one person to load and unload the dumbbells on the weights support apparatus, with no need for a training partner / spotting. The invention provides dumbbells in the correct starting position for a specific exercise without a user having to pick up the dumbbell(s) and position oneself whilst holding the dumbbells, before starting the exercise - it being well known that positioning oneself whilst holding the dumbbell(s) can forego one or two reps from the exercise because of the significant effort required. Advantageously, the present invention provides support means directly at the locality of gym apparatus or a bench, which sustain or support a free weight until the user is ready to exercise. Advantageously, an individual may train by oneself, and train safely and efficiently whilst using the present invention. Advantageously, the invention provides safe loading and unloading of weights either before or during exercise from the weights support apparatus which, in particular, can be achieved without spotting. Further, weights may be separately loaded onto respective left-arm and right-arm support apparatus, whilst being securely supported for the start of the exercise. The invention will now be disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a weights support apparatus; Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the weights support apparatus of Figure 1, in use; Figure 3 is a side elevation of the weights support apparatus of Figure 1; and Figure 4 is a perspective view of gym apparatus, including left- and right-arm weights support apparatus of Figures 1 to 3. Figures 1 to 3 show a weights support apparatus, generally identified by reference 1. The apparatus 1 includes a central support member 2, a first stem 3, linking the central support member 2 to a first weights portion 4. The apparatus 1 further includes a second stem 5, linking the central support member 2 to a second weights portion 6. Each of the weights portions 4; 6 include a lower support surface 7, an inclined surface 8 and an upright surface 9. The lower support surface 7 is for receipt and support of a dumbbell 20 - as shown in Figure 2 - in use. Each inclined surface 8 provides a lip over which a dumbbell 20 may pass if assisted, but across which the dumbbell cannot roll, so as to prevent the dumbbell 20 inadvertently falling-off from the lower support surface 7 in a direction of that inclined surface 8. Each upright surface 9 provides a backstop 9 which prevents the dumbbell 20 inadvertently falling-off the lower support surface 7 in a direction of that upright surface 9. Owing to its configuration, including its rake and size, the backstop prevents the dumbbell 20 from being moved laterally beyond the backstop during initial lifting of the dumbbell 20, and during loading or unloading of the dumbbell 20 on to or off from the weights support apparatus 1. A gap or space 10 is provided between the first and second weights portions 4; 6, and between the first and second stems 3; 5, which underlie the first and second weights portions 4; 6, providing a region of free space into or through which a user’s forearm 11 - shown in Figure 2 - may pass during exercise. This is an important aspect of the invention because, without the region of free space 10 between the first and second weights portions 4; 6 and / or the first and second stems 3; 5, which region preferably extends downwardly to a region 10a parallel to and in front the stem 2, the user’s forearm would be obstructed, making it difficult if not impossible for the user’s forearm to be positioned in approximately the same plane as a user’s hand on the dumbbell 20 - thereby, lacking adequate support for its weight. Each of the first stem 3 and second stem 5 include parts a and b, being parts 3a and 3b, and parts 5a and 5b. Parts 3a; 5a extend diametrically away from the central support member 2, before a change in orientation. Parts 3b and 5b are transversely orientated (preferably at 90 degrees) to parts 3a and 5a, respectively, and their orientations are further altered so as to provide arcuate parts 3b; 5b, which are upwardly inclined - more clearly visible in Figure 2. Accordingly, first and second stems 3; 5 provide a bull’s horns-type configuration which moves the support axes of the first and second weights portions 4; 6 radially away from the axis of the central support member 2, being radially offset from a central support axes of the central support member 2. In addition, although not necessarily essential, first and second stems 3; 5 increase the height of the first and second weights portions 4; 6 above an end of the central support member 2, providing a larger gap or space 10 for movement of the user’s forearm 11. The effect of the disclosed changes in orientation of the first stem 3 and second stem 5 are to provide the gap or space 10; however, these are just exemplary, and other configurations of stem(s) are conceivable. In use, and as shown in Figure 2 in particular, the dumbbell 20 is located on and supported by the weights support apparatus 1, on the first and second weight portions 4; 6. The dumbbell 20 includes a bar 21, having a central grip portion, and the bar 21 extends through - or is connected with - weighted ends 22a; 22b, which may be weighted according to intended exercise, as required by the user. Although a simplified form of dumbbell 20 has been shown in the figures, the dumbbell may have any known configuration, including those where the weight is fixed and those where one may add or remove weights at will to the weighted ends 22a; 22b, and fix the weights accordingly. A user’s hand 12 grips the central part of the bar 21 and the forearm 11 of the user is located within the gap or space 10; 10a, which allows the user’s forearm to be located in an upright orientation, being substantially directly in-line with the bar 21 so as to fully support the weight of the dumbbell 20. The user’s forearm 11 moves in an upward fashion from the starting point shown in Figure 2, with such movement being exemplified in Figure 3 by reference 13 and, whilst moving, the user’s forearm 11 remains - at least initially - directly in-line, and in the same plane, as the bar 21, which is required to safely support a heavy dumbbell during use. Although dumbbells may be used in various ways, the invention provides a gap or space through which the user’s forearm may pass during use, so as not to foul nor contact parts of the weights support apparatus when conducting reps, and, thereby, locate the forearm in a position where the forearm is substantially beneath the user’s hand and, thereby, the bar of the dumbbell. Figure 4 shows a gym apparatus 30, which includes a frame 31, upright support members 32a; 32b, and a bench 33. As is common, the gym apparatus 30 is anchored to the ground (not shown). This is just one example of gym apparatus with which the present invention may be utilised. In this example, the bench 33 is shown as inclined; however, that is not essential and the bench could be level or could be declined. The bench 33 is preferably height adjustable, although not shown. Each of the upright support members 32a; 32b is operatively connected to a central support member 2 of a respective weights support apparatus 1a; 1b- each being a weights support apparatus 1 as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3. A right-arm apparatus is provided by weights support apparatus 1 a and a left-arm apparatus is provided by weights support apparatus 1b. Respective heights of the weights support apparatus 1a; 1b are preferably adjustable, although not shown. Dumbbells 20a; 20b may be loaded onto the weights support apparatus 1a; 1b, respectively. It will be noted from Figure 4 that axes of the dumbbells and the weights support apparatus are provided substantially transverse to an axis of the bench 33; however, this is not essential. Further, such axes are preferably adjustable through 90 degrees for different exercises, although not shown. Generally, the user carries the dumbbells 20a; 20b, one at a time, and places one on each of the weights support apparatus 1a; 1b, where it / they rest(s) until the user is ready to commence the set. The user positions oneself on the bench 33, where one has easy access to the bar / grip 21 of the dumbbells 20a; 20b, then unloads the dumbbells 20a; 20b from the weights support apparatus 1a; 1b through an upwards movement 13, to do the set. After the set is completed, one can safely rest the dumbbells 20a; 20b back onto the weights support apparatus 1 a; 1 b with ease, ensuring maximum benefit is gained from the set, and avoiding the need to hoist the dumbbells into position before starting the set or drop the dumbbells at the end of the set. This provides a safe and secure method of dumbbell training, providing improved confidence with dumbbells. In particular, the user loads the dumbbells 20a; 20b onto the weights support apparatus 1a; 1b from a direction along the bench 33 - and not from behind the upright support members 32a; 32b - which requires lifting the dumbbells 20a; 20b over the lips 8 of the first and second weight portions 4; 6. The backstops 9 prevent the dumbbells 20a; 20b from being loaded I unloaded incorrectly, and prevent the dumbbells 20a; 20b from falling-off the lower support surfaces 7 during rest or exercise. The user (not shown) lies on the bench 33, and places his / her forearms through the gaps 10 in each weights support apparatus 1a; 1b, and may move the dumbbells 20a; 20b upwardly (reference 13) to exercise. At the end of which, the dumbbells 20a; 20b are easily and safely placed back onto the weights support apparatus 1a; 1b. The above provides only a simplified description of use during training and should not be considered as the only way the invention may be used. Those skilled in the art will understand that, from above, the weights support apparatus 1 has a U-shaped configuration and, from a front or rear, the apparatus 1 has a Y-shaped configuration, as shown in the Figures. Most preferably, the weights support apparatus is constructed from steel or stainless steel, although other materials may provide good strength characteristics, and ease of manufacture. Parts of the weights support apparatus may be coated, to improve grip characteristics and / or aesthetics, whilst not deviating from the invention In particular, the weight portions, which may include the dished support surface, lower support surface, one or more retaining surfaces, lip(s), backstop(s), etc. may be coated to improve grip and, thereby, assist in retaining a dumbbell on the support means and weights support apparatus. By way of example, the coating may be plastics, rubber or synthetic rubber.

Claims

1.) A weights support apparatus for supporting a free weight, the apparatus comprises support means comprising:first and second weight portions, for supporting respective first and second regions of said free weight; andone or more stems, for supporting the first and / or second weight portion(s), wherein the support means is configured to provide a gap or space between at least parts of the first and second weight portions and / or between at least parts of the one or more stems, providing unobstructed access to a central region of a bar of said free weight.2.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gap or space comprises a volume of free space between the at least parts of the first and second weight portions and / or between the at least parts of the one or more stems, capable of allowing, in use, movement of a user’s forearm to lift said free weight.3.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the support means is configured to support first and second weights of said free weight, whilst providing a gap or space between the first and second weight portions commensurate with a grip portion of said bar.4.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second weight portions, and the one or more stems are spatially arranged and configured to provide support axes for said free weight which are radially offset from a central support axis of the weight support apparatus.5.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the one or more stems are configured to:separately and individually support the first or second weight portions; or connect and support the first and second weight portions.6.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a central support member, for receiving a proximal end, or proximal ends,of the one or more stems, such that a distal end, or distal ends, of the one or more stems is / are configured for receiving the first and / or second weight portions.7.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein first and second stems each extend from the central support member to a respective first or second weight portion.8.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second weight portions are configured to support said bar of said free weight and / or a / said weight(s) of said free weight.9.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein, when configured for supporting the bar, the first and / or second weight portions comprise one or more notches capable of receiving said bar of said free weight.10.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein, when configured for supporting the weights, the first and / or second weights portions comprises one or more surfaces capable of receiving a weight I weighted end of said free weight.11.) An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the first and second stems comprises a pair of diametrically extending arms, whose orientation is subsequently altered so as to transversely extend in a common direction.12.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein, as the first and second arms extend, they undergo a change in plane so as to be inclined or declined with respect to initial extension of the arms.13.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and / or second weight portion(s) comprise(s):a dished support surface, for retaining a first and / or second region of said free weight; ora lower support surface, having one or more retaining surfaces extending upwardly therefrom so as to cause a part of said free weight to rest upon the lower surface.14.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein an inclined surface is located along at least part of a first edge of the support surface and an upright surface is located along at least part of an opposed second edge of the support surface.15.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the dished surface comprises a central support surface and opposed lateral first and second lips, for assisting retaining the free weight on the support surface.16.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the first lip and second lip, or inclined surface and upright surface, are of different sizes and / or dimensions so as to, in one aspect, not hinder, in use, loading or unloading said free weight whilst preventing said free weight from rolling-off the support surface in the direction of the first lip, or inclined surface, and, in a second aspect, provide a backstop preventing movement of the free weight from the support surface in a direction of the second lip, or upright surface.17.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the free weight is a dumbbell.18.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the weight support apparatus is a dumbbell support apparatus.19.) Gym apparatus comprising one or more weights support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18.20.) Gym apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the gym apparatus comprises a pair of weights support apparatus configured as left-arm and right-arm support apparatus for a chest press apparatus, shoulder press apparatus, inclined press apparatus or declined press apparatus, or combinations thereof.21.) Gym apparatus as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the pair of weights support apparatus are configured to be individually adjustable laterally and / or inelevation, so as to be capable of adjusting a lateral position and / or height of each weights support apparatus.22.) Gym apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the pair of weights support apparatus are configured to be individually adjustable to alter an orientation of the weights support apparatus through a movement of approximately 90 degrees.23.) Gym apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the gym apparatus comprises an adjustable weights bench, capable of adjusting its height, and / or a position and / or orientation of its back-rest portion.24.) Use of a weights support apparatus during exercise, the apparatus comprises support means comprising:first and second weight portions, for supporting respective first and second regions of a free weight; andone or more stems, for supporting the first and / or second weight portion(s), wherein the support means is configured to provide a gap or space between at least parts of the first and second weight portions and / or between at least parts of the one or more stems, providing unobstructed access to a central region of a bar of the free weight, wherein the use further comprising:resting the free weight on the support means prior to conducting exercise;locating a forearm of a user in the gap or space between at least parts of the first and second weight portions and / or between at least parts of the one or more stems, and holding and supporting the bar from beneath; andraising the free weight in a upwards movement whilst the forearm moves upwardly through the gap or space.25.) Use as claimed in claim 24 further comprising conducting exercise outside the constraints of the gap or space and, towards the end, lowering the free weight and, thereby, downwardly moving the forearm through the gap or space so as to rest the free weight on the support means.

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