Exercise equipment including weight bars

Abstract

An apparatus for use in resistance training is provided. The apparatus may include a bar with a pulley hub on its end. The apparatus may further include two slings, each of which may include a connector and a rigid, straight or arcuate bar. The slings may be suspended from the pulley hubs and support an elastic band, which may provide resistance during exercise. A footplate may also be provided to hold a portion of the band to the floor during use.

Description

Background Art

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 107,065, filed Oct. 29, 2020, titled "Weight Bar", U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 116,714, filed Nov. 20, 2020, titled "Weight Bar", and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 214,192, filed Jun. 23, 2021, titled "Weight Bar and Footplate", all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] (Background) Resistance training is a form of physical exercise that typically involves using muscle strength to repeatedly move an object against a force opposing the movement. Weight training is a common form of resistance training. However, weights are bulky and heavy, which can make it difficult to store and use weight training equipment at home.

[0003] Elastic bands can be used for resistance training. For example, an elastic band can be attached to or supported by a bar that approximates those used in, for example, weight training. The bar and the band are configured such that movement moves the bar in a direction that stretches the band and imparts a force opposing the movement on the band over the bar.

[0004] Existing devices for resistance training using elastic bands have drawbacks. One such drawback is that changing the resistance level for any particular exercise may require using different bands or multiple bands. A device that supports a comprehensive program of resistance training may thus require an inconvenient number of bands to allow sufficient variation in the resistance level.

[0005] Another drawback is that existing methods for attaching elastic bands to bars are unsatisfactory. Simply looping the ends of the elastic bands around the ends of the weight bars is unstable and typically unbalanced.

[0006] The bar may, for example, have hooks on its ends. However, the hooks may not be able to completely fix the band in place during movement, and the sudden separation of the band from the bar may lead to the sudden, unintended movement of the bar, potentially causing physical injury or property damage. The hooks may also lead to asymmetrical loading of the bar, or in connection with the band, causing it to exert its force in a direction not precisely anticipated by the user, which may also lead to injury or damage, or even simply inefficient or uncomfortable movement. The band may also be bundled, for example, at the position supported by the hooks, which may lead to excessive wear on the band, potentially leading to its premature failure.

[0007] Hooks have other disadvantages when used in this context. For example, their geometric shape means that more metal must be used to support a weight because the weight is supported from only one side.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an improved method of connecting elastic bands or multiple bands to a bar for use in resistance training. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (Brief summary of the invention) Embodiments of the present invention relate to an exercise device for use in resistance training. The device provides a stable and safe support for elastic bands as elements that provide resistance to the exercise being performed.

[0010] According to embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for use in resistance training. The apparatus comprises an elongated bar, a first pulley hub located near a first end of the bar, and a second pulley hub located near a second end of the bar, the second end of which is opposite the first end. The apparatus also comprises two slings, each sling comprising an arm and two connectors extending from separate ends of the arm and terminating in a loop, so that for each sling, the two loops can be secured by one of the pulley hubs in such a manner that the sling can support a resistance band during resistance exercises using the bar.

[0011] In one embodiment, each pulley hub is attached to the bar in a manner that prevents movement of the pulley hub relative to the bar. Alternatively, in one embodiment, each pulley hub is fixed to the bar in a manner that substantially prevents movement of the pulley hub longitudinally relative to the bar, while allowing free rotation of the hub around the bar.

[0012] In one embodiment, each arm is a bar having two ends, each end having a hole through which the bar passes laterally. In a further embodiment, each arm is substantially straight. In an alternative further embodiment, each arm is arc-shaped.

[0013] In one embodiment, each connector is a flexible cord. In a further embodiment, each connector is a flexible cord, and the flexible cord has ends that are tied together in a knot, forming a loop within the cord, so that the loop can pass through one of the holes in one of the arms, but the knot cannot.

[0014] In one embodiment, the device includes an elastic resistance band. In a further embodiment, the device includes a footplate, the footplate having an upper side and a lower side opposite to the upper side, the lower side having one or more channels for retaining the resistance band. The present invention provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) A device for use in resistance training, A long, slender bar, A first pulley hub is positioned near the first end of the bar, A second pulley hub is positioned near the second end of the bar, wherein the second end is opposite to the first end of the second pulley hub, Two slings, each sling comprising an arm and two connectors extending from separate ends of the arm and terminating in a loop, wherein, for each sling, the sling is capable of supporting a resistance band during resistance motion using the bar, and the two loops can be secured by one of the pulley hubs. A device equipped with the following features. (Item 2) The apparatus as described in item 1, wherein each pulley hub is attached to the bar in a manner that prevents the movement of the pulley hub relative to the bar. (Item 3) The apparatus according to item 1, wherein each pulley hub is fixed to the bar in such a manner that it allows the hub to rotate freely around the bar, while substantially preventing the pulley hub from moving longitudinally relative to the bar. (Item 4) The apparatus according to item 1, wherein each arm is a bar having two ends, and each end has a hole through which the bar passes laterally. (Item 5) Each arm is approximately straight, as described in item 4. (Item 6) Each arm is arc-shaped, as described in item 4. (Item 7) Each connector is a flexible cord, as described in item 4 of the device. (Item 8) Each connector is a flexible cord, the flexible cord having ends that are tied together in a knot, forming a loop within the cord, so that the loop can pass through one of the holes in one of the arms, but the knot cannot, the apparatus according to item 7. (Item 9) The apparatus described in item 1, comprising an elastic resistance band. (Item 10) The apparatus according to item 9, comprising a footplate, the footplate having an upper side surface and a lower side surface opposite to the upper side surface, the lower side surface having one or more channels for retaining a resistance band.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 depicts a person using the device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] [Figure 2] Figure 2 depicts an elastic band that can be used in connection with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] [Figure 3] Figure 3 depicts a weight bar according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates in detail the end of a weight bar supporting a sling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates a sling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates a weight bar, sling, and elastic band in relation to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates a footplate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] [Figure 8] Figure 8 illustrates a footplate according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] (Detailed description of preferred embodiments) Figure 1 depicts a device 100 being used by a person 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention (the depiction of the person in Figure 1 is solely for illustrative purposes to illustrate the device and its function according to an embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention may include, for example, devices and / or apparatus intended for use by a person, and / or methods of using such devices and / or apparatus by a person, but they do not involve the human body).

[0024] In an embodiment as depicted in Figure 1, the apparatus 100 includes a weight bar 120. The weight bar 120 supports a sling 125, which in turn supports an elastic band 130. In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic band 130 is a continuous loop, as depicted in Figure 2, for example, but it will be understood that other configurations are possible. For example, the elastic band associated with embodiments of the present invention may be a straight band with looped ends (not depicted), which may be attached to an object, for example, to provide resistance to the movement of the bar.

[0025] Looking again at Figure 1, the elastic band is threaded through the features of the weight bar 120 and forms a loop below the footplate 140. As depicted, the weight of the user 110 standing on the footplate 140 traps the band 130 below the footplate 140. Consequently, lifting the bar 120 stretches the band 130, increasing the force resisting movement. Lowering the bar 120 reduces its stretch, and therefore the force applied by the band 130.

[0026] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the weight bar 120 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The weight bar 120 may be of any dimensions and may be made from any material that is consistent with its intended use. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the weight bar 120 may be a solid steel bar with a substantially circular cross-section that is substantially uniform throughout the length of the bar. The bar 120 may be, for example, 3 to 4 feet long and 1 inch thick.

[0027] The weight bar 120 may be considered substantially circular for this purpose if it does not deviate from its circular shape to a perceptible degree during normal use. In embodiments, the bar may be considered substantially circular and substantially uniform despite the presence of, for example, knurling, tape, or other treatments applied to the discontinuous region 210 of the bar to enhance grip.

[0028] Other shapes and dimensions are also possible, as desired. For example, a bar designed to be handled like a dumbbell may be 9 inches long. The bar 120 depicted in Figure 1-3 is straight, but other bars (not shown) may deviate from this shape as desired. For example, a barbell (not shown) with a shape suitable for bicep curls is known in the art, and a weight bar according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a shape similar to such a barbell.

[0029] In embodiments of the present invention, the weight bar 120 may have a pulley hub 220 at or near its end, for example, as depicted in Figure 3. Figure 4 depicts the end of the weight bar 120 and the end of the pulley hub 220 in more detail. As depicted, the pulley hub 220 is held on the end of the bar 120 by a thin cap 410 attached to the end of the bar 120.

[0030] To prevent the hub 220 from advancing toward the other end of the bar 120, a structure (not depicted) may be present on the far side of the pulley hub 220. For example, a groove (not depicted) may be cut into the bar 120, and a retaining ring (not depicted) may be placed within the groove. Alternatively, this structure may be, for example, a flanged projection of the bar 120, or a collar attached to the bar by adhesive or welding, or simply held in place by friction (any groove, projection, or collar used to retain the pulley hub 220 may be ignored when determining whether the cross-section of the bar is substantially uniform). In such a configuration, the pulley hub 220 may or may not rotate freely or substantially freely around the bar.

[0031] Alternatively, the pulley hub 220 may be permanently fixed to the bar 120 at or near the end of the bar 120.

[0032] To achieve balance, it may be desirable that the pulley hub 220 be positioned as close as possible to the end of the bar 120. However, it will be understood that the pulley hub 220 does not need to be precisely located at the end of the bar 120 for the bar 120 to exhibit acceptable balance during use. The pulley hub 220 may be considered to be in the vicinity of the end of the bar 120, while still being considered to be sufficiently far from the end of the bar 120 to allow the pulley hub 220 to be securely fixed to the bar 120.

[0033] Alternatively, in embodiments of the present invention (not depicted), the pulley hubs 220 may simply be spaced far enough apart to allow the user to securely hold the bar 120 during exercise. For example, when the length of the dumbbell-like bar is used, the pulley hubs may be separated by enough space for the bar to be securely gripped with one hand, and possibly with enough extra clearance for comfort, safety, or both. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the inner edges of the pulley hubs 220 may be separated by distances of, for example, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, or 8 inches.

[0034] Figure 4 also depicts a sling 125 suspended from a pulley hub 220 of a weight bar 120, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the sling 125 is an assembly comprising an arm 430. The arm 430 depicted is curved in an arc, but in alternative embodiments (not depicted), the arm may be substantially straight. At each end, the arm 430 terminates with a loop or opening 435. In some embodiments, such as that depicted in Figure 4, a double cord 440 passes through the opening 435 and acts as a connector between the sling 125 and the bar 120. The ends 445 of the cord 440 are tied together to form a knot, as they are too large to pass through the hole 435, and each loop of the cord 440 is screwed into the pulley hub 220.

[0035] The knot at the end 445 of the cord 440 may be any knot that is large enough and strong enough to support the arm 430 while the device is in use. In one embodiment of the present invention, for example, a figure-eight knot with two chains of rope may be used, which retains much of the cord's tensile strength than many other knots that may be used, and which breaks by sliding rather than being catastrophically crushed, which can serve as a warning of impending failure.

[0036] Both arc-shaped and straight arms may be acceptable according to embodiments of the present invention, but the arc-shaped arm 430 may have the advantage of preventing the elastic band from bundling at the corner between the arm 430 and the cord 440, for example, as depicted in Figure 4. For example, in embodiments such as those depicted in Figure 4, the arm 430 may be formed as an arc with a radius of 3 to 4 inches.

[0037] Figure 5 illustrates a sling 125 separated from the bar 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the pulley hub 220 may be made from, for example, ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene, and the cord 440 may be a UHMW polyethylene braided rope such as Dyneema SK78. UHMW polyethylene may be particularly suitable for the present application due to its high strength, low friction, and resistance to abrasion. However, it will be understood that any material exhibiting satisfactory strength and other properties may be used.

[0039] Similarly, the arm 430 may be made from any material that exhibits sufficient strength, rigidity, and durability for the use described. In embodiments of the present invention, the arm may be made of steel.

[0040] Furthermore, the arms may have any dimensions that are consistent with the uses described herein. In one exemplary embodiment, the arm 430 may be 6 1 / 16 inches long and 1 / 2 inch thick (except for the hole 435). The hole 435 may have any size and shape that is consistent with the required strength of the arm 430 and may need to pass through the cord 440. In some embodiments of the present invention, the hole may be, for example, elliptical, oval, quadrilateral with rounded corners, or similar shapes. In one embodiment intended for use with a 6 mm thick cord 440, the hole may have dimensions of 8 mm × 16 mm.

[0041] Similarly, the cord 440 may be any desired length, and in fact, using cords of varying lengths may allow for fine-tuning of the force provided by a particular elastic band during a particular movement. In one embodiment, the cord may be, for example, 5 inches from the top of the knot to the center of the loop. When installed across the pulley hub 220 to support the sling 220, due to the bending of the cord 440, the cord with this dimension may support the arm at a distance of about 3 inches from the center of the bar 120. In embodiments of the present invention, one or more spacers (not depicted) are supplied for insertion between the knot and the bottom of the arm 430, effectively shortening the cord 440.

[0042] Figure 6 illustrates the relative positions of the weight bar 120, sling 220, and elastic band 130 in their relative positions before the sling 220 is suspended from the pulley hub 220. As depicted, the band 130 passes across the arm 430 of the sling assembly 125, with one of the connecting cords 440 on each side of the band 130. With respect to motion use, the depicted components can be assembled by sliding the loop of the cord 440 across the outer rim of the pulley hub 220, which will then hold the cord 440 in place.

[0043] Because it is supported at both ends, the arm 430 as part of the sling assembly 125 according to embodiments of the present invention may be substantially stronger than a hook of the same weight. This, in turn, may allow the arm 430 to support the band over much of its length than a comparable hook. As a result, the arm 430 as described may lead to less band bundling and, therefore, less friction and wear on the band than a comparable hook. For similar reasons, the arm 430 as described may allow stacking (i.e., using more than one band at a time) to achieve a wider range of resistance with fewer sets of bands.

[0044] In embodiments of the present invention, a user may be supported by an elastic band extending, for example, through the base plate, either alone or in a double configuration, from an optional base plate (or, similarly, a platform plate, tread, or footplate). Alternatively, if no plate is used, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the user may stand directly on the band, for example. It will be understood that the use of a base plate as described may be preferred in relation to exercises involving high loads.

[0045] Other variations are also possible. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, a platform (not depicted) with hooks on its upper and / or (if the platform is raised) lower surface may be used to tether the bands during exercise. The user may, for example, stand on the platform and move the bar and extend the bands while pressing it against the floor during exercise. In another embodiment, a door tethering device may be used to tether one or more bands during exercise.

[0046] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate several views of a footplate 140 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The views in Figure 7 include views from above (a), one side (b), below (c), directly to the side (d), and a perspective view from above (e) of the footplate 140 being depicted. The views depict an exemplary footplate 140 with an upper surface measuring 23.99 inches × 12.00 inches and having a height of 2.00 inches (unless expressly stated otherwise, the dimensions of the footplates being depicted given herein are not essential. In embodiments of the present invention, the footplate 140 and any components thereof may have any or more dimensions that are consistent with their intended function).

[0047] The footplate 140 as depicted comprises multiple channels 710, 720 to constrain the position of one or more elastic bands (not depicted) while the footplate is in use. As depicted, the central channel 710 has a rim 730 that curves along a radius of 3.5 inches when viewed from above, and straddles a 4.15-inch wide channel. It will be understood that when the bands are under tension, this geometry tends to pull the bands around itself, which may allow for more consistent band placement between sets.

[0048] In embodiments of the present invention, the footplate 140 may be made from any material and through any manufacturing process that is consistent with the intended function of the footplate 140. In one exemplary embodiment, the footplate 140 may be made from UHMW polyethylene, and its surface may be polished to, for example, a 500-1,000 grit finish. This polishing or similar surface treatment may reduce the surface friction of the bands against the UHMW of the footplate 140, which may improve the smooth progression of the latex bands along the surface.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the edge 730 may protrude beyond the surface of the central channel 710. This configuration can reduce surface contact between the band and the footplate 140, for example, and further reduce friction between the band and the footplate 140.

[0050] Looking again at Figure 1, we see a bar 120, an elastic band 130, and a footplate 140 according to one embodiment of the present invention, used for resistance training. In the configuration depicted, the band is "single-layered," meaning that only one thickness of the band 130 passes under the footplate 140. As depicted, when the band is single-layered, the other thickness of the band 130 is suspended directly beneath the bar 120. For many exercises, the band can be "double-layered" (not depicted), with both thicknesses passing under the footplate 140. It will be understood that doubling the band allows the band to stretch more with respect to a given movement than in the single-layered configuration, thereby increasing the resistance with respect to that movement.

[0051] As described, in the embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the band 130 passes directly beneath the footplate 140, although the use of the footplate 140 is optional. For example, the variation of the exercise depicted in Figure 1 may be performed by passing a single or double band directly beneath one or both of the user's feet. In another embodiment, the chest press may be performed without using the footplate 140, again using a single or double band that passes behind the user's back.

[0052] Other objects may be used in conjunction with the bar, sling, footplate, and elastic band or multiple bands according to embodiments of the present invention. For example, in relation to bench press exercises, a yoga block or other object (not depicted) may be used to support one end of the footplate 140. The user may lie down and rest their upper body on the footplate 140 with their head at the raised end. If the single or double band 130 passes under the raised end of the footplate 140, the user may experience a wider range of motion while performing the exercise than the user would experience if they were lying flat on the floor.

[0053] Many resistance exercises may be performed using the apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention, as described herein. Non-limiting uses of the embodiments may include bench press, close-grip bench press, overhead press, triceps extension, deadlift, bent-over row, curl, ferrocurl, shrug, front squat, back squat, split squat, calf raise, hack squat (also known as reverse deadlift), trap deadlift (using two dumbbell-like bars or "handles"), Arnold curl (with one handle and one footplate), and one-arm dumbbell row (with handle and footplate).

Claims

1. A device used in resistance training, wherein the device is A long, slender bar, A first pulley hub is located near the first end of the bar, A second pulley hub is located near the second end of the bar, the second end facing the first end, and A first sling comprising an arm and two connectors, each of the two connectors extending from a corresponding end of the arm and terminating in a loop, wherein the two loops of the first sling corresponding to the two connectors are able to be held by the first pulley hub and the second pulley hub so as to form a first opening defined at the first end of the bar by the two loops of the first sling and the first pulley hub and the arm of the first sling, A second sling comprising an arm and two connectors, each of the two connectors extending from a corresponding end of the arm and terminating in a loop, wherein the two loops of the second sling corresponding to the two connectors are held by the first and second pulley hubs to form a second opening defined at the second end of the bar by the two loops of the second sling and the other of the first and second pulley hubs and the arm of the second sling, and Equipped with, A device in which a resistance band passes through the first opening and the second opening during resistance motion.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the first pulley hub and the second pulley hub is attached to the bar in a manner that prevents the movement of each of the pulley hubs relative to the bar.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the first pulley hub and the second pulley hub is fixed to the bar in such a manner that it allows each of the pulley hubs to rotate freely around the bar, while substantially preventing each of the pulley hubs from moving longitudinally relative to the bar.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each arm of the first sling and the arm of the second sling is a bar having two holes and two ends, and each end has a corresponding hole of the two holes passing through the bar in the lateral direction.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each arm of the first sling and the arm of the second sling are substantially straight.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each arm of the first sling and the arm of the second sling is in the shape of an arc.

7. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of the two connectors of the first sling and the two connectors of the second sling is a flexible cord.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each of the two connectors of the first sling and the two connectors of the second sling is a flexible cord, and the flexible cord has an end that forms a loop and is tied with a knot, the loop can pass through one of the two holes in the arm of the first sling and one of the arms of the second sling, but the knot cannot pass through.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises the resistance band, and the resistance band is an elastic resistance band.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus comprises a footplate, the footplate having an upper side surface and a lower side surface opposite to the upper side surface, and the lower side surface having one or more channels for holding a resistance band.

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