Weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses and methods of using the same

Abstract

Weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses provide various exercise options for a series of exercises. Specifically, the weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses have various connection elements for attaching or hanging on existing exercise equipment, namely free weight equipment or exercise machines, or to the user himself or herself with a plurality of options for connecting weightlifting and exercise elements thereto, including weights, dumbbells, exercise hoses, ropes, bands, and other like elements. Methods of using the same are further provided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses providing various exercise options for a series of exercises. Specifically, the weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses have various connection elements for attaching or hanging on existing exercise equipment, namely free weight equipment or exercise machines, or to the user himself or herself with a plurality of options for connecting weightlifting and exercise elements thereto, including weights, dumbbells, exercise hoses, ropes, bands, and other like elements. Methods of using the same are further provided.BACKGROUND

[0002] Many distinct types of weightlifting weights are known. These typically include dumb-bells, bar bells, weighted balls (also known as “medicine balls”), weight plates or other like weightlifting shapes. Many of these weights are precisely metered to have a specific weight so that a user knows how much he or she is lifting during an exercise. Many of these weightlifting or exercise plates are utilized by directly manipulating the same in repetitive exercises using hands or other body parts. In other cases, weightlifting plates have apertures in the centers thereof for placement onto weightlifting bars for conducting repetitive exercises using the bar with the plates thereon.

[0003] Many free-weight or other similar exercise implements are difficult to manipulate or are not conducive for specifically-desired exercise routines. Specifically, dumb-bells or bar bells have specific shapes, namely two spherical or similarly shaped lobes that are connected with a bridging grip bar that is disposed between the two lobes. These types of weightlifting weights are typically used for one purpose-for a user to grip the same by the bridging grip bar with his or her hands and fingers. Typical weight plates and dumbbells may not be useful to allow an exerciser to do specifically-desired exercises.

[0004] For example, many exercises use an individual's own body weight for resistance. However, to increase resistance, many exercisers strap or hang weights to his or her body. This may typically be done with a rope, hose, or strap tied to the exercises, with a weight, typically a weight plate, hanging therefrom. For example, an exerciser may tie a weight plate to his or her body and conduct dips, allowing the weight plate to hang from his or her body during the exercise. Thus, the exerciser combines his or her weight with the additional weight provided by the weight plate when conducting the dips.

[0005] In addition, exercise ropes, hoses, or straps may be used for specific repetitive motion exercises. The exercise ropes, hoses, or straps typically are elastic in nature, so that the same may be stretched by a user to form a stretched state and then allowed by the user to return to its normal non-stretched state. These implements are typically attached to a connection point on another exercise apparatus, either by tying, wrapping, or otherwise connecting the ropes, hoses, or straps thereto. Often, however, exercise apparatuses do not have specific connection points necessary to perform desired exercises.

[0006] Weightlifters and exercisers may wish to do repetitive weightlifting exercises in a manner that is difficult to do with the weights on-hand. Specifically, some users utilize weightlifting plates in ways other than placement on a weightlifting bar. For example, a user may wish to grip a weightlifting plate in his or her hand and do a repetitive exercise, such as an arm curl or triceps extension, or utilize the weight plate or dumbbell in another location and utilize the weight plate or dumbbell in a specific exercise.

[0007] A need, therefore, exists for improved weightlifting weight apparatuses. Specifically, a need exists for improved weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses that are easy to set and manipulate by a user. More specifically, a need exists for improved weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses that allow a user to utilize the same easily for repetitive exercises.

[0008] Moreover, a need exists for improved weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses that may provide a plurality of connection elements that allow for the connection or attachment to other weightlifting elements and implements. Specifically, a need exists for improved weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses having connection elements allowing the same to be easily attached or connected to the user to allow a user to conduct many other exercises.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses providing various exercise options for a series of exercises. Specifically, the weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses have various connection elements for attaching or hanging on existing exercise equipment, namely free weight equipment or exercise machines, or to the user himself or herself with a plurality of options for connecting weightlifting and exercise elements thereto, including weights, dumbbells, exercise hoses, ropes, bands, and other like elements. Methods of using the same are further provided.

[0010] To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a weightlifting and / or exercise apparatus is provided. The weightlifting and / or exercise apparatus comprises: a body having a length, a first end and a second end; a first hook or a loop extending from the first end of the body; and a second hook extending from the second end of the body, wherein the first hook or loop extending from the first end of the body is configured to be hung on a user's belt or a bar and further wherein the second hook is configured to connect to exercise implements.

[0011] In an embodiment, the weightlifting and / or exercise apparatus further comprises: an aperture in the body at or near the second end of the body.

[0012] In an embodiment, the weightlifting and / or exercise apparatus further comprises: a third hook extending from the body at or near the first end of the body.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first hook or loop has a position extending in a first direction from the body and further wherein the second hook has a position extending in a second direction from the body.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first direction is opposite the second direction.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first hook or loop has a position extending in a first direction from the body and further wherein the second hook has a position extending in the first direction from the body.

[0016] In an embodiment, the loop is a strap.

[0017] In an embodiment, the body is made of a plastic, a metal, or a combination of plastic and metal.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first hook or loop and the second hook is made of the same material as the body.

[0019] In an embodiment, an exercise system is provided. The exercise system comprises: the weightlifting and / or exercise apparatus; a belt of a user or a bar, wherein the weightlifting apparatus of claim 1 is disposed on the belt or the bar; at least one exercise implement connected to the weightlifting apparatus, wherein the at least one exercise implement is selected from the group consisting of a weight, a rope, a strap, a cord, a hose, a carabiner, or a combination thereof.

[0020] In an alternate embodiment, a weightlifting and / or exercise apparatus is provided. The weightlifting apparatus comprises: a body having a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side; a first hook or loop extending from a top side of the body; and a first aperture in the body configured to connect to an exercise implement.

[0021] In an embodiment, the weightlifting and / or exercise apparatus further comprises: a pin extending through the first hook or loop, wherein the pin is configured to tighten the first hook or loop on a bar.

[0022] In an embodiment, the weightlifting and / or exercise apparatus further comprises: at least one hook extending from a first surface of the body.

[0023] In an embodiment, the body has a surface extending in a first plane and the first hook or loop has a surface extending in a second plane.

[0024] In an embodiment, the first plane is disposed about ninety degrees relative to the second plane.

[0025] In an embodiment, the weightlifting and / or exercise apparatus further comprises: a weight bar extending from the first aperture in the body, wherein the weight bar comprises a bar segment configured to hold a weight plate.

[0026] In an embodiment, the weightlifting and / or exercise apparatus further comprises: a first arm extending from a left side of the body; and a second arm extending from a right side of the body, wherein the first arm comprises a second aperture therein and the second arm comprises a third aperture therein, wherein each of the second and third apertures are configured to connect to an exercise implement.

[0027] In an embodiment, the first arm comprises a first hook tab on a terminal end of the first arm and the second arm comprises a second hook tab on a terminal end of the second arm.

[0028] In an embodiment, the weightlifting and / or exercise apparatus further comprises: a weight bar extending from the second aperture of the first arm, wherein the weight bar comprises a bar segment configured to hold a weight plate.

[0029] In an embodiment, the weightlifting and / or exercise apparatus further comprises: a horizontal level surface attached to and extending from the bottom of the body, wherein the horizontal level surface is configured to connect an exercise implement thereto.

[0030] It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide improved weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses.

[0031] Specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide improved weightlifting and / or exercise weight apparatuses that are easy to grip and manipulate by a user.

[0032] More specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide improved weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses that allow a user to utilize the same easily for repetitive exercises.

[0033] Moreover, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention for improved weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses that may provide a plurality of connection elements that allow for the connection or attachment to other weightlifting elements and implements.

[0034] Specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide improved weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses having connection elements allowing the same to be attached or connected to the user to allow a user to conduct many other exercises.

[0035] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations.

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a weightlifting weight hanger apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate weightlifting weight hanger apparatuses disposed on a belt in embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] FIGS. 3A-3J illustrate weightlifting weight hanger apparatuses disposed on a belt and utilized with weights, dumbbells, stretch hoses, carabiners, and straps, in embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a weightlifting weight hanger hook apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate weightlifting weight hanger hook apparatuses disposed on a belt in embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] FIGS. 6A-3H illustrate weightlifting weight hanger hook apparatuses disposed on a belt and utilized with weights, dumbbells, carabiners, and straps, in embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates a weightlifting weight strap hook apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate weightlifting weight strap hook apparatuses disposed on a belt in embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] FIGS. 9A-9H illustrate weightlifting weight strap hook apparatuses disposed on a belt and utilized with weights, dumbbells, carabiners, and straps, in embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 10 illustrates a weightlifting weight strap hook apparatus in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate weightlifting weight strap hook apparatuses disposed on a belt in alternate embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] FIGS. 12A-12H illustrate weightlifting weight strap hook apparatuses disposed on a belt and utilized with weights, dumbbells, carabiners, and straps, in alternate embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] FIGS. 13A-13J illustrate various weightlifting exercises and applications of weightlifting weight hanger apparatuses in embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 14 illustrates a weightlifting weight hanger apparatus in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of a weightlifting weight hanger apparatus with exercise implements attached thereto in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 16 illustrates a weightlifting weight hanger apparatus with a weight plate bar attached thereto in yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of a weightlifting weight hanger apparatus weight a weight plate bar attached thereto with weight plates and exercise implements attached thereto in yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 18 illustrates a weight hanger apparatus in a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 19 illustrates a weight hanger apparatus with a weight plate bar attached thereto in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of a weight hanger apparatus with a weight plate bar attached thereto in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 21 illustrates a front view of a weight hanger apparatus with a weight plate bar attached thereto and a weight plate and exercise implements attached thereto in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] FIG. 22 illustrates a weight side hanger apparatus in a further alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 23 illustrates a side view of a weight side hanger apparatus with a weight plate bar attached thereto in a further alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of a weight side hanger apparatus with a weight plate bar attached thereto with a weight plate and exercise implements attached thereto in a further alternate embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0061] The present invention relates to weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses providing various exercise options for a series of exercises. Specifically, the weightlifting and / or exercise apparatuses have various connection elements for attaching or hanging on existing exercise equipment, namely free weight equipment or exercise machines, or to the user himself or herself with a plurality of options for connecting weightlifting and exercise elements thereto, including weights, dumbbells, exercise hoses, ropes, bands, and other like elements. Methods of using the same are further provided.

[0062] Now referring to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatus 10 in an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 10 comprises a body 12 having a length, wherein disposed on a first end 14 of the body 12 may be a first hook 16 and disposed on a second end 18 of the body 12 may be a second hook 20. The first hook 16 may be disposed in a first direction from the first end 14 of the body 12, whereas the second hook 20 may be disposed in a second direction, preferably opposite the first direction. In addition, a third smaller hook 22 may be disposed at or near the first end 14 of the body 12 which may be utilized as a connection point for connecting elements thereto, as disclosed below. Likewise, an aperture 24 may be disposed at or near the second end 18 of the body 12, which may also be utilized as a connection point for connecting elements thereto, further disclosed below. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first hook 16 may be hooked to a user's belt 26 or other element for hanging thereon, thereby forming a surface 28 for holding items, such as weights and other like elements, thereon and further providing the connection points that may be utilized for connecting to various items, as disclosed below.

[0063] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3J, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrate one or more weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatuses 10 connected to the user's belt 26 for holding items and / or connecting to items or elements. Specifically, in FIGS. 3A-3B, the second hook 20 may be utilized to hold a weight plate 30 thereon, specifically holding the same on the surface 28 of the second hook 20. FIGS. 3C-3D illustrate the utilization of two weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatuses 10 which may be disposed side-by-side on the belt 26, thereby providing surfaces 28 to hold a dumbbell 32 thereon. FIGS. 3E-3F illustrate a weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatus 10 wherein a rope or elastic hose 34 may be disposed on or through smaller third hook 22. FIGS. 3G-3H illustrate a weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatus 10 wherein a carabiner 36 that may be tied or connected to a rope or elastic hose 38 may be attached through aperture 24 of the weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatus 10. In addition, FIGS. 3I-3J illustrate a weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatus 10 wherein a strap 40 may be disposed on or otherwise attached to, connected to, or tied to second hook 20. These embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3J are exemplary and are meant to be demonstrative of numerous ways the weight hanger apparatus 10 may be utilized and should not be limited as shown and described herein.

[0064] FIG. 4 illustrates a weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger hook apparatus 50 in another embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 50 comprises a body 52 having a length, wherein disposed on a first end 54 of the body 52 may be a first hook 56 and disposed on a second end 58 of the body 52 may be a second hook 60. The first hook 56 may be disposed in a first direction from the first end 54 of the body 52, and the second hook 60 may also be disposed in the first direction. An aperture 64 may be disposed at or near the second end 58 of the body 52, which may be utilized as a connection point for connecting elements thereto, further disclosed below. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first hook 56 may be hooked to a user's belt 66 or other element for hanging thereon, thereby forming a surface 68 for holding items, such as weights and other like elements, thereon and further providing the connection points that may be utilized for connecting to various items, as disclosed below.

[0065] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6H, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrate one or more weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger hook apparatuses 50 connected to the user's belt 66 for holding items and / or connecting to items or elements. Specifically, in FIGS. 6A-6B, the second hook 60 may be utilized to hold a weight plate 70 thereon, specifically holding the same on the surface 68 of the second hook 60. FIGS. 6C-6D illustrate the utilization of two weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger hook apparatuses 50 which may be disposed side-by-side on the belt 66, thereby providing surfaces 68 to hold a dumbbell 72 thereon. FIGS. 6E-6F illustrate a weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger hook apparatus 50 wherein a carabiner 76, which may be tied or connected to a rope or elastic hose 78, may be attached through aperture 64 of the weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger hook apparatus 50. In addition, FIGS. 6G-6H illustrate a weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger hook apparatus 50 wherein a strap 80 may be disposed on or otherwise attached to, connected to, or tied to second hook 60. These embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6A-3H are exemplary and are meant to be demonstrative of numerous ways the weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger hook apparatus 50 may be utilized and should not be limited as shown and described herein.

[0066] FIG. 7 illustrates a weightlifting and / or exercise weight strap hook apparatus 100 in yet another embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 100 comprises a body 102 wherein disposed on a first end 104 of the body 102 may be a strap 106 and disposed on a second end 108 of the body 102 may be a hook 110. The strap 106 may be wrapped within a loop 112 disposed at the first end 104 of the body 102, which may be formed by bending a wire or rod in a manner to form the loop 112, the body 102, and the hook 110. The strap 106 may wrap through a D-ring 114, thereby forming a loop 115 which may be wrapped around a belt 116, such as with Velcro® hook and loop fasteners or other like fastening means, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B. The hook 110 may thereby form a surface 118 for holding items, such as weights and other like elements, thereon and further providing the connection points that may be utilized for connecting to assorted items, as disclosed below.

[0067] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9H, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrate one or more weightlifting and / or exercise weight strap hook apparatuses 100 connected to the user's belt 116 for holding items and / or connecting to items or elements. Specifically, in FIGS. 9A-9B, the hook 110 may be utilized to hold a weight plate 120 thereon, specifically holding the same on the surface 118 of the hook 110. FIGS. 9C-9D illustrate the utilization of two weightlifting and / or exercise weight strap hook apparatuses 100 which may be disposed side-by-side on the belt 116, thereby providing surfaces 118 to hold a dumbbell 122 thereon. FIGS. 9E-9F illustrate a weightlifting and / or exercise weight strap hook apparatus 100 wherein a carabiner 126, which may be tied or connected to a rope or elastic hose 128, may be attached through loop 112 of the weightlifting and / or exercise weight strap hook apparatus 100. In addition, FIGS. 9G-9H illustrate a weightlifting and / or exercise weight strap hook apparatus 100 wherein a strap 130 may be disposed on or otherwise attached to, connected to, or tied to hook 110. These embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9H are exemplary and are meant to be demonstrative of numerous ways the weightlifting weight strap hook apparatus 100 may be utilized and should not be limited as shown and described herein.

[0068] FIG. 10 illustrates a weightlifting and / or exercise weight strap hook apparatus 150 in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 150 comprises a body 152 wherein disposed on a first end 154 of the body 152 may be a strap 156 and disposed on a second end 158 of the body 152 may be a hook 160 and an aperture 164. The strap 156 may be wrapped within a loop 162 disposed at the first end 154 of the body 152. The strap 156 may wrap through a D-ring 163, thereby forming a loop 165 which may be wrapped around a belt 166, such as with Velcro® hook and loop fasteners or other like fastening means, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11B. The hook 160 may thereby form a surface 168 for holding items, such as weights and other like elements, thereon and further providing the connection points that may be utilized for connecting to assorted items, as disclosed below.

[0069] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12H, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrate one or more weightlifting and / or exercise weight strap hook apparatuses 150 connected to the user's belt 166 for holding items and / or connecting to items or elements. Specifically, in FIGS. 12A-12B, the hook 160 may be utilized to hold a weight plate 170 thereon, specifically holding the same on the surface 168 of the hook 160. FIGS. 12C-12D illustrate the utilization of two weightlifting and / or exercise weight strap hook apparatuses 150 which may be disposed side-by-side on the belt 166, thereby providing surfaces 168 to hold a dumbbell 172 thereon. FIGS. 12E-12F illustrate a weightlifting and / or exercise weight strap hook apparatus 150 wherein a carabiner 176, which may be tied or connected to a rope or elastic hose 178, may be attached through aperture 164 of the weightlifting and / or exercise weight strap hook apparatus 150. In addition, FIGS. 12G-12H illustrate a weightlifting weight strap hook apparatus 150 wherein a strap 180 may be disposed on or otherwise attached to, connected to, or tied to hook 160. These embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12H are exemplary and are meant to be demonstrative of numerous ways the weightlifting and / or exercise weight strap hook apparatus 150 may be utilized and should not be limited as shown and described herein.

[0070] FIGS. 13A-13J illustrate various weightlifting exercises and applications of weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatuses in embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate an exerciser having a pair of weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatuses 10 attached to his belt 26, having weight plate 30 hanging thereon as the exerciser completes pull ups. FIGS. 13C-13D illustrate an exerciser having a pair of weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatuses 10 attached to his belt 26, having weight plate 30 hanging thereon as the exerciser completes dips.

[0071] FIG. 13E illustrates a system for using two pairs 200, 202 of weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatuses 10, wherein first pair 200 holds a first dumbbell 204 on second hooks 20 thereof and second pair 202 holds a second dumbbell 206 on second hooks 20 thereof. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 13F-13G, an exerciser may utilize the two pairs 200, 202 to hang the first and second dumbbells 204, 206 on a bar 208 and the exerciser may reach up to grasp the first and second dumbbells 204, 206 to use for exercising, such as, for example, dumbbell presses.

[0072] FIG. 13H illustrates another system for using two pairs 210, 212 of weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatuses 10, wherein first pair 210 holds a first dumbbell 214 on first hooks 16 thereof and second pair 212 holds a second dumbbell 216 on first hooks 16 thereof. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 13I-13J, an exerciser may utilize the two pairs 210, 212 to hang the first and second dumbbells 214, 216 on a bar 218, specifically using second hooks 20 to hand the weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatuses 10 upside down on ends 220, 222 of bar 218 where weight plates typically are placed. The exerciser may reach up to grasp bar 218 and use the same for exercising, such as, for example, bench presses.

[0073] FIG. 14 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention of a weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatus 300 comprising a central base 302 from which a first arm 304 extends laterally therefrom on a first side of the central base 302 and further from which a second arm 306 extends laterally therefrom on a second side of the central base 302. On the first and second arms 304, 306 may be a plurality of relatively large apertures 310 and a plurality of relatively small apertures 312, from which various implements and / or tools may be attached or otherwise connected. On a top side of the central base 302 may be a hanger hook 308 for hanging for use thereof. In addition, disposed beneath the central base 302 may be a first level 303 extending from the central base 302 and a second level 305 extending from the first level 303, which may contain places and positions to which exercise implements may be attached or connected.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 15, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention illustrates weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatus 300 attached to a weightlifting bar 330 and held in place via pin 332. The weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatus 300 may comprise various exercise implements thereon for conducting exercises. Specifically, a plurality of carabiners 334 may be attached to the relatively large apertures 310 wherein ropes or stretch hoses or stretch cords 336 may extend therefrom. In addition, FIG. 15 illustrates a plurality of stretch straps 338 may extend from the first and second levels 303, 305 extending from beneath the central base 302. The first and second levels 303, 305 may have tabs 307 extending from terminal ends thereof to help aid in keeping exercise implements, such as the aforementioned stretch straps 338, thereon. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 15, weight plates 339 may be placed laterally on one or both of the arms 304, 306 and held in positions by pins 340 that may attach to and extend from the relatively small apertures 312 within the first and second arms. The first and second arms 304, 306 may each have tabs 342 extending from terminal ends thereof that may aid in holding exercise implements on the first and second arms 304, 306, as described herein.

[0075] In a further embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, one of the relatively large apertures 310 on the first arm 304 may have a first weight plate bar 344 attached therethrough and extending therefrom. Likewise, another of the relatively large apertures 310 on the second arm 306 may have a second weight plate bar 346 attached therethrough and extending therefrom. The weight plate bars 344, 346 may each have a base bar 348 that is attached to and through the relatively large apertures 310, a flange 350, and a weight plate bar segment 352 that is sized to receive a weight plate thereon, wherein the flange 350 may hold the weight plate in place on the weight plate bar 352. As shown in FIG. 17, weight plates 354 may be placed on the weight plate bars 344, 346. For example, if the weightlifting and / or exercise weight hanger apparatus 300 is attached to a weightlifting bar 330 and held thereon via pin 332, the weight plates 354 may add additional weight to the weightlifting bar 330 for an exercise using the same. In addition, as further shown in FIG. 17, carabiners 334 may be attached to the relatively large apertures 312 and stretch straps 338 may extend from the first and second levels 303, 305.

[0076] FIG. 18 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention of a weight hanger apparatus 400 comprising a base 402 extending longitudinally beneath a hook 404 which may be utilized to hang onto and attached to a bar 408 (as shown in FIG. 21), for example, via a pin 406 (as shown in FIGS. 19 and 21). The base 402 may further have a plurality of variously-sized apertures 410 disposed in various locations therein to provide attachment locations for various exercise implements. Likewise, tabs 412 may extend from various locations on the sides of the base 402 for holding exercise implements thereon. Extending from a bottom of the base 402 may be a level 414 to which exercise implements may be attached or held.

[0077] FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate an embodiment of the weight hanger apparatus 400 wherein a weight plate bar 420 may extend from one of the apertures 410. The weight plate bar may include a base bar 422 extending from and / or through an aperture 410, a flange 424, and a weight plate bar segment 426 that is sized to receive weight plates thereon. FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the weight hanger apparatus 400 having the weight plate bar 420 thereon, wherein a weight plate 430 is disposed and held on the weight plate bar 420. Further, carabiners 432 may attach to or be held on the base 402, such as via the tabs 412, and ropes, stretch cords, or stretch tubes 434 may be connected to the carabiners 432 for use in exercises. In addition, stretch straps 436 may be disposed on and extend from the level 414 to further be used in exercises.

[0078] FIGS. 22-24 illustrate various embodiments of a weight side hanger apparatus 500, having a base 502 and a loop or hook 504 disposed extending from a top side of the base 502. However, the loop or hook 504 may have a plane that is turned 90 degrees from the plane of the base 502, so that the apparatus 500 may be placed on, for example, a weightlifting bar 506 (as illustrated in FIG. 24), but the plane of the base 502 may be turned relative thereto to face a different direction.

[0079] The base 502 may have a plurality of hooks 508 for attaching exercise implements thereto, as shown in FIG. 24. In addition, the base 502 may have at least one aperture 510 therein for connecting exercise implements thereto, such as a weight plate bar 512, as shown in FIGS. 23, 24. The weight plate bar 512 may have a base bar 514, a flange 516, and a weight plate bar segment 518 for holding a weight plate 520 thereon, as shown in FIG. 24. Further, as shown in FIG. 24, carabiners 522 may be connected and extend from hooks 508, wherein the carabiners may have rope, stretch cord, or stretch hose 524 extending therefrom for use in exercises, such as when hung on a weight bar 530 or other like bar. Further, one or more stretch straps 526 may connect to and extend from the base bar 514, or from any other location of the base 502.

[0080] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A weightlifting or exercise apparatus comprising:a body having a length, a first end and a second end;a first hook or a loop extending from the first end of the body; anda second hook extending from the second end of the body,wherein the first hook or loop extending from the first end of the body is configured to be hung on a user's belt or a bar and further wherein the second hook is configured to connect to exercise implements.

2. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:an aperture in the body at or near the second end of the body.

3. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:a third hook extending from the body at or near the first end of the body.

4. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first hook or loop has a position extending in a first direction from the body and further wherein the second hook has a position extending in a second direction from the body.

5. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.

6. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first hook or loop has a position extending in a first direction from the body and further wherein the second hook has a position extending in the first direction from the body.

7. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the loop is a strap.

8. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body is made of a plastic, a metal, or a combination of plastic and metal.

9. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first hook or loop and the second hook is made of the same material as the body.

10. An exercise system comprising the weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:a belt of a user or a bar, wherein the weightlifting or exercise apparatus is disposed on the belt or the bar;at least one exercise implement connected to the weightlifting or exercise apparatus, wherein the at least one exercise implement is selected from the group consisting of a weight, a rope, a strap, a cord, a hose, a carabiner, or a combination thereof.

11. A weightlifting or exercise apparatus comprising:a body having a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side;a first hook or loop extending from a top side of the body;a first aperture in the body configured to connect to an exercise implement.

12. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 11 further comprising:a pin extending through the first hook or loop, wherein the pin is configured to tighten the first hook or loop on a bar.

13. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 11 further comprising:at least one hook extending from a first surface of the body.

14. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 11 wherein the body has a surface extending in a first plane and the first hook or loop has a surface extending in a second plane.

15. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 14 wherein the first plane is disposed about ninety degrees relative to the second plane.

16. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 11 further comprising:a weight bar extending from the first aperture in the body, wherein the weight bar comprises a bar segment configured to hold a weight plate.

17. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 11 further comprising:a first arm extending from a left side of the body; anda second arm extending from a right side of the body,wherein the first arm comprises a second aperture therein and the second arm comprises a third aperture therein, wherein each of the second and third apertures are configured to connect to an exercise implement.

18. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 17 wherein the first arm comprises a first hook tab on a terminal end of the first arm and the second arm comprises a second hook tab on a terminal end of the second arm.

19. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 17 further comprising:a weight bar extending from the second aperture of the first arm, wherein the weight bar comprises a bar segment configured to hold a weight plate.

20. The weightlifting or exercise apparatus of claim 11 further comprising:a horizontal level surface attached to and extending from the bottom of the body, wherein the horizontal level surface is configured to connect an exercise implement thereto.

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