Weight Bar Securing Apparatus with Cut-Out and Raised Bump

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing securing apparatuses for weight bars in exercise equipment often fail to securely hold bars of varying diameters and cross-sectional shapes, leading to instability during exercises.

Innovation Solution

A bar securing apparatus with an L-shaped design featuring a cut-out for the weight bar and a raised bump to hold it in place, along with multiple attachment points for secure positioning on a weight rack, allowing for different bar sizes and shapes to be accommodated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional securing apparatus is used, then the structure is simple, but it fails to securely hold bars of varying diameters and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of varying bar diameters and shapesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing apparatus features a U-shaped body with a cutout that can universally accommodate bars of different diameters and cross-sectional shapes (circular, oval, rectangular). The raised bump inside the cutout provides a universal holding mechanism that adapts to various bar geometries, making the device versatile for different bar types without requiring multiple specialized apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The securing apparatus applies local quality by having different structural features in different regions: the U-shaped body provides overall containment, the cutout provides precise geometric accommodation for the bar, and the raised bump provides localized contact and retention. This distribution of different functional qualities across the structure enables secure holding of varied bar types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple attachment points are added, then positioning flexibility improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The securing apparatus incorporates multiple attachment points (first and second attachment points) on the U-shaped body, enabling the device to be positioned at various locations on the weight rack. This multi-functional attachment capability allows the same apparatus to serve multiple positioning needs without requiring different devices for each position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the raised bump is added to hold the bar, then bar security improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebar securityVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The raised bump is positioned within the cutout to preemptively prevent the bar from slipping or becoming dislodged during use. By providing this preliminary retention feature, the apparatus proactively counteracts potential movement or instability before it occurs, ensuring reliable bar security throughout the exercise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS10391377B1Bar securing apparatus and methods of use
Publication Date: 2019.08.27 SORIN ALBERT
  • US10391377B1 patent drawing
  • US10391377B1 patent drawing
  • US10391377B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A bar securing apparatus for securing a weight bar to a weight rack or rack component, comprising: an upper end; a lower end; and, a cut-out located between the upper end and the lower end, sized and shaped for placement of a weight bar with a circular cross-section therein, wherein at least one of the upper end and the lower end is configured with at least one attachment point.