Hanging free weight device

Abstract

A device designed to hang free weight dumbbells from the end of an elongated cylindrical lifting bar. The device is comprised of a cylindrical hollow head which is capable of sliding and hanging on to a barbell, while the openly hollow C-shaped support inferior to the neck of the device is free to safely support a free weight dumbbell during resistance training.

Description

FIELD

This application mainly relates to fitness equipment which in a unique fashion slides on to and hangs from an elongated cylindrical lifting bar, such as an Olympic barbell, while having the capacity to safely secure free weight dumbbells for use as additional weight.

BACKGROUND

The dumbbell is one of many common forms of free weights that are uniquely distinguishable by their short cylindrical shaft which bears equivalent weight on each end in either a round or hexagonal shape. Despite going by different forms and aliases throughout history, many individuals across the world today utilize dumbbells for a multitude of reasons, many of which are rooted in their: functionality within the three planes of motion, portability, and efficiency in being able to work different muscles from various angles, making it a convenient and effective piece of equipment for all weight lifters alike. There are records of previous devices that highlight their specific use case in utilizing the dumbbell, or alternative free weights, in conjunction with barbells.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,366,200 filed by Matysek (1921) depicts a barbell that is modified to allow a unique type of dumbbell modified with an opening that is affixed centrally within the short cylindrical shaft of the dumbbell that has the same size opening as the barbell shaft ends. The dumbbells would then slide on to each end of the barbell and be positioned between two holes (with two additional holes arranged to the opposite side of the barbell) that would allow two nuts and bolts to be placed in the holes on each end, therefore relegating the dumbbells to remain in that area of the bar and not detach from the barbell on either side. Despite being an open alternative to utilizing the dumbbells in this way, some of the noticeable drawbacks of this device is that for this to work the dumbbells' cylindrical shafts must be large enough to allow a barbell to slide through, and the barbells must increase in proportion to the weight it will support. As the bar increases in dimension to compensate for the increase in weight, serious considerations for weight lifters must also be made as this may be difficult to hold or even be used to actively perform multiple reps; with a less than optimal grip around the barbell, this would effectively endanger the individual.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,243 filed by Allen (1994) describes there being an extended bracket attached to a barbell which would support a lengthened U-shaped slot attaching to the bracket to support the dumbbells by its short cylindrical shaft to be used as weights. In addition to this embodiment, there is an alternate version which connects a collar to the u-shaped slot facing perpendicular to the bar with an additional locking collar to secure it in place. A few noticeable drawbacks with this device is the requirement of large brackets in order to be functional as well as how restricted it is to the end of the barbell.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,814 filed by Xu (2009) describes a coil shaped device with two singular branches that each extend below the bar, bends upward into an arch, and extends outward to form into a hook. The following variations of the device adds additional hooks beneath the initial hooks in an attempt to add additional space for more dumbbells. The main device and variants however are not practical in usage because an additional collar could contribute to problems such as uneven weight distribution and spatial disproportion.

Advantages

In contrast to the mentioned devices above, here are the advantages you will find in my device that a select few of the above mentioned devices lack upon further analysis:

1) It does not require any additional parts (i.e. brackets, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.) to function, as it is one whole member.

2) The device can utilize the entire Olympic barbell arm with or without weights, and not just the ends of the barbell or a specific range of space on the arm.

3) Spatial consideration of the dumbbell in relation to the weight plates is taken into account and corrected so that if or when a collar is added you can be assured the weight plate will not slide due to an attached free weight creating unsafe space between the weight plate and the collar of the device, which ultimately creates unbalanced weight distribution.

4) It is made of an inexpensive and durable plastic or metal.

5) The free weight dumbbell for instance can be applied or removed safely without having to remove any parts as the inner portion of the openly hollow C-shaped support is preferably coated with a rubber material for additional surface grip on the shaft of the dumbbell which would allow for a seamless attachment and release of the free weight from the device.

6) The device is cost-effective to produce.

7) This device is compact, durable, minimalistic, convenient, practical, and safe-to-use.

8) It serves users in allowing them to utilize their dumbbells as additional weight instead of purchasing weight plates, which can be more expensive to own than free weights like dumbbells.

The illustrations of the device are rough expressions of the preferred form factor and should not be interpreted as restrictive in scope. As an additional disclaimer, despite the mentioned specifics regarding preferred materials—this may be subject to change. However, its function still remains to be ideal for its application.

SUMMARY

This hanging free weight device would solve the above issues and be used to safely support attached free weight dumbbells to an elongated cylindrical lifting barbell without compromising in functionality and efficiency.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a shows a front perspective view of the device.

FIG. 1b shows a back side perspective view of the device.

FIG. 1c shows a right side perspective view of the device.

FIG. 1d shows a side perspective view of the device.

FIG. 1e shows a side perspective view of the device.

FIG. if shows a side perspective view of the device.

FIG. 1g shows a bottom perspective view of the device.

FIG. 1h shows a top perspective view of the device.

FIG. 2a shows the device, secured by an additional collar, attached to an Olympic barbell which is securing a dumbbell.

FIG. 2b shows a side perspective view of the device attached to an Olympic barbell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

FIG. 1a-1h shows various perspective views of the device 3.1 depicts the hollow cylindrical head of the device which will slide on to the Olympic barbell 4, which can be used with an additional locking collar 5 if needed. Protruding beneath the head is the neck of the device 9 which serves to fortify the upper and lower portions jointly. Connected beneath the neck is an open, hollow, C-shaped support 2 which is made to fit the shaft of the dumbbell 7.

In FIGS. 2a and 2b, we see the device 3 not only secures a free weight dumbbell 7 in place but also the weight plates 6. The flush surface beneath the device 8 can also serve to rest the device on flat surfaces in a vertical position when unused.

Operation—FIGS. 1 and 2

The device 3 is designed to attach free weight dumbbells 7 to a cylindrical elongated lifting bar such as an Olympic barbell 4. The cylindrical head 1 is made to fit the barbell to allow it to slide on or off of the apparatus effortlessly. A weight collar could then be used to secure the device 3 on the bar, or used without one. The openly hollow C-shaped support 2 is made to fit the surface area of the dumbbell shaft, so when the weight is inserted, it will support the weight during lifts. After completion of the exercise, the hanging free weight device could then be effortlessly removed and placed on any flat surfaces when not in use.

Claims

1. A portable hanging device that requires no additional parts to function which comprises a hollow cylindrical head that slides on and off of a barbell wherein at least a substantial portion of the outer surface is a brief, protruded, neck that is subtly beveled (as shown in FIG. 1e).

2. (canceled)

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the neck is affixed superiorly to an openly hollow C-shaped support and inferiorly to the hollow cylindrical head (as shown in FIG. 1e).

4. A device wherein the openly hollow C-shaped support (as seen from the right side perspective in FIG. 1c) would allow a free weight dumbbell to be supported along its cylindrical shaft laying perpendicular from the superiorly positioned hollow cylindrical head for resistance training (as shown in FIG. 2b).

5. (canceled)

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the inferior portion of the openly hollow C-shaped support has a flat surface so that the device can rest upright when unused (as shown in FIG. 1g).