WEIGHTLIFTING BAR SYSTEM

Abstract

An example weightlifting bar system includes a bar shaft, and a sleeve on at least one end of the bar shaft. A first bearing and race assembly supporting the sleeve in a first position and at least a second bearing and race assembly supporting the sleeve in a second position, each bearing and race assembly having an outer bearing assembly adjacent the sleeve and an inner bearing race adjacent the bar shaft. The outer bearing assembly rotates around the inner bearing race while the inner bearing race remains substantially stationary relative to the bar shaft.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/778,926 filed Mar. 13, 2013 titled “Weightlifting Bar” of Philip Patti, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Weightlifting equipment is available for recreational use (e.g., in the home), commercial use (e.g., in gyms), and competitive sports (e.g., the Olympics and other venues). Bars may be loaded with hundreds of pounds of weights. During lifting, the bars may be dropped and/or thrown down onto the floor, sometimes landing at an angle relative to the floor. The bar shaft material is typically HRC 38-45 hardness and the bearings are HRC 60+ hardness. The shaft over time may become damaged when dropped on hard surfaces similar, e.g., creating flat spots or indentations to hitting a round surface with a hammer. This may cause an effect of the sleeves mounted on the bar that is similar to a bent wheel being “out of round” on a car.

Manufacturers have attempted to combat this condition by using extra hardening procedures at the ends of the bar shaft. These procedures are expensive and potentially dangerous if the shaft hardness is elevated to such an extent that the bar shaft is too stiff for weightlifting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is an illustration of an example weightlifting bar system.

FIG. 1b is an exploded view showing components of the example weightlifting bar system shown in FIG. 1a.

FIGS. 2a-d are illustrations of the example weightlifting bar system.

FIG. 3a shows an example weightlifting bar system as it may be suitable for a larger user.

FIG. 3b shows an example weightlifting bar system as it may be suitable for a smaller user.

FIG. 4 shows an example bearing and race of the weightlifting bar system.

FIG. 5 shows an example bearing race assembly of the weightlifting bar system.

FIG. 6 illustrates example assembly of the bearing assemblies on the weightlifting bar system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An example weightlifting bar system is disclosed including a bar shaft, and a sleeve on at least one end of the bar shaft. A first bearing and race assembly supporting the sleeve in a first position (e.g., on one end of the sleeve) and at least a second bearing and race assembly supporting the sleeve in a second position (e.g., on the second end of the sleeve). More bearing and race assemblies may be provided. In the example shown in the drawings, two bearing and race assemblies support the sleeve in the first position, and one bearing and race assembly support the sleeve in the second position. Other configurations are also possible. For example, a plurality of bearing and race assemblies (e.g., more than two, or more than three) may be provided at various spacing (or positions) along a length of the sleeve. It is also noted that the bearing and race assemblies may be positioned substantially at the ends of the sleeve and/or may be spaced further inward along the sleeve.

Each bearing and race assembly have an outer bearing assembly adjacent the sleeve and an inner bearing race adjacent the bar shaft. The outer bearing assembly rotates around the inner bearing race while the inner bearing race remains substantially stationary relative to the bar shaft.

In an example, the bearing and race system may be installed in the sleeve and over the bar shaft at a precision fit. The precision fit may also reduce contaminants from coming into contact with the sealed bearings. The bearing rotates around the inner race, which remains fairly stationary on the shaft. In an example, the bearings are needle bearings. A separate race system may also be provided, wherein the bearings do not touch the bar shaft, thus reducing or altogether eliminating damage to the bar shaft.

The example weightlifting bar system provides the user with a smooth feel during weightlifting. In addition, dropping example weightlifting bar system does not affect the bar because the hard needles (e.g., when needle bearings are used) do not come into direct contact with the bar. Furthermore, the size of the bearings can be much larger than otherwise provided with bar shafts, giving the example weightlifting bar system a higher load rating.

Before continuing, it is noted that as used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” mean, but is not limited to, “includes” or “including” and “includes at least” or “including at least.” The term “based on” means “based on” and “based at least in part on.”

FIG. 1a is an illustration of an example weightlifting bar system 100. FIG. 1b is an exploded view showing components of the example weightlifting bar system 100 shown in FIG. 1a. In this example, a bar or bar shaft 101 is provided (e.g., fitted) on each end of the bar shaft (although only one end of the bar shaft is shown), with a sleeve 102 with collar 103. As can be seen in FIG. 1b, the sleeve 102 may be fitted to the bar shaft 101 with two bearing assemblies on one end of the sleeve, 104 and 105, each formed by an inner race, 106 and 108, and a bearing, 107 and 109. In an example, the bearings 107 and 109 may be a needle bearing. Other types of bearings may also be employed. At the other end of the sleeve 102, a single race 110 and outer bearing assembly 111 (or simply “bearing 111”) may fit the sleeve 102 to the bar shaft 101. In an example, two bearings on provided on the collar end, and one bearing on the other end.

An example end of a bar shaft 101 is shown as it may be about 25 mm (millimeters) or 28 mm in diameter with a collar 103 having a 2.750 to 3.250 inch diameter and being about 30 mm wide, although the disclosure herein is not limited to any particular size components. The bar shaft 101 may be installed inside an example bar sleeve 102. An inner bearing race 110 (or simply “race 110”) and bearing 111 are also fitted within the other end of the sleeve 102 between the sleeve 102 and the bar shaft 101 at a proximal end of the bar shaft 101.

FIGS. 2a-d are illustrations of the example weightlifting bar system shown in FIG. 1a, with FIGS. 2b-d being cross sectional views of the example bar sleeve shown in FIG. 2a. It is noted that the bearing (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2c) can be moved down if desired (e.g., to about 1.750 inches). Bearing assemblies 104 and 105, which include races 106, 108 and bearings 107, 109, may be fitted within one end of the sleeve 102 onto the bar shaft 101 that is on an interior position on the bar. Although two assemblies 104, 105 are shown, fewer or more assemblies may be used. In an example, more bearings provide added benefits (e.g., smoother operation during lifting and higher load ratings).

A second bearing assembly 112, with race 110 and bearing 111, may be fitted in the sleeve over the bar near a proximal end of the bar. A second weightlifting bar system 100 may also be fitted to the distal end of the bar shaft (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, a weightlifting bar system 100 with a sleeve length of approximately 445 mm may be used for example with a 28 mm diameter bar, as is shown in FIG. 3a. A sleeve with a length of approximately 350 mm may be used with a for example 25 mm diameter bar, as shown in FIG. 3b. However, these may vary in other examples. These lengths include the mm wide collar 103. FIGS. 3a-b illustrate example design specifications for a weightlifting bar system configured for use by a larger competitor which may be a man or male competitor, as in FIG. 3a, and a smaller competitor, which may be a woman or female competitor or a junior competitor being a younger male or female, as in FIG. 3b (or other users). The sizes are illustrated and non-limiting.

In an example, the weightlifting bar system may be manufactured as a 20 kg (kilogram) bar or a 15 kg bar. Other sizes are also contemplated. It is also noted that the designs disclosed herein can be made of a variety of different types and/or hardness material(s), and the hardness of the bar shaft is not a limiting factor. In a non-limiting example, the materials used for manufacture may include steel or stainless steel.

Before continuing, it should be noted that the examples described above are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting. Other devices and/or device configurations may be utilized to carry out the operations described herein.

FIG. 4 shows an example bearing and race of the weightlifting bar system. The example race 106 and bearing 107 are shown as these may form a bearing assembly 104. FIG. 5 shows an example bearing race assembly 104 of the weightlifting bar system. The bearings, which may be needle or other bearings, and bearing race for an improved weightlifting bar system may be, as discussed above, a 32 mm inner diameter (ID) bearing race or a 29 mm ID bearing race. In an example, the bearings inner diameters are substantially equal to the outside diameter of the race. These bearings offer a higher load rating per bearing, so that extra bearings are not needed. The bearings may also be considered to be a precision bearing.

FIG. 6 illustrates example assembly of the bearing assemblies on the weightlifting bar system. The bearing assembly 104 is shown with a race 106 and bearing 107 partially assembled on a bar shaft 101. A second race 108 is assembled onto the bar shaft 101 ready to accept a bearing 109, the sleeve 102, and collar 103 (not visible in FIG. 6).

It is noted that the examples shown and described are provided for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Still other examples are also contemplated.

Claims

1. A weightlifting bar system, comprising:

a bar shaft;

a sleeve on at least one end of the bar shaft; and

a first bearing and race assembly supporting the sleeve in a first position and at least a second bearing and race assembly supporting the sleeve in a second position, each bearing and race assembly having an outer bearing assembly adjacent the sleeve and an inner bearing race adjacent the bar shaft;

wherein the outer bearing assembly rotates around the inner bearing race while the inner bearing race remains substantially stationary relative to the bar shaft.

2. The weightlifting bar system of claim 1, wherein the inner bearing race is stationary and does not move relative to the bar shaft.

3. The weightlifting bar system of claim 1, wherein the outer bearing assembly includes needle bearings.

4. The weightlifting bar system of claim 1, wherein a separate race system is provided having bearings that do not touch the bar shaft to reduce or altogether eliminate damage to the bar shaft.

5. The weightlifting bar system of claim 1, further comprising a precision fit between the sleeve and the bearing and each bearing and race assembly to reduce or altogether eliminate contaminants from coming into contact with sealed bearings in the sleeve.

6. The weightlifting bar system of claim 1, wherein the rotation of sleeve provides a user with a smooth feel during a weightlifting exercise.

7. The weightlifting bar system of claim 1, wherein the outer bearing assembly does not come into direct contact with the bar shaft even when the bar shaft is dropped.

8. The weightlifting bar system of claim 1, wherein a size of the outer bearing assembly is sized to provide a higher load rating.

9. A weightlifting bar system, comprising:

a bearing and race system assembled on opposite ends of a bar shaft, each of the bearing and race systems having at least two outer bearing assemblies and at least two inner bearing races;

a sleeve installed over the bearing and race systems at a precision fit; and

wherein the outer bearing assemblies of each bearing and race system is rotatable relative to the inner bearing race while the inner bearing race remains substantially stationary relative to the bar shaft.

10. The weightlifting bar system of claim 9, wherein the inner bearing race is stationary and does not move relative to the bar shaft.

11. The weightlifting bar system of claim 9, wherein the outer bearing assemblies of each bearing and race system includes needle bearings.

12. The weightlifting bar system of claim 9, further comprising a separate race system, wherein outer bearing assemblies of the separate race system do not touch the bar shaft, reducing or altogether eliminating damage to the bar shaft.

13. The weightlifting bar system of claim 9, further comprising sealed bearings in the sleeve.

14. The weightlifting bar system of claim 13, wherein the precision fit reduces contaminants from contacting the sealed bearings in the sleeve.

15. The weightlifting bar system of claim 1, wherein the outer bearing assemblies do not directly contact the bar shaft.

16. The weightlifting bar system of claim 1, wherein a size of the outer bearing assemblies is selected to provide a desired load rating.

17. A weightlifting bar system, comprising:

a first and second sleeve, each sleeve configured to be assembled on one end of the bar shaft; and

a first bearing and race assembly supporting a single sleeve in a first position and a second bearing and race assemblies supporting the single sleeve in a second position, each bearing and race assembly having an outer bearing assembly adjacent the single sleeve and an inner bearing race adjacent the bar shaft.

18. The weightlifting bar system of claim 17, further comprising three or more bearing and race assemblies supporting each sleeve.

19. The weightlifting bar system of claim 17, further comprising more than three bearing and race assemblies supporting the sleeve.

20. The weightlifting bar system of claim 17, wherein the outer bearing assembly rotates around the inner bearing race while the inner bearing race remains substantially stationary relative to the bar shaft.