Barbell
A bar bell comprises a plate-accepting bar that extends longitudinally between two end regions at which weight plates can be mounted, a longitudinally-extending handle positioned above the plate-accepting bar and supported by the barbell, a pair of barbell-supporting brackets positioned at respective end regions of the plate-accepting bar to stably support the barbell on a supporting surface without contact between mounted weight plates and the supporting surface, and at least one longitudinally-extending fulcrum bar affixed to the barbell in such a way that it is positioned to contact a user's forearm during a bicep curl and create a lever arm vis-à-vis the handle that maintains the barbell's center of gravity in a lagging position with respect to the user's hands so as to exert enhanced resistance to the curling movement during the movement.
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This invention pertains to exercise apparatus of the type employing movable weight plates. Examples of such devices are barbells and dumbbells.
There are two fundamental types of dumbbells and barbells: the “fixed weight” type, wherein the weight plates are permanently secured on the ends of a bar, and the “adjustable” type, wherein weight plates are secured on the bar by removable collars that permit the user to add or remove individual weight plates to the bar.
SUMMARYAn improved barbell for bicep curl movements is described herein that remains stationary when set on the floor or other support surface, provides convenient mounting and dismounting of weight plates, and provides less back stress as it is grasped.
Briefly, the bar bell comprises a plate-accepting bar that extends longitudinally between two end regions at which weight plates can be mounted, a longitudinally-extending handle positioned above the plate-accepting bar and supported by the barbell, a pair of barbell-supporting brackets positioned at respective end regions of the plate-accepting bar to stably support the barbell on a supporting surface without contact between mounted weight plates and the supporting surface, and at least one longitudinally-extending fulcrum bar affixed to the barbell in such a way that it is positioned to contact a user's forearm during a bicep curl and create a lever arm vis-à-vis the handle that maintains the barbell's center of gravity in a lagging position with respect to the user's hands so as to exert enhanced resistance to the curling movement during the movement.
These and other details concerning the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment, of which the drawings form a part.
In the preferred embodiment,
Referring to
The brackets 12 stably support the barbell on a supporting surface (typically, a floor) via respective leg portions 12a formed by the base of the “L”. The preferred brackets 12 accordingly include a through hole which permits passage of the plate-accepting bar 11 therethrough. The bar 11 is welded or otherwise securely affixed to the bracket.
As illustrated in
As best illustrated in
The barbell 10 includes at least one longitudinally-extending fulcrum bar 18 (and preferably a pair of such bars) affixed to the barbell in such a way that it is positioned to contact a user's forearm during a bicep curl and create a lever arm vis-à-vis the handle that maintains the barbell's center of gravity in a lagging position with respect to the user's hands so as to exert enhanced resistance to the curling movement during the movement. Turning to
As best illustrated in
The bracket can be provided with means for adjusting the height at which the plate-accepting bar is positioned, thereby controlling the length of the second moment arm and, consequently, the counter-torque to be provided by the weight of the barbell. In addition, and as best appreciated by reference to
Similarly, the amount of effort needed to curl a given weight is a function of the aforedescribed first moment arm. Accordingly, the height of the lifting bar 16 can be fixed at a desired height, or the barbell can be configured to provide a height-adjustment mechanism that changes length of the second moment arm and the consequential curling effort needed. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the lifting bar 16 is fixed by coupling the bar 16 between opposite stem portions 12b that are integral parts of the brackets 12. While currently preferred, other bracket shapes and added adjustment mechanisms are within the scope of this invention.
Although a currently preferred embodiment of the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail above, it should be understood that various details, changes, substitutions and alterations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the foregoing specification. It is intended that all such variations be within the scope and spirit of the invention, and that the invention be solely defined by the appended claims, which are to be given the broadest allowable interpretation consistent with the Doctrine of Equivalents.
Claims
1. A barbell comprising:
- a plate-accepting bar that extends longitudinally between two end regions at which weight plates can be mounted,
- a longitudinally-extending handle positioned above the plate-accepting bar and supported by the barbell,
- a pair of barbell-supporting brackets positioned at respective end regions of the plate-accepting bar to stably support the barbell on a supporting surface without contact between mounted weight plates and the supporting surface, and
- at least one longitudinally-extending fulcrum bar affixed to the barbell in such a way that it is positioned to contact a user's forearm during a bicep curl and create a lever arm vis-à-vis the handle that maintains the barbell's center of gravity in a lagging position with respect to the user's hands so as to exert enhanced resistance to the curling movement during the movement.
2. The barbell of claim 1 wherein the brackets each include a through hole permitting passage of the plate-accepting bar 11 therethrough so that weight plates can be mounted about the portions of the plate-accepting bar lying longitudinally outward of the brackets.
3. The barbell of claim 2 wherein the bar is welded to the brackets.
4. The barbell of claim 1 wherein the brackets each have
- a lower relatively wide portion against which weight plates can be mounted, and
- an upper stem portion to which a respective end of the handle is coupled.
5. The barbell of claim 4 wherein the handle comprises a bar that extends longitudinally between the brackets, and
- a grippable surface supported for rotation about said bar.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 18, 2014
Publication Date: Sep 25, 2014
Applicants: Grace Premier Fitness and Wellness Products, Inc. (Vancouver, WA), Ace Specialty Manufacturing Company, Inc. (Rosemead, CA)
Inventors: Thomas W. Grace (Vancouver, WA), Karl Anderson (Glendora, CA)
Application Number: 14/217,897
International Classification: A63B 21/072 (20060101);