WEIGHTLIFTING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING SAME

Abstract

A weightlifting apparatus can include a weightlifting bar having a pair of moveable hand gripping members, and means for providing resistance against inward movement of the hand grips. The bar can be substantially cylindrical, and hand gripping members can be telescopically positioned on the bar. The hand gripping members can move axially along the bar and rotate about the bar. A first resistance member can be positioned on the bar intermediate the center of the bar and the first hand gripping member, and a second resistance member can be positioned on the bar intermediate the center and the second hand gripping member. The resistance members can be spring loaded tension coils that provide resistance against the first and second hand gripping members when moved inwardly toward the center of the bar.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/122,970, filed Nov. 3, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a weightlifting apparatus, and a method of using the apparatus. One embodiment of the invention comprises a weightlifting bar having moveable hand grips, and means for providing resistance against inward movement of the hand grips.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Weightlifting is a popular and effective means for developing muscle strength and improving overall health and fitness. Barbells and dumbbells are commonly used to develop muscles in the upper body, and in particular the pectoralis muscle. Barbells feature equal weights positioned on opposite ends of a single long bar that is gripped by both hands of the user, while dumbbells have a short bar gripped by only one hand of the user. Barbells provide greater stability for the user than dumbbells, and therefore the user can typically lift more weight on a single barbell than with two dumbbells. However, dumbbells generally allow for a greater range of motion for the user than a barbell, which requires the user to keep both hands in place on a single bar. Accordingly, there is a need for a weightlifting apparatus providing stability similar to that of a barbell, while allowing for a greater variety of motion than traditional barbells.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a weightlifting bar that allows the user to engage in multiple motions while lifting. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of weightlifting that effectively develops the pectoralis muscle. These and other objects of the invention can be achieved by the embodiments of the invention disclosed below.

One embodiment of the invention comprises a weightlifting apparatus comprising a bar having first and second ends and defining a center midway between the first and second ends, and first and second hand gripping members positioned on the bar and adapted for sliding movement on the bar. The center of the bar is intermediate the first and second hand gripping members. A first resistance member is positioned on the bar intermediate the center and the first hand gripping member, and provides resistance against the first hand gripping member when the first hand gripping member is moved toward the center of the bar. A second resistance member is positioned on the bar intermediate the center and the second hand gripping member, and provides resistance against the second hand gripping member when the second hand gripping member is moved toward the center of the bar.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first and second hand gripping members are adapted for rotational movement on the bar.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the bar is substantially cylindrical, and each of the first and second hand gripping members comprises a substantially cylindrical sleeve telescopically positioned on the bar.

According to another embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second hand gripping members include first and second guard sections formed at opposite ends of the sleeve having a diameter greater than a diameter of the sleeve.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the bar and the first and second hand gripping members are comprised of metal.

According to another embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second resistance members comprise a spring loaded tension coil.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the bar is adapted to support and maintain a first weight proximate the first end, and a second weight proximate the second end.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first weight comprises a first plurality of weighted plates, and the second weight comprises a second plurality of weightlifting plates.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a stop member, such as an enlarged end sleeve or removable collar, is positioned on the bar proximate the first end of the bar to maintain the first plurality of weightlifting plates on the bar. Another stop member is positioned on the bar proximate the second end for maintaining the second plurality of weightlifting plates on the bar.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a weightlifting apparatus comprises a substantially cylindrical bar having first and second ends and a center point located midway between the first and second ends. First and second substantially cylindrical hand gripping members are telescopically positioned on the bar and can move axially along the bar and rotate about the bar. The center of the bar is intermediate the first and second hand gripping members. A first resistance member is positioned on the bar intermediate the center and the first hand gripping member, and provides resistance against the first hand gripping member when the first hand gripping member is moved toward the center of the bar. A second resistance member is positioned on the bar intermediate the center and the second hand gripping member, and provides resistance against the second hand gripping member when the second hand gripping member is moved toward the center of the bar.

According to another embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second hand gripping members comprise an elongate center section for gripping by a user, and inner and outer guard sections formed at opposite ends of the elongate center section having a diameter greater than a diameter of the elongate center section.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first resistance member comprises a first spring loaded tension coil, and the inner guard section of the first hand gripping member is adjacent to the first spring loaded tension coil. A second resistance member comprises a second spring loaded tension coil, and the inner guard section of the second hand gripping member is adjacent to the second spring loaded tension coil.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a first stop member is releasably attached to the bar proximate the first end of the bar, and a second stop member is releasably attached to the bar proximate the second end of the bar. Axial movement of the first hand gripping member is stopped by the outer guard section of the first hand gripping member contacting the first stop member, and axial movement of the second hand gripping member is stopped by the outer guard section of the second hand gripping member contacting the second stop member.

According to another embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second stop members can be comprised of a collar that is releasably attached to the bar by a locking screw.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the bar is adapted to support and maintain a first plurality of weightlifting plates proximate the first end, and a second plurality of weightlifting plates proximate the second end.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a first collar is positioned on the bar proximate the first end for maintaining the first plurality of weightlifting plates on the bar, and a second collar is positioned on the bar proximate the second end for maintaining the second plurality of weightlifting plates on the bar.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of exercise comprising providing a weightlifting apparatus comprising a bar having first and second ends and defining a center midway between the first and second ends, first and second hand gripping members positioned on the bar adapted for axial and rotational movement on the bar, and a first resistance member positioned on the bar intermediate the center of the bar and the first hand gripping member, and a second resistance member positioned on the bar intermediate the center and second hand gripping member. The first resistance can provide resistance against the first hand gripping member when the first hand gripping member is moved inwardly toward the center of the bar, and the second resistance member can provide resistance against the second hand gripping member when the second hand gripping member is moved inwardly toward the center of the bar. The bar is lifted, and the first and second hand gripping members are moved inwardly toward the center of the bar.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first and second hand gripping members are moved outwardly away from the center of the bar.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first and second hand gripping members are rotated about the bar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a weightlifting apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the weightlifting apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an environmental perspective view illustrating a method of using the weightlifting apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is another environmental perspective view illustrating a method of using the weightlifting apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is another environmental perspective view illustrating a method of using the weightlifting apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is another environmental perspective view illustrating a method of using the weightlifting apparatus of FIGS. 1; and

FIG. 7 is another environmental perspective view illustrating a method of using the weightlifting apparatus of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF INVENTION AND BEST MODE

A weightlifting apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The weightlifting apparatus 10 comprises a substantially cylindrical elongate bar 12, a pair of substantially cylindrical hand gripping members 20, 30 positioned on the bar 12, and a pair of resistance members 25, 35 positioned on the bar 12.

The bar 12 can be made of a metal such as steel, aluminum or other suitable material. The bar 12 can have the length and diameter of a standard barbell. The bar 12 can support a plurality of standard two inch weight plates at opposite ends 14, 16 of the bar. The apparatus 10 includes stop members proximate opposite ends 14, 16 of the bar 12 to maintain the weight plates on the bar 12 and prevent the weight plates from sliding on the bar 12. The stop members can be enlarged end sleeves 18, 19 formed on the bar 12 proximate opposite ends 14, 16 of the bar 12, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the stop members can be removable weight collars positioned proximate opposite ends 14, 16 of the bar 12 to maintain weight plates on the bar 12.

Hand gripping members 20 can be comprised of an elongate center sleeve section 21 and a pair of enlarged guard sections 22, 23 at opposed ends of the center section 21, as shown in FIG. 2. Likewise, the other hand gripping member 30 can be comprised of an elongate center sleeve section 31 and a pair of enlarged guard sections 32, 33 at opposed ends of the center section 31. The hand gripping members 20, 30 can be made of a metal such as steel, aluminum or other suitable material. Each of the hand gripping members 20, 30 can be approximately seven inches long.

The hand gripping members 20, 30 can be hollow and have an inner diameter slightly greater than the outer diameter of the bar 12. The hand gripping members can be telescopically positioned on the bar 12. As such, the hand gripping members 20, 30 can slide axially on the bar, and can rotate about the bar. The hand gripping members 20, 30 are positioned on opposite sides of the center 15 of the bar 12, approximately equal distance from the center 15, as shown in FIG. 1.

The apparatus 10 includes means for providing resistance to inward movement of the hand gripping members 20, 30. The means for providing this resistance can be a pair of resistance members 25, 35 positioned on the bar 12, as shown in FIG. 1. Each of the resistance members 25, 35 can be comprised of a spring loaded tension coil. The spring loaded tension coils 25, 35 can be made of a metal, such as steel or aluminum, or other suitable material. The coils 25, 35 are positioned on the bar 12 proximate the hand gripping members 20, 30, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1. One coil 25 is positioned between the center 15 of the bar 12 and the left hand gripping member 20, and the other coil 35 is positioned between the center 15 and the right hand gripping member 30, as shown in FIG. 1.

A plurality of stop members 26, 27, 36, 37 are positioned on the bar 12 to restrict movement of the hand gripping members 20, 30 and the coils 25, 35. Each of the stop members can be comprised of a collar that is releasably attached to the bar 12 by a locking screw 40, shown in FIG. 2. The collars 26, 27, 36, 37 are held in place on the bar 12 by tightening the locking screws 40. Inner collars 26, 36 are positioned on the bar 12 between the center 15 and the hand gripping members 20, 30, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1. As such, the coils cannot move inwardly beyond the inner collars 26, 36. Outer collars 27, 37 are positioned on the bar 12 to the outside of the hand gripping members 20, 30. Left outer collar 27 is positioned between the left end 14 of the bar 12 and the left hand gripping member 20, and the right outer collar 37 is positioned between the right end 16 of the bar 12 and the right hand gripping member 30. As such, the left hand gripping member 20 cannot move outwardly on the bar 12 beyond the left outer collar 27, and the right hand gripping member 30 cannot move outwardly on the bar 12 beyond the right outer collar 37.

The left hand gripping member 20 and the left coil 25 are maintained on the bar 12 between the inner collar 26 and outer collar 27, as shown in FIG. 2. Likewise, the right hand gripping member 30 and the right coil 35 are maintained on the bar 12 between the inner collar 36 and outer collar 37. If desired, the user can release the collars 26, 27, 36, 37 by unscrewing the locking screws 40, and the collars 26, 27, 36, 37 can be moved to different positions on the bar 12 to adjust to the comfort and preferences of the user. When the collars 26, 27, 36, 37 are in the desired position, the collars can be re-secured to the bar 12 by tightening the locking screws 40.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inner guard section 22 of the left hand gripping member 20 is adjacent to the left coil 25, and the outer guard section 23 of the left hand gripping member 20 is adjacent to the outer collar 27. Likewise, the inner guard section 32 of the right hand gripping member 30 is adjacent to the right coil 35, and the outer guard section 33 of the right hand gripping member 30 is adjacent to the outer collar 37. When the hand gripping members 20, 30 are moved inwardly toward the center 15 of the bar 12, the spring loaded coils 25, 35 provide resistance against the hand gripping members 20, 30.

A method of using the weight lifting apparatus 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3-5. As shown in FIG. 3, weight plates 50 are positioned at opposite ends 14, 16 of the bar 12 proximate the end sleeves 18, 19. The user's hands 80 grip the hand gripping members 20, 30, with the hand gripping members 20, 30 in their natural position at rest on the bar 12. The user lifts the bar 12 upwardly in a bench press type motion, while simultaneously sliding the handles 20, 30 inwardly toward the center 15 of the bar 12, as shown in FIG. 4. The spring loaded tension coils 25, 35 provide resistance against the inward movement of the handles 20, 30 as the user pushes the handles 20, 30 inwardly. This provides isolation and contraction of the user's pectoralis muscles. The pectoralis muscles of the user are simultaneously worked at two distinct angles by two distinct exercise motions. When the user's bench press reaches full extension, the user can slowly release the pressure on the handles 20, 30 and slide the handles 20, 30 outwardly back to their natural position, as shown in FIG. 5. The user can then lower the apparatus 10 back to the position shown in FIG. 3, and repeat the above steps until the desired number of repetitions are done.

The weightlifting apparatus 10 can be used in a variety of exercises. For example, the apparatus can be used in a front raise type exercise. Before lifting the bar 12, the user should firmly grip the handles 20, 30, while standing or seated on an incline bench. The handles 20, 30 are pushed inwardly toward the center 15 of the bar 12. This isolates and contracts the muscles. The user raises the bar 12 in front of himself in a straight, locked arm motion. The user slowly releases pressure to the handles 20, 30 when the bar is at shoulder height. The user lowers the bar 12 back down in front of himself in a straight, locked arm motion. These steps can be repeated until the desired number of repetitions are done.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the user can rotate the hand gripping members 20, 30 about the bar 12. This can help develop muscles in the user's wrist, and add to the variety of exercises that can be accomplished with the apparatus 10.

The weightlifting apparatus 10 helps facilitate muscle isolation during work outs, and enables the user to perform two different type workouts at the same time in a single exercise. Because multiple exercise motions can be performed simultaneously, the apparatus 10 can shorten work out times, and provide a more intense workout than a standard barbell.

A weightlifting apparatus and method of using same are described above. Various changes can be made to the invention without departing from its scope. The above description of various embodiments and best mode of the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation—the invention being defined by the claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A weightlifting apparatus comprising:

(a) a bar having first and second ends and defining a center midway between the first and second ends;

(b) first and second hand gripping members positioned on the bar and adapted for sliding movement on the bar, wherein the center of the bar is intermediate the first and second hand gripping members; and

(c) a first resistance member positioned on the bar intermediate the center and the first hand gripping member, the first resistance member adapted for providing resistance against the first hand gripping member when the first hand gripping member is moved toward the center of the bar, and a second resistance member positioned on the bar intermediate the center and the second hand gripping member, the second resistance member adapted for providing resistance against the second hand gripping member when the second hand gripping member is moved toward the center of the bar.

2. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second hand gripping members are adapted for rotational movement on the bar.

3. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the bar is substantially cylindrical, and each of the first and second hand gripping members comprises a substantially cylindrical sleeve telescopically positioned on the bar.

4. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each of the first and second hand gripping members further comprise first and second guard sections formed at opposite ends of the sleeve and having a diameter greater than a diameter of the sleeve.

5. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the bar and the first and second hand gripping members are comprised of metal.

6. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second resistance members comprise a spring loaded tension coil.

7. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bar is adapted to support and maintain a first weight proximate the first end, and a second weight proximate the second end.

8. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first weight comprises a first plurality of weighted plates, and the second weight comprises a second plurality of weightlifting plates.

9. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a first stop member sleeve is positioned on the bar proximate the first end for maintaining the first plurality of weightlifting plates on the bar, and a second stop member is positioned on the bar proximate the second end for maintaining the second plurality of weightlifting plates on the bar.

10. A weightlifting apparatus comprising:

(a) a substantially cylindrical bar having first and second ends and defining a center midway between the first and second ends;

(b) first and second substantially cylindrical hand gripping members telescopically positioned on the bar, wherein the first and second hand gripping members can move axially along the bar and rotate about the bar, and the center of the bar is intermediate the first and second hand gripping members; and

(c) a first resistance member positioned on the bar intermediate the center and the first hand gripping member, the first resistance member adapted for providing resistance against the first hand gripping member when the first hand gripping member is moved toward the center of the bar, and a second resistance member positioned on the bar intermediate the center and the second hand gripping member, the second resistance member adapted for providing resistance against the second hand gripping member when the second hand gripping member is moved toward the center of the bar.

11. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each of the first and second hand gripping members comprise an elongate center section for gripping by a user, and inner and outer guard sections formed at opposite ends of the elongate center section and having a diameter greater than a diameter of the elongate center section.

12. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first resistance member comprises a first spring loaded tension coil, the inner guard section of the first hand gripping member being adjacent to the first spring loaded tension coil, and further wherein second resistance member comprises a second spring loaded tension coil, the inner guard section of the second hand gripping member being adjacent to the second spring loaded tension coil.

13. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a first stop member releasably attached to the bar proximate the first end of the bar, and a second stop member releasably attached to the bar proximate the second end of the bar, wherein axial movement of the first hand gripping member is stopped by the outer guard section of the first hand gripping member contacting the first stop member, and axial movement of the second hand gripping member is stopped by the outer guard section of the second hand gripping member contacting the second stop member.

14. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 13, wherein each of the first and second stop members comprise a collar that is releasably attached to the bar by a locking screw.

15. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each of the first and second resistance members comprise a spring loaded tension coil.

16. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the bar is adapted to support and maintain a first plurality of weightlifting plates proximate the first end, and a second plurality of weightlifting plates proximate the second end.

17. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a first stop member is positioned on the bar proximate the first end for maintaining the first plurality of weightlifting plates on the bar, and a second stop member is positioned on the bar proximate the second end for maintaining the second plurality of weightlifting plates on the bar.

18. A method of exercise comprising:

(a) providing a weightlifting apparatus comprising: (i) a bar having first and second ends and defining a center midway between the first and second ends, (ii) first and second hand gripping members positioned on the bar and adapted for axial and rotational movement on the bar, wherein the center of the bar is intermediate the first and second hand gripping members; and (iii) a first resistance member positioned on the bar intermediate the center and the first hand gripping member, the first resistance member adapted for providing resistance against the first hand gripping member when the first hand gripping member is moved toward the center of the bar, and a second resistance member positioned on the bar intermediate the center and the second hand gripping member, the second resistance member adapted for providing resistance against the second hand gripping member when the second hand gripping member is moved toward the center of the bar;

(b) lifting the bar; and

(c) moving the first and second hand gripping members inwardly toward the center of the bar.

19. The method of exercise according to claim 18, further comprising moving the first and second hand gripping members outwardly away from the center of the bar.

20. The method of exercise according to claim 18, wherein further comprising rotating the first and second hand gripping members about the bar.