DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE FOR A VERSATILE FITNESS BAR

Abstract

A device and method of use for a versatile fitness bar is disclosed herein. The bar generally is comprised of a main first part member and a main second part member. In other embodiments, the versatile fitness bar is also comprised of releasably attachable weight members. In embodiments, the distal ends of the main first part member and the main second part member are configured to receive and releasably attach weight members. In yet other embodiments, the main first part member and the main second part member are configured at the proximal ends to releasably attach and lock both main first and second part members together. In embodiments, the weight members are configured to also function as dumbbells.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/288,499; Filed: Jan. 29, 2016, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

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INCORPORATING-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to weightlifting, exercise, and fitness bars and their methods of use. More specifically, the present invention relates to weightlifting, exercise, and fitness bars which are portable and collapsible and their methods of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the scope of the disclosed device and method, the background is described in connection with a device and method of use directed to a versatile fitness bar.

The field's prior art reflects many approaches and devices in providing a fitness bar. However, the conventional approaches employed have several drawbacks. As a first example, commonly used fitness bars are one piece. This makes it difficult to transport or even to be put away for storage. In addition, weights attached to these bars serve one purpose for the fitness bar itself only. Those weights not being used or attached to the bar will just occupy space.

In view of the foregoing, it is apparent that there exists a need in the art for a fitness bar, which overcomes, mitigates, or solves the above problems in the art. It is the purpose of this invention to fulfill this and other needs in the art, which will become apparent to the skilled artisan once given the following disclosure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, therefore, provides for a device and method of use for a versatile fitness bar.

The bar generally is comprised of a main first part member and a main second part member. In other embodiments, the versatile fitness bar is also comprised of releasably attachable weight members. The weight members are elements that are used to add weight to the bar and may be of various weight, sizes, and shapes. In embodiments, the distal ends of the main first part member and the main second part member are configured to receive and releasably attach weight members. In embodiments, this is achieved by having male threaded portions on the distal ends of the main first and second part members and having female threaded portions on the weights members. In yet other embodiments, the main first part member and the main second part member are configured at the proximal ends to releasably attach and lock both main first and second part members together. This allows the versatile fitness bar to be assembled for use and disassembled for ease of storage and transport. The main first part member in embodiments is also comprised of a collar body portion. The collar body portion functions to overlay, support, protect, and cover the proximal ends portion of the main first and second part members where the attaching and locking occurs. In embodiments, the weight members are configured to also function as dumbbells.

In summary, the present invention relates generally to weightlifting, exercise, and fitness bars and their methods of use. More specifically, the present invention relates to weightlifting, exercise, and fitness bars which are portable and collapsible and their methods of use. In addition, their methods of use are also described and claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. It is to be expressly understood that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an environmental view of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a close up interior view of the locking mechanism of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a close up interior view of the locking mechanism shown connected and locked of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of a light weight dumbbell of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a front perspective view of a medium weight dumbbell of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5C is a front perspective view of a heavy weight dumbbell of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a device and method of use for a versatile fitness bar. The numerous innovative teachings of the present invention will be described with particular reference to several embodiments (by way of example, and not of limitation).

Reference is first made to FIG. 1, an environmental view of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Illustrated in this figure is the versatile fitness bar being used to perform an exercise by an individual. The bar generally is comprised of a main first part member 100 and a main second part member 200. In other embodiments, the versatile fitness bar is also comprised of releasably attachable weight members 400. The weight members 400 are elements that are used to add weight to the bar and may be of various weight, sizes, and shapes. In yet other embodiments, the main first part member 100 and the main second part member 200 are configured at the proximal ends to releasably attach and lock both main first and second part members together 300. This allows the versatile fitness bar to be assembled for use and disassembled for ease of storage and transport. The main first part member 100 in embodiments is also comprised of a collar body portion 300. The collar body portion 300 functions to overlay, support, protect, and cover the proximal ends portion of the main first 100 and second part members 200 where the attaching and locking occurs. In embodiments the collar body portion 300 is an integrated formed part or portion of the main first part member 100 and in other embodiments, the collar body portion 300 may be a separate attachable collar body member 300. In embodiments, the weight members 400 are configured to also function as dumbbells.

Reference is next made to FIG. 2, a front perspective view of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Illustrated in this figure is how the weight elements 400 are attached to the distal ends of the main first part member 100 and the main second part member 200. In embodiments, the distal ends of the main first part member 100 and the main second part member 200 are configured to receive and releasably attach weight members 400. In embodiments, this is achieved by having male threaded portions 115, 215 on the distal ends of the main first 100 and second part members 200 and having female threaded portions on the weights members 400 where the male threaded portions 115, 215 are slid or screwed through the weight member 400. In other embodiments, cap attachment members 500 are used to secure the weight member 400 to the distal ends of the main first 100 and second part members 200. The cap attachment members 500 in embodiments is comprised of a main body portion 500, grip surfacing 520, and female threaded portions 510 for receiving the male threaded portions 115, 215 on the distal ends of the main first part member 100 and the main second part member 200. Also illustrated in this figure is the weight backing surface plate portions 110, 210 that are used to secure the weight members 400 to the main first part member 100 and the main second part member 200 at the distal ends. The weight backing surface plate portions 110, 210 keeps the weight members 400 from sliding towards the center of the bar by providing a back stop as well as providing a stop for users of the bar as they grip the bar, keeping their hands from sliding out and hitting the weight members 400.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, a close up interior view of the locking mechanism of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Illustrated in this figure are in embodiments, the main first part member 100 and the main second part member 200 are configured at the proximal ends to releasably attach and lock both main first part member 100 and second part member 200 together. This allows the versatile fitness bar to be assembled for use and disassembled for ease of storage and transport. The main first part member 100 in embodiments is also comprised of a collar body portion 300. In embodiments, the main first part member 100 is configured at the distal end 620 to also be comprised of a spring member 630 terminating with a locking pin member 640. That is, the spring member 630 extends from the main first part member's 100 distal end 620 with the spring member 630 attached to the end of the spring member 630. The collar body portion 300 of the main first part member 100 forms a channel or housing 600 that has an open portion of sufficient length 650 to receive and lock the main second part member 200. The locking pin member 640 in embodiments, extends through the wall 645 of the collar body portion 300. In embodiments, the main second part member 200 is configured at the distal end 610 to also be comprised of a locking pin member 640 receiving channel portion 680. The locking pin member 640 receiving channel portion 680 functions to receive the locking pin member 640 and to releasably attach and lock the main first part member 100 and second part member 200 together. In embodiments, the locking pin member 640 receiving channel portion 680 is a helix carve out of the main second part member's 200 distal end 610 forming a helix path channel 690 of length 660 and terminating with a locked position cavity 670 for securing the locking pin member 640. Illustrated in this figure is the versatile fitness bar in the disassembled or unlocked position allowing the device to be easily transported for stored away.

Reference is next made to FIG. 4, a close up interior view of the locking mechanism shown connected and locked of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Illustrated in this figure is the versatile fitness bar in the locked position. In this position the device can be used to perform physical exercises. The main second part member 200 has been inserted into the collar body portion 300 with the locking pin member 640 threaded through the receiving channel portion 680 starting at the distal end 625 and along the length of the helix path channel 690 and secured into the locked position cavity 670. The collar body portion 300 prevents the main first 100 and second 200 part members from moving in any direction but the horizontal axis.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, a front perspective view of a light, medium, and heavy weight dumbbell of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Illustrated in this figure are weight members 400 which are configured to also function as dumbbells. The weight members 400 in embodiments are comprised of a hand grip portion 410, a ring portion 400 having an outside surface portion 430 and an inner surface portion 420, and a receiving portion 440 for receiving the male threaded portions 115, 215 on the distal ends of the main first part member 100 and the main second part member 200. In embodiments, the male threaded portions 115, 215 on the distal ends of the main first part member 100 and the main second part member 200 are able to be inserted through the circular opening of the receiving portion 440 which passes through the hand grip portion 410.

Reference is next made to FIG. 6, a top view of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Illustrated in this figure are the textured grip portions 101, 102, 202, 201 that aid a user of the versatile fitness bar in gripping and preventing slippage of their grip. The collar body portion 300 is also seen locked with the locking pin member 310, 320 in the locking position and extended out of the locking hole portions 310, 320. The collar body portion 300 extends and covers the main first part member 100 and the main second part member 200 to positions 330 and 340.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, a front view of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Illustrated in this figure is the collar body portion 300 seen locked with the locking pin member 320 in the locking position and extended out of the locking hole portions 320.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8, an exploded view of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Illustrated in this figure are the main components in an embodiment of the versatile fitness bar. The versatile fitness bar being comprised of a main first part member 100 and a main second part member 200, weight members 400, and cap attachment members 500.

Reference is next made to FIG. 9, a side view of the versatile fitness bar in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Illustrated in this figure is a side view of the weight member 400 configured as a dumbbell being comprised of a hand grip portion 410, a ring portion 400 having an outside surface portion 430 and an inner surface portion 420, and a receiving portion 440 for receiving the male threaded portions 115, 215 on the distal ends of the main first part member 100 and the main second part member 200. A cap attachment member 500 is also shown in this illustration attached to a male threaded portion 115, 215 on the distal end of the main first member 100 or main second part member 200

In brief, the present invention relates to a device and method of use for a versatile fitness bar.

The disclosed device and method of use are generally described, with examples incorporated as particular embodiments of the invention and to demonstrate the practice and advantages thereof. It is understood that the examples are given by way of illustration and are not intended to limit the specification or the claims in any manner.

To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms may be defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as “a”, “an”, and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the disclosed device or method, except as may be outlined in the claims.

Consequently, any embodiments comprising a one piece or multi piece device having the structures as herein disclosed with similar function shall fall into the coverage of claims of the present invention and shall lack the novelty and inventive step criteria.

It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific device and method of use described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

All publications, references, patents, and patent applications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications, references, patents, and patent application are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, reference, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

In the claims, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” respectively, shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases.

The device and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the device and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations may be applied to the device and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention.

More specifically, it will be apparent that certain components, which are both shape and material related, may be substituted for the components described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A versatile fitness bar comprising:

a main first part member;

a main second part member;

said main first part member and said main second part member configured at their proximal ends to releasably attach and lock both main members together.

2. The versatile fitness bar of claim 1, further comprising a collar body member.

3. The versatile fitness bar of claim 1, wherein said main first part member is further comprised of a collar body portion.

4. The versatile fitness bar of claim 3, wherein said main first part member and said main second part member are further comprised of male threaded portions on the distal ends.

5. The versatile fitness bar of claim 4, wherein said main first part member and said main second member are further comprised of weight backing surface plate portions.

6. The versatile fitness bar member of claim 1, further comprising at least two weight members.

7. The versatile fitness bar of claim 6, wherein said weight members are configured to function as dumbbells.

8. The versatile fitness bar of claim 7, wherein said weight members are comprised of a hand grip portion, a ring portion having an outside portion and an inner surface portion, and a receiving portion for receiving the male threaded portions on the distal ends of the main first part member and the main second part member.

9. The versatile fitness bar of claim 7, wherein said weight members is further configured so that the male threaded portions on the distal ends of the main first part member and the main second part member are able to be inserted through the circular opening of the receiving portion which passes through the hand grip portion.

10. The versatile fitness bar of claim 8, wherein said receiving portions of said weight members are female threaded.

11. The versatile fitness bar of claim 9, wherein said receiving portions of said weight members are female threaded.

12. The versatile fitness bar of claim 8, further comprising a cap attachment member.

13. The versatile fitness bar of claim 9, further comprising a cap attachment member.

14. The versatile fitness bar of claim 12, wherein said cap attachment member is comprised of a main body portion, a grip surfacing portion, and a female threaded portion.

15. The versatile fitness bar of claim 13, wherein said cap attachment member is comprised of a main body portion, a grip surfacing portion, and a female threaded portion.

16. The versatile fitness bar of claim 3, wherein said main first part member is further comprised of a spring member at the distal end of said main first part member with said spring member terminating with a locking pin member; wherein said collar body portion forms a housing with an open portion of sufficient length to receive and lock the main second part member.

17. The versatile fitness bar of claim 16, wherein said locking pin member is configured to extend through the wall of the collar body portion.

18. The versatile fitness bar of claim 17, wherein said main second part member is configured at the distal end to be further comprised of a locking pin member receiving channel portion.

19. The versatile fitness bar of claim 18, wherein said locking pin member receiving channel portion is a helix path channel and terminating with a locked position cavity.

20. A versatile fitness bar comprising:

a main first part member;

a main second part member;

said main first part member and said main second part member configured at their proximal ends to releasably attach and lock both main members together;

and wherein said main first part member is further comprised of a collar body portion;

and wherein said main first part member and said main second part member are further comprised of male threaded portions on the distal ends;

and wherein said main first part member and said main second member are further comprised of weight backing surface plate portions;

and further comprising at least two weight members;

and wherein said weight members are configured to function as dumbbells;

and wherein said weight members is further configured so that the male threaded portions on the distal ends of the main first part member and the main second part member are able to be inserted through the circular opening of the receiving portion which passes through the hand grip portion;

and wherein said receiving portions of said weight members are female threaded;

and further comprising a cap attachment member;

and wherein said cap attachment member is comprised of a main body portion, a grip surfacing portion, and a female threaded portion;

and wherein said main first part member is further comprised of a spring member at the distal end of said main first part member with said spring member terminating with a locking pin member; wherein said collar body portion forms a housing with an open portion of sufficient length to receive and lock the main second part member;

and wherein said locking pin member is configured to extend through the wall of the collar body portion;

and wherein said main second part member is configured at the distal end to be further comprised of a locking pin member receiving channel portion;

and wherein said locking pin member receiving channel portion is a helix path channel and terminating with a locked position cavity.