Handle for Free Weights

Abstract

A handle assembly for lifting free weights includes a body, a weight shaft extending orthogonally from the body along a longitudinal axis for insertion into a through opening in a weight plate, and a handle assembly including a handle shaft extending upwardly from the body and terminating in a handle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a handle assembly that is used to assist a person to lift free weight plates for body building.

Description of the Related Art

Weight plates are typically slid over bars to lift for weight training. Using the weights with bars, however, limits the types of exercises that can be performed and, as a result, limits the muscle groups that can be exercised.

It would be beneficial to provide a handle for weight plates to allow a user to lift the weight plates using different methods to exercise other muscle groups, such as for doing bicep curls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a handle assembly for lifting free weights. The assembly includes a body, a weight shaft extending orthogonally from the body along a longitudinal axis for insertion into a through opening in a weight plate, and a handle shaft extending upwardly from the body and terminating in a pivotally attached handle at a pivot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a handle device for lifting a free weight plate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 being inserted through a free weight plate;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the device of FIG. 3 inserted through the free weight plate;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the device and weight of FIG. 4, with a retainer clip inserted over a weight shaft of the device to secure the free weight plate to the device;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with the clip of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the device and free weight of FIG. 6, with the clip of FIG. 5 partially inserted over the weight shaft;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the device of FIG. 1, with optional through openings in the weight shaft for a pin;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the device and weight plate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view, in section of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10A is a side elevational view of the device and weight plate of FIG. 1, showing the range of motion of the handle of the device;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a handle for the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an alternative configuration for securing the weight plate to the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of another alternative configuration for securing the weight plate to the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a configuration for securing the weight plate to the inventive device, with the device is a secured position;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the device of FIG. 14, with the device in a weight loading position;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of a handle device for lifting a free weight plate according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of the device and weight plate of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a rear elevational view of the handle device of FIG. 1 attached to a weight vest;

FIG. 19 is a rear elevational view of the vest of FIG. 18, with the handle device removed;

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of the vest of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the vest of FIG. 19; and

FIG. 22 is an enlarged side elevational view of the vest of FIG. 18, with a handle device attached to the vest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout. Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. The embodiments illustrated below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. These embodiments are chosen and described to best explain the principle of the invention and its application and practical use and to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention.

Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive of other embodiments. The same applies to the term “implementation.”

As used in this application, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.

Additionally, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate as if the word “about” or “approximately” preceded the value of the value or range.

The use of figure numbers and/or figure reference labels in the claims is intended to identify one or more possible embodiments of the claimed subject matter in order to facilitate the interpretation of the claims. Such use is not to be construed as necessarily limiting the scope of those claims to the embodiments shown in the corresponding figures.

The present invention is used to assist a person to lift free weight plates for body building. Referring to FIGS. 1-10 a first embodiment of a lifting handle assembly 100 according to the present invention is shown. Assembly 100 engages one or more weight plates 50 to allow a user to lift weight plate 50 for body building exercises, such as bicep curls. Weight plate 50 can be typically provided in 5, 10, 25, 35, and 45 lb denominations, although other sizes are contemplated by the present invention. Bumper plates are rubberized weight plates that are provided in a roughly standardized diameter of 17.5 inches. This is a specific style of weight plate and the present invention is specific to function with those type of weights.| FIG. 10 shows a weight plate 50 and a thinner, lighter weight plate 50′. By way of example only, plate 50 can be a 25 lb weight, while plate 50′ can be a 10 lb weight. Weight plate 50, 50′ has a central through opening 52, 52′, respectively, that is generally two inches standard in diameter to allow for the insertion of a barbell (not shown), assembly 100, or other lifting device.

Assembly 100 includes a body 102 that presses against weight plate 50 and a weight shaft 104 that extends orthogonally from body 102 along a longitudinal axis 105 for insertion into through opening 52 in weight plate 50. In an exemplary embodiment, body 102 includes a generally circular Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam cushion 103, across the body 102 from weight shaft, with weight shaft 104 generally centered on cushion 103. Cushion 103 provides protection against handle assembly 100 rubbing or banging against body parts, such as an elbow, during use. Referring to FIG. 8, body 102 has a length AB and acts as a backstop against weight plate 50.

A handle shaft 120 extends upwardly from body 102 and terminates in a pivotally attached handle assembly 130 at a pivot 131. Handle assembly 130 includes a handle 132 and a weight clamp 134 that pivots over an angle δ over the top of weight plates 50, 50′ to secure weight plates 50, 50′ to assembly 100 (position “A” in FIG. 10A). Handle assembly 130 can pivot so that weight clamp 134 is lifted above weight plate 50, 50′ (position “B” in FIG. 10A) to facilitate insertion or removal of weight plate 50, 50′ onto or from weight shaft 104.

Weight shaft 104 has a generally rectangular cross section with upper and lower arcuate transverse ribs 110, 112, respectively having slots 114, 116, respectively, formed between adjacent ribs 110, 112. Parallel side walls 118, 119 extend between ribs 110, 112.

Slots 114, 116 are sized to accept a retainer clip 150, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Clip 150 is generally U-shaped with opposing arms 152, 154. A C-shaped connector 156 connects arms 152, 154. Free ends of arms 152, 154 extend toward each other and are spaced less than the distance between side walls 118, 119 and extend outwardly to approximately the distance between side walls 118, 119. After weigh plate 50 is slid over weight shaft 104, clip 150 can be slid over weight shaft 104 through selected slots 114, 116 to secure weight plate 50 to assembly 100. As clip 150 is slid over weight shaft 104, the free ends of arms 152, 154 bias outwardly to allow clip 150 to be further advanced until the free ends of arms 152, 154 extend past weight shaft 104, allowing the free ends of arms 152, 154 to snap back to their unbiased position, securing clip 150 onto weight shaft 104.

Slots 114, 116 are wide enough to snugly allow clip to be inserted into a selected slot 114, 116, and ribs 110, 112 are spaced from each other to minimize and “float” or “slop” between clip 150 and weight plate 50.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 8, instead of or in addition to ribs 110, 112 and slots 114, 116, through openings 125 can be formed through weight shaft 104 orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 105 of weight shaft 104. A pin (not shown) can be inserted though the through opening 125 to secure weight plate 50 to weight shaft 104. Such pins are well known in weight lifting, such as those used to select weights from a weight stack for lifting machines. Alternatively, a torsion spring clamp, such as those used to secure weight plates to lifting bars, can also be used.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, handle shaft 120 extends sufficiently far from body 102 to allow handle assembly 130 and, specifically, weight clamp 134, to pivot along axle 135 over the top of weight plate 50. As shown in FIG. 10A, handle assembly 130 can pivot approximately 60 degrees between a position “A” and a position “B”, although those skilled in the art will recognize that handle assembly 130 can pivot more or less than 60 degrees.

Handle 132 includes arms 136, 138 that extend upwardly from weight clamp 134. A horizontal connector 140 connects arms 136, 138. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, connector 140 is rotatably attached to arms 136, 138 so that connector 140 can rotate as assembly 100 with weight plate 50 is being lifted. A single axle 142 extends from arm 136, through horizontal connector 140 to arm 138 and allows horizontal connector 140 to rotate relative to arms 136, 138.

A lip 146 extends at an oblique angle relative to weight clamp 134. Lip 146 helps to redirect the imposed reactionary forces from lifting the weight plate 50 to push weight plate 50 back onto the body 102.

As shown in FIG. 10A, a grip distance “G” is the distance between handle connector 140 and a centerline of body 102 when handle 130 is pivoted so that weight clamp 134 is over weight plates 50, 50′. Grip distance G provides for adequate space between where a user's hand can comfortably fit and the back of assembly 100.

In alternative embodiments, shown in FIG. 12, instead of clip 150, a known spring clip collar 250 can be used to secure weight plate 50 onto assembly 100. Alternatively, instead of weight shaft 104 with ribs 110, 112 and slots 114, 106, as shown in FIG. 13, a weight shaft 304 can be threaded, with a nut 350 that can be threaded onto weight shaft 304 to snug weight plate 50 against body 102.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, instead of handle assembly 130 being pivotally attached to handle shaft 120, handle assembly 430 can be attached to an extendable handle shaft 420 that clamps down on weight plate 50 as shown in FIG. 14 but can be extended as shown in FIG. 15 to allow insertion/removal of weight plate 50.

Handle shaft 420 includes a lower shaft portion 422 and an upper shaft portion 430 telescopically inserted into lower shaft portion 422. When shaft 420 is in the configuration shown in FIG. 14, thorough openings in each of lower shaft portion 422 and upper shaft portion 424 align, allowing a pin (not shown) to be inserted through both through openings to secure upper shaft portion 424 to lower shaft portion 422, and securing weight plate 50 to body 402 with weight clamp 430. Weight shaft 402 can incorporate any of the securing mechanisms described herein to further secure weight plate 50 to body 402.

This exemplary embodiment can be used to attach plates having an outer diameter less than 17.5 inches, i.e., iron Olympic style weight plates, which have reduced diameters due to their greater density than the rubberized “bumper plates” Extendable handle shaft 420 accounts for the smaller diameter of the 35 lb, 25 lb, 10 lb weights. Thus, the ability to stack the weights is also limited, as well as the order in which the weights are installed, i.e., one would want to put the smallest diameter weight against lower shaft portion 422 and the largest diameter closer to the end of the shaft 404 to trap the smaller weights when weight clamp 430 is compressed downward to clamp the weights in place.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, handle assembly 300 is fixedly attached to handle shaft 520, with weight shaft 504 extending orthogonally from body 502. Weight shaft 504 includes an inner shaft portion 506 that is eccentrically mounted on a pivot shaft 510. A plurality of retainer stops 512 are also eccentrically mounted on pivot shaft 510 adjacent to inner shaft portion 510.

A first weight plate 50 can be inserted over shaft 510 and onto inner shaft portion 510. Optionally, subsequent weight plates (not shown) can be added in a similar fashion. After the last desired weight plate is inserted, the retainer stop 512 external to and adjacent to the last weight plate can be rotated about pivot shaft 510, effectively locking the weight plates between that retainer stop 512 and body 502 for lifting.

Due to the significant amount that weight plate 50 weighs more than the inventive device, in operation of any embodiment described above, the combined center of gravity of the weight plate and device is approximately the same location as that of the center of gravity of the weight plate alone. This results in the entire assembly of the inventive device with the weight plate lifting generally vertically without significant tilting of the weight plate from the vertical, allowing for a controlled lift.

Referring to FIGS. 18-22, a weight vest 600 can be worn by a user to support any of the handle devices described above and shown herein. Vest 60 has a handle nest 602 extending outwardly therefrom that allows the handle of any of the handle devices to be inserted thereon and vertically support the handle device to allow the user to engage in other types of weight lifting exercise, such as squats, or to just walk with the additional weight provided by the handle assembly and any weight plates 50 that the user desires to add to the handle assembly.

Handle nest 602 can be attached to a frame 604 that includes a pair of shoulder straps 610 that extend upwardly from frame 604, over the shoulders of the user, down the front of that user (shown in FIG. 20), under the user's arms, and back to a lower part 612 of frame 604. Front connector strap portions 614, 616 extend across the user's chest from each of straps 610 and releasably connect to each other at the user's chest.

Handle nest 602 includes a concave receiver 620 that allows the handle of a handle device to be inserted thereon. A releasable cover strap 622 can extend from a first receiver portion 624 to a second receiver portion 626 on handle nest 602. Cover strap 622 can be fixed to one of receiver portions 624, 626 and releasably connectable to the other of receiver portions 624, 626. Alternatively, cover strap can be releasably connectable to both of receiver portions 624, 626.

With weight plates 50 secured to the handle assembly on weight vest 600, the user can get the benefit of exercising with the weights, but without having to hold the weights in their hands. 110

It will be further understood that various changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the following claims.

Claims

1. A handle assembly for lifting free weights comprising:

a body;

a weight shaft extending orthogonally from the body along a longitudinal axis for insertion into a through opening in a weight plate; and

a handle assembly comprising a handle shaft extending upwardly from the body and terminating in a handle.

2. The handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the handle is pivotally attached to the handle shaft at a pivot.

3. The handle assembly according to claim 2, wherein the handle assembly further comprises a weight clamp pivotally coupled to the pivot.

4. The handle assembly according to claim 3 wherein the handle is pivotable such that the weight clamp is lifted above the weight plate to facilitate insertion or removal of the weight plate onto or from the weight shaft.

5. The handle assembly according to claim 3, wherein the handle comprises a pair of arms extending upwardly from the weight clamp.

6. The handle assembly according to claim 5, wherein the handle further comprises a horizontal connector connecting the arms.

7. The handle assembly according to claim 6, wherein the connector is rotatably attached to the arms such that the connector rotates as the assembly is lifted.

8. The handle assembly according to claim 3, further comprising a lip extending from the weight clamp at an oblique angle relative to weight clamp.

9. The handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the weight shaft has a generally rectangular cross section with upper and lower arcuate transverse ribs respectively having slots formed between adjacent ribs.

10. The handle assembly according to claim 9, wherein parallel side walls extend between the ribs.

11. The handle assembly according to claim 9, further comprising a retainer clip, wherein each of the slots is sized to accept the retainer clip.

12. The handle assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a cushion attached to the body, across the body from the weight shaft.

13. The handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the handle shaft includes a lower shaft portion attached to the body and an upper shaft portion telescopically extendable from the lower shaft portion.

14. A weight lifting assembly comprising:

the handle assembly according to claim 1; and

a weight vest wearable by a user to support the handle assembly.

15. The weight lifting assembly according to claim 13, wherein the vest comprises a handle nest extending outwardly therefrom that allows the to be inserted thereon and vertically support the handle assembly.

16. The weight lifting assembly according to claim 15, wherein the handle nest is attached to a vest frame.

17. The weight lifting assembly according to claim 16, wherein the vest further comprises a pair of shoulder straps extending upwardly from the frame and to a lower part of the frame.

18. The weight lifting assembly according to claim 17, wherein the shoulder straps comprise front connector strap portions extending therefrom and releasably connectable to each other.

19. The weight lifting assembly according to claim 15, wherein the handle nest comprises a concave receiver configured to allow the handle of the handle device to be inserted thereon.

20. The weight lifting assembly according to claim 19, wherein the concave receiver comprises a releasable cover strap extending from a first receiver portion to a second receiver portion on the handle nest.