Barbell Lock Collar

Abstract

The present example provides a barbell lock collar that installs axially on a barbell bar. Axially directed pressure on the barbell lock collar causes curved shoes on the interior of the barbell lock collar to engage or disengage through radial motion of the curved shoes. Axial motion also causes a visual indicator to show if the barbell lock collar is engaged or disengaged, as little force is required to operate the barbell lock collar.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/168,966 filed Mar. 31, 2021, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This description relates generally to exercise equipment and more specifically to devices to retain weights on a barbell.

BACKGROUND

FIG. 1 shows conventional barbell collars 50, 51, 52, and a collar installed on a barbell 53. A barbell is a piece of exercise equipment that may be used in weight training, bodybuilding, weightlifting, powerlifting or the like. It may consist of a long bar, usually with weights attached at each end. The dumbbell is the shorter version of the barbell that is intended for one handed operation (verses 2 handed operation for the barbell).

Barbells may range in length from 4-8 feet in length. The central portion of the bar may vary in diameter from typically 25 mm (0.98 in) to 50 mm (1.96 in). The bar is often engraved with a knurled crosshatch pattern to help lifters maintain a solid grip. The bar can be straight, or zig-zagged as in the case of an EZ-Curl bar. Other shapes such as a trap bar and the like are all possible. Whatever the shape or length of the bar, a common feature is at the ends of the bar provision is made to add or remove weight plates.

Weight plates typically slide onto the outer portions of the bar to increase or decrease the desired total weight 53. On the inside of the bar the plates are often held in place by a protrusion formed in the bar with a removable collar 50, 51, 52 on the outside allowing the weight plates to be changed. Typically collars providing a spring force 50, or a set screw arrangement clamping the collar to the bar 51, 52 may be used. Alternatively two collars disposed on either side of the weight plate or plates may be used to hold the weight plates in position.

Collars 50, 51, 52 or other retaining devices are used to prevent plates from moving outward unevenly so that the lifter does not experience uneven force. Typical collars 50, 51, 52 can be of any material, including metal and the like can weigh up to around 5 pounds each. To change weight plates the collar must be removed, a new weight plate or plates loaded and the collar installed to hold the weight plates in place. Problems with typical collars 50, 51, 52 include speed of instillation, and holding power. Installing a typical collar 51, 52 typically requires the attendant to undo or unscrew a retaining mechanism, and then remove or apply the collar, or to compress a spring 50 and slide it down the bar while being held open. Typically the secureness of the connection depends on visual inspection, and how tight the attendant can fasten a screw. Spring loaded collars 50 can tend to lose their holding power after time.

It would be advantageous to have a collar that reliably secures the weight plates in place, is easy to remove, and provides visual verification that the collar is engaged.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The present example provides a barbell lock collar that installs axially on a barbell bar. Axially directed pressure on a sleeve causes curved pads on the interior of the barbell lock collar to engage or disengage through radial motion of the curved pads. Axial motion of the sleeve also causes a visual indicator to show if the barbell lock collar is engaged or disengaged. Typically little force is required to operate the barbell lock collar as it may utilize magnetic force to aid in activation.

Many of the attendant features will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present description will be better understood from the following detailed description read in light of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows conventional collars, and a collar installed on a barbell.

FIG. 2 shows an inclined view of a barbell lock collar.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the barbell lock collar.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the barbell lock collar.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the barbell lock collar, which is the same as the right and left views.

FIG. 6 shows an edge view of the barbell lock collar in the locked position.

FIG. 7 shows an edge view of the barbell lock collar in the un-locked position.

FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view A-A of the barbell lock collar of FIG. 3 in an un-locked position and identifying internal components.

FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of the barbell lock collar in the locked position showing component movement to lock the barbell lock collar.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the barbell lock collar.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of the brake assembly of the barbell lock collar.

FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of the brake assembly of the barbell lock collar.

FIGS. 13A-F shows an orthographic projection drawing of the shoe of the brake assembly of the barbell lock collar.

FIGS. 14 A-F shows an orthographic projection drawing of the mount of the brake assembly of the barbell lock collar.

FIG. 15 shows a sectional side view of a brake assembly of the barbell lock collar in an un-locked position.

FIG. 16 shows a sectional side view of a brake assembly of the barbell lock collar in a locked position.

FIG. 17 shows a top view of the sleeve.

FIG. 18 shows the section view B-B of FIG. 17.

FIGS. 19A-C shows a three view drawing of the hub.

Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be constructed or utilized. The examples below describe a barbell lock collar. Although the present examples are described and illustrated herein as being implemented in a barbell system, the system described is provided as an example and not a limitation. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the present examples are suitable for application in a variety of different types of dumbbells, trap bars, E-Z curl bars, or the like.

The barbell lock collar as described herein is:

1. easy to slide on and off with one hand;

2. has a quick release sleeve;

3. holds a heavy load easily with self-clamping mechanism, which clamps tighter as load is increased;

4. stays tight against weight plates, even when dropping the barbell, due to its unique self-adjusting action. The barbell lock collar tends to snug to the weight plates under shock load when dropping the barbell; and

In overall operation the barbell lock collar operates to retain a weight plate on a barbell bar by converting an axial force applied in the direction of the bar's long ward orientation to a radial force to move and engage brake shoes (or equivalently “pads” or “brake pads”) to contact the outer surface of the barbell. Since internal levers are utilized to actuate the brake shoes force multiplication is possible, resulting in little force needing to be applied to engage the brake shoes. Also, the repulsive and attractive force of magnets may be used to engage the brake pads. A visual indicator provides verification that the pads are engaging the bar to hold the weight plates in place. A green (or equivalent) band may become visible to show a locked position and a red (or equivalent) band to indicate an un-locked or loosened state.

FIGS. 2-5 show the appearance of the barbell lock collar 100 in an incline view and various orthographic projection views.

FIG. 2 shows an inclined view of a barbell lock collar 100. The barbell lock collar 100 may include a top hub 121 and a bottom hub 119 that is made from two identical hub pieces 120 coupled together, typically by screws (not shown) or equivalent. A sleeve 118 encircles the joined hubs 119, 121, and is slidably coupled to the top 121 and bottom 119 hubs 120. The slide moves in an axial direction 154. A label 126 may be disposed on the top hub 119 that covers recesses in which screws (not shown) are disposed. A base pad 124 which may be disposed on bottom hub 120 covers recesses in which screws (not shown) are disposed. The side of the bottom hub 119 with the base pad 124 is the side of the barbell lock collar 100 that is typically designated to be positioned against the weights (not shown). When positioned with the base pad mounted against the weights the barbell lock collar 100 provides an indicating color to show when the barbell lock collar 100 is engaged, or disengaged to a barbell. In the examples described below red (or an equivalent alternate color) indicates disengagement, and green (or an equivalent alternate color) indicates engagement.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the barbell lock collar 100. A section line A-A indicates the sectional view shown in FIG. 8. In this example three pads 104 are visible and distributed evenly around the center aperture of the barbell lock collar 100. The section line cuts through the center of one of the pads, which will provide a clear cross sectional view of the mechanism driving the pads, as all three mechanisms are typically identical.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the barbell lock collar 100.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the barbell lock collar 100 which is the same as the left view, and the right view.

FIG. 6 shows an edge view of the barbell lock collar 100 in the locked position, and installed on a barbell 136 to retain a weight 138. A barbell lock collar 100 is disposed against a weight 138 being secured on a barbell 136. A base pad 124 rests against the weight 138. The barbell lock collar 100 has been locked in place by moving the sleeve 118 in the axial direction shown 117. In the locked position a green circumferential band 122 is visible. The green circumferential band is typically disposed around bottom hub 119. A circumferential red band 123 is likewise disposed about the top hub 121. In the locked position sleeve 118 covers the hidden red band 123, while exposing the green band 122 that indicates a locked state.

When the sleeve 118 is moved axially engagement or disengagement is achieved and an appropriate color indication for engagement or disengagement is provided which is visible to a user. In the locked position shown the sleeve 118 has been moved 117 away from the weight 138, which exposes a green band 122, and covers up a red band 123.

FIG. 7 shows an edge view of the barbell lock collar in the un-locked position. A barbell lock collar 100 is being removed from a weight 138 on a barbell 136. The barbell lock collar 100 has been un-locked by moving the sleeve 118 in the axial direction shown 115 towards the weights. In the un-locked position a red circumferential band 123 is visible. The red circumferential band 123 is typically disposed around top hub 121. A circumferential green band 122 is likewise disposed about the lower hub 119. In the un-locked position sleeve 118 is moved to cover the hidden green band 122, exposing the red band indicating the un-locked state.

When the sleeve 118 is moved 115 engagement or disengagement is achieved and an appropriate color indication for engagement or disengagement is provided which is visible to a user. In the un-locked position shown the sleeve 118 has been moved 115 towards the weight 138, which exposes a red band 123, and covers up a green band 122.

In alternative examples the motions for locking and un-locking the barbell lock collar may be swapped as easily as by flipping the collar on the barbell with the label 126 and base pad 124 positions being exchanged. In further alternative examples other combinations may be contemplated utilizing the locking mechanism described herein.

FIG. 8 shows a shows a cross sectional view A-A of the barbell lock collar 100 of FIG. 3 in an un-locked or disengaged position (red band showing). The cross section chosen advantageously shows the internal mechanisms of one of the three brake assemblies. Each of the three brake assemblies 102 is typically identically constructed, and typically identically actuated. The brake assembly 102 typically includes a mount 108, a shoe 106, two hinges 110, a toggle 114, a pin 112, a pad 104, and two magnets 116. In alternative examples any desired number of brake assemblies may be utilized. Brake pads 104 of each of the three brake assemblies 102 move in unison when the sleeve 118 is actuated, causing each of the three brake pads 104 to either move towards, or away from a barbell (not shown) that may be disposed in the center aperture 142, as controlled by the position of sleeve 118.

Sleeve 118 may be pushed towards the weights 142 to loosen the barbell lock collar from a barbell (not shown) in the center aperture 142. Disengagement is caused by action of a protrusion 134 (one protrusion is provided for each brake assembly 102) located on the sleeve 118, which comes in contact against a toggle 114 The toggle 114 in turn swings in the mount 106 that is hingedly coupled to a shoe 106/pad 104 combination, moving the shoe (and its pad) away from the barbell. A first end of the toggle may contact a protrusion 134 of the sleeve 118, and a second end of the toggle may contact the shoe 106.

Mount 108 includes a toggle 114, with an attached pin 112. The toggle 114 may be made from 6061 aluminum or equivalent. The pin 112 may be made from steel or equivalent material. The toggle/pin combination may be pivotally coupled to the mount 108. The mount 108 is fixed in its position between hubs 119, 121. The mount may be made from ABS plastic or an equivalent material.

Shoe 106 moves relative to the fixed mount 108. The second end of toggle 114 contacts a recess in the shoe 106 and moves the shoe 106 from side to side. The shoe 106 may be coupled to the mount 108 by a pair of hinges 110. The shoe 106 is coupled via hinges 110 allowing the shoe 106 to move from side to side, while the mount 108 remains in a fixed position between the hubs. In the disengaged position (with the red band showing) the position of the hinges is at an angle moving the shoe 106 away from a barbell (not shown). The shoe may be made from ABS plastic or an equivalent material.

Two hinges 110 are shown that couple the brake shoe 106 to the mount 108, however it is possible that other equivalent hinge assemblies might be constructed to transform the linear motion of the collar to an axial force to hold a plurality of brake shoes/pads against the bar. The hinges may be made from steel, or an equivalent material.

Pad 104 is attached to an exterior surface of the shoe 106. Pad 104 may be made from rubber or an equivalent material. When locked, the pad 104 contacts the barbell (not shown) and tends to provide holding power to keep the barbell lock collar in place.

In unlock the hinges 110 are positioned to a greater angle due to the motion of the toggle 114. As the toggle 114 pivots about the pin 112, motion of the first end of the toggle towards the weights (caused by the protrusion contacting the first end of the toggle 114), causes the second end of the toggle to move away from the weights. The second end of the toggle contacts the shoe 106, moving it away from the weights as well. Before release the hinges were positioned in a more vertical arrangement than shown.

Movement of the brake shoes may be aided by four magnets 116. Two magnets are disposed in opposite ends of the shoe 106. Each of these magnets are paired with generally adjacent magnets disposed in each hub 119, 121. The magnets at the bottom hub 119 are oriented to attract each other. The magnets 116 at the top hub are oriented to repel each other. The positions of the paired magnets are such that the attractive/repulsive forces of the magnets may interact with each other aiding actuation of the barbell lock collar. In particular the attractive/repulsive forces of the magnets aid with the initial engagement of the pads with the barbell. The magnets may be made from neodymium or equivalent material.

The top hub 121 and bottom hub 119 are made from typically identical hub pieces 120. The sleeve 118 is captive between the top 121 and bottom 119 hubs. The sleeve 118 may be maintained in place by ridges 140 on each hub that the sleeve 118 slides between. The hubs 120 may include slots or grooves in their outer circumference in which the red band 123 and green band 122 may be disposed.

FIG. 9 a shows a cross sectional view of the barbell lock collar in the locked position showing component movement to lock the barbell lock collar. The components are as previously described for FIG. 1; however the positions are different due to the present locked position being described.

Sleeve 118 may be pushed away from the weights 142 to tighten the barbell lock collar against a barbell (not shown) typically disposed in the center aperture 142. Engagement is caused by as the protrusion 134 (one protrusion is provided for each brake assembly 102) located on the sleeve 118, passes the toggle 114. Since the toggle is not contacting the protrusion as much the attractive and repulsive forces of the magnets tend to help push the shoe/pad towards the center of the aperture. The toggle 114 in turn swings the mount 106 that is hingedly coupled to a shoe 106/pad 104 combination, moving the shoe (and its pad) towards the barbell. A first end of the toggle may contact a reduced thickness protrusion 134 of the sleeve 118, and a second end of the toggle may contact a shoe 106. When the sleeve is pulled away from the weights, the sleeve releases the toggle and allows the pads to swing into the barbell under spring force or bias caused by the magnets.

Shoe 106 moves relative to the fixed mount 108. The second end of toggle 114 contacts a recess in the shoe and moves the shoe from side to side. The shoe 106 may be coupled to the mount 108 by a pair of hinges 110. The shoe 106 is coupled via hinges 110 allowing the shoe 106 to move from side to side, while the mount 108 remains in a fixed position. In the engaged position (with the green band showing) the position of the hinges is generally vertical moving the shoe 106 towards from a barbell (not shown).

In the locked position the hinges 110 are substantially vertical. In the un-locked position the hinges 110 are at less of a vertical position than in the locked position. As the hinges 110 are tilted towards vertical, this movement causes the moveable pad 104/shoe 106 piece to move towards the weights.

In the locked position the hinges 110 are positioned to a lesser angle from vertical due to the motion of the toggle 114. As the toggle 114 pivots about the pin 112, motion of the first end of the toggle away from the weights, causes the second end of the toggle to move away towards the weights. The second end of the toggle contacts the shoe 106, moving it towards the weights as well. Before locking the hinges were positioned in a less vertical arrangement than shown.

Movement of the brake shoes in locking may be especially aided by four magnets 116. Attracting and repulsive forces of the magnets tends to provide for the initial engagement of the pads with the barbell. When force is applied from the weights side of the barbell lock collar, towards the collar the pads that are being held against the barbell by the attractive/repulsive forces of the magnets tend to tighten the pads further against the barbell.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the barbell lock collar 100. Three magnets 116 are pressed/attached to the bottom hub 119 into receiving cavities. Three brake assemblies 102 are inserted into cavities in the bottom hub 119. A sleeve is then assembled onto the bottom hub 119. slots 132 in the bottom hub 119 are matched to protrusions (not shown) on the inside of the sleeve 118.

In the top hub 121 three magnets 116 are pressed/attached to the top hub 121 into receiving cavities. The top hub 121 is inserted into the sleeve 118 with the slots 132 of the top hub positioned to accommodate the protrusions (134 of FIG. 17) on the inside of the sleeve 118.

The top hub 121 and the bottom hub 119 are both identical parts-hub 120. Screws 128 may be used to attach the top hub 121 to the bottom hub 119. Typically three screws extend through the top hub 121 into the bottom hub 119, and three screws extend through the bottom hub 119 into the top hub 121. The screws utilized are typically self tapping or their equivalent. In alternative examples a different number of screws may be used, and alternatively the screws may all enter from the same side of either the bottom hub 119, or the top hub 121. In further alternative examples equivalent fastening methods other than screws may be utilized. Screws 128 are typically made from stainless steel or an equivalent material.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of one of the three brake assemblies 102 of the barbell lock collar 100. Two hinges 110 have rounded ends that are inserted into receptacles in the shoe 106 and the mount 108, which hingedly couples the mount 108 to the shoe 106. Guide tabs 144 are at opposite ends of the mount 108. The guide tabs are provided to position the mount in a matching slot in the hub (FIG. 19A). The toggle 114 and pin 112 are disposed into a recess (not shown) in the mount 108. Two magnets 116 are disposed at opposite ends of the shoe 116. A pad 104 is attached to a face of the shoe 106 utilizing glue, adhesive, or the like.

FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of the hub and brake assembly 102 of the barbell lock collar. Pin 112 is disposed in toggle 114. The pin 112 and toggle 114 combination are disposed in recess 145 of the mount 108, with an end of the toggle 114 protruding through the recess 145.

Shoe 106 includes an aperture 147 in which the end of the toggle rests. The shoe 106 also includes two magnets 116 disposed in round apertures 148 in the shoe 106. A curved pad 104 is attached to the shoe 106 along its curved face.

A pair of hinges 110 couple the shoe 106 to the mount 108. Rounded ends of each hinge are disposed in matching recess in each of the mount 108 and shoe 106. A gap is provided in the hinges for toggle clearance 148.

FIGS. 13A-F shows an orthographic projection drawing of the shoe 106 of the brake assembly of the barbell lock collar. The FIGs. show the location of the round apertures 148 that accept the magnets (116 of FIG. 12), and the rectangular aperture 147, as well as other details of the shoe construction.

FIGS. 14 A-F shows an orthographic projection drawing of the mount 108 of the brake assembly of the barbell lock collar. The FIGs. show the guide tabs 144 formed at each end of the mount 108. The guide tabs 144 may be curved as shown and are configured to be inserted into a matching recess in each of the top hub (121 of FIG. 10) and bottom hub (119 of FIG. 10). Also shown are further details of the recess 145 that accepts the toggle (114 of FIG. 12) and pin (112 of FIG. 12). The receptacles 146 that accept the hinges (110 of FIG. 12) are shown in further detail. In particular each of the two receptacle 146 shown include a let out portion on one side that controls the movement of the hinges (110 of FIG. 12) disposed in the receptacles 146.

FIG. 15 shows a sectional side view of a brake assembly of the barbell lock collar in an un-locked position. This simplified view shows the recess 145 and the aperture 147, and the positioning of the pin 112 and toggle 114 therein when unlocked.

FIG. 16 shows a sectional side view of a brake assembly of the barbell lock collar in a locked position. Locking advantageously utilizes magnetic forces as shown.

In locking the barbell lock collar the magnet in the top hub 121 and its adjacent magnet in the shoe are oriented so that their poles are in opposite direction to each other, in other words the poles facing each other are either north to north, or south to south, This orientation of the magnets creates a repulsive force 149 pushing the shoe 106 towards the weights.

In locking the barbell lock collar the magnet in the bottom hub 119 and its adjacent magnet in the shoe are oriented so that their poles are in the same direction as each other, in other words the poles facing each other that are either north to south, or south to south to north, This orientation of the magnets creates an attractive force 150 pulling the shoe 106 towards the weights.

In this position the toggle 114 has moved so that a portion of it extends beyond the mount 108. This positioning of the toggle sets up the brake assembly 102 for retracting or un-locking the pads 104 by actuating the protruding toggle 114 with the sleeve (118 of FIG. 8).

FIG. 17 shows a top view of the sleeve 118 of the barbell lock collar. There are three protrusions 134 equally spaced about the interior of the sleeve 118. A cross section providing further detail of the protrusions 134 is indicated by section line B-B.

FIG. 18 shows section view B-B of the sleeve. Protrusions 134 have an asymmetric cross section to facilitate engagement/disengagement via the sleeve (118 of FIG. 17). The cross section is characterized by a gradual incline on a first side followed by a substantially flat section, ending on a second side in an incline having a steeper slope than the incline of the first side.

FIGS. 19A-C shows a three view drawing of the hub 120. As previously noted the hub 120 is used in two locations, as a top hub 121, and a bottom hub 119. Three magnets 116 are disposed in the bottom of the three brake pockets 130. Three brake assemblies (102 of FIG. 11) are installed in the three brake pockets 130. The toggle (114 of FIG. 11) of each of the brake assemblies is positioned to fit in the groves 132 about the circumference of the hub 120.

Two hubs are typically joined together with steel self tapping screws or equivalent joining devices. Three screws typically pass through clearance holes a first hub into pilot holes in the second hub. Three additional screws then extend through the clearance holes in the second hub into pilot holes in the first hub. Prior to joining the hubs the sleeve (118 of FIG. 8) will have been installed between the hubs, with its protrusions aligned with the slots 132.

Those skilled in the art will realize that the process sequences described above may be equivalently performed in any order to achieve a desired result. Also, sub-processes may typically be omitted as desired without taking away from the overall functionality of the processes described above.

Claims

1. A barbell lock collar for securing a weight on a barbell comprising:

a first hub including: at least one first hub brake pocket; at least one magnet disposed in the first hub brake pocket;

a second hub attached to the first hub including: at least one second hub brake pocket; at least one magnet disposed in the second hub brake pocket;

at least one brake assembly disposed in the first hub brake pocket, and the second brake pocket;

a sleeve encircling the first and second hub, and including at least three protrusions positioned to actuate the brake assembly.

2. The barbell lock collar for securing a weight on a barbell of claim 1, further comprising a green band disposed in a groove of the first hub

3. The barbell lock collar for securing a weight on a barbell of claim 1, further comprising a red band disposed in a groove of the second hub

4. The barbell lock collar for securing a weight on a barbell of claim 1, further comprising a label disposed on a flat surface of the second hub

5. The barbell lock collar for securing a weight on a barbell of claim 1, further comprising a base pad disposed on a flat surface of the first hub

6. The barbell lock collar for securing a weight on a barbell of claim 1, in which there are three brake assemblies, three first hub brake pockets, and three second hub brake pockets.

7. The barbell lock collar for securing a weight on a barbell of claim 1, in which the brake assembly includes:

a mount having top and bottom guide tabs, and an aperture including a toggle with a pin pivotally coupled to the mount, the toggle protruding through an aperture;

a shoe having an aperture for receiving an end of the toggle

a first hinge coupling the mount to the shoe

a second hinge parallel to the first hinge coupling the mount to the shoe

a first magnet disposed in the shoe

a second magnet disposed in the shoe

a pad attached to the shoe

8. A barbell lock collar that installs axially on a barbell bar comprising:

a sleeve for applying an axially directed pressure;

a hub and brake assembly including: a hub including actuators for converting an axial force to a radial force; a plurality of curved shoes on the interior of the hub engage or disengage through radial motion of the curved shoes.

9. The barbell lock collar that installs axially on a barbell bar of claim 8 further comprising a visual indicator to show if the barbell lock collar is engaged or disengaged.