WEIGHTLIFTING APPARATUS

Abstract

A weightlifting apparatus that includes a frame having at least one pair of spaced-apart handles thereon and an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end coupled to the frame intermediate each of the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles. The shaft may be circular in cross-section and sized to receive a standard weight plate thereon. The weightlifting apparatus enables a weightlifter to enjoy additional benefits from standard weight plates that are normally used with barbells and to perform additional exercises with the hands in positions that cannot be achieved using barbells so as to exercise different muscle groups.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a weightlifting apparatus that can receive and secure one or more weight plates and that includes handles to enable the user to lift and manipulate the one or more weight plates secured thereto.

Background of the Related Art

[0002] Weight plates are very common devices used by weightlifters. Weight plates are generally used with barbells that are elongated rods having a shaft on each end for receiving and securing weight plates to the barbell. The weight plates each include a centrally located hole at the center of the weight plate sized for being received onto the shaft at the end of the barbell. A collar, such as a spring coil collar or a collar with a threaded bolt, can be secured onto the shaft intermediate the weight plates and the end of the barbell shaft to secure the weight plates onto the shaft. The barbell, with the weight plates secured thereto, can then be used in weightlifting exercises such as bench press, overhead press, lying triceps extensions, squats, etc.

[0003] Many weightlifters also purchase dumbbells for different types of exercises including curls, triceps extensions, etc. These dumbbells cause the weightlifter to incur additional costs.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the weightlifting apparatus of the present invention enable a user to make additional use and to obtain additional benefit from weight plates used with barbells. Embodiments of the weightlifting apparatus of the present invention are securable to standard weight plates and include spaced-apart handles that can be gripped by the user's hands to provide with user with a balanced grip, with the hands in, for example, a vertical rather than a horizontal position, for manipulating and lifting the weight plates and the apparatus. Optionally, the handles may be in a neutral position that is between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation, or in any other position. In one embodiment of the apparatus, the handles may be adjustable between two or more orientations or positions.

[0005] One embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention includes a frame having at least one pair of spaced-apart handles thereon, and an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end coupled to the frame at a location intermediate each of the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles, the shaft for receiving thereon one or more weight plates, wherein a weightlifter can then grip the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles with one or more weight plates received onto the elongate shaft therebetween and the weightlifter can then perform exercises by gripping the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles and manipulating the combined weight of the apparatus and the weight plates received on the shaft of the apparatus.

[0006] In one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles comprises two pairs of spaced-apart handles coupled to the frame, thereby offering the weightlifter a choice of the distance by which the hands are separated. For example, but not by way of limitation, a first pair of spaced-apart handles may be spaced further apart one from the other than a second pair of spaced apart handles disposed therebetween, and the proximal end of the elongate shaft is coupled to the frame at a location intermediate each of the first pair of spaced-apart handles and intermediate each of the second pair of spaced-apart handles. Optionally, in one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, a third pair of spaced-apart handles could be added, but two pairs of spaced-apart handles, each having a separation distance that is comfortable and useful to the average human, should suffice for most applications.

[0007] In one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the elongate shaft is orthogonal to a plane in which each of the first pair of spaced-apart handles and each of the second pair of spaced-apart handles lies. In one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the frame includes a rectangular periphery so as to lie in a stable position when left on a floor or when hung on a wall using, for example, a pair of spaced-apart hooks.

[0008] Optionally, each of the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles is coupled to a top portion of the frame at a first end and each of the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles is coupled to a bottom portion of the frame at a second end. This configuration of the apparatus provides for stability and durability. Similarly, in one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the elongate shaft is coupled at its proximal end to the frame by a welded connection.

[0009] Weight plates that are commercially available to weightlifters generally include a hole penetrating the center of the plate so as to be aligned with the center of mass of the plate. The hole is generally circular in shape. As a result, a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention includes an elongate shaft having a circular cross-section sized to receive standard weight plates thereon. A variety of securing collars such as collars that are securable on a shaft using a set screw and collars that are securable on a shaft using elastically expandable coils can be used to secure weight plates on the shaft to prevent them from inadvertently sliding off of the shaft during use.

[0010] Embodiments of the apparatus may be of a material that can be coated using paint or other materials for preventing corrosion and for aesthetic appearance. In one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the at one pair of spaced-apart handles can be coated or fitted with at least one pair of sleeves sized to be received onto the handles and having favorable grip performance to enable the weight lifter to maintain a secure grip on the apparatus. Alternately, an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention may include at least one pair of spaced-apart handles that are knurled to provide a favorable gripping surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a frontal elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is side elevation view of the embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the embodiment of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] FIG. 1 is a frontal elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus 10 of the present invention. The embodiment of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 comprises a frame 12 having a first end 14, a second end 16, a top side 18 and a bottom side 20. The frame 12 of the apparatus 10 further includes a first pair of spaced-apart handles 30 and 32, and a second pair of spaced apart handles 34 and 36. The apparatus 10 further includes a shaft 50 coupled at a connection 60 to the frame 12 intermediate the first pair of spaced-apart handles 30 and 32 and intermediate the second pair of spaced-apart handles 34 and 36. The first pair of spaced-apart handles 30 and 32 and intermediate the second pair of spaced-apart handles 34 and 36. The rightmost handle 30 of the first pair of spaced-apart handles 30 and 32 is coupled to the frame at an upper end 30A and a lower end 30B. The leftmost handle 32 of the first pair of spaced-apart handles 30 and 32 is coupled to the frame at an upper end 32A and a lower end 32B. The rightmost handle 34 of the second pair of spaced-apart handles 34 and 36 is coupled to the frame at an upper end 34A and a lower end 34B. The leftmost handle 36 of the second pair of spaced-apart handles 34 and 36 is coupled to the frame at an upper end 36A and a lower end 36B.

[0015] The apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 is adapted for use by a weightlifter using hands to grip either the first pair of spaced-apart handles 30 and 32 or the second pair of spaced-apart handles 34 and 36. For example, a weightlifter gripping the first pair of spaced-apart handles 30 and 32 may insert a right thumb in the open space 35 and a left thumb in the open space 37, and surround the rightmost handle 30 with the four fingers of the right hand and surround the leftmost handle 32 with the four fingers of the left hand. Similarly, a weightlifter gripping the second pair of spaced-apart handles 34 and 36 may insert a right thumb in the open space 41 and the four fingers of the right hand in the open space 35, and a left thumb in the open space 39 and the four fingers of the left hand in the open space 37, and then surround the handle 34 with the four fingers of the right hand and surround the handle 36 with the four fingers of the left hand.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates the shaft 50 protruding towards the viewer from the connection 62 (not shown in FIG. 1--see FIG. 2). The shaft 50 of the apparatus of FIG. 1 is circular in cross-section and sized to receive one or more weight plates thereon, along with a collar to secure the weight plates on the shaft. The shaft 50 may, in some embodiments of the apparatus 10 of the present invention, include a radially enlarged shoulder 60 to engage the first-received weight plate (not shown) and thereby limit the range of movement of the weight plates received onto the shaft 50.

[0017] FIG. 2 is side elevation view of the embodiment of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. The shaft 50 of the apparatus 10 is coupled to the frame 12 at a proximal end 54. The shaft 50 of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 2 is connected to the frame 12 at a location that is equidistant from the top side 18 and the bottom side 20. FIG. 2 illustrates the orthogonal relationship of the shaft 50 to a plane of the frame 12 of the embodiment of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 2. FIG. 2 further illustrates the position of the shoulder 60 that limits the range of movement of the weight plates (not shown) received on the shaft 50. The shaft 50 has a length 56 from the shoulder 60 to a distal end 52 of the shaft 50. The connection 62 at which the shaft 50 is coupled to the frame 12 may, in some embodiments, be welded.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the embodiment of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the round cross-section of the handles 30, 32, 34 and 36. FIG. 3 reveals that the shaft 50 is orthogonal to the plane of the frame 12 to which it is connected at its proximal end 54. FIG. 3 further illustrates the shaft 50 being equidistant from each of the first pair of spaced-apart handles 30 and 32, and equidistant from each of the second pair of handles 34 and 36, for proper balance during use.

[0019] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The terms "preferably," "preferred," "prefer," "optionally," "may," and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the invention.

[0020] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or steps plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but it is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: a frame having at least one pair of spaced-apart handles thereon; an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end coupled to the frame at a location intermediate each of the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles, the shaft for receiving thereon one or more weight plates; wherein a weightlifter can grip the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles with one or more weight plates received onto the elongate shaft and exercise with

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles comprises two pairs of spaced-apart handles; wherein a first pair of spaced-apart handles are spaced further apart one from the other than a second pair of spaced apart handles disposed therebetween; and wherein proximal end of the elongate shaft is coupled to the frame at a location intermediate each of the first pair of spaced-apart handles and intermediate each of the second pair of spaced-apart handles.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the elongate shaft is orthogonal to a plane in which each of the first pair of spaced-apart handles and each of the second pair of spaced-apart handles lies.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a rectangular periphery.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles is coupled to a top portion of the frame at a first end; and each of the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles is coupled to a bottom portion of the frame at a second end.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate shaft is coupled at its proximal end to the frame by a welded connection.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate shaft includes a circular cross-section sized to receive standard weight plates.