Exercise devices – User manipulated force resisting apparatus – component... – Utilizing weight resistance
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-29
2001-04-17
Crow, S R (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
User manipulated force resisting apparatus, component...
Utilizing weight resistance
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217494
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a rotatable exercise bar of the type having handgrip sections which are both longitudinally and transversely offset from each other and which are gripped by the user who uses them to rotate the bar about a generally horizontal axis.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Rotary exercise bars have existed for many years as aids for developing not only a person's arm muscles, but muscles throughout the body. Conventional rotary exercise bars are provided with a pair of handgrip sections that are longitudinally and transversely offset from each other. Handgrips are rotatably mounted on the handgrip sections of the bar and are used to rotate the exercise bar by manipulation in the manner of pedals of a bicycle or the cranks on a two-handed sailboat winch. Outboard extensions from the handgrip sections are provided to support weights.
While holding the exercise bar in a generally horizontal orientation, the user grasps the handgrips that are disposed about the handgrip sections of the exercise bar. While holding the exercise bar at about chest level, the user pushes outward with one hand while pulling inward with the other hand. This action rotates the exercise bar about a generally horizontal axis lying somewhere in between the axes of the two transversely displaced handgrip sections of the bar. As the user's muscles are developed, it is typically advisable to increase the amount of weight on the outboard ends of the revolving weight-lifting bar to further enhance muscle development.
A very major problem that exists with conventional revolving or rotatable weight-lifting bars is that the handgrips are located at fixed distances of both longitudinal and transverse separation from each other. While these distances of separation may be appropriate for one user whose arms are of a particular length and who has a particular physique, the longitudinal and transverse distances of separation of the handgrip may be totally inappropriate for a person whose arms are of even a slightly different length, or who has even a slightly different physique.
When the distances of longitudinal and transverse separation between the handgrips of a revolving weight-lifting bar are too long or too short for the user, the transverse connecting section between the two handgrip sections of the bar will often strike the user's wrists, elbows, or forearms as the bar is rotated. This is both annoying and unpleasant for the user, and can result in painful bruises. Also, the contact between the transverse connection section of the weight-lifting bar and the user's wrists, elbows, and forearms disrupts the rhythm of rotation of the bar and reduces the effectiveness of muscle development. Additionally, an individual can experience muscle strain due to inappropriate handgrip separation distances. Also, inadequate muscle development may result. In addition, if the distances are not comfortable for the user, rotation of the revolving weight-lifting bar is often extremely wobbly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention involves an improved revolving or rotatable weight-lifting bar in which both the longitudinal and transverse distances of separation between the handgrip sections of the bar are adjustable. As a consequence, it is a relatively simple matter for the user to bring the handgrips closer together or separate them further apart both longitudinally and transversely, and to maintain the selected distances of separation until changes in those distances are desired.
A revolving or rotatable weight-lifting bar according to the invention can be customized for use by different individuals, and customized for use even by a single individual utilizing different weights on the outboard ends of the rotatable bar. As a result, the user totally avoids the disconcerting, and sometimes painful, impacts that result from rotation of the bar with the handgrips located in inappropriately spaced positions from each other.
Adjustment of the handgrip positions on the rotatable weight-lifting bar of the invention can be performed very easily and in a minimum of time. The clamps and locking members that are employed may take the form of set screws, locking pins, or any other conventional locking, latching, or catch mechanisms that may be utilized to releaseably secure members together.
In one broad aspect, the present invention may be considered to be an improvement in a rotatable exercise device. Such a device includes an elongated bar having a transverse section and a pair of longitudinal handgrip sections extending in opposite directions from opposite ends of the transverse section so that the handgrip sections are longitudinally and transversely offset from each other. Separate handgrips are disposed coaxially about and are rotatable relative to the handgrip sections of the elongated bar. According to the improvement of the invention, at least one of the handgrips is shorter in length than an associated handgrip section about which it is coaxially disposed. This handgrip is slidably positionable along its associated handgrip section at alternative selected longitudinal distances from the transverse section of the elongated bar. At least one clamp is provided for longitudinally immobilizing the handgrip relative to its associated handgrip section of the elongated bar. Nevertheless, the clamp permits free relative rotation between the handgrip and the elongated bar.
Preferably, both of the handgrip sections are provided with adjustable handgrips of this type. That is, both handgrips are preferably shorter in length than the associated handgrip sections about which they are respectively coaxially disposed and both of the handgrips are slidably positionable along their respective associated handgrip sections. At least one clamp is provided for each of the handgrips.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are a pair of clamps for each adjustable handgrip. The clamps in each pair include inboard and outboard retaining rings disposed about the associated handgrip section at opposite ends of the handgrip. The retaining rings encircle the associated handgrip section and abut the ends of the handgrip located therebetween. Each retaining ring has a radial, internally tapped bore defined therein. The clamps further include set screws engaged in the radial bores of the retaining rings. The retaining rings are located at the opposing ends of each handgrip so that the handgrip is longitudinally entrapped between the retaining rings.
When the set screws are tightened, they immobilize the retaining rings relative to the associated handgrip section of the elongated bar. Thus, the handgrip, which is rotatable relative to the handgrip section of the elongated bar, may be moved either closer inboard or closer outboard to the transverse section of the bar that joins the handgrip sections together. This adjusts the longitudinal distance of separation between the handgrips. Preferably also, indicia are spaced at equal longitudinal intervals along each of the handgrip sections to provide visual aids in selecting the longitudinal distance of separation of each of the handgrips from the transverse section of the elongated bar. The transverse distance of separation between the handgrip sections of the elongated bar is also adjustable.
In another broad aspect, the invention may be considered to be a rotatable exercise device comprising an elongated bar formed with a pair of linear handgrip sections residing in mutually parallel alignment with each other and longitudinally and transversely offset from each other. Each of the handgrip sections has an outboard end for receiving weights thereon and an opposite inboard end. A connecting sections joins and extends between the inboard ends of the handgrip sections. The connecting section is formed of a pair of telescoping members, one of which fits slidingly within the other. The connecting section is provided with at least one and preferably a pair of locking members.
The locking members are engage
Crow S R
Thomas Charles H.
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