Patent ID: 6142918
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: A63B,Y10T

Abstract:
A new and improved barbell system with improved gripability comprising, in combination:a cylindrical shaft having a circular cross section with a diameter of about 3/4 inch and having an axial length of about 91/4 inches, the shaft having end regions of about 2 inches each and a central region of about 51/4 inches, the end regions being provided with threads thereon;a pair of generally cylindrical weights, each having a central bore of about 3/4 inch and an axial length of about 1 inch adapted to be received and supported on the end regions of the cylindrical shaft with threaded collars to releasably retain the weights to the shaft, each of the weights being formed with a periphery having a plurality of planar faces symmetrically oriented there around; anda grip fabricated in one piece of an elastomeric material, plastic or rubber, natural or synthetic, or blends thereof, having an axial length of about 51/4 inches and an axial bore with a diameter of about 3/4 inch positioned over the central extent of the cylindrical shaft, the grip having planar end faces adapted to contact and position the weights on the shaft and a contoured exterior surface, the contoured exterior surface having a maximum diameter of about 11/2 inches at its radial central plane and at its ends with a minimum diameter of 13/16 inches at its radial intermediate planes symmetrically positioned between the central plane and the ends, the exterior surface being formed with three circumferentially positioned regions around the periphery to form three flat central ovals and six flat end semi-ovals, the central ovals all being located in three planes 120 degrees from each other with a 23/8 inch long major axis parallel with the axis of the grip and shaft and a 11/16 inch long minor axis transverse thereto and with the semi-ovals being formed with two per set coplanar with the three central ovals at the ends of the grip each having an axial major axis of about 1/2 inch in length and a transverse minor axis of about 3/4 inch in length, the planar end faces of the grip having a cross-sectional size and shape as the cross-sectional size and share at the axial center of the strip.