Lever weightlifting belt

A weightlifting belt includes a flexible strap portion with a first major surface (e.g., a front), a second major surface (e.g., a back), a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side. An anchor assembly is in contact with the first major surface of the flexible strap portion near the first longitudinal end of the flexible strap portion. A lever-actuated hook assembly is in contact with the first major surface of the flexible strap portion near the second longitudinal end of the flexible strap portion. The lever-actuated hook assembly is configured to engage the anchor assembly so as to hold the first longitudinal end of the strap portion close to, or in physical contact with, the second longitudinal end of the strap portion so as to form a loop that can fit around a waist of a human.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to the field of weightlifting belts and, more particularly, relates to lever-style weightlifting belts.

Weightlifting belts are generally able to give weightlifters stability, support, etc. while lifting heavy weights.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a weightlifting belt includes a flexible strap portion with a first major surface (e.g., a front), a second major surface (e.g., a back), a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side. An anchor assembly is in contact with the first major surface of the flexible strap portion near the first longitudinal end of the flexible strap portion. A lever-actuated hook assembly is in contact with the first major surface of the flexible strap portion near the second longitudinal end of the flexible strap portion. The lever-actuated hook assembly is configured to engage the anchor assembly so as to hold the first longitudinal end of the strap portion close to, or in physical contact with, the second longitudinal end of the strap portion so as to form a loop that can fit around a waist of a human.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed that includes placing a weightlifting belt around a waist of a person and fastening the weightlifting belt on the person's waist. The weightlifting belt includes a flexible strap portion that comprises a first major surface, a second major surface opposite the first major surface, a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side. An anchor assembly is in contact with the first major surface of the flexible strap portion near the first longitudinal end of the flexible strap portion. A lever-actuated hook assembly is in contact with the first major surface of the flexible strap portion near the second longitudinal end of the flexible strap portion.

In some implementations, one or more of the following advantages are present.

For example, in some implementations, a weightlifting belt is provided that has lengthwise adjustability in ½ inch increments. The weightlifting belt can be used in multiple lifts without having to move the entire latch system. Also, the adjustable lever closure system can be retrofit to a variety of different belt designs.

Additionally, of course, in a typical implementation, the weightlifting belt with the adjustable lever closure system as described herein provides the usual advantages of support and stability while lifting heavy weights.

Moreover, in a typical implementation, the adjustable lever closure system disclosed herein makes it very easy, and comfortable, to put the weightlifting belt on and to take it off.

Additionally, in a typical implementation, the adjustable lever closure system disclosed herein allows the wearer the ability to adjust tightness on a belt it is worn on in several small (e.g., 0.5-inch increments) and allows the wearer the ability to have a 2-inch adjustable range (e.g., from the 0.5-inch increments) before having to move or adjust the support beam to a different position. Then, if further adjustment is needed (e.g., beyond the 2-inch adjustable range, the support beam can easily be moved too.

Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Like reference characters refer to like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1A-1Care perspective views showing an exemplary implementation of a weightlifting belt100. The weightlifting belt100has a flexible band or strap portion102and a fastening assembly104that can hold longitudinally opposite ends of the strap portion102close to one another so as to form a loop (e.g., around the waist of a wearer) with the strap portion. The fastening assembly104in the illustrated implementation has an anchor assembly106near one end of the strap portion102, and a lever-actuated hook assembly108near the other end of the strap portion102. The lever-actuated hook assembly108is configured to engage the anchor assembly106(to close the belt100) and disengage the anchor assembly106(to open the belt100).

FIG.1A, for example, shows the weightlifting belt100in an open configuration. In this open configuration, the two ends of the strap portion102are separated from one another, and the fastening assembly104is open (i.e., the lever-actuated hook assembly108is not engaged with the anchor assembly106). In this open configuration, a user is able to position the weightlifting belt100around his or her waist bringing the opposite ends of the strap portion102together. From that position, the user can extend the lever-actuated hook assembly108toward the anchor assembly106and engage the anchor assembly106, as shown inFIG.1B.

FIG.1Bshows the lever-actuated hook assembly108in an extended configuration and engaged to the anchor assembly106. More specifically, the lever-actuated hook assembly108in the illustrated implementation has pins110that extend in a laterally-outward direction from a distal end of a hook portion109of the lever-actuated hook assembly108. These pins110are configured to engage corresponding notches112in the anchor assembly106. In this configuration, the strap portion102of the weightlifting belt100is substantially loop-shaped. Moreover, in this configuration, the strap portion102could extend around the waist of a person intending to wear and use the weightlifting belt100. Typically, when the weightlifting belt100is in this configuration and around a person's waist, it will be relatively loose-fitting. Next, the user can operate the lever mechanism114of the lever-actuated hook assembly108to tighten the weightlifting belt100by pulling the anchor assembly106toward the end of the strap portion102where the lever actuated hook assembly108is mounted. Operating the lever mechanism of the lever actuated hook assembly108in this manner results in the weightlifting belt100being configured as shown inFIG.1C.

FIG.1Cshows the belt in a closed and tightened configuration. The lever-actuated hook assembly108is in a retracted configuration and the anchor assembly106has been pulled toward the end of the strap portion102where the lever-actuated hook assembly108is mounted. In this configuration, the strap portion102of the weightlifting belt100is substantially loop-shaped. Moreover, in this configuration, the strap portion102could extend around the waist of a person with an appropriate degree of tightness, to provide the intended benefits of a weightlifting belt, around that person's waist.

From the configuration shown inFIG.1C, the fastening assembly104can be very easily removed, for example, after the user completes a set of squats or other feat of strength. To do this, the user would simply operate the lever mechanism of the lever-actuated hook assembly108to loosen the fastening assembly104. This would result in the weightlifting belt100reverting to the configuration shown inFIG.1Bwhere the lever-actuated hook assembly108is in an extended configuration, but still engaging the anchor assembly106. As mentioned above, when the weightlifting belt100is in this configuration and around a person's waist, it will be relatively loose-fitting typically.

From the configuration shown inFIG.1B, the weighting belt100can be opened for removal by simply disengaging the lever-actuated hook assembly108from the anchor assembly106. This results in the weightlifting belt100returning to the open configuration inFIG.1A.

There are at least two ways in which the illustrated weightlifting belt100can be adjusted to change its size (i.e., make it larger or smaller when in the closed and tightened configuration ofFIG.1C).

The first way to change the size of the weightlifting belt100would be to engage the pins110of the lever-actuated hook assembly108into a different set of notches112in the anchor assembly106. For example, the pins110of the lever-actuated hook assembly108are engaged to a set of notches112in the anchor assembly106that make the size of the weightlifting belt100, when closed and tightened relatively small. If, for example, the pins110of the lever-actuated hook assembly were engaged to a different set of notches (closer to the anchor assembly-end of the strap portion102), then weightlifting belt100would be a larger size than it is inFIG.1C.

The second way to change the size of the weightlifting belt100would be to change the mounting location of the lever-actuated hook assembly110on the strap portion102. In this regard, the illustrated lever-actuated hook assembly110is securely fastened to the strap portion102of the weightlifting belt100via one or more fastening devices (e.g., bolts or the like, not shown inFIGS.1A-1C). In a typical implementation, these fastening devices pass through one or more holes in the strap portion102of the weightlifting belt100to engage (and hold in place) the lever-actuated hook assembly110. In a typical implementation, the strap portion102of the weightlifting belt100has a plurality of such holes, longitudinally-spaced relative to one another, that can accommodate the fastening devices. In such implementations, the mounting position of lever-actuated hook assembly108along the strap portion102of the weightlifting belt100can be adjusted by changing which mounting holes are used to mount the lever-actuated hook assembly108. If, for example, the lever-actuated hook assembly108were mounted closer to its proximate end of the strap portion102of the weightlifting belt100, then the weightlifting belt100, when closed and tightened would be smaller than if the lever-actuated hook assembly108were mounted further from its proximate end of the strap portion102of the weightlifting belt100.

In some implementations, yet another way to change the size of the weightlifting belt100would be to change the mounting location of the anchor assembly106on the strap portion102. In this regard, the illustrated anchor assembly106is securely fastened to the strap portion102of the weightlifting belt100via one or more fastening devices (e.g., bolts or the like, not shown inFIGS.1A-1C). In a typical implementation, these fastening devices pass through one or more holes in the strap portion102of the weightlifting belt100to engage (and hold in place) the anchor assembly106. In some implementations, the strap portion102of the weightlifting belt100has a plurality of such holes, longitudinally-spaced relative to one another, that can accommodate the fastening devices. In such implementations, the mounting position of anchor assembly106along the strap portion102of the weightlifting belt100can be adjusted by changing which mounting holes are used to mount the anchor assembly106. If, for example, the anchor assembly106were mounted closer to its proximate end of the strap portion102of the weightlifting belt100, then the weightlifting belt100, when closed and tightened would be smaller than if the anchor assembly106were mounted further from the end of the strap portion102of the weightlifting belt100.

Thus, in a typical implementation, the fastening assembly104advantageously gives the user/wearer the ability to put the weightlifting belt100on and take the weightlifting belt100off easily and quickly. Moreover, the fastening assembly, in a typical implementation, gives the user/wearer the ability to adjust tightness of the weightlifting belt in small increments (e.g., 0.5 inch increments up to a maximum of about 2 inches) by changing which notches112the pins110engage, before having to move the mounting location of lever-actuated hook assembly108(or the anchor assembly106). This ability to make small changes in tightness may be especially helpful to users/wearers who might gain or lose small amounts of weight from workout to workout.

FIG.2is a view showing a first major surface (e.g., the back surface218) of the strap portion102of the weightlifting belt ofFIG.1. A second major surface (e.g., the front surface221of the strap portion102), which cannot be seen inFIG.2, is opposite the back surface218.

The strap portion102of the weightlifting belt in the illustrated implementation has four corners219, a first longitudinal end220, a second longitudinal end222, a first lateral side224, and a second lateral side226. The strap portion102has a width (W) that can be measured from the first lateral side224to the second lateral side226and a length (L) that can be measured from the first longitudinal end220to the second longitudinal end222. AsFIG.2makes clear, the length (L) is significantly larger than the width (W). For example, typically, the length (L) is at least 24 inches and the width (W) is no more than 6 inches. More typically, the length (L) is between 75 centimeters (about 29.5 inches) and 135 centimeters (about 53 inches) and the width (W) is between 2.5 inches and 6 inches (e.g., either 2.5 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, or 6 inches). Each of these dimensional ranges can vary of course. However, typically, the length (L) is significantly greater (e.g., at least 9 times longer) than the width (W) at any point along the length of belt regardless of whether the width varies or is uniform.

The sides and ends220,222,224,226in the illustrated implementation are straight. Moreover, in the illustrated implementation, the first lateral side224is and parallel (and equidistant) to the second lateral side226along the entire length (L) of the strap portion102from the first longitudinal end220to the second longitudinal end222. Likewise, in the illustrated implementation, the first longitudinal end220is parallel (and equidistant) to the second longitudinal end222along the entire width (W) of the strap portion102from the first lateral side224to the second lateral side226.

Each corner219in the illustrated implementation is a slightly rounded 90-degree corner.

The thickness of the strap portion102(i.e., the distance from back surface218to the front surface221) is typically uniform across an entirety of the strap portion102. In a typical implementation, the thickness is between 10 millimeters and 13 millimeters. In general, thinner belts (e.g., ones having a thickness of 10 millimeters) may lit most body sizes and ability level, may be more comfortable, and may be easier to break-in and wear frequently than a 13-millimeter belt. Thicker belts (e.g., ones having a thickness of 13 millimeters) may provide superior support under heavier loads, especially while squatting. The thickness in various implementations, of course, can vary as well (e.g., from 8 millimeters to 15 millimeters).

There are two sets of holes in the illustrated strap portion102.

The first set of holes228has four holes arranged in a pattern that approximates a rectangle that is approximately centered between the two lateral sides224and226of the strap portion102and is longitudinally displaced from the first end220of the strap portion102by just a short distance (less than three or four inches).

The four holes in the first set of holes228are configured to receive four cylindrical projections that extend from a back surface of the anchor assembly106. The two holes that are closest to the first end220of the strap portion102are smaller in diameter than the two holes that are farther from the first end220of the strap portion102. This is because the cylindrical projections intended to pass through the two holes that are closest to the first end220of the strap portion102have smaller outer diameters than the cylindrical projections intended to pass through the two holes that are farther from the first end220of the strap portion102. In some implementations, the diameter of the two holes that are closest to the first end220of the strap is large enough to snugly accommodate a cylindrical projection that has a diameter of about 10 millimeters (e.g., 9.5 millimeters to 10.5 millimeters) and the diameter of the two holes that are farther from the first end220of the strap is large enough to snugly accommodate a cylindrical projection that has a diameter of 13 millimeters (e.g., 12.5 millimeters to 13.5 millimeters).

The second set of holes230has nine holes arranged in a linear pattern approximately midway between the lateral sides224,226of the strap portion near the second end222of the strap portion102. The second set of holes230starts at least an inch (typically at least 2-3 inches) from the second end222of the strap portion102and the holes are equally spaced. In some implementations, the holes may be spaced from one another so that the center of each hole is approximately 24.75 millimeters (e.g., 24.25 millimeters to 25.25 millimeters) from the center of each adjacent hole. Adjacent pairs of holes in the second set of holes230are configured to receive two cylindrical fastening elements (e.g., bolts) used to secure the lever-actuated hook assembly108in place.

The strap portion102of the weightlifting belt can be made from a variety of different base materials or combinations of materials. Some examples include leather, suede, nylon, or other fabric materials.

FIGS.3A to3Dshow different views of component parts of fastening assembly104fromFIG.1A to1C. More specifically, the illustrated component parts include the anchor assembly106and the lever-actuated hook assembly108. The strap portion102of the weightlifting belt100that appears inFIGS.1A to1Cis not shown inFIGS.3A to3D.

The lever-actuated hook assembly108in the illustrated implementation is fully engaged to the anchor assembly106and the lever mechanism114is in a closed position. More specifically, the pins110(which are only shown inFIGS.3A and3B) of the lever-actuated hook assembly108are engaged in the tightest two notches112on the anchor assembly106, and the lever mechanism114extends from the support beam116away from the anchor assembly106. With the anchor assembly106and the lever-actuated hook assembly108so configured, they collectively form a slightly curved path (that approximates the curve of a person's mid-section where the belt would be worn). Moreover, the outward-facing surfaces of the lever-actuated hook assembly108in particular presents a relatively-smooth, aesthetically-pleasing curved appearance.

The illustrated fastening assembly104has a pair of back plates332,334that sit against the back surface218of the strap portion102of the belt100and are used to facilitate securing the anchor assembly106and the lever-actuated hook assembly108, respectively, to the strap portion102of the belt100.

In this regard, the first back plate332has holes (not shown inFIGS.3A to3D) that accommodate fasteners (e.g., bolts or the like, also not shown inFIGS.3A to3D) that can pass through those holes and into threaded bores in the cylindrical projections336that are exposed at the back surface of the anchor assembly106. In a typical implementation, the first back plate332has four holes arranged in a substantially rectangular pattern, which match up with four cylindrical projection336on the back surface of the anchor assembly106. In a typical implementation, the cylindrical projections336extend back through the holes228in the strap portion102of the belt100and contact the first back plate332(see, e.g.,FIGS.3A to3D). A fastening device (e.g., bolt, etc.) is screwed into the threaded bore of each cylindrical projection336to effectively secure the anchor assembly106to the first back plate332.

The second back plate334also has holes337that accommodate fasteners338(e.g., bolts or the like, also not shown inFIGS.3A to3D) that can pass through those holes337and into threaded cylindrical bores exposed at the back surface of the support beam116. In a typical implementation, the second back plate334has two holes arranged in a linear pattern (as shown) and match up with two threaded cylindrical bores340on the back surface of the support beam116. In a typical implementation, one of the fasteners338extends through each hole337in the second back plate334, through one of the holes230in the strap portion102of the weightlifting belt100and is screwed into a corresponding one of the threaded cylindrical bores340in the support beam116to effectively secure the lever-actuated hook assembly to the second back plate334.

FIGS.3A to3Dalso shows two pins342,344that define lateral pivot axes for the lever-actuated hook assembly108. More specifically, a first lateral pin342extends laterally through a hole in the support beam116and into the lever mechanism114on opposite sides of the support beam116. The lever mechanism114is coupled to the first lateral pin342in a manner that enables the lever mechanism to pivot about a pivot axis defined by the first lateral pin342between a loose position (see, e.g.,FIG.1B) and a tightened position (see, e.g.,FIG.1C). The first lateral pin342is located on the support beam116near an end of the support beam116that is closest to the second longitudinal end222of the strap portion102of the belt100. The

A second lateral pin344extends laterally through the lever mechanism114at an approximate longitudinal midpoint of the lever mechanism114and into the hook portion109of the lever actuated hook assembly108. The lever mechanism114and the hook portion109of the lever actuated hook assembly108are coupled to the second lateral pin344in a manner that enables both to pivot relative to one another about a lateral axis defined by the second lateral pin344. More specifically, this relative pivot motion enables the lever mechanism114and the hook portion109to change their configuration relative to one another between their configurations inFIG.1Band the configurations inFIG.1C.

FIGS.4A-9Fare views of individual components of the fastening assembly104fromFIGS.1A to3D. Some of these drawings provide numerical dimensions, which are in millimeters, unless otherwise indicated. Any dimensions provided should be considered as having a tolerance of +/−0.5 millimeters (if in millimeters), +/−0.15 inches (if in inches), and +/−1 degree (for angles). Of course, any dimensions (or tolerances) provided are exemplary only and should not limit the scope of any claimed subject matter unless expressly stated in a claim and, then, only the claim with that express statement should be so limited (to the stated dimension and/or tolerance and its equivalents).

FIGS.4A to4Eshow views of the anchor assembly106. The anchor assembly106in the illustrated implementation is a rigid structure that includes a slightly curved plate portion446. The slightly curved plate portion446has a substantially rectangular outline when viewed from above. (See, e.g.,FIG.4B). The plate portion446has a front surface448and a back surface450. Two rows of notches112extend up from the front surface448of the plate portion446at opposite lateral edges thereof. Each notch112is defined as a space adjacent to a structure having a wave-like shape. The notches112on each lateral side of the front surface448are aligned with the notches112on the other lateral side of the front surface448. There is an empty space on the front surface448between the two rows of notches112. This space is sized to accommodate the width of the hook portion109of the lever-actuated hook assembly108for when the hook portion109of the lever-actuated hook assembly108is positioned as shown inFIG.1B or1C, for example.

The four cylindrical projections336extend out from the back surface450of the plate portion446. Each cylindrical projection336defines an internal bore that may be threaded. The four cylindrical projections336are arranged in a substantially rectangular pattern (e.g., such that the center of each bore would be positioned at a corner of the rectangle). The rectangular pattern is offset from back surface450of the plate portion so that two of the cylindrical projections336are much closer to an edge of the back surface450than the other two cylindrical projections336. Although all four cylindrical projections have the same inner bore size, the wall (and, therefore, the outer diameter) of the two cylindrical projections336that are closest to the edge of the back surface450are larger than the wall (and, therefore, the outer diameter) of the other cylindrical projections336.

FIGS.5A to5Eshow views of the first back plate332(used to mount the anchor assembly106). The first back plate332in the illustrated implementation is a rigid structure that is thin, slightly curved, and has a substantially rectangular outline (with rounded corners) when viewed from above. (See, e.g.,FIG.5B). The first back plate332has a front surface554and a back surface556. There are four openings552in the first back plate332that extend through the first back plate332between the front surface554and the back surface556. The openings552are equally-sized and configured in a substantially rectangular configuration, with one opening near each of the four corners of the plate332. Each opening522is countersunk from its back surface556.

FIGS.6A-6Gshow views of the support beam116. The support beam116in the illustrated implementation is a rigid structure that has a back surface663(that sits against the strap portion102of the belt100when the belt100is assembled). The back surface663is smooth and slightly curved from end-to-end and is smooth from side-to-side, except for two holes664that extend into the back surface663. The holes664in the illustrated implementation are arranged along a longitudinal axis about midway between the sides of the back surface663. A back surface663is part of a lower portion658of the support beam116that is thin, slightly curved, and has a substantially rectangular outline (with rounded corners) when viewed from above. (See, e.g.,FIG.6C). A projection extends from a front surface of the lower portion658of the support beam116. This projection has a longer lower section660and a shorter upper section662. The longer lower section660of the projection extends across the front surface of the lower portion658of the support beam116and spans an entirety of that surface from end-to-end in a longitudinal direction about halfway between lateral sides of the thin lower portion658. The shorter upper section662of the projection has the same lateral width as the longer lower section660and follows the same longitudinal path as the longer lower section660, it is just shorter (and has a slightly different overall shape) than the longer lower section660of the projection. A hole664extends laterally through one end of the upper section662of the projection. The hole664is sized to receive a shaft that will define an axis around which the lever mechanism114will be able to swing. The upper section of the projection is sized and shaped to snugly fit within a frame defined by the lever mechanism114when the lever mechanism114is in a closed and tightened configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG.1C).

FIGS.7A to7Dshow views of the second back plate334(used to mount the support beam116). The second back plate334in the illustrated implementation is a rigid structure that is thin, slightly curved, and has a substantially rectangular outline (with rounded corners) when viewed from above. (See, e.g.,FIG.7B). The second back plate334has a front surface754and a back surface756. There are two openings752in the first back plate332that extend through the first back plate332between the front surface554and the back surface556. The openings552are equally-sized and configured in a substantially rectangular configuration, with one opening near each of the four corners of the plate332. Each opening522is countersunk from its back surface556.

FIGS.8A to8Gshow views of the hook portion109. The hook portion109in the illustrated implementation is a rigid structure that is thin, slightly curved, with a main body portion880and two substantially parallel prongs882that extend from an end of the main body portion880. Lateral holes884,886are provided through the main body portion880near an end of the main body portion880opposite the prongs882. Each of these holes884,886is sized to receive a pin (not shown onFIGS.8A to8Gbut see110inFIG.1A) that can engage one of the notches112on the anchor assembly108. There are other holes888,890that extend laterally through the distal ends of the prongs882. These holes are sized and shaped to receive a shaft that will define an axis about which the hook portion109can rotate relative to the lever mechanism114. There are two indentations892formed in a back surface of the hook portion109. These indentations892, which can take any one of a variety of forms, simply reduce the weight and cost of the hook portion109.

FIGS.9A to9Fshow views of the lever mechanism114. The lever mechanism114in the illustrated implementation is a rigid structure that is thin, slightly curved, with a main body portion980and two substantially parallel prongs982that extend from an end of the main body portion980. A hole984extends laterally through the main body portion980near the prongs982. The hole984is sized to receive a shaft that will pass through the hole and through the holes888,890in the hook portion109. The shaft will define an axis about which the lever mechanism114and the hook portion109can rotate relative to one another. There are other holes988,990that extend laterally through the distal ends of the prongs882. These holes988,990are sized and shaped to receive a shaft that will pass into the holes988,990and through hole664in the support beam116and define an axis about which the lever mechanism114can rotate relative to the support beam116. There is an indentation992formed in a back surface of the lever mechanism114. These indentations992, which can take any one of a variety of forms, simply reduce the weight and cost of the lever mechanism114.

The strap portion can be varied in a number of ways. For example, the length and width can be varied. The material of the strap portion can be varied. The number and relative arrangement of holes at either end of the strap portion can vary. Moreover, the first lateral side surface224of the strap portion102need not be parallel (and equidistant) to the second lateral side surface226along the entire length of the strap portion102from the first longitudinal end220to the second longitudinal end222. Instead, in some implementations, the first lateral side surface224and/or the second lateral side surface226may be contoured to define a wider portion and one or more narrower portions. In a typical implementation, the wider portion might be located somewhere in the middle of the strap portion (i.e., longitudinally displaced from both longitudinal ends220,222) with the narrower portions being located at both longitudinal ends of the strap portion102. Thus, when a user wears the belt, the narrower portions (and, of course, the fastening assembly104) will be in front of the user, while the wider portion is located at least on the user's back.

The anchor assembly can be varied in a number of ways. For example, the length and the width of the anchor assembly can be varied. The size and shape of the structure that defines the notches can be varied. The size, shape and relative configuration of mounting holes at the back surface of the anchor assembly can be varied. The anchor assembly (and any other rigid components) can be made from a variety of different rigid materials or combinations of materials (e.g., steel, etc.). The back plates can be varied (e.g., by size, number and location of holes, etc.). The size and shape of the support beam (including the size, shape and relative configuration of its mounting holes), the lever mechanism, and the hook assembly can be varied.

According to some implementations disclosed herein, the wearer of the weightlifting belt will have the ability to choose a tightness setting across a 2-inch range with 0.5-inch increments simply by adjusting which notches on the anchor assembly the pins engage. In various implementations, the 2-inch range and/or the 0.5-inch increment dimension can vary (e.g., by changing the number, size or configuration of the notches and pins).

Moreover, according to some implementations disclosed herein, the support beam location on the belt can be varied up to 9-inches with some incremental dimension. These, too, can be varied, up or down, by modifying the support beam, the back plate, and/or the holes in the strap portion.

The bottom of the main beam (116) may be extended to increase the surface area of the pivot point.

Other implementations are within the scope of the claims.