Abstract:
A weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps includes a central weight bearing section with opposing handles, each handle having multiple gripping positions. The combined assembly has a center of gravity which lies between handle extensions  12 , both laterally and longitudinally. The apparatus may be held behind the head and then repeatedly extended over the head in order to isolate and exercise the triceps. The centrally located weight bearing section can accommodate a number of weight plates and includes a clamping arrangement for securely holding the plates in a central position. A number of other exercises are facilitated with the apparatus.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to weightlifting equipment. More particularly, it relates to an improved exercise apparatus for isolating the triceps muscles.  
       STATEMENT OF THE PRIOR ART  
       [0002]     Various types of barbell and dumbbell arrangements for isolating specific muscle groups are known. Additionally, other non-traditional exercising apparatus purporting to isolate and exercise a specific muscle group or groups are available. These apparatuses generally suffer from major drawbacks. One major drawback is that all barbell apparatuses having a relatively long bar are difficult to balance. There are two reasons for this difficulty. First, because the bar is long and the weight is very heavy relative to the bar, significant torque is generated since the weights are connected to the end of the bar thus producing a long lever arm depending upon the user hand positions. Also, even most accomplished body builders have strength differences between their left and right arms, requiring the user to exert extra strength to both compensate for the strength difference and balance the weight. Once the user becomes fatigued, the ability to compensate for the weight difference is seriously compromised resulting in a dangerous off balance position which has often resulted in injury.  
         [0003]     Accordingly, some apparatuses which do not use weights have been devised. These apparatuses tend to be associated with large expensive fitness machines which have limited effectiveness for serious body builders and are thus rarely used by them. Furthermore, these apparatuses tend to use mechanical parts which are highly specialized and subject to failure such as rubberized bands and tension means, and hydraulics. Finally, weight bearing exercise apparatuses having a centered weight or weights have been devised. None of these apparatuses is seen to be as effective as the present invention.  
         [0004]     Another common problem with weightlifting equipment, specifically associated with triceps exercisers, is that most equipment used for working triceps require that palms face upward. This type of hand position makes it difficult to keep the elbows inward especially while lifting heavy weight. Without strict form, other upper body muscles are recruited while lifting the weight. This action reduces the effectiveness of the exercise.  
         [0005]     Another common problem with triceps exercisers is the inability to keep proper and strict form while performing overhead triceps extensions. The traditional way to perform this exercise is with either a straight bar or curl bar, in an overhead position, with palms facing up. This exercise requires that the bar be lowered behind the neck and then back up above the head. The problem with this movement is keeping strict form. Due to palm position (facing up) it&#39;s awkward keeping elbows in and palms facing up throughout this movement. There&#39;s a natural tendency to allow the elbows to protrude outward, away from the body.  
         [0006]     An additional shortcoming germane to free weight assemblies in general, is the need to replace weight plates to increase the effective resistance. While some weight machines allow for repositioning weight plates or weight bearing components in order to increase the effective resistance for a particular exercise, this type of adjustment is not available on barbells, dumbbells, or other free weight supporting apparatuses.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,222 issued to Shannon discloses a weightlifting exercising bar. The bar has a center section with grasping handles formed therein. The weights are disposed on either end of the bar. While this apparatus can be used to isolate triceps, it suffers from the aforementioned balancing problem. The apparatus also allows for only one hand placement. By contrast, the present invention has a centrally located weight plate securing means which substantially reduces the balancing problem.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,634 issued to Pointer discloses a dumbbell adapted to be held behind the user&#39;s head while performing sit ups. While Pointer does disclose a central weight, he does not disclose hand position and spacing conducive to triceps extensions. By contrast, the present invention discloses a triceps extension apparatus which allows multiple hand positions and spacing.  
         [0009]     None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps. The apparatus includes a central weight bearing section with opposing handles, each handle having multiple gripping positions. The apparatus may be held behind the head and then repeatedly extended over the head in order to isolate and exercise the triceps. The weight bearing section can accommodate a number of weight plates and includes a clamping arrangement for securely holding the plates in a central position. The weight plates are designed to be compact and low profile and are thus of non-standard configuration. At least two plates are provided, the plates designed for interlocking attachment with only a single locking pin. A number of other exercises are facilitated with the apparatus. In an alternative embodiment, means for increasing the effective resistance for specific exercises, while maintaining a given mass, is provided.  
         [0011]     The primary hand position on the apparatus of the present invention requires a closed (facing each other) hand position. By utilizing this unique hand position, the arms are forced to stay closer together, therefore retaining strict triceps isolation throughout the movement. When fatigue sets in during an exercise, there is a tendency to break form to complete the exercise. The apparatus will not allow deviation because the hand position forces the elbows to remain inward.  
         [0012]     Alternatively, the apparatus allows for a standard or traditional hand position. This hand position is achieved by using both hands and grabbing hold of each inside arch of the unit.  
         [0013]     The apparatus alleviates the tendency to resort to improper form, thereby recruiting other muscles to complete the exercise, by changing hand position, by changing from a palms up hand position to an end-to-end hand position. This creates a natural feel, making it easier to keep the elbows perpendicular to the body.  
         [0014]     Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps.  
         [0015]     Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps which has a centrally located weight bearing section.  
         [0016]     It is another object of the invention to provide an improved weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps which has opposing handles with multiple gripping positions.  
         [0017]     It is another object of the invention to provide an improved weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps which allow for end to end hand placement.  
         [0018]     It is another object of the invention to provide an improved weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps having at least two substantially rectangular, mutually interlocking, low profile weight plates.  
         [0019]     It is another object of the invention to provide an improved weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps having means for extending the effective center of gravity of the apparatus to increase resistance for particular exercises.  
         [0020]     Finally, it is a general object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.  
         [0021]     These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]     Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention with weight plates attached in an extended position.  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  shows a side view of the apparatus of the invention with weight plates attached in an extended position.  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  shows a front view, partly in section, of an alternative embodiment of the weightlifting apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  shows a front view, partly in section of the weight plates the alternative embodiment of the weightlifting apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  shows an exploded sectional view of the weight plates of the alternative embodiment of the weightlifting apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  shows a plan view, partly in section, of the underside of upper weight plate of the weightlifting apparatus shown in  FIG. 6   
         [0030]      FIG. 8  shows a top sectional view of the weight plates shown in  FIG. 6  detailing the interconnection of the upper and lower plates.  
         [0031]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of a user using the weightlifting apparatus in an initial position.  
         [0032]      FIG. 10  shows a side view of a user using the weightlifting apparatus in a fully extended position.  
         [0033]      FIG. 11  shows a rear view of a user using the weightlifting apparatus in an initial position.  
         [0034]      FIG. 12  shows a side view of a user using the weightlifting apparatus in a fully extended position.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0035]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , the apparatus of the present invention, generally indicated by the numeral  1 , is shown. The apparatus  1 , has particular application as a triceps exerciser, its shape facilitating overhead triceps extensions. The apparatus  1  has two main components, the bar and handle assembly, and the support and clamping assembly.  
         [0036]     The bar  10  is preferably formed by bending a single, solid piece of iron bar or tube stock. The tube stock should be about 1 inch in diameter, and should have a total length of about 4 feet. This length of bar  10  will create an optimal hand spacing for the average weightlifter. Of course, the length of the bar  10  may be adjusted to adjust the hand spacing. The surface of bar  10  can be bare metal, plated, plastic coated, or painted, as desired. Also, the surface of the bar  10  may be textured to enhance grip. The bar  10  has two mutually opposed handle extensions,  12 , each extension having a main gripping area  16 , and two alternate gripping areas  18 ,  20 . The main handle extension  12  may include a padded sleeve. The final configuration of bar  10  is characterized in that the combined assembly has a center of gravity which lies between handle extensions  12 , both laterally and longitudinally. The center of gravity may be adjusted to increase the effective resistance of the weights as will be explained in connection with the alternative embodiment discussed below. This feature is significant since it enables a user to grasp handles  12  and lift the apparatus  1  without there being a resultant torsional loading exerted on the user&#39;s wrists. This feature would not result if the main handle extensions  12  were offset. It can be seen that the bar  10  has a level portion  24  parallel to weight bearing platform  26  which, in the event the bar  10  has a total length of 4 feet long prior to shaping, may be about 4 inches.  
         [0037]     An upstanding post  30  is used to position one or more standard weight plates  32  on the platform  26 , the post  30  secured to the platform by an suitable means, and may even be releasably secured to the platform  26  to allow for the use of smaller diameter posts  30  to accommodate weight plates  32  having various standard center apertures. A key feature of the invention is the provision of a post  30  allowing for positioning weight plates  32  at various distances from the platform  26  to vary the effective resistance for certain exercises as will be explained in more detail below. The weight bearing platform  26 , upstanding post  30 , and releasable clamping means  38  form the support and clamping subassembly. The centrally located weight bearing platform  26  is secured to the bar  10  which may be made of the same material as the bar  10 . Attachment of the platform  26  to the bar  10  is preferably accomplished by welding to eliminate a single stress point, or a plurality of stress points which can cause failure of the apparatus  1  after repeated use or during heavy weightlifting. While the platform  26  is shown as square, any shape will suffice for the platform, provided it is substantially symmetrical. Also, bar  10  may be welded to the underside of the platform  26  allowing the platform  26  to be relatively large. It can be appreciated that the width and length of the platform  26  can be limited to the space  40  between parallel bar segments  42 ,  44  and the length of segments  42 ,  44 . Of course, the upstanding post  30  is centrally located to ensure that the symmetry of the apparatus  1  is maintained. It can be seen that the post  30  can accommodate a number of weight plates  32 .  
         [0038]     A key aspect of the invention is the provision of a support and clamping assembly which allows one or more weight plates  32  to be suspended above the platform  26  and therefore further away from the hands of the user. It can be appreciated that positioning the weights  32  above the platform creates torsional loading which is directly proportional to the additional length of post  30  between the center of gravity of the plates  32  and the platform  26 . The additional torque, and therefore the effective resistance due to the weight of the plates  32  will be primarily apparent for exercise routines where the arc of motion of the opposed gripping areas  16  of the handle  12  is in the direction shown by arrow  132 . The increased resistance is apparent regardless of which portion of the handle  102  is gripped, provided the motion is perpendicular to post  30 . Any routine such as a bench press where the primary motion is parallel to the bar  10 , as shown with arrow  48 , will not be subject to an increase in resistance other than some additional effort required to balance the apparatus.  
         [0039]     The clamping means  38  consists of a locking collar  52  and spring loaded weight pin  54 , both of which are of standard configuration. The pin  54  is adapted for insertion into and through aligned apertures  56  on opposing sides of post  30 , and preferably at least three discrete positions are available for the insertion of the pin  54 . Once pin  54  is secured through a selected pair of apertures  56 , one or more weight plates  32  may be placed over the post, coming to rest on the pin  54 . Locking collar  52  may then be placed on the post  30  and slid downwardly until coming to rest upon the top surface of the uppermost weight plate  32 . Thus, in use, the user  50  selects a pair of aligned apertures  56  and inserts pin  54  therethrough, adding weight plates  32  and locking collar  52  to secure the apparatus for use. To obtain a different effective weight, the user  50  can select a different pair of apertures  56 .  
         [0040]     An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 4-8 . A key feature of this embodiment of the invention is the use of mutually interlocking weight plates to allow for a more compact and easily adjustable apparatus  100 . In this configuration, the apparatus  100  is designed for aerobics and muscle toning routines, not for power lifting. While several interlocking weight plates may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention, in the preferred embodiment only two plates are used. It can be seen that the weight plates include an upper plate  128  and a lower plate  130 , the lower plate  130  being secured to the assembly by bolts  132  which are inserted into and through apertures  134  in the weight bearing platform  126 . The platform  126  is secured to the bar  127  by welding as in the previous embodiment, the bar  127  configured in an identical manner to that of the previous embodiment, including multiple gripping areas as discussed above. The apertures  134  correspond to threaded bores  138  formed in lower plate  130  so that bolts  132  extend into and through apertures  134  and are threadedly engaged within bores  138 .  
         [0041]     Weight plates  128 ,  130  are configured for interlock by way of downwardly protruding male member  144  extending from upper plate  128 , which is sized for engagement within female receptacle  146  formed in lower plate  130 . It can be seen that laterally opposed edges  147  of the male member  144  are beveled, as are the interior sidewalls  149  of the receptacle  146  to “funnel” the upper plate  128  into position. Bore  148  formed in upper plate  128  is axially aligned with bore  150  formed in lower plate  130  when the male member  144  is properly seated within receptacle  146 . A spring loaded pin  152 , of the type commonly used with barbells, is insertable within the aligned bores, with opposing projecting pieces  154  serving to limit axial movement of the pin  152  as is well known. The upper plate is characterized by a pair of recessed areas  155  which allow easier access to the front edge  157  of the lower plate. Thus, this embodiment allows at least three discrete weight settings, the minimum with no plates, the maximum with at least two plates.  
         [0042]      FIGS. 9-12  illustrate the apparatus  1  being used for a triceps extension exercise. After adding weights as described above, the user  50  assumes an initial or starting position for a particular exercise routine. The initial position of the user  50  when performing the triceps exercise movement is shown with reference to  FIGS. 9 and 11 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of the initial position of the bar with respect to the user. Both hands grasp main gripping areas  16  and the apparatus  1  is placed behind the user&#39;s head. The apparatus  1  is thereafter raised along an arc over the user&#39;s head to the position shown in  FIGS. 10 and 12 . The positioning and orientation of gripping areas  16  is ideal for the triceps extension exercise since the user&#39;s hands are positioned end to end. By utilizing this unique hand position, the arms are forced to stay closer together, therefore retaining strict triceps isolation throughout the movement. As the apparatus  1  is lifted over the user&#39;s head, there is no resultant torque load being imposed on the user&#39;s wrist due to the center of gravity placement described previously. Use of a conventional barbell for this exercise results in an undesirable grasping angle, and the elbows are forced outward, as opposed to the grasping angle illustrated in  FIG. 11  where the elbows are in. A more traditional hand placement may be facilitated by grasping the apparatus  1  by grasping either of the alternate gripping areas  18 ,  20 . It can be seen that the width of the apparatus  1  also serves a role in causing optimal hand placement as has been previously described. The apparatus may be made slightly larger to accommodate weightlifters with exceptionally wide shoulders. Other exercise routines may be utilized using the apparatuses  1 ,  100 , as would be apparent to one of skill in the art.  
         [0044]     From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.  
         [0045]     It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims: