Patent Publication Number: US-2022219034-A1

Title: Exercise bar

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/248,134 filed Jan. 11, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to exercise equipment. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a weighted exercise bar that can be used for a variety of exercises, including lower body exercises (e.g., squats, lunges, deadlifts, calf raises, etc.), upper body exercises (e.g., shoulder press, bicep curls, bent-over rows, chest presses, etc.), and balance exercises (e.g., lateral lunges, one leg shoulder presses, single leg deadlifts, etc.), among others. 
     A user intending to engage in training one or more muscle groups using multiple exercises and ranges of motion oftentimes needs to use multiple different pieces of exercise equipment. In some instances, a user may implement a training technique intended to minimize rest time between exercises, which presents a challenge when multiple pieces of exercise equipment are required and may require set-up or other assistance prior to use, thus interrupting such a training technique. Furthermore, a user may purchase a specific piece of exercise equipment and soon outgrow the equipment due to needing a different amount of weight than the equipment is capable of supporting. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment relates to an exercise device including a first exercise bar. The first exercise bar includes a first tube extending from a first end to a second end and defining a first cavity, a first weight configured to be selectively received within the first cavity, and a first slow loading mechanism coupled to the first tube proximate the second end. The first slow loading mechanism is configured to contact the first weight when the first weight is received by the first cavity to provide a friction force to the first weight to slow the loading of the first weight into the first cavity. 
     Another embodiment relates to an exercise bar including a first tube and a second tube. The first tube extends from a first end to a second end and defines a first cavity. The second tube extends from a third end to a fourth end and defines a second cavity. The second tube is configured to selectively couple to the first tube proximate the first and third ends. The exercise bar further includes a first weight configured to be selectively received within the first cavity, a second weight configured to be selectively received within the second cavity, a first slow loading mechanism coupled to the first tube and configured to slow the loading of the first weight into the first cavity, a second slow loading mechanism coupled to the second tube and configured to slow the loading of the second weight into the second cavity, a first end cap selectively coupled to the first weight and the first tube, and a second end cap selectively coupled to the second weight and the second tube. 
     Another embodiment relates to an exercise device comprising a first exercise bar. The first exercise bar includes a first tube extending from a first end to a second end and defining a first cavity, a first weight configured to be selectively received within the first cavity, and a first slow loading mechanism coupled to the first tube proximate the second end and configured to slow the loading of the first weight into the first cavity. 
     This summary is illustrative only and should not be regarded as limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exercise bar device in a first configuration, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the exercise bar device of  FIG. 1  in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 3  is a partially exploded view of the exercise bar device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the exercise bar device of  FIG. 1  with a grip surface and multiple endcaps removed. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of the exercise bar device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a close-up view of a male central coupling and a female central coupling of the exercise bar device of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a close-up view of the male central coupling and the female central coupling of  FIG. 6 , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a close-up view of a hybrid end cap of the exercise bar device of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  depicts various view of the hybrid end cap of  FIG. 7  and a female end cap of the exercise bar device of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of two weights of the exercise bar device of  FIG. 1  coupled together and an exercise bar ready to receive the weights, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the two weights of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a close-up view of one of the weights of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is a close-up view of one of the weights of  FIG. 10  being received within the exercise bar of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a slow loading mechanism of the exercise bar device of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of multiple flexible rings of the slow loading mechanism of  FIG. 14 , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a close-up view of the slow loading mechanism of  FIG. 14  coupled with one of the flexible rings of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a close-up view of the slow loading mechanism of  FIG. 14  installed into one end of the exercise bar device of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Referring generally to the figures, an exercise bar device is shown according to one embodiment. The exercise bar device can be an adjustably weighted exercise bar by being loaded with weights having a variety of weight (e.g., the weights may weigh 2 pounds, 5 pounds, 10 pounds, 20 pounds, and so on and any size in between). The exercise bar device can be used by a user to exercise any part of their body, including both their upper body and their lower body. The exercise bar device includes a first exercise bar and a second exercise bar that can be selectively coupled together to form the exercise bar device. Each of the exercise bars further includes a tube having a cavity located therein, a grip surface covering the tube, a male or female central coupling coupled to the tube, a slow loading mechanism, at least one hybrid end cap, one or more weights, and, in some embodiments, a female end cap. The exercise bar device can be used in different configurations, including as a single long bar (e.g., the first exercise bar is selectively coupled to the second exercise bar to form the exercise bar device), as two separate bars (e.g., the first exercise bar is uncoupled from the second exercise bar), or as a single short bar (e.g., the first exercise bar is uncoupled from the second exercise bar and only one of the first exercise bar or the second exercise bar is used). 
     As mentioned above, each of the first exercise bar and the second exercise bar includes a tube. The tube further includes a hollow cavity located therein in which the weights can be received to adjust the weight of each exercise bar. In some embodiments, one or more weights can be selectively coupled to one another to combine the weights. In this way, each of the cavities can receive multiple weights. Similarly, the weights can be selectively coupled to the hybrid end caps to then be selectively coupled to the first exercise bar or the second exercise bar. In use, the exercise bar device is highly configurable in both structure and weight. As a result, the exercise bar device provides a multi-use exercise device that can be used to perform a large number of exercises. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , various views of the exercise bar device  10  are shown, according to one embodiment. The exercise bar device  10  is shown to include a first exercise bar  14  and a second exercise bar  20 . The first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20  may be substantially the same (e.g., include similar components, same length, same cross-sectional diameter, same weight, etc.) and therefore similar reference numbers may be used for each bar. For example, the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20  both include a tube  28  (which may be the same length, same inner diameter, same outer diameter, made of the same material, etc.). In operation, the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20  may be selectively coupled via respective male and female central couplings  36 ,  37  to form the exercise bar device  10 . When not selectively coupled to form the exercise bar device  10 , each of the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20  can be configured (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) to form separate exercise devices that may be used individually or in combination with one another. In this way, the exercise bar device  10  can be selectively configurable into multiple configurations allowing the user to decide which configuration will work best for any desired exercise. 
     Overall, the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20  extend radially and axially along a respective central axis and include an inner rigid member (e.g., a tube) and an outer member that surrounds the inner rigid member, the outer member is made of a material that has a high surface friction to provide for or create a “grip” when held in the user&#39;s hands. The first exercise bar  14  extends from a first end  16  to a second end  18  and includes a tube  28  (extending from the first end  16  to the second end  18 ), a grip surface  32 , and a male central coupling  36 . The tube  28  of the first exercise bar  14  forms the main portion of the support of the first exercise bar  14  and extends from the first end  16  to the second end  18  along a central axis  30 A shown in  FIG. 5 . The tube  28  may be made of at least one of aluminum, stainless steel, steel, zinc, nickel, common metal alloys, and various polymers (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc.). In this way, the tube  28  provides the main portion of support for the first exercise bar  14  and prevents the first exercise bar  14  from significantly bending or breaking. Additionally, the first exercise bar  14  and the tube  28  are shown to include a circular cross section but may include a cross section having a different shape (e.g., triangular, square, rectangular, oblong/oval, etc.). In use and during assembly, the tube  28  is covered by the grip surface  32 . The grip surface  32  extends from the first end  16  to the second end  18  and from the tube  28 . In this way, the grip surface  32  also includes a circular cross section but may include a cross section having a different shape (as the grip surface  32  covers the tube  28 , the cross section of the grip surface  32  is based on the tube  28 ) similar to the tube  28 . The grip surface  32  is configured to be gripped by a user during use of the exercise bar device  10  and therefore is made of a material with a relatively high friction, or having a surface treatment that makes the grip surface have relatively high friction. As a result, the grip surface  32  may be made of at least one of silicone, rubber, various other polymers (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc.), and high friction metals. In this way and during use, the user may grab or grip the grip surface  32  of the first exercise bar  14  and not have their hand slip or slide on the exercise bar. This allows the user to better focus on their exercise and not have to constantly adjust their grip on the exercise bar. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the first exercise bar  14  is shown to further include at least one hybrid end cap  50 , at least one female end cap  75 , at least one weight  100 , and a slow loading mechanism  150 . While operation and use of each will be described further herein,  FIGS. 1-4  show the location of each relative to the first end  16  and the second end  18  of the first exercise bar  14 . For example, the male central coupling  36  is located proximate the first end  16 , the at least one hybrid end cap  50  is located proximate the second end  18 , the at least one female end cap  75  is located proximate the first end  16 , the at least one weight  100  is selectively coupled to the at least one hybrid end cap  50  proximate the second end  18  and is received by and within the tube  28 , and the slow loading mechanism  150  is selectively coupled to the at least one hybrid end cap  50  and is coupled to the tube  28  proximate the second end  18 . 
     As described herein, the exercise bar device  10  further includes the second exercise bar  20 . The second exercise bar  20  extends from the third end  22  to the fourth end  24  and includes a tube  28 , a grip surface  32 , multiple hybrid end caps  50 , at least one weight  100 , and a slow loading mechanism  150 . As will be discussed further herein, the second exercise bar  20  extends along and about a central axis  30 B ( FIG. 5 ), includes a female central coupling  37  in place of the male central coupling  36 , and includes another hybrid end cap  50  in place of the female end cap  75 . Otherwise, it should be understood that the components of the second exercise bar  20  (e.g., the tube  28 , the grip surface  32 , etc.) are similar and substantially the same as the components of the first exercise bar  14  and references made to the first exercise bar  14  are applicable to the second exercise bar  20  with the third end  22  replacing the first end  16  and the fourth end  24  replacing the second end  18 . For example, the female central coupling  37  of the second exercise bar  20  is located proximate the third end  22 , at least one hybrid end cap  50  is located proximate the third end  22  and the fourth end  24 , the at least one weight  100  is selectively coupled to the at least one hybrid end cap  50  proximate the fourth end  24  and is received by and within the tube  28  of the second exercise bar  20 , and the slow loading mechanism  150  is selectively coupled to the at least one hybrid end cap  50  and is coupled to the tube  28  proximate the fourth end  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a schematic diagram of the exercise bar device  10  with the grip surfaces  32  removed is shown. In comparison to  FIGS. 1-4 ,  FIG. 5  shows both the interior of the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20 , provides emphasis to the slight taper of each tube  28 , and also shows the apertures through which the weights  100  are received into and held by an interior cavity  31  of the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20 . In other words, the schematic diagram of the exercise bar device  10  of  FIG. 5  shows exaggerated dimensions for purposes of illustration. The tubes  28  of the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20  extend along and about the central axis  30 A,  30 B (which are collinear if the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20  are selectively coupled) and each tube  28  includes a taper (e.g., a decrease in diameter) from the respective first and third ends  16 ,  22  to the respective second and fourth ends  18 ,  24 . In this way, the respective tube  28  has a smaller diameter at the respective second and fourth ends  18 ,  24  and a larger diameter at the respective first and third ends  16 ,  22 . Additionally, each tube  28  is hollow and therefore includes an inner diameter  35  defining a cavity  31  and an outer diameter  34 . In some embodiments, the outer diameter  34  of each tube  28  is 27 millimeters (mm) at the respective second and fourth ends  18 ,  24  and is 31 mm at the respective first and third ends  16 ,  22 . In other embodiments, the outer diameter  34  of each tube  28  is approximately 14-34 mm at the respective second and fourth ends  18 ,  24  and is about 16-46 mm at the respective first and third ends  16 ,  22 . In even other embodiments, the inner diameter  35  of each tube  28  is 20 mm at the respective second and fourth ends  18 ,  24  and is 25 mm at the respective first and third ends  16 ,  22 . In some embodiments, the inner diameter  35  of each tube  28  is about 10-30 mm at the respective second and fourth ends  18 ,  24  and is about 12-36 mm at the respective first and third ends  16 ,  22 . 
     In some embodiments, the total length (along the central axis  30 A,  30 B) of the exercise bar device  10  is approximately 5 feet (ft) or 60 inches (in). In other embodiments, the total length of the exercise bar device  10  is approximately 3-7 ft. Similarly, each tube  28  may be approximately 2 ft in length. In other embodiments, each tube may be approximately 1-4 ft in length. By providing a relatively long exercise bar, the exercise bar device  10  is well suited for balance and strength exercises. For example, because the exercise bar device  10  may be approximately 5 ft in length, the user can better hold the exercise bar device  10  in both hands, and the bar is also much longer than the average width of a person&#39;s shoulders. This allows the exercise bar device  10  to extend horizontally out from a user&#39;s shoulder width and be used in a range of exercises. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5 , each male and female central coupling  36 ,  37  is shown to include a body  38  and a connector  40 . The body  38  is the main portion of the male and female central coupling  36 ,  37  that extends outwardly from and parallel to the respective central axis  30 A,  30 B. In one embodiment the body  38  is a pipe (or tube) made of aluminum, stainless steel, or other metals and that includes an outer diameter and a circular cross section. In even other embodiments, the outer diameter of the body  38  is approximately 33 mm. The connector  40  extends from the body  38  and couples the male or female central coupling  36 ,  37  to the tube  28 . For example, the connector  40  may be received by the tube  28  (e.g., within the cavity  31 ) to couple the male or female central coupling  36 ,  37  to the tube  28 . In this way, the connector  40  may be any type of connection, member, fastener, adhesive, etc. that is configured to be received by the tube  28  to provide a coupling. In one embodiment, the connector  40  is a tube made of a relatively rigid (e.g., hard to compress) metal or polymer that is press fit into the tube  28  to form a coupling between the central coupling  36  and the tube  28 . In another embodiment, the connector  40  is a filler metal or adhesive that is brazed, welded, applied, or soldered to both the tube  28  and the male or female central coupling  36 ,  37  to couple each together. In even other embodiments, the connector  40  is a set of male and female threads e.g., the tube  28  including one of the male and female threads and the male or female central coupling  36 ,  37  including the other of the male and female threads) through which the central coupling  36  is coupled to the tube  28 . In some embodiments, the connector  40  is integrally formed as a part of the body  38  (e.g., the body  38  includes the connector  40  extending therefrom). Additionally, while the connector  40  is shown as being tapered in  FIG. 5 , the connector  40  may also not be tapered (e.g., may be approximately straight). In other embodiments, the male and female central couplings  36 ,  37  are integrated as a part of (e.g., are cast as the same time and/or created as one piece with) the tubes  28 . 
     Similar to the male central coupling  36 , each slow loading mechanism  150  is shown to include a body  152  and a connector  154 . The body  152 , while different from the body  38 , is the main portion of the slow load mechanism  150  that extends outwardly from and parallel to the respective central axis  30 A,  30 B. In one embodiment, the body  152  is a pipe made of aluminum, stainless steel, or other metals and that includes an outer diameter and a circular cross section. In even other embodiments, the outer diameter of the body  152  is approximately 29 mm. The connector  154  extends from the body  152  and couples the slow load mechanism to the tube  28 . For example, the connector  154  may be received by the tube  28  (e.g., within the cavity  31 ) to couple the slow load mechanism  150  to the tube  28 . In this way, the connector  154  may be any type of connection, member, fastener, adhesive, etc. that is configured to be received by the tube  28  to provide a coupling. In one embodiment, the connector  154  is a tube made of a relatively rigid (e.g., hard to compress) metal or polymer that is press fit into the tube  28  to form a coupling between the slow load mechanism  150  and the tube  28 . In another embodiment, the connector  154  is a filler metal or adhesive that is brazed, welded, applied, or soldered to both the tube  28  and the slow load mechanism  150  to couple each together. In even other embodiments, the connector  154  is a set of male and female threads (e.g., the tube  28  including one of the male and female threads and the slow load mechanism  150  including the other of the male and female threads) through which the slow load mechanism  150  is coupled to the tube  28 . In some embodiments, the connector  154  is integrally formed as a part of the body  152  (e.g., the body  152  includes the connector  154 ). Additionally, while the connector  154  is shown as being tapered in  FIG. 5 , the connector  154  may also not be tapered (e.g., may be approximately straight). In other embodiments, the slow loading mechanisms  150  are integrated as a part of (e.g., are cast as the same time and/or created as one piece with) the tubes  28 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6-7 , the male and female central couplings  36 ,  37  of the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20  are shown, according to one embodiment. The male and female central couplings  36 ,  37  are configured to selectively couple to the opposite male or female central coupling  36 ,  37  such that the user can easily couple and then uncouple the first exercise bar  14  to the second exercise bar  20 . Each of the male and female central couplings  36  includes the body  38 , the connector  40 , and at least one of a male threaded coupling  41  and a female threaded coupling  42  (e.g., the male central coupling  36  includes the male threaded coupling  41  and the female central coupling  37  includes the female threaded coupling  42 ). In the embodiment shown, the first exercise bar  14  includes the male central coupling  36  and therefore the male threaded coupling  41 , and the second exercise bar  20  includes the female central coupling  37  and therefore the female threaded coupling  42 . In other embodiments, this may be switched (e.g., the first exercise bar  14  may include the female central coupling  37  and therefore the female threaded coupling  42  and vice versa). The female threaded coupling  42  is integrated within (e.g., is located within a cavity of) the body  38  and includes female threads. The male threaded coupling  41  extends from the body  38  as a round pipe or tube and includes male threads that are received by and screwed into and the female threads with the same pitch and diameter (e.g., the female threads of the female threaded coupling  42 ). As a result, each of the male threaded coupling  41  and the female threaded coupling  42  are configured to be selectively coupled to the other threaded coupling (e.g., a male thread couples to a female thread and vice versa). In this way, and to selectively couple the first exercise bar  14  to the second exercise bar  20 , the user only has to screw the male threaded coupling  41  of the first exercise bar  14  into the female threaded coupling  42  of the second exercise bar  20 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     In operation and during or in between an exercise, the user can use the male and female central couplings  36 ,  37  of the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20  to change configurations of the exercise bar device  10 . Together, the male and female central couplings  36 ,  37  selectively couple the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20 . In this way and during use, the user can decide whether to use the exercise bar device  10  as a long single bar (e.g., with the first exercise bar  14  coupled to the second exercise bar  20 ), as a short single bar (e.g., with just the first exercise bar  14  or just the second exercise bar  20  decoupled from the other), or as two separate exercise bars (e.g., with both the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20  as separate bars decoupled from one another). To move between configurations, the user only has to uncouple the male threaded coupling  41  from the female threaded coupling  42  (e.g., unscrew the male threaded coupling  41  from the female threaded coupling  42 ), or couple the male threaded coupling  41  to the female threaded coupling  42  (e.g., screw the male threaded coupling  41  into the female threaded coupling  42 ). As a result, the exercise bar device  10  is configurable between various exercise configurations. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-9 , the hybrid end cap  50  and the female end cap  75  are shown, according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, the exercise bar device  10  includes approximately three hybrid end caps  50  and one female end cap  75 . The second exercise bar  20  may include two hybrid end caps  50  ( FIG. 2 ), with one hybrid end cap  50  selectively coupled to the central coupling  36  proximate the third end  22  and another hybrid end cap  50  selectively coupled to the slow loading mechanism  150  proximate the fourth end  24 . In other embodiments, there may be different numbers of hybrid end caps  50  and female end caps  75  (e.g., three female end caps  75  and one hybrid end cap  50 , two female end caps  75  and two hybrid end caps  50 , etc.). Similarly, the first exercise bar  14  may include a single hybrid end cap  50  selectively coupled to the slow loading mechanism  150  proximate the second end  18  and a single female end cap  75  selectively coupled to the central coupling  36  proximate the first end  16 . In even other embodiments, the first exercise bar  14  may include two hybrid end caps  50 , and the second exercise bar  20  may include a single hybrid end cap  50  and a single female end cap  75 . Additionally, it should be understood that when the exercise bar device  10  is formed by coupling the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20  together, at least one of the hybrid end caps  50  of the second exercise bar  20  and the female end cap  75  of the first exercise bar  14  are removed. 
     Each hybrid end cap  50  is configured to be selectively coupled to at least one of the slow loading mechanism  150 , the female central coupling  37 , and one or more weights  100  to provide a slightly rounded edge and a relatively soft surface (as compared to if the hybrid end caps  50  were not included) as well as to selectively couple the weights  100  to the exercise bar device  10 . In this way, the hybrid end caps  50  (along with the female end cap  75 ) seal and further define the cavities  31 . Each hybrid end cap  50  includes a rounded portion  52 , a male threaded coupling  54  (which may include the same pitch and diameter as the male threaded coupling  41 ), and a female threaded coupling  56  located within the male threaded coupling  54  (e.g., the hybrid end cap  50  is “hybrid” as it includes both male and female threads). The rounded portion  52  extends from the male threaded coupling  54  and includes a rounded face. The rounded portion  52  may be made of a soft material (e.g., Low-Density Polyethylene, Nylon, rubber, various types of gel, etc.) to provide a relatively soft and rounded edge. In this way and in operation, the user does not need to worry about catching the ends of the exercise bar device  10  on the floor, an exercise mat, or themselves. In other embodiments, various other types and shapes of faces may be implemented (e.g., blunt, hard, etc.). 
     The male threaded coupling  54  extends (e.g., includes a pipe or tube that extends) from the rounded portion  52  and includes male threads that are received by female threads with the same pitch and diameter. In this way, the male threaded coupling couples to female threads of the slow loading mechanisms  150  or the female central coupling  37  and therefore at least one of the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20 . Within the male threaded coupling  54 , the hybrid end cap  50  includes a bore within which the female threaded coupling  56  is formed. In this way, the hybrid end cap  50  can both be selectively coupled to at least one of the slow loading mechanism  150  and the female coupling  37  as well as to one or more of the weights  100  (e.g., via a male thread of the weights  100 ). As the female threads of the female threaded coupling  56  are formed inside of the male threaded coupling, the female threads may have a smaller diameter than the male threads of the male threaded coupling  54 . 
     In use and to add weight to at least one of the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20 , the user may selectively couple one or more weighs  100  to the hybrid end cap  50  (e.g., via the female threaded coupling  56 ). Once the weights  100  are coupled to the hybrid end cap  50 , the user may then insert the weights  100  into the cavity  31  until the male threaded coupling  56  comes into contact with the female threads of the female central coupling  37  or the slow loading mechanism  150 . Then, using the male threaded coupling  56 , the user may selectively couple the hybrid end cap  50  (as well as the weights  100 ) to the female central coupling  37  or the slow loading mechanism  150  and therefore to at least one of the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20 . By selectively coupling different sizes or amounts of the weights  100 , the user can select and adjust the weight of each of the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20 , and together the exercise bar device  10 . As a result, not only can the user decide what configuration of the exercise bar device  10  is best for their desired exercise, but also how much weight is best for their desired exercise. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 8-9 , the female end cap  75  is shown in more detail. The female end cap  75  is similar to the hybrid end cap  50  and serves a similar purpose to provide a relatively soft/rounded surface as compared to if the female end cap  75  were not included. The female end cap  75  is configured to selectively couple to the male central coupling  36 . In some embodiments (e.g., where the slow load mechanisms  150  includes a male threaded coupling), the female end cap  75  may be configured to selectively couple to the slow load mechanism  150 . To couple to the male central coupling  36 , the female end cap includes the rounded portion  52 , and a female threaded coupling  78  (which may include the same pitch and diameter as the female threaded coupling  42 ). The female threaded coupling  78  is formed as a bore within the rounded portion  52  and includes female threads. The female threads of the female threaded coupling  78  may be configured to selectively couple to male threads of the male threaded coupling  41  (or the male threaded coupling  54  if desired). The female threads of the female threaded coupling  78  may include a similar diameter or pitch as the respective male threads. 
     When the user wants to use the first exercise bar  14  and/or the second exercise bar  20  decoupled from one another, the user can use the hybrid end caps  50  to cap or cover the female threads of the slow load mechanism  150  as well as the female central coupling  37 . In some embodiments, should the female threads of the female threaded coupling  56  be too small (i.e., they include a smaller diameter) to selectively couple and cap the male central coupling  36 , the female end cap  75  can include female threads with similar diameter and pitch as the male threads of the male central coupling  36 . In such embodiments, to use the first exercise bar  14  and/or the second exercise bar  20  decoupled from one another, the user selectively couples a first hybrid end cap  50  to the slow load mechanism  150  proximate the second end  18 , a second hybrid end cap  50  to the slow load mechanism  150  proximate the fourth end  24 , a third hybrid end cap  50  to the female central coupling  37  proximate the third end  22 , and a female end cap  75  to the male central coupling  36  proximate the first end  16  (in any order). 
     In some embodiments, the weight of the male central coupling  36 , the female end cap  75 , and the single hybrid end cap  50  of the first exercise bar  14 , combined, is equal to the weight of the female central coupling  37  and the two hybrid end caps  50  of the second exercise bar  20 , combined. As a result, the weight of the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20  are the same when decoupled from one another. Beneficially, because the weight of the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20  is the same, the exercise bars  14 ,  20  are better suited for balance exercises over traditional exercise equipment. For example, if the user were to use the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise  20  decoupled from one another, both exercise bars  14 ,  20  are the same weight and therefore do not tip the user&#39;s balance towards one bar over the other. This is similarly beneficial for strength and conditioning exercises, in which a user wants to lift and move the same amount of weight in each hand to train both sets of muscles using the same weight. However, should the user desire to train each hand using a different weight, the user can load a different amount of weight into one of the first exercise bar  14  or the second exercise bar  20 . This versatility also enables the user to load a different amount of weight in one of the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20 , and couple the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20  together such that the exercise bar device  10  includes an uneven or lopsided distribution of weight. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10-13 , the weights  100  are shown, according to one embodiment. The weights  100  are configured to be received within the cavities  31  of the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20  to adjust the overall weight of the exercise bars  14 ,  20  and together the exercise bar device  10 . In this way, the user can selectively couple single or multiple weights  100  to one or more hybrid end caps  50  and then insert the weights  100  into the cavities  31 . The weights  100  can come in a variety of sizes and weights, including approximately 0.5 pounds (lb), approximately 1 lb, approximately 1.5 lbs, approximately 2 lbs, approximately 3 lbs, approximately 4 lbs, approximately 5 lbs, all the way up to approximately 10 lbs (e.g., in one pound increments, half pound increments, etc.). Each weight  100  includes a weight bar  104  that extends about and along a central axis (not shown, but collinear with the central axis  30 A,  30 B when inserted into the cavity  31  and selectively coupled to the first exercise bar  14  or second exercise bar  20 ). The weight bar  104  may be made of a variety of metals (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, steel, zinc, and other metals or polymers disclosed herein). Additionally, the weight bar  104  may include a circular cross section and include an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter  35  of the tube  28 . For example, the weight bar  104  may include an outer diameter of approximately 9-30 mm or approximately 18 mm, 18.5 mm, 19 mm, 19.25 mm, 19.5 mm, 19.8 mm, 19.9 mm, 19.9 mm, etc. In some embodiments, the weight bar  104  of the weight  100  has a slight taper from one end to another (similar to the tube  28 ). In some embodiments, the weight bar  104  may include a different shaped cross section (similar to those discussed with respect to the tube  28 ). 
     In some embodiments, the weight bar  104  and therefore the weights  100  further include a groove  108  (e.g., channel, taper, depression) that includes a smaller outer diameter than the rest of the weight bar  104 . The groove  108  is used in combination with the slow loading mechanism  150  to provide a momentary increase in loading speed of the weights  100 . The groove  108  may be a slight groove (e.g., a slight decrease in outer diameter of the weight bar  104 , a taper, etc.) or may be a more significant groove (e.g., a sharp decrease in outer diameter of the weight bar  104 , a notch, etc.). In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the weight bar  104  in the groove  108  is approximately 8-29 mm or approximately 17 mm, 17.5 mm, 18 mm, 18.5 mm, or 18.9 mm. In some embodiments, the weight bar  104  may include multiple grooves  108  (e.g., two, three, four, etc.), each groove  108  allowing and configured to provide a momentary (depending on the length of the groove  108 ) increase in loading speed of the weights  100 . 
     Each weight  100  may be approximately 1 ft in length. In some embodiments, each weight may be approximately 6-24 inches in length. In this way, each weight  100  (e.g., or multiple weights  100  coupled together) are similar in length to the tube  28  of the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20 . It is beneficial, in regards to balance exercises, for the weights  100  to be similar in length to the tube  28 . For example, because the weights  100  extend most of the length of the tube  28  (when received in the cavity  31 ), the weight of the weights  100  is better distributed along the length of the tube  28  and therefore the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20  than the weight would otherwise be distributed should the weights  100  be shorter in length. This allows a user to more easily balance the exercise bar device  10 . In this way, each cavity  31  may be configured to receive multiple weights  100  (e.g., 1 weight, 2 weights, 3 weights, etc.) before being full. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 10-13 , each weight  100  further includes a male threaded coupling  112  (which may be similar in diameter and pitch to the female threaded coupling  56  of the hybrid end cap  50 ), a female threaded coupling  116  (which also may be similar in diameter and pitch to the female threaded coupling  56 ), and an insignia  120  which may include information relating to the weights  100  (e.g., “1 pound”, “1 lb”, etc.). The male threaded coupling  112  is configured to selectively couple the weight  100  to at least one of another weight  100  (e.g., via the female threaded coupling  116 ) and the hybrid end cap  50  (e.g., via the female threaded coupling  56 ). In this way, each weight  100  is configured to couple to another weight  100 , which is capable of coupling to another weight  100 , and so on. In use, the size of the cavity  31  (which depends on the length of the tube  28 ) and the length of each weight  100  are the limiting factors on how many weights  100  can be combined together within each of the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20 . As a result, (depending on the size of the cavity  31 ) the user may selectively couple multiple weights  100  together, and then selectively couple the combined weights  100  (e.g., via the male threaded coupling  112  of one of the weights  100 ) to the hybrid end cap  50 . The user may then insert the combined weights  100  into the cavity  31 , allow the weight  100  to drop into place via the slow loading mechanism  150 , and then selectively couple the hybrid end cap  50  to at least one of the slow loading mechanism  150  and the female central coupling  37  (via the male threaded coupling  54 ). In this way, the user can selectively couple the weights to and insert the weights into cavity  31  of the first exercise bar  14  or the second exercise bar  20  to adjust the weight of the exercise bars  14 ,  20  or to adjust the weight of the combined exercise bar device  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14-17 , the slow loading mechanism  150  is shown, according to one embodiment. As used herein “slow loading mechanism” relates to any type of device, mechanism, item, component, that is configured to decelerate the weights  100  when the weights are dropped into the tube  28  of the exercise bars  14 ,  20  such that the weights  100  move at a rate that is slower than if the slow loading mechanism  150  were not included. The slow loading mechanism  150  is configured to receive the weights  100  and to slow the weights  100  as the weights  100  descend into the cavity  31 . Each slow loading mechanism  150  includes the body  152 , the connector  154 , a female threaded coupling  158 , a groove  162 , and multiple circumferential apertures  166 . The body  152  has the largest outer diameter of the slow loading mechanism  150 . In this way and when received by the tube  28 , the connector  154  is received up by the cavity  31  up to the body  152 . The body  152  is larger than the inner diameter  35  (and possibly the outer diameter  34  in some embodiments) and therefore cannot be received within the cavity  31 . Both the body  152  and the connector  154  include an inner diameter and outer diameter, and therefore the slow loading mechanism  150  is hollow. The connector  154  is a pipe extending from the body  152  and enables the slow loading mechanism  150  and the tube  28  to couple to one another (e.g., by sliding the connector  154  into the tube  28 ). In the embodiment shown, the connector  154  is formed as a part of the body  152  to couple the slow loading mechanism  150  and the tube  28 . In one embodiment, to assemble the slow loading mechanism  150 , the connector  154  is press fit into the tube  28  and thereby forms a fixed coupling. In other embodiments, a filler metal or adhesive is applied to each of the connector  154  and the tube  28  and then the connector  154  is inserted into the tube  28 , thereby forming a fixed coupling between the slow loading mechanism  150  and the tube  28 . In other embodiments, the slow loading mechanism  150  may be coupled to the tube  28  using other methods that are known in the art. 
     The groove  162  (e.g., channel, taper, depression) is formed as a part of the body  152  (e.g., formed as a groove within the connector  154  of the body  152 ) and includes the multiple circumferential apertures  166  formed therein. The groove  162  is a portion of the body  152  in which the outer diameter of the body  152  is less than the surrounding portions. The groove  162  further defines the multiple circumferential apertures  166  (“circumferential” here refers to the apertures  166  being located along the circumference of the groove  162 ). The apertures  166  provide an opening between the outside diameter of the body  152  and the hollow inner portion of the body  152 . While each slow loading mechanism  150  is shown to include approximately 6 circumferential apertures  166 , it will be appreciated that the slow loading mechanism  150  may include additional or fewer circumferential apertures  166 . For example, each slow loading mechanism  150  may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, or more circumferential apertures  166 . 
     The female threaded coupling  158  is formed within the body  152  and includes female threads (e.g., that may be the same diameter and pitch as the male threads of the male threaded couplings  41  and  54 ) configured to selectively couple to the male threaded couplings  41  and  54 . In this way and as described herein, the slow loading mechanism  150  is coupled to the tube  28  via the connector  154  and can be selectively coupled to the male central coupling  36  or the hybrid end cap  50  (and possibly the weights  100 ). By including the variety of threaded couplings described herein, the exercise bar device  10  is highly configurable, allowing the user to remove and couple the different components in various ways. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 14-17 , the slow loading mechanism  150  is further shown to include a flexible ring  174  and one or more grip members  178  extending radially inward from the ring  174 . The ring  174  is elastic and is therefrom made from one or more elastic materials with relatively high friction (e.g., silicone, rubber, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc.). The ring  174  includes an inner diameter and an outer diameter and is configured to be seated in the groove  162 . The grip members  178  extend radially inward from the inner diameter of the ring  174  and are configured to be received by and within the apertures  166  such that the grip members  178  extend radially inward of and within the cavity of the body  152  ( FIG. 16 ). As a result and when each grip member  178  is received by a respective aperture  166 , the grip member  178  comes into contact and provides a slowing force (e.g., a friction force opposing movement) to each weight  100  as the weight  100  is loaded into the cavity  31 . Additionally, because each grip member  178  is located circumferentially about and extends radially inward toward the center of the slow loading mechanism  150 , the grip members  178  provide an evenly applied slowing force to each weight  100 . By doing so, the entire weight  100  (e.g., the outer circumference of the weight bar  104 ) receives the slowing force from the grip member  178  and is loaded much slower (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc. times slower than if the slow loading mechanism  150  was not included). 
     Additionally and as described herein, the grip members  178  are configured to extend radially inward (e.g., within the body  152 ) such that they contact the outer diameter of the weight bar  104  but do not contact the outer diameter of the groove  108 . In this way, loading of each weight  100  is slowed relative to gravity, but the weights  100  can also load without the resistive force of the slow loading mechanism  150  for some length of the weight bar  104  based on the length of the groove  108 . Additionally and in some embodiments, each grip member  178  may include a relatively high friction half and a relatively low friction half such that the grip member  178  provides for relatively slow loading of each weight  100  but normal (e.g., same or similar speed to gravity, without resistance) unloading of each weight  100 , or vice versa depending which direction each half of the grip member  178  faces). To create a relatively high friction half and a low friction half, each grip member  178  may include a high friction surface coating or be made of one or more materials (e.g., a high friction material and a low friction material). In some embodiments, the ring  174  can be replaced should any of the grip members  178  become worn. 
     The slow loading mechanism  150  further enables the weights  100  to be received by the cavity  31  such that the weights  100  are kept separate of the tube  28 , thereby preventing damage to the weights  100  and tube  28 . In embodiments where the slow loading mechanism  150  is not included, the weights  100  can accelerate to a relatively faster speed during loading such that the weights  100  “crash” into the cavity  31 , which can cause damage to the first exercise bar  14 , the second exercise bar  20 , the weight  100 , or other components of each. Inclusion of the slow loading mechanism  150  solves this problem by slowing the weights  100  and centering the weights  100  as the weights  100  are loaded into the first exercise bar  14  and the second exercise bar  20 . The slow loading mechanism  150  slows the movement of the weights  100  enough such that the weights  100  are loaded at a speed where there is no crash or other damage to any components of the exercise bar device  10 . 
     As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean +/−10% of the disclosed values, unless specified otherwise. As utilized herein with respect to structural features (e.g., to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above.