Patent Publication Number: US-11040233-B2

Title: Hanger for attaching resistance to a barbell

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     The present patent application claims priority benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/699,107, filed Jul. 17, 2018, entitled “Hanger for Resistance Bands,” and incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a device for attaching accommodating resistance to a barbell. 
     Prior Art 
     Adjustable-weight barbells are often used for powerlifting or weightlifting exercises, such as squat, benchpress, or deadlift. The barbell is typically a metal bar with “sleeves” on each end onto which a number of disc-shaped weights (commonly known as “plates”) of varying weights can be removably loaded by a user by inserting the sleeve through a corresponding hole in the center of the plate. Although the bar may be of varying lengths, diameters, and even shapes, the sleeves and corresponding holes in the center of the plates typically come in one of two sizes. If the barbell is intended to be utilized in conjunction with “Olympic” sized disc-shaped weights, each sleeve is approximately 2 inches in diameter. If the barbell is intended to be utilized in conjunction with “standard” sized disc-shaped weights, each sleeve is approximately 1 inch in diameter. The length of the barbell in between the sleeves typically is one inch in diameter, and often is roughened, or “knurled,” to make the bar easier for the lifter to grip. 
     In addition to the disc-shaped weights, the difficulty of the barbell exercises can be altered by the use of accommodating resistance. When accommodating resistance is used, typically resistance bands or chains are attached to the barbell. When resistance bands are used, the resistance bands are typically a large rubber band, between 2 and 8 feet in circumference, and of varying thicknesses and widths. The resistance bands are typically attached to the barbell and are attached to one or more points above or below the barbell. Depending on where the bands are attached, they can cause the lifter to experience more or less downward force as compared to just the weight of the barbell and the weights. The force experienced by the lifter also changes as the barbell is moved through the lift. When chains are used, they are typically attached to the barbell and allowed to hang from the barbell. As the barbell is moved by the lifter, the chains may change from hanging freely to piling on the floor beneath the barbell, thereby changing the weight felt by the lifter through the course of the lift and providing additional instability to the movement. 
     When using bands as the accommodating resistance, the band is typically wrapped around the barbell, usually around the sleeves as shown in  FIG. 1 . Occasionally, the band  60  is wrapped around the inner portion of the barbell  70 , but the knurl on the bar can damage the rubber of the bands, causing them to fray or even break. When the bar is wrapped around the sleeves  71  of the bar, it must be placed next to the plates either toward the center of the barbell (inside the plates) or away from the center of the barbell (outside of the plates). When the bands are inside of the plates, or toward the center of the barbell, it causes the weights to be spaced out further from the lifter, and the bands cannot be changed without first removing the plates from the barbell. When the bands are outside the weights, the weights inside the bands cannot be changed, which can cause difficulty when warming up or when multiple lifters are using the same bar. In  FIG. 1 , the bands  60  are also attached to an anchor  80 . 
     One prior art method for attaching resistance bands is an attachment for the Duffalo Bar from Kabuki Strength. This attachment has pegs that can attach to the sleeves of a specially designed barbell. However, these pegs only work with one very specialized type of barbell. Because most gyms have multiple barbells that could benefit from the use of accommodating resistance, a new method of attachment that can be used with multiple types of bars is needed. 
     Additionally, chains or other weights may be attached to the bar. In one common prior art method, chains are simply draped over the barbell, or they may be attached to specially designed collars with attachment points that are placed on the sleeves either inside or outside the plates. It would be advantageous to have a single device that could be used as an attachment point for both bands and chains. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A device for attaching accommodating resistance to a barbell, such as resistance bands or chains, is disclosed. This device is designed to attach to a barbell by inserting the sleeve of a barbell into an opening in the device, in the same way that the weights slide onto the sleeves of the barbell. Once the device is installed on a barbell, the user is able to easily change resistance bands or add/subtract other weights by means of a peg and/or attachment points on the device. The device may be used for any lift or lifts, but is especially suited to powerlifting movements such as squat, bench press, and deadlift. 
    
    
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       Figures 
         FIG. 1  is a prior art method of attaching resistance bands to a barbell. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of one embodiment of the hanger. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of one embodiment of the hanger. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of a second embodiment of the hanger. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a second embodiment of the hanger. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a third embodiment of the hanger with a resistance band, and anchor, and a barbell. 
     
    
    
     INVENTIVE DEVICE 
     In more detail,  FIG. 2  shows a front view of a first embodiment of hanger  10  and  FIG. 3  shows a side view of the same hanger  10 . Hanger  10  may be of any shape or shapes, but the outer edge  11  of hanger  10  may be is a rectangular, oval, triangular, or oblong shape. Hanger  10  has a first end  12  and a second end  13 . The length of the hanger  10 , that is, the distance between the first end  12  and the second end  13 , is preferably from about 4 inches to about 9 inches, even more preferably from about 5 inches to about 8 inches, even more preferably about 5.5 inches. Hanger  10  has a first side  14  and a second side  15 . The width of the hanger  10 , that is, the distance between the first side  14  and the second side  15  of hanger  10 , is preferably from about 2.5 inches to about 4 inches, more preferably about 3.5 inches. In one embodiment, first side  14  and second side  15  are substantially parallel. Hanger  10  has a first section and a second section. Hanger  10  has a first surface  16  and a second surface  17 . The distance between the first surface  16  and second surface  17 , that is, the thickness of the hanger  10 , is preferably from about 0.180 inch to about 0.5 inch, more preferably from about 0.185 inch to about 0.35 inch, even more preferably about 0.1875 inch to about 0.25 inch. 
     In another embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , first side  14  and second side  15  are not parallel, but are angled so that the distance between the first side  14  and second side  15  is greater than the distance between the first side  14  and the second side  15  in the second section of hanger  10 . In this embodiment, the longest distance from the first side  14  to the second side  15  in the first section of hanger to is preferably from about 2.5 inches to about 4 inches, even more preferably about 3.5 inches. The average distance from the first side  14  to the second side  15  in the second section of hanger to is preferably from about 0.5 inch to about 4 inches, even more preferably from about 1 inch to 2 inches. 
     Barbell opening  20  is positioned in the first section of the hanger  10 . The outer edge  21  of barbell opening  20  is preferably circular. It will be appreciated that barbell opening  20  will be sized according to size of the sleeve of the barbell for which the hanger will be used. For an Olympic barbell having a 2-inch-diameter sleeve, the diameter of barbell opening  20  is preferably at least about 2 inches, more preferably from about 2.01 inches to about 2.1 inches, even more preferably from about 2.02 inches to about 2.015 inches. For a standard barbell having a 1-inch-diameter sleeve, the diameter of the barbell opening  20  is preferably at least about 1 inch, more preferably from about 1.01 inches to about 1.1 inches, even more preferably from about 1.02 inches to about 1.03 inches. Barbell opening  20  is preferably positioned in the hanger such that its center is centered on the width of the hanger  10 , that is, it is equidistant from the first side  14  and the second side  15  of hanger  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the dashed lines indicate the position of the outer edge  21  of bar opening  20  through the thickness of hanger  10 . 
     Peg  30  is positioned in the second section of hanger  10 . Preferably, peg  30  is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a first end  31  with a first diameter and a second end  32  with a second diameter. Peg  30  may be hollow or may be solid. The first end  31  of peg  30  is preferably positioned adjacent to hanger  10  such that its center is centered on the width of the hanger, that is, it is equidistant from the first side  14  and the second side  15  of hanger  10 . Peg  30  is preferably positioned so that its length is substantially perpendicular to the first surface  16  of hanger  10 . Peg  30  may be of one continuous piece, or it may comprise many pieces. Preferably, the diameter of the second end  32  of peg  30  is equal or greater than the first diameter  31  of peg  30 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , peg  30  comprises a bolt  33  that is threaded into the body of hanger  10 , a sleeve  34 , and a washer  35 . In this embodiment, the washer  35  provides a larger diameter at the second end  32  of peg  30  than at the first end  31  of peg  30 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4, 5, and 6  peg  30  is of one continuous piece. In this embodiment, the second end  32  of peg  30  is flared to provide a larger diameter than at first end  31  of peg  30 . 
       FIG. 2  also shows optional attachment openings  40  that may be positioned in the second section of hanger  10 . The outer edge  41  of the attachment openings  40  may be of any number and shape. The attachment openings allow various objects to be attached to the hanger, such as more bands or chains. In many cases, the object is attached using a fastener such as a carabiner, so it will be appreciated that the size of the attachment opening  40  must be of a large enough size that the fastener can pass through the opening. The width of the attachment opening  40  is preferably at least about 0.5 inch, more preferably from about 1 inch to about 1.5 inches, even more preferably from about 1.1 inches to about 1.3 inches. The height of the attachment opening  40  is preferably at least about 0.5 inch, more preferably from about 0.6 inches to about 1 inch. 
     Optionally, hanger  10  may be slightly angled at line  50 . Angle  50  is between the first section and second section of hanger  10 . Angle  50  is preferably positioned from about 2.5 inches from the first end  12  of hanger  10  to about 6 inches from the first end  12  of hanger  10 , more preferably from about 3 inches from the first end  12  of hanger  10  to about 4 inches from the first end  12  of hanger  10 . The angle formed at line  50  will preferably be from about 165 degrees to about 180 degrees, more preferably from about 169 degrees to about 171 degrees with respect to the first surface  16  of hanger  10 . It will be appreciated that more than one angle may be incorporated into hanger  10  to achieve the desired placement of the accommodating resistance. 
       FIG. 6  shows a side view of hanger  10  shown in combination with a barbell sleeve  71  and accommodating resistance in the form of a band  60 . In this view, the position of the barbell sleeve  71  is shown through barbell opening  20 . Band  60  is wrapped around peg  30  and anchor  80 . 
     Bar hanger  10  may be of any material or materials, but is preferably comprised of steel, iron, aluminum, and combinations thereof. The bar hanger  10  may have an optional surface finish such as powder coating or anodizing. 
     It will be appreciated that depending on the material of construction and dimensions, the weight of bar hanger  10  may vary. Bar hanger  10  weighs preferably from about 0.5 pound to about 5 pounds, more preferably from about 1 pound to about 3 pounds, even more preferably from about 2 pounds to about 2.5 pounds. 
     Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the apparatuses described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. 
     Method of Use 
     The bar hanger  10  is used by inserting a sleeve  71  of barbell  70  in to the opening  20  of the bar hanger. When the bar hanger  10  is used in a position on the barbell sleeve closest to the center of barbell  70 , first surface  16  of bar hanger  10  and peg  30  are preferably facing toward the center of the barbell  70 . This allows access to peg  30  when plates are loaded onto the sleeve  71  of the barbell. When weights are placed onto sleeve  71  of barbell  70  closer to the center of barbell  70  than bar hanger  10 , first surface  16  of bar hanger  10  and peg  30  are preferably facing away from the center of the barbell  70 . 
     When a band is used as accommodating resistance  60 , the band is preferably wrapped around peg  30  and is also wrapped around an anchor  80  as shown in  FIG. 6 . When a resistance band is used to add weight to the lift, anchor  80  can include any stationary object that is attached to a point lower than the barbell  70  or is heavier than the force of the resistance band. When a resistance band is used to subtract weight from the lift, anchor  80  can include any stationary point above the barbell  70 . It will be appreciated that when the anchor  80  is above the barbell  70 , that bar hanger  10  will be “upside down,” that is, first end  12  of bar hanger  10  will be closer to the floor than second end  13  of bar hanger  10 . In some embodiments, anchor  80  is a peg attached to a power rack or monolift, or can be part of the structure of the power rack or monolift. In other embodiments, anchor  80  may be a hook or loop anchored to the floor, wall, or ceiling. It will be appreciated that multiple anchors  80  may be used for a single band, that is, one band may be anchored at more than one point. 
     Alternatively, if the accommodating resistance  60  that is used is one or more chains or similar weights, it will be appreciated that no anchor  80  is necessary, as the chains will hang down due to gravity and will provide additional weight to the barbell  70 . In this embodiment, the chains may be attached to peg  30  or to one or more attachment opening  40 . 
     Although one hanger  10  may be used, it is expected that two hangers  10  are to be used with one barbell  70 . A first sleeve  71  of barbell  70  is inserted into bar opening  20  of a first hanger  10 , and a second sleeve  71  of barbell  70  is inserted into bar opening  20  of a second hanger  10 . A first accommodating resistance  60  is attached to the first hanger  10  and an optional first anchor  80 , and a second accommodating resistance  60  is attached to the second hanger  10  and an optional second anchor  80 . It will be appreciated that disc-shaped weights may be placed on the first and second sleeves of barbell  70  adjacent to the first sides of the first and second barbell hanger, the disc-shaped weights may be placed on the first and second sleeves of barbell  70  adjacent to the second sides of the first and second barbell hanger, or a combination thereof. 
     As the lifter moves the barbell, the downward force experienced by the lifter may change through the course of the lift. In arrangements where the anchor  80  is below the barbell, the downward force experienced by the lifter is more than the weight of the barbell and any weights loaded onto the barbell, and the downward force experienced by the lifter is more at the top of the lift than the bottom of the lift. In arrangements where the anchor  80  is above the barbell, the downward force experienced by the lifter is less than the weight of the barbell and any plates loaded onto the barbell, and the downward force experienced by the lifter is more at the top of the lift than the bottom of the lift. Alternatively, bar hanger  10  may be used to freely hang additional chains or weights from barbell  70 , which forces the lifter to accommodate for the additional instability of the weights hanging from the barbell.