Patent Publication Number: US-6217494-B1

Title: Adjustable revolving-weight lifting bar

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a rotatable exercise bar of the type having handgrip sections which are both longitudinally and transversely offset from each other and which are gripped by the user who uses them to rotate the bar about a generally horizontal axis. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Rotary exercise bars have existed for many years as aids for developing not only a person&#39;s arm muscles, but muscles throughout the body. Conventional rotary exercise bars are provided with a pair of handgrip sections that are longitudinally and transversely offset from each other. Handgrips are rotatably mounted on the handgrip sections of the bar and are used to rotate the exercise bar by manipulation in the manner of pedals of a bicycle or the cranks on a two-handed sailboat winch. Outboard extensions from the handgrip sections are provided to support weights. 
     While holding the exercise bar in a generally horizontal orientation, the user grasps the handgrips that are disposed about the handgrip sections of the exercise bar. While holding the exercise bar at about chest level, the user pushes outward with one hand while pulling inward with the other hand. This action rotates the exercise bar about a generally horizontal axis lying somewhere in between the axes of the two transversely displaced handgrip sections of the bar. As the user&#39;s muscles are developed, it is typically advisable to increase the amount of weight on the outboard ends of the revolving weight-lifting bar to further enhance muscle development. 
     A very major problem that exists with conventional revolving or rotatable weight-lifting bars is that the handgrips are located at fixed distances of both longitudinal and transverse separation from each other. While these distances of separation may be appropriate for one user whose arms are of a particular length and who has a particular physique, the longitudinal and transverse distances of separation of the handgrip may be totally inappropriate for a person whose arms are of even a slightly different length, or who has even a slightly different physique. 
     When the distances of longitudinal and transverse separation between the handgrips of a revolving weight-lifting bar are too long or too short for the user, the transverse connecting section between the two handgrip sections of the bar will often strike the user&#39;s wrists, elbows, or forearms as the bar is rotated. This is both annoying and unpleasant for the user, and can result in painful bruises. Also, the contact between the transverse connection section of the weight-lifting bar and the user&#39;s wrists, elbows, and forearms disrupts the rhythm of rotation of the bar and reduces the effectiveness of muscle development. Additionally, an individual can experience muscle strain due to inappropriate handgrip separation distances. Also, inadequate muscle development may result. In addition, if the distances are not comfortable for the user, rotation of the revolving weight-lifting bar is often extremely wobbly. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention involves an improved revolving or rotatable weight-lifting bar in which both the longitudinal and transverse distances of separation between the handgrip sections of the bar are adjustable. As a consequence, it is a relatively simple matter for the user to bring the handgrips closer together or separate them further apart both longitudinally and transversely, and to maintain the selected distances of separation until changes in those distances are desired. 
     A revolving or rotatable weight-lifting bar according to the invention can be customized for use by different individuals, and customized for use even by a single individual utilizing different weights on the outboard ends of the rotatable bar. As a result, the user totally avoids the disconcerting, and sometimes painful, impacts that result from rotation of the bar with the handgrips located in inappropriately spaced positions from each other. 
     Adjustment of the handgrip positions on the rotatable weight-lifting bar of the invention can be performed very easily and in a minimum of time. The clamps and locking members that are employed may take the form of set screws, locking pins, or any other conventional locking, latching, or catch mechanisms that may be utilized to releaseably secure members together. 
     In one broad aspect, the present invention may be considered to be an improvement in a rotatable exercise device. Such a device includes an elongated bar having a transverse section and a pair of longitudinal handgrip sections extending in opposite directions from opposite ends of the transverse section so that the handgrip sections are longitudinally and transversely offset from each other. Separate handgrips are disposed coaxially about and are rotatable relative to the handgrip sections of the elongated bar. According to the improvement of the invention, at least one of the handgrips is shorter in length than an associated handgrip section about which it is coaxially disposed. This handgrip is slidably positionable along its associated handgrip section at alternative selected longitudinal distances from the transverse section of the elongated bar. At least one clamp is provided for longitudinally immobilizing the handgrip relative to its associated handgrip section of the elongated bar. Nevertheless, the clamp permits free relative rotation between the handgrip and the elongated bar. 
     Preferably, both of the handgrip sections are provided with adjustable handgrips of this type. That is, both handgrips are preferably shorter in length than the associated handgrip sections about which they are respectively coaxially disposed and both of the handgrips are slidably positionable along their respective associated handgrip sections. At least one clamp is provided for each of the handgrips. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are a pair of clamps for each adjustable handgrip. The clamps in each pair include inboard and outboard retaining rings disposed about the associated handgrip section at opposite ends of the handgrip. The retaining rings encircle the associated handgrip section and abut the ends of the handgrip located therebetween. Each retaining ring has a radial, internally tapped bore defined therein. The clamps further include set screws engaged in the radial bores of the retaining rings. The retaining rings are located at the opposing ends of each handgrip so that the handgrip is longitudinally entrapped between the retaining rings. 
     When the set screws are tightened, they immobilize the retaining rings relative to the associated handgrip section of the elongated bar. Thus, the handgrip, which is rotatable relative to the handgrip section of the elongated bar, may be moved either closer inboard or closer outboard to the transverse section of the bar that joins the handgrip sections together. This adjusts the longitudinal distance of separation between the handgrips. Preferably also, indicia are spaced at equal longitudinal intervals along each of the handgrip sections to provide visual aids in selecting the longitudinal distance of separation of each of the handgrips from the transverse section of the elongated bar. The transverse distance of separation between the handgrip sections of the elongated bar is also adjustable. 
     In another broad aspect, the invention may be considered to be a rotatable exercise device comprising an elongated bar formed with a pair of linear handgrip sections residing in mutually parallel alignment with each other and longitudinally and transversely offset from each other. Each of the handgrip sections has an outboard end for receiving weights thereon and an opposite inboard end. A connecting sections joins and extends between the inboard ends of the handgrip sections. The connecting section is formed of a pair of telescoping members, one of which fits slidingly within the other. The connecting section is provided with at least one and preferably a pair of locking members. 
     The locking members are engageable to immobilize the telescoping members relative to each other. The locking members are alternatively releaseable to permit the telescoping members to be extended and retracted relative to each other, thereby allowing the length of the connection section to be selectively adjusted. Preferably the locking members are formed as a pair of locking pins coaxially aligned relative to each other and engaging both the inner and outer telescoping members from diametrically opposite sides thereof. 
     At least one of the telescoping members is provided with either a plurality of openings therethrough or with detents therein to provide selected steps of adjustment of the extent to which the inner telescoping member extends into and protrudes from the outer telescoping member. Alternatively, the locking means may take the form of a wedging mechanism interposed between the inner and outer telescoping members. In any event, the extent of longitudinal extension and retraction between the telescoping members may be altered as desired when the locking mechanism is released. When the locking mechanism is engaged, the two telescoping members of the transverse connecting section of the rotatable elongated bar are immobilized relative to each other. 
     The invention may be described with greater clarity and particularity with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the rotatable exercise device of the invention in which the longitudinal distance of offset between the handgrips is adjustable. 
     FIG. 2 is an end view of the rotatable exercise device shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the rotatable exercise device shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view thereof. 
     FIG. 5 is a sectional elevational view all of one of the handgrips of the rotatable exercise device of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adjustable rotatable exercise device in which both the longitudinal and the transverse offset distances of separation between the handgrips is adjustable. 
     FIG. 7 is an end view of the adjustable rotatable exercise device of FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the device of FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the device of FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 10 is a sectional elevational detail of a portion of the transverse connecting section of the adjustable rotatable exercise device of FIG.  6 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an adjustable rotatable exercise device indicated generally at  10 . The rotatable exercise device  10  includes an elongated stainless steel bar  12 , typically between about three and six feet in length overall and having a diameter of between about one and two inches. The elongated bar  12  is formed as a solid rod and is bent to form a pair of straight linear handgrip sections  14  and  16 . The linear handgrip sections  14  and  16  reside in mutually parallel alignment with each other. The handgrip sections  14  and  16  are longitudinally offset from each other by a distance L, which may be about two inches, as illustrated in FIG.  4 . The handgrip sections  12  and  14  are also transversely offset from each other by a distance T, indicated in FIG.  2 . The transverse offset distance T may, for example, be between about five inches and about 12 inches. 
     Each of the handgrip sections  14  and  16  of the elongated bar  12  has an outboard end  18  and an inboard end  20 . The outboard end  18  is adapted to receive annular shaped weights thereon. The weights are conventional and slide onto the outboard end  18  of both of the handgrip sections  14  and  16  and are held in position by conventional fasteners. 
     The elongated bar  12  also includes a connecting section  22  which has elbows at both ends that are joined to the longitudinally extending handgrip sections  14  and  16 . The connecting section  22  may, for example, be about ten inches in length. The connecting section  22  is oriented transversely relative to the handgrip sections  14  and  16 , and, in the embodiments illustrated, is perpendicular thereto. In those embodiments of the invention in which the transverse section forms an angle of less than ninety degrees relative to the handgrip sections, the distance of longitudinal offset L between the handgrip sections will be increased from that illustrated. 
     The adjustable rotatable exercise device  10  also has a pair of tubular annular handgrips  24  and  26  which are formed as sleeves as illustrated in FIG.  5 . Each of the handgrips  24  and  26  rides upon a pair of annular bearings  28  that are located at both the inboard and outboard ends of the handgrips  24  and  26 . The bearings  28  are set into annular recesses in the inner, cylindrical walls of the handgrip ends. As a consequence, the handgrips  24  and  26  freely rotate upon the bearings  28  about the handgrip sections  14  and  16 , respectively. 
     The handgrips  24  and  26  are shorter than the handgrip sections  14  and  16  of the elongated bar  12 . Typically the handgrips  24  and  26  are each about six inches in length, while the handgrip sections  14  and  16  are each about 24 inches in length. Each of the handgrips  24  and  26  is disposed about and resides in rotatable engagement with a separate, associated one of the handgrip sections  14  and  16 . That is, the handgrip  24  is coaxially disposed about its associated handgrip section  14  of the elongated bar  12 , while the handgrip  26  is disposed coaxially about its associated handgrip section  16 . 
     At least one, and preferably both all of the handgrips  24  and  26  are also movable along their associated handgrip sections  14  and  16 , respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 5, each of the handgrip sections  14  and  16  includes a plurality of indicia  30 , which are spaced at equal longitudinal intervals along each of the handgrip sections  14  and  16  to provide visual aids in selecting a longitudinal distance of separation for each of the handgrips  24  and  26  from the transverse section  22  of the elongated bar  12 . Preferably, the indicia  30  are spaced a distance of about one-half of one inch apart. The indicia  30  may be formed as arcuate scribe marks spaced at uniform, predetermined intervals along the outer surfaces of both of the handgrip sections  14  and  16 . 
     Each of the handgrips  24  and  26  must be provided with at least one, and preferably a pair of clamps  32  and  34 . The clamps  32  and  34  longitudinally immobilize the handgrips  24  and  26  relative to their associated handgrip sections  14  and  16 , respectively. Nevertheless, the clamps  32  permit the relative rotation of the handgrips  24  and  26  about the axes  15  and  17  of their respective handgrip sections  14  and  16 . The clamps  32  include an inboard retaining ring  36  while the clamps  34  include an outboard retaining ring  38 . The retaining rings  36  and  38  are disposed about their associated handgrip sections  14  and  16  at opposite ends of the handgrips  24  and  26 , as illustrated in FIGS. 1,  3 , and  5 . 
     Each of the retaining rings  36  and  38  has a radial internally tapped bore  40  defined through its cylindrical annular wall. The clamps  32  and  34  further include set screws  42  engaged in the radial bores  40 . When the set screws  42  are tightened, they immobilize the retaining rings  36  and  38  relative to their associated handgrip sections of the elongated bar  12  upon which the retaining rings  36  and  38  are mounted. The clamps  32  and  34  reside in abutting relationship against the bearings  28 . 
     To adjust the longitudinal distance of separation between the handgrips  24  and  26 , the set screws  42  of the clamps  32  and  34  on one or both of the handgrip sections  14  and  16  are loosened. The handgrip  24 , the handgrip  26 , or both handgrips are moved in a sliding manner along their respective handgrip sections  14  and  16  to a selected location relative to the indicia  30  thereon. By loosening the clamps  32  and  34 , slidably repositioning the handgrips  24  and  26  along the handgrip sections  14  and  16  of the elongated bar  12 , respectively, and by retightening the set screws  42  the user is able to adjust the distance of longitudinal separation between the handgrips  24  and  26  from as little as about two inches to as much as about 15 inches. The ability to adjust the positions of the handgrips  24  and  26  along the lengths of the handgrip sections  14  and  16  allows the user to customize the rotatable exercise device  10  in accordance with the user&#39;s shoulder width, arm length and overall physique. In the embodiments illustrated, the handgrips  24  and  26  are both shown positioned quite close to the transverse connecting section  22 . However, it is to be understood that they can be moved much further toward the outboard ends  18  of the handgrip sections  14  and  16 , if desired. 
     The embodiment of the rotatable exercise device illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 allows a user to adjust the longitudinal distance of separation between the handgrips  24  and  26 , but not the transverse distance of handgrip separation. FIGS. 6-9 of the drawings illustrate another embodiment of a rotatable exercise device  50  that permits not only adjustment of the longitudinal distance of separation between the handgrips  24  and  26 , as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, but also adjustment of the transverse distance of handgrip separation T. 
     The rotatable exercise device  50  includes the same handgrip sections  14  and  16 , the same handgrips  24  and  26 , and the same clamps  32  and  34  as the rotatable exercise device  10 . However, the connecting section  52  of the rotatable exercise device  50  is also adjustable. 
     The rotatable exercise device  50  is formed of two separate rods  51  and  53  that respectively form the handgrip sections  24  and  26 , and an intermediate connecting section  52 . The transverse connecting section  52  of the exercise device  50  is comprised of an outer telescoping member  54  and an inner telescoping member  56 , as illustrated in FIG.  10 . The outer telescoping member  54  has a cylindrical, tubular, annular wall and is joined to the inboard end  20  of the handgrip section  14 . The inner telescoping member  56  is also of cylindrical tubular, annular construction, and is joined to the inboard end  20  of the handgrip section  16 . The inner telescoping member  56  is at least partially disposed within the outer telescoping member  54 . The extremity of the inner telescoping member  56  remote from the handgrip section  16  fits slidably within the outer telescoping member  54 . The telescoping members  54  and  56  are slidingly engaged with each other so that they are advanceable and retractable relative to each other in order to vary the distance of transverse offset between the handgrip sections  24  and  26 . 
     The transverse section  52  includes releaseable locking elements for immobilizing the telescoping members  54  and  56  relative to each other. In the rotatable exercise device  50  the releaseable locking elements include diametrically opposed radial openings  58  in the side wall of the inner, hollow, tubular telescoping member  56  and a plurality of pairs of diametrically opposed, internally tapped radial openings  60  in the outer telescoping member  54 . The tapped openings  60  are spaced lengthwise along the wall of the tubular, annular structure of the outer telescoping member  54  on diametrically opposite sides of the wall thereof. Locking screws  62 , having threaded shanks, serve as locking pins or members. The shanks of the screws  62  are engaged in a selected pair of the tapped openings  60  in the outer telescoping member  54 . The screws  62  are also radially aligned with the openings  58  in the inner telescoping member  56 . The screws  62  are then threadably advanced inwardly into and through the selected tapped bores  60  in the outer telescoping member  54  and into the openings  58  in the inner telescoping tube  56 , which are brought into alignment therewith. 
     By utilizing the adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 10, a user can adjust the length T of the connecting section  52  of the rotatable exercise bar  50  to vary the transverse distance of separation between the handgrip sections  14  an  16  from as little as about five inches to as much as about 15 inches. By adjusting the transverse distance of separation between the handgrips  24  and  26  in the rotatable exercise device  50  the user can customize the stroke of the pushing and pulling action exerted by gripping the handgrips  24  and  26  and alternatingly pushing out and pulling in each handgrip  24  and  26 . 
     As is evident in FIGS. 6-10, the rotatable exercise device  50  has handgrips  24  and  26  that can be adjusted in both longitudinal distance of separation from each other and transverse distance of separation from each other. A user is thus afforded considerable flexibility in customizing the rotatable exercise device  50  to accommodate variations in physique, arm length, shoulder width, strength, coordination and other variables between individual users. 
     The rotatable exercise device according to the invention provides a user with increased flexibility and comfort in performing weight lifting and muscular exercises. The adjustment mechanisms for selectively varying the longitudinal and the transverse distances of separation between the handgrips provides the improved exercise bar of the invention with unique and distinct advantages as contrasted with conventional rotary exercise bars. 
     Undoubtedly, numerous variations and modifications of the invention will become readily apparent to those familiar with rotary exercise bars. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments depicted and described in the drawing figures.