Patent Publication Number: US-9427618-B2

Title: Multi-functional barbell

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a nonprovisional of a provisional patent application, Ser. No. 61/906,744, filed on Nov. 20, 2013. The entire content of the provisional patent application is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Weightlifting exercises and related devices or equipment have been used by individuals for various reasons. These equipment or devices may include barbells, weights, exercise machines, etc. For strength building, many have employed the use of barbells, weights and bench to build upper body muscle mass and strength. For example,  FIGS. 1-3  describe just a small sample of exercises, such as back squat, front squat, and bench press, using existing weightlifting bars and weights. 
     While these appear to have been employed for a long time, there are a number of shortcomings. For example, the weights on the weightlifting bar are not movable. As such, in order to use the same weight and the bar setup to exercise different muscle groups, other than those intended groups, will be unlikely, without serious injury. 
     Secondly, the existing arrangements of the weights can be challenging for beginners. For example, the weight distribution and balancing can be difficult and unsafe for the beginners. 
     Others have attempted to modify the existing bar by providing a special contour shaped bar, such as the one shown in  FIG. 4 . This modified bar, while resolving the balancing problem, creates a new problem by unable to use existing rack to hold the modified bar at the resting position. In addition, the modified bar is a “one-size-fits-all” design that may not be suitable for all users. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspect of the invention overcome the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a multi-functional barbell for weight training purposes with a slidable cam or weight redistribution plate that redistributes the weight lower than previous position on the weightlifting bar. In addition, the multi-functional barbell employs existing weightlifting bar size and measure, so the barbell may be placed on existing rack as well as using the existing weight size for the free weights. 
     According to embodiments of the invention, the multi-functional barbell includes a “moveable” or “slidable” dropdown cam or weight redistribution plate that hang on the bar that holds the weight plates. In addition, the embodiments of the invention include a shoulder padded structure as an additional attachment, as well as other attachments, to be attached to the bar. For example, the attachment may include a tube with connecting points to the cam along with a spring such that a user may slide the tube along the bar while biasing the spring. This may be helpful in assisting exercises of chest muscles while bench pressing or while the bar is just sitting on the rack that holds the bar. So, now the bar could be used for multiple purposes, without needing additional set of other exercise devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1-4  illustrate prior art of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of a multi-functional apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of a multi-functional apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of a cam of the multi-functional apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of the cam in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a top view of a linear bearing according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross-section view of a shaft collar according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of a multi-functional apparatus with weights according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-section of a shoulder padding attachment according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a side view of a multi-functional apparatus  500  according to one embodiment of the invention is shown. In this example, the apparatus  500  may be referring to the set of equipment centering around a weightlifting bar  502 , a set of cams  504 , a set of shaft collars  506 , and a linear bearing  508 . In another embodiment, the apparatus  500  may refer to a system that includes a weightlifting bar  502 , a cam or weight redistribution plate  504 , a set of shaft collars  506 , and a linear bearing  508 . It is to be understood that throughout this document, the apparatus  500  and the system  500  may be used interchangeably without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5 , the weightlifting bar  502  may be 7 foot long (standard length of most barbells) with 30 mm diameter round bar. In one embodiment, the weightlifting bar  502  may be made from  1144  stress proof steel. In another embodiment, for strength to be able to handle significant weight, the weightlifting bar  502  may be grounded and polished for smooth finish. The set of cams  504  may be dropped down from the weightlifting bar  502  or hung from the weightlifting bar  502 . The set of cams  504  includes an opening  702  and a weight loading bar  510  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ). In one embodiment, the material used for the weight loading bar  510  may be the same as the weightlifting bar  502 . In another embodiment, the weight loading bar  510  may be about 15.5 inches long. In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the weight loading bar  510  may be substantially perpendicular to the cam or weight redistribution plate  504 . In one embodiment, the weight loading bar  510  fits through the standard opening for free weight plates  1102 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . In this example, the diameter of the weight loading bar  510  is about 2 inches. In other words, the weight loading bar  510  is welded into an opening that is slightly larger than 2 inches, if the weight loading bar  510  and the cam or weight redistribution plate  504  are not constructed as one piece. The welding provides the load bearing capacity to weight loading bar  510 . 
     In one example, the opening  702  of the cam or weight redistribution plate  504  has a size big enough to fit the linear bearing  508 . In one embodiment, the linear bearing  508  slides on the weightlifting bar  502 . In another embodiment, the linear bearing  508  may be of about 68 mm long with a diameter of about 30 mm inside and an outside diameter of about 47 mm outside pressed into steel tubes. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , an inner diameter of the linear bearing  508  may be slightly bigger than that of the diameter of the weightlifting bar  502  such that the linear bearing  508  may be slidable along the weightlifting bar  502 . In another embodiment, the cam or weight redistribution plate  504  and the linear bearing  508  may be constructed as one unit by fitting the linear bearing  508  in the opening  702 . In another embodiment, the linear bearing  508  may include a central tube structure with bearings inserted in each end of the tube. 
     The apparatus  500  further includes the set of shaft collars  506  to restrict movements of the cam or weight redistribution plate  504 . For example, for each of the cams  504  shown in  FIG. 5 , a set of two shaft collars  506  may be used to prevent the sliding of the cam or weight redistribution plate  504 . In one embodiment, the shaft collar  506  includes a locking mechanism  1002 , such as a bolt, as shown in  FIG. 10 , that may be tighten or loosen the grip of the shaft collar  506  on the weightlifting bar  502 . In another embodiment, the shaft collar  506  may be incorporated into the linear bearing  508  as one unit. In another embodiment if the linear bearing  508  is incorporated into the cam as one unit, the shaft collar  506  may be further constructed as a part of the cam or weight redistribution plate  504  such that the locking mechanism  1002  on each ends of the opening  702  of the cam  502  may restrict the movements of the cam or weight redistribution plate  504  on the weightlifting bar  502 . 
     In one embodiment, the cam or weight redistribution plate  504  is made of steel and has a length of about 17 inches and a thickness of about 0.5 inches. In one embodiment, the length of the cam or weight redistribution plate  504  is at least 17 inches. It is to be understood that the distance between the weightlifting bar  502  and the cam or weight redistribution plate  504  is at least the radius of the weight plates. In another embodiment, the opening  702  has a diameter of about 47.5 mm. It is to be understood that other shapes for the cam or weight redistribution plate  504  may be modified without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a plurality of attachments may be used in connection with the system  500 . For example, the cam or weight redistribution plate  504  may include a base connecting point  608 . In one embodiment, the base connecting point  608  may be an eye bolt. The base connecting point  608  may be disposed on or near the apex of the cam or weight redistribution plate  504 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 6 , an attachment piece  602  may be used to slidably engage with the weightlifting bar  502 . In this example, the attachment piece  602  includes a handle  606  and a second connecting point  604 . The handle  606  may be padded for easy of grip. The second connecting point  604  may be another eye bolt. The second connecting point  604  further engages with a spring  612 . In one example, one end of the spring  612  is engaged with or coupled with the base connecting point  608  and the other end of the spring  612  is engaged with or coupled with the second connecting point  604 . As such, a user may exert force by holding on the handle  606  of the attachment piece  602  to slide the attachment piece  606  toward or away from the cam or weight redistribution plate  504  while biasing against the spring  612 . The force exerted on the handle  606  becomes another means to exercise the muscle mass near the chest area. 
     In another embodiment, the attachment piece  602  may be padded, either completely or partially, on its outer surface. In this example, the user may also hold or grip on the padded attachment piece  602  to move toward or away from the cam or weight redistribution plate  504  to the same chest muscle workouts. 
     It is to be understood that, as seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in order to insert the attachment piece  602 , the user needs to slide the attachment piece  602  from the ends of the weightlifting bar  502  before sliding the shaft collars  506 , the linear bearing  508 , and the second shaft collar  506 . As such, the apparatus  500  provides a great flexibility of the standard weightlifting bar and free weights by allowing the weights to be added or loaded on the weight loading bar  510 . The cam or the weight redistribution plate  504  is adjustable or slidable on the weightlifting bar  502 . This enables the user to adjust not only the balance easier but also may create different resistance regiment that targets specific muscle groups that normal weight lifting workouts can&#39;t achieve. 
     Aspects of the invention provide an alternative to weightlifters if one is stuck at bottom of lift and cannot get up. As such, embodiments of the invention enable you to simply set it safety on the rack or push the weights off behind you while you move your body forward out of the way. Current implementations of the invention also provide for a better balance of the weight bar while it is on your back, and it also provides the ability to adjust the width of the pads for different size lifters. 
     Embodiments of the invention further avoid or move away from the use of an exercise machine because the machine takes away the need for “balancing” of muscles. It takes away your body responding and adapting however it needs to, based upon your unique characteristics (flexibility, structure, strengths, weaknesses, etc.). A machine forces every user to the same planes of movement. The user has to adapt to the machine. The machine does not have to adapt to the user. 
     In one embodiment, one attachment that may be used with the weightlifting bar  502  is a shoulder padding or a “over the shoulder device,” should as the shoulder padding  1202  shown in  FIG. 12 . This is an attempt to lessen the discomfort that comes with squatting. For example, it is not as big of an issue for weightlifters who have developed the trapezius muscles between the base of their neck and the tops of their shoulders. These muscles, for those folks, can act as a “table” that the weight can sit on. A more developed trapezius muscle helps alleviate some of the discomfort. But for the majority of people who don&#39;t have the muscle in that area, the shoulder padding comes in a shape of an open trapezoid shape or a reverse cup shape such that the shoulders fit into the padding. 
     According to another embodiment, the weight plates hanging off the cam or weight redistribution plate  504  make the squat feel a little different. It had to do with a lower center of gravity. 
     In one example, the attachment piece  602  may be of about 12 inch pieces in length and may be made of steel tubing with an outside diameter of about two inches and inside diameter of about 47 mm. People have been able to squat for leg muscle development for years using the traditional bar in the traditional way and have been able to bench press for years using the traditional bar in the traditional way, as shown in the prior art. However, aspects of the invention enable these individuals to weightlift while reducing discomfort while squatting, or enable individuals who are interested in the improved balance that aspects of the invention provide or interested in the added stress/muscle activation put on the chest muscles while bench pressing. 
     When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
     In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained. 
     As various changes could be made in the above apparatuses and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.