Patent Description:
This specification relates to a barbell.

A mobile weight training system can include a mobile barbell, several weight holders, and a system of filler bags. The filler bags can be filled with various readily available materials (e.g., sand, dirt, water, gravel, etc.) and inserted into the weight holders to create weights for use with the barbell. The system of filler bags can include several filler bags of different sizes, each size designed to hold an approximate weight of a material. For example, such a mobile weight training system can include enough weight holders and filler bags to produce <NUM> pounds of weight when filled, but with a travel weight (e.g., weight of the system with empty filler bags) not much greater that the weight of the barbell alone. Consequently, the weight training system may be adaptable to a user's needs while minimizing the storage weight and size of the system.

A first general aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a barbell including a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion, where the middle portion is couplable to the first end portion and the second end portion along only a portion of a length of the corresponding male coupling. The first and second coupling mechanisms can include plunger buttons and corresponding holes. The first and second coupling mechanisms can include pins. The first and second coupling mechanisms can include locking sleeves. The female coupling of the first end portion and the male coupling of the second end portion can be corresponding couplings so as to couple the first end portion with the second end portion without the middle portion.

The first end portion can be configured to hold a weight at an end of the first end portion opposite the female coupling on the first end portion, and the second end portion can be configured to hold a weight at an end of the second end portion opposite the male coupling on the second end portion. The barbell can include a first cylindrical collar coaxially attached to the first end portion, the first collar having a channel formed around an outer circumference of the collar, and a second a second cylindrical collar coaxially attached to the second end portion, the second collar having a channel formed around an outer circumference of the collar.

A weight sensing device can be mounted on one of the first end portion or the second end portion. The weight sensing device can be a mechanical scale. The weight sensing device can be integrated into a collar attached to the first end portion or the second end portion. The weight sensing device can be a pressure sensor communicatively coupled to an electronic display.

A second general aspect, combinable with the first general aspect, can be embodied in an exercise weight including a flexible weight holder having a plurality of sealable chambers, the chambers arranged along a length of the weight holder and oriented transverse to the length of the weight holder, and each chamber having a closure device for securing one or more weights within each chamber. One or more straps attached to a first end of the weight holder, the first end being transverse to the length of the weight holder. And, one or more strap fastening devices attached at a second end of the weight holder, the second end being transverse to the length of the weight holder, where the weight holder is rolled into a cylinder shape when each of the straps are fastened to corresponding ones of the strap fastening devices.

This and other implementations can each optionally include one or more of the following features. The strap fastening devices can be hook and loop fasteners, where the straps include one of the hooks or the loops of the hook and loop fasteners and the other of the hooks of the loops of the hook and loop fasteners are attached to a surface of the weight holder at the second end.

The strap fastening devices can include one of double D-rings, buckles, clips, or snaps. At least one handle can be attached to a surface of the weight holder. The weight holder, when rolled into the cylinder shape, can define an passage running transverse to the length of the weight holder, such that the weight holder can be wrapped around an end of a barbell.

A third general aspect, combinable with any of the previous aspects, can be embodied in a weight training system including a barbell and two or more exercise weights. The barbell including a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion couplable to the first end portion and the second end portion. The middle portion having a male coupling extending from a first end of the middle portion, the male coupling providing a first coupling mechanism that engages with a corresponding female coupling of the first end portion, and a female coupling providing a second coupling mechanism that engages with a corresponding male coupling of the second end portion. Each of the two or more exercise weights including a flexible weight holder having a plurality of chambers, the chambers arranged along a length of the weight holder and oriented transverse to the length of the weight holder, and each chamber having a closure device for securing one or more weights within each chamber, one or more straps attached to a first end of the weight holder, the first end being transverse to the length of the weight holder, and one or more strap fastening devices attached at a second end of the weight holder, the second end being transverse to the length of the weight holder, wherein the weight holder is rolled into a cylinder shape when each of the straps are fastened to corresponding ones of the strap fastening devices.

This and other implementations can each optionally include one or more of the following features. A plurality of filler bags, each filler bag being sized to accommodate an amount of a material that approximates a weight of each filler bag, and each filler bag fitting within the chambers of the weight holders. The material can be one of water, sand, dirt, or gravel.

A fourth general aspect, combinable with any of the previous aspects, can be embodied in a method of assembling a weight training system including the steps of assembling a barbell by: coupling a male coupling of a first end portion to a female coupling of a middle portion, and coupling a male coupling of the middle portion to a female coupling of a second end portion. Assembling a first weight for the barbell by: adding a material to a filler bag and sealing the filler bag, inserting the filler bag in a chamber of a first weight holder, and sealing the chamber of the weight holder. And, attaching the first weight to the barbell by wrapping the first weight holder around the first end portion or the second end portion, and securing straps on the first weight holder to corresponding strap fasteners on the first weight holder.

This and other implementations can each optionally include one or more of the following features. Assembling a second weight for the barbell by: adding a material to a second filler bag and sealing the second filler bag, inserting the second filler bag in a chamber of a second weight holder, and sealing the chamber of the second weight holder. Attaching the second weight to the barbell by placing a handle of a second weight holder into a channel of a collar on the first end portion or the second end portion of the barbell. Attaching the second weight to the barbell by wrapping the second weight holder around the first weight, and securing straps on the second weight holder to corresponding strap fasteners on the second weight holder.

Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented so as to realize one or more of the following advantages. Implementations may provide a compact and light-weight weight training system. Implementations may be adaptable to different training styles. Further, implementations may permit use with both conventional plate weights and non-conventional weights with a barbell.

Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the embodiments.

<FIG> depicts an example mobile weight training system <NUM> in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure. The system <NUM> includes a collapsible barbell <NUM>, a set of weight holders <NUM>, a system of filler bags <NUM>, and a case <NUM> that can double as a weight-bench. The filler bags <NUM> can be filled with various readily available materials such as, but not limited to, sand, dirt, water, or gravel, and attached to the weight holders <NUM> to create weights for use with the barbell. The weight holders <NUM> can be attached to the barbell <NUM> by wrapping the weight holders <NUM> around the ends of the barbell <NUM> or, in some examples, by hanging the weight holders <NUM> from the barbell using a handle on the weight holder <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>).

The system of filler bags <NUM> can include several filler bags <NUM> of different sizes, each size designed to hold an approximate weight of material (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> pounds, wherein <NUM> Pound corresponds to <NUM>,<NUM>). For example, such a mobile weight training system <NUM> can include enough weight holders <NUM> and filler bags <NUM> to produce <NUM> pounds of weight when filled (e.g., <NUM> weight holders, <NUM> - 15lb bags, <NUM> - 10lb bags, and <NUM> - 5lb bags, wherein <NUM> lb corresponds to <NUM>,<NUM>), but with a travel weight (e.g., weight of the system with empty filler bags) not much greater that the weight of the barbell <NUM> alone.

<FIG> depict various views of an example mobile barbell <NUM> in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure. <FIG> show various configurations of the barbell <NUM>, and <FIG> shows the barbell <NUM> with weight holders <NUM> attached. Referring first to <FIG>, the barbell <NUM> can be broken down into three separate parts (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for storage and travel. The parts include two end portions (female end portion <NUM> and male end portion <NUM>) and a middle portion <NUM>. Each end portion <NUM>, <NUM> has either a male coupling 210a (male end portion <NUM>) or a female coupling 210b (female end portion <NUM>). The middle section <NUM> has a male coupling 210a at one end and a female coupling 210b the opposite end. The couplings 210a, 210b secure the end portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the barbell to the middle portion <NUM>. Specifically, to assemble the barbell <NUM>, the male coupling 210a on the male end portion <NUM> fastens to the female coupling 210b of the middle portion <NUM>, and the female coupling 210b of female end portion <NUM> fastens to the male coupling 210a of the middle portion <NUM>. As described in more detail below in reference to <FIG>, the couplings 210a, 210b can include any of several different coupling mechanisms (e.g., threading, pins, or plunger buttons) to fasten the parts of the barbell <NUM> together.

<FIG> depict detail and perspective views, respectively, of each of the parts (portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the barbell <NUM>. <FIG> show detail and perspective views of the female end portion <NUM>. The female end portion <NUM> includes a collar <NUM> and a hollow cylindrical sleeve <NUM> attached coaxially to the female end portion <NUM>. Either the collar <NUM>, the sleeve <NUM>, or both can be attached to the female end portion <NUM> such that they are free to rotate around the female end portion <NUM>. For example, the collar <NUM> and sleeve <NUM> can be mounted on bearings (e.g., brass bushings) placed between the female end portion <NUM>, and the collar and sleeve <NUM>. In some examples, the collar <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> can form a single assembly, for example, by affixing the collar <NUM> to the sleeve (e.g., by welding or press fitting the two together). In some implementations, the sleeve <NUM> and collar <NUM> can be formed in one piece. For example, the sleeve <NUM> and collar <NUM> be machined from one piece of material.

In some examples, a seal <NUM> (e.g., a gasket or V-seal) can be placed between the female end portion <NUM> and the collar <NUM>, and/or between the female end portion <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> to prevent debris from fouling the bearings and impeding the rotation of the collar <NUM> and/or the sleeve <NUM>. In some examples, the V-seal is mounted axially on the bar, with a lip in contact with the bushing inside the collar/sleeve assembly to prevent debris from fouling the bushing from the interior side of the collar/sleeve assembly.

<FIG> show detail and perspective views of the male end portion <NUM>. The male end portion <NUM> includes a collar <NUM> and a hollow cylindrical sleeve <NUM> attached coaxially to the male end portion <NUM>. Either the collar <NUM>, the sleeve <NUM>, or both can be attached to the male end portion <NUM> such that they are free to rotate around the female end portion <NUM>. For example, the collar <NUM> and sleeve <NUM> can be mounted on bearings placed between male end portion <NUM>, and the collar and sleeve <NUM>. As noted above, in some examples, the collar <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> can form a single assembly, for example, by affixing the collar <NUM> to the sleeve (e.g., by welding or press fitting the two together). In some implementations, the sleeve <NUM> and collar <NUM> can be formed in one piece. For example, the sleeve <NUM> and collar <NUM> be machined from one piece of material.

In some examples, a seal <NUM> (e.g., a gasket or v-seal) can be placed between the male end portion <NUM> and the collar <NUM>, and/or between male end portion <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> to prevent debris from fouling the bearings and impeding the rotation of the collar <NUM> and/or the sleeve <NUM>. In some examples, the V-seal is mounted axially on the bar, with a lip in contact with the bushing inside the collar/sleeve assembly to prevent debris from fouling the bushing from the interior side of the collar/sleeve assembly.

As shown in <FIG>, the weight holders <NUM> are attached to the sleeves <NUM> of the barbell <NUM>. Further, the sleeves <NUM> can have a diameter similar to industry standard Olympic barbell sleeves of, for example, <NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> inches, such that the barbell <NUM> can be used with standard weights in addition to the weight holders <NUM>. In addition to serving as a stopper for weights placed on the sleeves <NUM>, the collars <NUM> can serve as a hanger for additional weight holders <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). For example, referring again to <FIG>, the collar <NUM> has a channel <NUM> formed in the outer surface and running along the circumference of the collar <NUM>. The channel <NUM> can be sized to cradle a handle on the weight holders <NUM>, thereby preventing a weight holder <NUM> hung from the barbell <NUM> from sliding during lifts.

In some implementations, as shown in <FIG>, the barbell <NUM>, when fully assembled, has standard Olympic dimensions, for example, <NUM> (<NUM>. 2ft) long and weighing <NUM> (44lb), however, implementations may vary in weight and length, for example, to suit differing training routines. In some implementations, the barbell <NUM> can be slightly longer than an Olympic barbell, for example, to accommodate the longer weight holders <NUM> the sleeves <NUM> can be extended an appropriate distance, as compared to a standard Olympic barbell. In addition, the two end portions <NUM>, <NUM> can be fastened together without the middle portion <NUM> by, for example, coupling the respective male 210a and female 210b couplings of the male <NUM> and female <NUM> end portions together to form a shorter barbell <NUM>, for example, a curl bar (as shown in <FIG>).

Although a barbell <NUM> made up of three separate portions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is shown, in some examples, the barbell <NUM> can be made of more than three portions to, for example, make the barbell <NUM> even more compact for travel and storage. For example, as shown in <FIG>, which show detail and perspective views of example middle portions, the middle portion <NUM> can be formed from two separate middle portions 206a, 206b. Each middle portion 206a, 206b has both male 210a and female 210b couplings. Further, the middle portions 206a, 206b can be of different lengths, for example, to permit more adaptability in barbell sizes. In some implementations, the middle portions 206a, 206b can be sized such that a woman's Olympic bar (e.g., <NUM> (<NUM>. 6ft) long and weighing <NUM> (33lb)) can formed using only one of the middle portions, and a men's Olympic bar can be formed using both of the middle portions.

<FIG> depicts example threading configurations that can be used as coupling mechanisms for the male 210a and female 210b couplings. Threading configurations <NUM> and <NUM> show threads extending from an end of a barbell portion (e.g., portion <NUM>, <NUM>) along only a portion the male coupling 210a. Further, threading configuration <NUM> shows a finer thread pitch than that of threading configuration <NUM>. Also, threading configurations <NUM> and <NUM> represent undercut threading configurations (e.g., a configuration in which the shank of the male coupling has a diameter equal to the pitch diameter of the threads). Although not shown, threading configurations <NUM> and <NUM> can be modified, in some examples, such that the threaded portion of the male coupling 210a is at the distal end (e.g., the end away from the barbell portion <NUM>, <NUM>). In other words, the unthreaded portion of the male coupling 210a is proximate to the barbell portion <NUM>, <NUM> and the threaded portion of the male coupling 210a is at the distal end of the male portion 210a.

Threading configuration <NUM> shows an example threading configuration in which the threads extend along the entire length of the male coupling 210a. Further, threading configuration <NUM> represents a full-bodied threading configuration (e.g., a configuration in which the shank of the male coupling has a diameter equal to the maj or diameter of the threads). Although not shown, the female couplings 210b are tapped with corresponding thread grooves.

<FIG> depict another example coupling mechanism for the male 210a and female 210b couplings. Referring first to <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of a pin and hole type of coupling mechanism <NUM>. The male 210a and female coupling 210b each have corresponding holes <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, which can be aligned when the male coupling 210a is inserted into the female coupling 210b. The two couplings 210a, 210b are secured together by pins <NUM> inserted through the aligned holes <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some implementations, the holes <NUM> in the male coupling 210a can be tapped to accept a spring and plunger assembly <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> includes a threaded body <NUM> and a movable plunger <NUM> held under spring pressure by a spring (not shown) within the body <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> can be moved into the body <NUM> against the spring pressure. When the assembly <NUM> is installed in the male coupling 210a, the plunger extends past the outer circumference of the male coupling 210a and can lock into a corresponding hole <NUM> in the female coupling 210b. In some examples, the assembly <NUM> can include a thread locking element <NUM> (e.g., nylon, thread locking tape, or thread locking liquid).

<FIG> depicts an example weight holder <NUM> in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure. A front side of the weight holder <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The weight holder <NUM> is made of a strong but flexible material, for example, a fabric such as <NUM> Denier Mil-Spec Cordura Nylon or other appropriate high strength fabric. The weight holder <NUM> has several sealable chambers <NUM> in which weights (e.g., filler bags <NUM>) can be inserted. The chambers <NUM> have an opening <NUM> at one end, and a closure mechanism <NUM>. The closure mechanism <NUM> can be, for example, a zipper or a flap with a fastening device such as, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, metal or plastic clips. In some examples, each chamber <NUM> has a separate closure mechanism (e.g., a separate flap). In some examples, the weight holder <NUM> has a single closure mechanism <NUM> (e.g., a single flap) that encloses all of the chambers <NUM>.

The weight holder <NUM> has one or more straps <NUM> and corresponding strap fastening devices <NUM>. The straps <NUM> are attached to an end of the weight holder <NUM> that is transverse to the orientation of the chambers <NUM>, and the strap fastening devices <NUM> are attached at an opposite end of the weight holder <NUM>, also transvers to the orientation of the chambers <NUM>. The straps <NUM> and strap fastening devices <NUM> are positioned on the weight holder <NUM> such that, when the straps <NUM> are secured to corresponding strap fastening devices <NUM>, the weight holder is wrapped into a hollow cylindrical shape (e.g., see <FIG> and <FIG>), thereby allowing weight holders <NUM> to be wrapped around the sleeve <NUM> of a barbell <NUM>. In some examples, the weight holder is made to lie flat when not wrapped into the cylinder shape, for example, making the weight holder more space-efficient during storage. In some examples, the strap fastening devices <NUM> can be hook or loop fasteners corresponding to respective loop or hook fasteners on the straps <NUM>. In some examples, the strap fastening devices <NUM> can be fastening devices such as, but not limited to, double D-ring loops, buckles, S-hook straps, ladder lock buckles, metal or plastic clips (e.g., corresponding clips on the straps <NUM>), or snaps.

In some implementations, the weight holder <NUM> has three chambers <NUM>, and the chambers are oriented on the weight holder such that, when the weight holder <NUM> is rolled up and the straps <NUM> secured, the weight holder <NUM> has a triangular cross-section (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). In some examples, design (e.g., the cross section) of the weight holder <NUM> (when wrapped) makes the weight holder self-tightening around the barbell sleeves <NUM>. In some implementations, each chamber <NUM> of the weight holder <NUM> is sized to hold fifteen pounds of filler bags <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> - 15lb filler bag; <NUM> - 10lb and <NUM> - 5lb filler bag; or <NUM> - 5lb filler bags), with a total fillable weight of 45lbs.

In some examples, the weight holder <NUM> includes one or more handles <NUM>, <NUM>. The handles can be, for example, fabric handles <NUM> (e.g., nylon webbing) or molded plastic handles <NUM>.

<FIG> depict example filler bags <NUM> and an example weight holder <NUM> in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure. <FIG> shows a back side of the weight holder <NUM> and filler bags <NUM> being inserted into the weight holder <NUM>. <FIG> shows an example weight holder <NUM> loaded with filler bags <NUM> and rolled up to be placed on an end of a barbell <NUM>. For example, in order to attach the straps <NUM> to the strap fastening devices <NUM>, the weight holder <NUM> is rolled into a cylindrical shape. More specifically, <FIG> shows filler bags <NUM> being inserted into the chambers <NUM> of a weight holder <NUM>. For example, 15lb filler bags are shown as being inserted into chambers A and B, and a 10lb and a 5lb filler bag are shown as being inserted into chamber C, for a total weight of 45lbs. When a weight holder <NUM> is filled with a desired weight of filler bags <NUM>, the weight holder <NUM> can be rolled into the configuration shown in <FIG> by attaching the straps <NUM> to corresponding strap fastening devices <NUM>.

The filler bags <NUM> are made of a high strength flexible material such as, for example, <NUM> Denier Mil-Spec Cordura Nylon. The filler bags <NUM> also have a closure mechanism <NUM>, for example, similar to the closure mechanism <NUM> of the weight holder <NUM>. The closure mechanism <NUM> can be, for example, a zipper or a flap with a fastening device such as, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, metal or plastic clips. In some examples, the filler bags <NUM> can have a double closure mechanism <NUM>. For example, the filler bags can have two overlapping closure mechanisms <NUM> of the same (e.g., overlapping flaps with hook and loop fasteners) or different type (e.g., a zipper and a flap with hook and loop fasteners). In some examples, the filler bags <NUM> may have a water tight liner and water tight closure <NUM> such that the filler bags <NUM> can be filled with water. In some examples, the filler bags <NUM> can have a handle attached to an outer surface of the bag.

<FIG> depict various methods of attaching weight bags <NUM> to a barbell <NUM> in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure. <FIG> shows one weight holder <NUM> attached at each end of the barbell <NUM>. For example, the weight holders <NUM> are wrapped around the sleeves <NUM> of the barbell <NUM>. The straps <NUM> can be pulled snug and attached to the strap fastening devices <NUM> to securely fasten the weight holders <NUM> to the barbell <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a barbell <NUM> with four weight holders <NUM> attached. In some implementations, the straps of the weight holders <NUM> are long enough that weight holders <NUM> can be wrapped around each other on a barbell sleeve <NUM>. The first two weight holders <NUM> are attached as described above in reference to <FIG>. Each of the second two weight holders <NUM> are then wrapped around one of the first two weight holders <NUM> previously attached to the barbell sleeves <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a barbell <NUM> with six weight holders <NUM> attached (e.g., a third set of two weight holders <NUM>). In this example, a weight holder <NUM> is hung on each collar <NUM> of the barbell. For example, the weight holders <NUM> can be hung on the collars <NUM> by placing one of the weight holder handles <NUM> in the channel <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. The collar channel <NUM> prevents weight holders <NUM> hung in this fashion from sliding during lifts.

<FIG> depicts an example barbell scale <NUM>. In some implementation, the scale <NUM> may be attached to or integrated with a barbell <NUM>. For example, the scale <NUM> can be attached to or integrated with the collar <NUM> on either the male portion <NUM>, the female portion <NUM>, or both. In some implementations, the scale <NUM> can be a mechanical scale, as shown in <FIG>. For example, the scale <NUM> can include a moveable element <NUM> positioned in a notch <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. Springs <NUM> are positioned between an inner surface of the notch <NUM> and the moveable element <NUM>. When a weight holder <NUM> is hung on the collar <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>), the weight of the weight holder compresses the springs <NUM>, thereby translating the moveable element <NUM> within the notch <NUM>. A tab <NUM> of the moveable element <NUM> extends through a side surface of the collar <NUM> and can serve as a pointer to a calibrated set of weight markings <NUM> on the side of the collar <NUM>.

In some implementations, the scale <NUM> in pressure sensing device includes an electronic pressure sensor <NUM> in electronic communication with an electronic display device <NUM>, for example, through a detachable wire <NUM>. The electronic display device <NUM> includes one or more processors and a data store storing instructions for processing electrical signals from the electronic pressure sensing device <NUM> and displaying a weight. In some examples, the display device can be a mobile computing device such as, for example, a tablet computer or a smartphone. In such implementations, an application executed by the mobile computing device can process the signals from the electronic pressure sensor and display a weight. In some examples, the electronic pressure sensor <NUM> can be integrated with a mechanical scale, such as shown in <FIG>.

Claim 1:
A barbell comprising:
a first end portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a first collar (<NUM>) and a first hollow cylindrical sleeve (<NUM>) coaxially attached to the first end portion, wherein the first collar (<NUM>) and the first sleeve (<NUM>) form a first single assembly or are formed in a first single piece;
a second end portion (<NUM>, <NUM>);
one or more seals (<NUM>) placed between the first end portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the collar (<NUM>), and/or between the first end portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the sleeve (<NUM>); and
a middle portion (<NUM>, 206a, 206b) couplable to the first end portion and the second end portion, the middle portion comprising:
a male coupling extending from a first end of the middle portion, the male coupling providing a first coupling mechanism that engages with a corresponding female coupling of the first end portion, and
a female coupling extending from a second end of the middle portion, the female coupling providing a second coupling mechanism that engages with a corresponding male coupling of the second end portion.