Patent ID: 12257472

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present description includes one or more non-limiting embodiments for a barbell collar having a number of superior advantages and features that allow the barbell collar to better handle heavier weight loads from a barbell, absorb shock and vibration, is serviceable with replaceable parts, among other notable advantages. Further details for the barbell are provided in accordance with the exemplary Figures further described below.

FIG.1Ashows a pictorial illustration of a barbell collar100. It is noted that the term “barbell collar” is interchangeably referred to herein as a “dynamic weight plate retention collar” and “barbell clamp.”

The barbell collar100is intended to be used to retain or hold one or more weight plates804in place, as shown inFIG.8, on a barbell560, so that the weight plates804do not slide off of the barbell560(or other functional equivalent of a weight lifting barbell or bar). The barbell collar100can be used on either side of the barbell560to hold as many weight plates804as desired by the user802. Advantageously, the user802can slide the barbell collar100on in a forward or a reverse direction if needed to hold the weight plates804, even with minimal distance830from the end of the barbell560as long as there is enough room for the contact patches150a,150b,150cto clamp down onto the barbell560.

A number of users802may benefit from using the barbell collar100as described herein in one or more non-limiting embodiments. Such users802may include, but are not limited to, power lifters, strong men and women, body builders, weightlifters, CROSSFIT athletes, and any weightlifters. The barbell collar100may be used in any type of venue, including, but not limited to, powerlifting gyms, body building gyms, weightlifting gyms, and/or any and all institutions or buildings or locations. This may include, but is not limited to, training facilities for amateurs, professionals, and/or students of any age or school level (e.g., high school and/or university). Advantageously, the barbell collars100can hold an extremely high load of weight plates804, including in tests between 1000-2500 pounds of weight (or more).

As noted above, the barbell collar100as described herein may interchangeably be referred to as “a dynamic weight plate retention collar.” This may refer to the fact that the barbell collar100can dynamically absorb the shock transferred to the barbell collar100from the weight plates804on the barbell560as shown inFIG.8. In a non-limiting embodiment, responsive to turning one or more adjustable fasteners140(as shown inFIG.1B) with the torque pins160in one or more non-limiting embodiment, the contact patches150a,150bare adjustably moved forward to a closed position to contact a barbell560in order to hold the weight lifting plates804(e.g., as shown inFIG.8) in place and prevent movement of the weight lifting plates804from side to side when positioned on a barbell560. The barbell collar100bites down onto the metal or other material of the barbell560with enough force to hold the weight plates804in place on the barbell560for a weightlifting user802to proceed with weight lifting.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the type of adjustable fasteners140utilized as shown herein may be a turnbar screw having a sliding T bar handle (e.g., handle160.) It is noted that other types of adjustable fasteners140may alternatively be used such as T-pins or other adjustable fasteners140that can be hand tightened by the user802from the exterior of the barbell collar100.

FIG.1Bis an exploded view of the barbell collar100shown inFIG.1A. The front side103of the barbell collar100and the back side105of the barbell collar100are marked inFIGS.1A-1B. As shown inFIG.8, in a non-limiting embodiment, one way of using the barbell collar100is to ensure that the rear side105of the barbell100is closest to and/or may contact directly a first weight plate804that the barbell collar100secures on a barbell560, while the front side103of the barbell collar100is the furthest away from the first weight plate804that the barbell100secures on a barbell560.

At the front side103of the barbell100, as shown inFIGS.1A and1nFIG.1Bis a rotatable and dynamic piston disk120.FIG.3AandFIG.3Bshow additional views of the dynamic, rotatable, and movable piston disk120.

Next, as shown in the exploded view shown inFIG.1B, there may be one or more energizers130aand130b. In a non-limiting embodiment, the term “energizer” as used herein may refer to a spring. In one non-limiting embodiment, the energizers130aand130butilized for the barbell collar100are a particular type of springs known as radial springs or wave springs or Belleville springs. The radial springs or wave springs or Belleville springs provide a spring force that can dynamically move forward and back while held within the barbell collar100. It is noted that any other type of springs may alternatively be used. Further, instead of springs, the energizers130a-130bmay be in the form of rubber rings. Additionally, it is noted that a single energizer130may be utilized rather than multiple energizers130a-130bas shown inFIGS.1B and1nother Figures.

The energizers130a-130bare held in place between the rotatable and movable piston disk120and the body collar110as shown in the exploded view ofFIG.1B. here may be a separation132between the piston disk120and the front side201of the body collar110as shown inFIG.1A. The body collar110has different elements included on different sides of the body collar110.FIG.2AandFIG.2Bshow a rear side view and a front side view, respectively, of an exemplary body collar110. The body collar110serves a number of functions in the barbell collar100, including, but not limited having a recessed portion210to hold the combination of the piston disk120and the energizers130aand130bthat need to be able to move into and out of the recessed portion210of the body collar over a limited range or distance responsive to the barbell collar100being tightened onto the barbell560or being untightened and released from contacting and/or gripping the barbell560.

As shown inFIG.1Band inFIGS.2A-2B, the body collar110further includes pockets204machined or otherwise integrated into the rear interior side walls220, as shown inFIG.2A, of the body collar110. In a non-limiting embodiment, there may be at least three contact patches150a,150b, and150cthat are intended to dynamically move from an open position, as shown inFIG.6A, to a closed position, as shown inFIG.6B, repeatedly show that a user802can quickly and easily add or remove weight plates804to a barbell560and quickly and easily tighten and then untighten or release the barbell collar100as needed.

FIG.1BandFIGS.2A-2Bshows a number of removable fasteners170a,170b,170c,170dinserted into dedicated fastener holes173a,173b,173c, and173d. These removable fasteners170a-170dmay be set screws that are either recessed within the fastener holes173a-173dor flush with the entrance of the fastener holes173a-173d.

Further, in a non-limiting embodiment, at least one adjustable fastener145, as shown inFIG.1A, may be utilized to manipulate a contact patch (e.g.,150aor150b) held in place in a respective pocket204aor204b. In the non-limiting embodiment shown herein, two of the contact patches150aand150bare held in place in their respective pockets204aand204bintegrated into the body collar110. The adjustable fasteners145, in a non-limiting embodiment, may comprise a rotatable and adjustable handle160, such as handles160aand160b, shown inFIGS.1A-1B, as well as a rotatable and adjustable fastener element140aand140b. Dedicated adjustable fastener holes142aand142b, as shown inFIGS.1B-2Bmay be machined and/or otherwise integrated to extend through the body of the body collar110as shown inFIG.1Band inFIGS.2A-2B. In a non-limiting embodiment, the handles160aand160bare configured to either be fixed or to slide within a dedicated handle hole connecting the handles160aand160bto the adjustable fastener element140aand140b. In a non-limiting embodiment, the adjustable fastener element140aand140bmay be a rotatable screw (e.g., turn bar screws with sliding T-bar handles) and/or a pin. In other non-limiting embodiments, the adjustable fasteners145may be T-shaped pins and/or other types of adjustable and removable pins that do not include a same appearance as shown inFIGS.1A-8. Accordingly, alternatives types of adjustable fasteners140may be used in place of the handle160and adjustable fastener element140shown inFIGS.1A-8. It is noted that in alternative embodiments, an alternative barbell collar100may have a single contact patch150and a single adjustable fastener145.

As shown inFIG.1B, the retention ring190may be a cylindrical ring that acts to close and cover the remaining previously included components of the barbell collar100. The retention ring190may fit within a dedicated ring groove224machined into or otherwise integrated into a rear side of the barbell collar100. The retention ring100, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, may be made of, but is not limited to, a locking ring, a threaded connection, a press fit junction, a welded connection, a glued connection, or a combination thereof. In a non-limiting embodiment, the retention ring190may be a lock ring including but not limited to a SIPRA lock ring, although, any other type of ring or device may be used in other embodiments.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the piston disk120, the body collar110, and the retention ring190are generally cylindrically shaped and include their own bores or cavities that extend through a center or body of the piston disk120, the body collar110, and the retention ring190. As shown in the exploded view ofFIG.1B, the one or more energizers130a-130bmay also be approximately circular shaped, although the wave springs shown inFIG.1Bdo have elements that wave and curve and are not perfectly circular in shape in one or more non-limiting embodiments. In other embodiments, the wave springs130a-130bmay have a more circular shape. As shown inFIG.1B, there may be a longer bore175that extends through the assembled components that are in horizontal alignment for the barbell clamp100when the barbell clamp100is assembled, which includes the piston disk120, the energizers130a-130b, the body collar110, and the retention ring190.

Turning toFIG.2AandFIG.2B,FIG.2Aprovides a closer view of the rear side surface of the body collar110andFIG.2Bprovides a closer view of the front side surface of the body collar110. As shown inFIG.2A, the body collar110is generally cylindrical with a number of integrated features. A plurality of pockets204a-204cdedicated to receiving and holding the removable contact patches150a-150care machined or otherwise integrated into the interior side walls220of the body collar110.

As shown inFIG.2A, in a non-limiting embodiment, there may be three pockets204a-204cdedicated to receiving three contacts150a-150c. Further, the contact pockets204a-204cmay be machined or otherwise integrated into the body collar110by being positioned 120 degrees apart from each other. It is noted that there may be more than three pockets204in other non-limiting embodiments. In some barbell collars100, there may also be only a single pocket204and a single contact patch150.

The pockets204a-204cmay be purposefully positioned also so that at least one or more of the pockets (e.g.,204aand204b) are positioned on an interior side wall220in alignment with a removable fastener hole142aand142b(e.g., as shown inFIG.1B-2B). The removable fastener holes142aand142bextend all the way through from the outer shell or outer surface of the body collar110through to the interior side walls220of the body collar110so that the removable fasteners140aand140bthat are removable insertable and/or rotatable (e.g., by the handles160a-160b) in the fastener holes142aand142bmay make contact when needed with the dynamic contacts150aand150b. In a non-limiting embodiment, two of the contacts are dynamic and are configured to move in and/or out within the pockets204aand204bin the direction of arrows153aand153bas shown inFIG.6AandFIG.6B. The remaining third contact150cis a static contact patch and does not move in and/or out in the direction of arrows153and further does not include a dedicated fastener hole and/or removable fastener aligned with the third static contact patch150c.

The adjustable fasteners140aand140bare designed to be adjusted by the user802from the outside or exterior of the barbell clamp100. In a non-limiting embodiment, the adjustable fasteners140aand140bmay be hand tightened by the user802either rotating in one direction to tighten the barbell collar100, which initiates a series of steps and resulting actions. When the user802rotates both handles160aand160bto tighten the barbell collar100, as a result, the adjustable fastener elements140aand140brotate inwards within the dedicated fastener holes142aand142band make contact with the dynamic contact patches150aand150bas shown inFIG.6AandFIG.6B. The points of contact602a-602bbetween the adjustable fastener elements140aand140band the dynamic contact patches150a-150bare shown inFIGS.6A-6C. At this point of contact602a-602b, the dynamic contact patches150a-150bcan be manipulated to extend forward or retract backward in the direction of arrows153a-153beither towards the barbell560or away from the barbell560(e.g., as shown inFIG.5Cand inFIGS.6A-6B). As shown in FIGS.6A-6B, contact patch150cis static and does not advance forward or retract backward. The static contact patch150cstill functions to assist biting down on the exterior surface of the barbell560to further add additional grip and hold along with the retractable, dynamic contact patches150aand150b(e.g., as shown inFIG.6C). Further, it is noted that the pockets204a-204bare configured to allow movement within the pockets204a-204bfor both the adjustable fastener elements140a-140band the dynamic contacts150a-150b.

As shown inFIG.2A, a rear surface222of the body collar110encircles the rear side of the body collar110and includes portions of the pockets204a-204cin a non-limiting embodiment. The pockets204a-204cfor the contact patches150a-150care designed to extend partially in a radial direction into the side walls220of the body collar110. It is noted that in a non-limiting embodiment, the body collar110may not include portions of the pockets204a-204cin alternative embodiments.

FIG.2Bshows a front perspective view of the body collar110. The front side of the body collar110includes a front surface201. The front side201of the body collar110is configured for partially receiving and holding the dynamic piston element120as well as the one or more energizers130a-130b. An interior ledge210is recessed within the body collar110away from the front surface201by a small distance208as shown inFIG.2B. The front side/surface201of the body collar110and the interior ledge210acts as a stopping surface to stop the energizers130a-130band piston disk120from being pushed all the way through the bore203of the body collar110. Further, the interior ledge210separates the front surface from the rear surface and/or the front half from the back half of the body collar110and the contact pockets204a-204cand contact patches150a-150c.

FIGS.3A-3Bshow closer views of the piston disk120according to one or more non-limiting embodiments. The piston disk120may comprise four integrated rings or disks302,304,306, and308as shown inFIGS.3A-3B. As shown inFIG.3A, the piston disk120includes a cavity307that extends through the cylindrical body of the piston disk120and through the interior of the four integrated disks302,204,306, and308. In a non-limiting embodiment, the diameter D1of the first ring302may be wider than the diameter D2of the second ring304which is interiorly positioned with respect to the first ring302. Further, the diameter D2of the second ring304may be wider than the diameter D3of the third ring306, as shown inFIG.3B. In a non-limiting embodiment, the diameter D4of the fourth ring308is the same in diameter as the diameter D2of the second ring304. Accordingly, the initial three rings302,304,306of the piston disk120reduce in diameter in a stepped fashion and then go up again with the fourth ring308for the piston disk120. In a non-limiting embodiment, the energizers130aand130bare held in place and sandwiched between the body collar110and the piston disk ring308and do not go past piston disk ring308in a non-limiting embodiment. The energizers130aand130bhave enough room to act as a spring and expand and retract in a spring like manner.FIG.1Bshows an expanded view of the barbell collar100showing how the energizers130aand130bare positioned in between the piston disk120and the body collar110of the barbell collar100. Accordingly, the energizers130aand130bare held in place between the back surface of the piston disk120and the front of the body collar110. Further, in a non-limiting embodiment, the energizers130aand130bmay be held in place ahead of the recessed surface210on the body collar110as well in between the back of the piston disk120and the body collar110whether the energizers130aand130bare energized or in an unenergized position.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the piston disk120is rotatable and movable inwards and outwards towards the body collar110in the direction of arrow122as shown inFIG.7A. The piston disk120acts to help absorb shock and vibration for the barbell collar100.FIGS.7A-7Bshow, in an example pictorial illustration, the dynamic vibration and impact absorption of the piston disk120mechanism. The piston disk120is able to move forward and backwards over a range806as shown inFIGS.7A-7Band is further prevented from excessive movement by the protruding element of the retention fasteners170as shown inFIGS.7A-7B. It is noted that the range806is the same as the length of D3of the third ring306in one or more non-limiting embodiments.

The piston disk120is configured to contact directly against a given weight plate804when assembled on the barbell collar100. However, it is also noted that if needed, the barbell collar100can be affixed onto the barbell560in a reverse or backwards position and the piston disk120may not touch the given weight plate804at that time.

The piston disk120has two mechanical degrees of freedom, including axial rotation and translation, both along the cylindrical axis of barbell collar100and the barbell560. The provided axial rotational degree of freedom of piston disk120reduces load expectations on the barbell collar100by eliminating rotational loading or torque from the weight plates804to the contact patches150a-150c. Further, any vibration and impact of the weight plates804along the cylindrical axis, through repetitive exercises, transfer from given weight plates804through piston disk120, via its translational degree of freedom122, to the included energizers130a-130b(e.g., which may be in a non-limiting embodiment springs). As noted above, the energizers130a-130bmay include one or more components allowing for vibration and impact mitigation through a multitude of mechanical principals such as springs, friction, inertia, poisons ratio, viscosity, pressure, and electromagnetism.

Further, theFIG.7Aillustrates an example of how the one or more energizers130a-130bmay be in an unenergized position (their original shape).FIG.7Billustrates an example of how the one or more energizers130a-130bmay be in a fully energized position which may occur upon the user802dropping the barbell560loaded with weight plates804in the direction of arrow D down to the ground. Responsive to the force of the loaded barbell560contacting the ground surface in the direction of arrow D, it is noted that the energizers130a,130bmay retract inwards in the direction of arrow C as shown inFIG.7Binto a fully energized position.

Notably, tightening of the adjustable fastener elements140a-140bcauses a number of follow up reactions from other components of the barbell collar100. Namely, the adjustable fastener elements140a-140bturn or rotate inwards and make contact with the contacts150a-150b(e.g., as shown inFIGS.6A-6B). Next, the dynamic contact patches150a-150bpush onto the barbell560itself (its outer diameter) and the user802can continue to tighten the adjustable fastener elements140a-140bindividually or simultaneously until the desired level of tightness is reached thereby ensuring that the contact patches150a-150bare fully in contact and gripping the outer surface of the barbell560. As noted above, the adjustable fastener elements140a-140bmay be hand tightened from an exterior of the barbell collar100by either turning the handles160by hand or using another tool (e.g., wrench or other tool) to tighten (and/or release) the adjustable fastener elements140a-140b.

It is noted that the tightening of the adjustable fasteners145and the tightening (and/or turning in a particular direction) of the adjustable fastener elements140a-140bmay be useful for causing the dynamic contact patches150a,150bto move forward (advance towards the barbell560) or to retract away from the barbell560while held within their respective contact patches204a,204b. The act of adjusting the adjustable fasteners145to tighten and/or loosen the adjustable fasteners145may affect the contact patches150a,150bbut may be separate from the independent movement of the piston disk120. During tightening or loosening of the adjustable fasteners145, the piston disk120and the springs/energizers130are not energized and are in their unenergized position as shown inFIG.7A. The piston120is able to move forwards and back against the energizers130a,130band may be stopped from moving forward by the recessed interior ledge210. The piston120may move forward and back within the overall barbell collar100and may rotate responsive to receiving shock transferred from the weight plates804once the barbell560and the weight plates804are dropped to the ground in the direction of arrow D. This may occur because a weight lifter/user802will repeatedly drop the barbell560to the ground (e.g., in the direction of arrow D as shown inFIG.7B) while lifting weights and/or exercising which will cause the weight plates804to shift and move. Advantageously, the barbell collar100includes the piston disk120and energizers130which are able to absorb that shock.

FIG.4shows a partially exploded view of the barbell collar100and the contact patches150a,150b, and150cand retention ring190, which are located towards the rear side105of the barbell collar100. It is noted that by removing the retention ring190from the back of the body collar110, the user802may then slide out the contact patches150a,150b,150cif it is needed to replace the contact patches150a,150b, and150c, such as for example when they became worn and need to be replaced with newer contact patches150. Notably, the contact patches150a,150b,150cdo not have fasteners attaching the contact patches150a,150b,150cto the body collar110. The contact patches150a,150b, and150cdo not have to be unfastened or disassembled from the body collar110meaning that it is not required to unscrew or unfasten the contact patches150a,150b, and150cor take each one apart from the location they are each individually held in the contact pockets204a.204b, and204c. The retention ring190may be easily removed manually using one's hands or a tool to pop the retention ring190off of the back of the body collar110. Once the retention ring190is removed, the user may manually pull out each contact patch150a,150b, and150cfrom its respective contact pocket204a,204b, and204cby sliding out the contact patch150a,150b, and150c.

This may be beneficial so that the user can easily replace any worn out contact patches150a,150b, and150cwith new, unused contact patches150that can be then slid into place or pushed into place within each respective contact pocket204a,204b,204c. The contact pockets204a,204b, and204care uniquely sized and formed to closely fit the dimensions of the contact patches150a,150b, and150csuch that the contact patches150a,150b, and150care able to move as desired (e.g. dynamic contact patch150aand150b) or stay put as desired (e.g. stationary contact patch150c). The retention of the contact pads150is assisted by retention ring190. Retention ring190may assist in the retention of the contact pads150by interference fit or friction fit against body collar110. Afterwards, the user802may replace the retention ring190to hold the new and/or replaced contact patches150in place within their designated pockets204a,204b,204cwithin the body collar110. Notably, neither the contact pockets204a,204b,204c, nor the contact patches150a,150b, and150crequire a user to use a screwdriver or drill or another tool to disassemble or detach or remove either the contact pockets204or the contact patches150from the body collar110in order to replace and/or service the contact patches150.

The overall design intent of the barbell collar100allows for the removal and replacement of the contact pads150and quick servicing of the contact pads150, without having to interfere or dissemble any major components of the barbell collar100. The quick and easy removal and replacement of the contact pads150is a key utility provided by the strategic design intent of the barbell collar.FIG.4shows that the ability to swap out and/or remove/replace the contact pads without having to extensively disassemble the barbell collar100which is not available in existing barbell collars100.

FIGS.5A-5Cprovide additional details related to an exemplary shape and design of the contact patches150a,150b, and150caccording to one or more non-limiting embodiments. The contact patches150overall act as a load bearing surface to receive the load from the adjustable fasteners140a,140bas well as able to grip down onto the outer surface of the barbell560and provide a means for the body collar110and the barbell collar100as a whole to clamp down onto the barbell560. The contact patches150a-150chave one or more beneficial features. In a non-limiting embodiment, the contact patches150a-150cinclude a load surface502that receives the clamping load applied from the barbell collar100. The load surface502may have optimized surface properties, such as, but not limited to, having a smooth or rough surface as needed to enhance the efficiency of a given clamping load. The load surface502is intended to make contact with the bottom surface of the adjustable fasteners140a,140band/or the pockets204of the body collar110in the case of the static contact patch150c(e.g., as shown inFIG.2B).

In some embodiments, the load surface502may be concave shaped or alternatively may be convex shaped. The load surface502of each contact patch150may be connected to a bottom element506that protrudes down and away from the load surface502of each contact patch150.

The contact patches150may have side surfaces509with edges511and may span the distance512beneath the top load bearing surface502. It is noted that distance512refers to any point along the side surfaces509between the top surface502and the edge511. In a non-limiting embodiment, the bottom surfaces508and/or edges511may be concave shaped as shown or may alternatively be straight or curved or convex shaped. The contact patches150include a retaining side504on each side of the contact patches150. Beneath the retaining side504there is a retraction side510on each side of the contact patches150. Side surfaces509of the contact patches150joins with the bottom edges511. The bottom surface508of the contact patches150is shown inFIG.5B. The bottom surface508plays a significant role in the barbell collar100because the bottom surface508of the contact patches150a,150b, and150cmakes contact with the barbell560. This bottom surface508can be optimized in concavity, convexity, surface roughness or surface treatment to optimize contact against the barbell560.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the top load bearing surface502has a wider width580than the bottom area (including retraction side510) of the contact patches.FIG.5Bfurther shows the difference in width between the top load bearing surface502and the lower surface of the contact patches150.

FIG.5Cshows an example of the contact patch150contacting an exemplary barbell560. As shown inFIG.5C, the top load bearing surface502is intended to receive the load520as shown in exemplary form inFIG.5Cas applied from the adjustable fastener elements140(e.g., adjustable fasteners140a,140b).

In a non-limiting embodiment, the barbell collar100includes at least three contact patches150a,150b, and150c. There may be two dynamic contact patches150aand150band a static contact patch150cas shown inFIG.6Aand inFIG.6B. The dynamic contact patches150a,150bcan be retracted using the adjustable fasteners140a,140bto their open retracted position shown inFIG.6A. The dynamic contact patches150a,150bcan be activated to be pushed down onto the barbell560when the adjustable fasteners140a,140bare activated by the user802(either by hand or using a tool or using another mechanism) as shown inFIG.8.FIG.6Cshows an exemplary barbell560inserted into the interior cavity203(e.g., as shown inFIG.2A) of the body collar110with the three contact patches150a,150b, and150ccontacting the exterior surfaces of the barbell560.

It is noted that in other non-limiting embodiments, the barbell collar100may have only one contact patch150or two contact patch150. In such cases, the dimensions of the contact patch150may be adjusted to cover a greater surface area of the barbell560than the size of the contact patches150a-150cshown inFIGS.1A-8, however, the overall appearance and form and structure of the contact patch150used (even if less than three or great than three are utilized) remains the same as shown inFIGS.1A-8and remains in particular as shown inFIGS.5A-5C.

The dynamic contact patches150aand150bcan be tightened to a level of tightness as needed using the adjustable fasteners140and handles160(in a non-limiting embodiment) to clamp down onto the barbell560and then can be loosened using the adjustable fasteners140and handles160. Notably, the static contact patch150cfunctions to prevent excessive wear to the interior surfaces220of the body collar110.

One of the reasons that the body collar110and the barbell collar100is serviceable is that the three contact patches150a,150b, and150care all meant to be replaceable or serviceable with newer contact patches150a,150b, and150c. This is one of the advantages over existing, conventional barbell collars. With existing, conventional barbell collars, their interior surfaces are regularly worn out from constant friction and contact with the barbell560holding heavy weight plates804and the user cannot repair the interior surfaces. Rather, the user has to purchase an entirely new barbell collar. With the barbell collar100shown inFIGS.1-8and as shown specifically inFIG.4, the user802can replace any or all of the contact patches150a-150c, including the dynamic contact patches150a,150band static contact patch150c.

FIG.7Ashows a cross-sectional view of barbell collar100with the springs/energizers130in an unenergized position.FIG.7Bshows a cross-sectional view of a barbell collar100with the springs/energizers130in their energized position. It is noted that when each barbell collar100is clamped down onto the barbell560to hold the weight plates804on either side of the barbell collars100, the user802tightens the adjustable fasteners140a,140b(or only one of the above or more than the above fasteners140ain alternative embodiments). During the tightening via the dynamic, retractable, and removable adjustable fasteners140a,140bthe springs/energizers130may initially remain in their unenergized position shown inFIG.7A. However, if the barbell560is dropped to the floor in the direction of arrow D (as shown inFIG.7B) with the weights804held onto the barbell560by the tightened barbell collars100, the springs/energizers move or shift into their energized position shown inFIG.7Bto help absorb the shock. As further shown inFIGS.7A-7B, the piston disk120and energizers130a-130bcan have a stroke distance806as a parameter of operation.

The barbell collar100is advantageously configured such that the piston disk120is able to freely rotate even while the body collar110remains static and does not rotate. The barbell collar100is better able than conventional barbell collars to absorb the shock applied from the weight plates804on the barbell560due to the fact that the piston disk120can freely rotate ahead of the body collar110even though the body collar110can stay still. When the weight plates804rotate on the barbell560(which they can do sometimes through exercise movements), the piston disk120can absorb the shock from the weight plates804without transferring any rotational force to the body collar110and the contact patches150a-150c.

FIG.8shows a pictorial illustration showing an example of the barbell collar100positioned one either side of the central area of the barbell560.FIG.8shows one barbell collar100positioned ahead of the set of weight plates804a-804don the right side of the barbell560, but it is also assumed that another barbell collar100is positioned ahead of the other set of weight plates804on the opposite side of the barbell560. As shown inFIG.8, there is still some room and a distance830from the terminal end of one side of the barbell560to the barbell collar100and the location of the first weight plate804a. In one non-limiting embodiment, the user802first loads all the weight plates804on a side of the barbell560and then slides the barbell collar100over the barbell560with the front side103leading first and making contact with the first weight plate804aand the back side105closest to the terminal end of the barbell560. However, advantageously, this is not the only way that the barbell collar100may be used. Rather, when the user802desires to load the barbell560with as many weight plates804as desired, the user802can turn the barbell collar100so that the back surface105contacts the first weight plate804aand the front surface103is closest to the terminal end of the barbell560.

FIG.9describes an exemplary method of using the barbell collar100. In a non-limiting embodiment, as shown in step902, the user802may first select a barbell560and slide or position weight plates804(as many as desired) on the barbell560. At step904, the user802may add one or more barbell collars100by sliding the barbell collars100with either the front side103of the barbell collar100facing the weight plates804or the rear side105of the barbell collar100facing the weight plates804on either side of the barbell560and on either side of the weight plates804.

At step906, the user802may tighten the adjustable fasteners140to cause the dynamic contact patches150a,150bto push down and bite or clamp down onto the barbell560after the desired number of weight plates804have been slid onto the barbell560by the user802. In a non-limiting embodiment, the user802may hand tighten the handles160of the fasteners140to cause the dynamic contact patches150a,150bto bite down onto the barbell560held within the interior203of the body collar110and also through the cavity of the piston disk120. At step908, when the user802no longer needs the barbell collars100to stay tightened and in position on the barbell560over either side of the weight plates804, the user802can remove the barbell collars100by loosening and untightening the adjustable fasteners140and then slide the barbell collars100off of the barbell560. Usefully, the barbell collar100may be put onto the barbell560either the correct, conventional way as shown inFIG.8or may be put on backwards such that the back surface105faces the weight plate804rather than the front surface103of the barbell collar100. The user802is able to flip the barbell collar100over so the contact patches150a-150care gripping the barbell560which would allow the user802to still utilize the barbell collar100even if the user802only has approximately half an inch of distance830from the end of the barbell560to the closest weight plate804aand very little room for barbell collar100engagement with the barbell560. This is a significant advantage over existing barbell collars because athletes who want to work with very loaded barbells560and who want to push the limit of how many weight plates804can be loaded onto the barbell560may need this feature of being able to flip over the barbell collar100and still have the barbell collar100able to hold and bite down onto the barbell560with a reduced amount of distance on the barbell560to bite down onto.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the barbell collar100may be one pound or 0.45 kilogram and may be able to hold at least 2000 pounds of weight plates804in one or more non-limiting embodiments. Tests have shown that the barbell collar100may be able to hold about 2500 pounds of weight plates804.

In other non-limiting embodiments, the barbell collars100can be scaled to a larger size. Advantageously, the barbell collars100can be scaled to weigh, for example, 2.5 kilograms or 5.5 pounds. The barbell collars100may be made aluminum or steel or another sturdy metal that can handle the weight of the weight plates804. In other embodiments, the barbell collar100may be made of another material other than metal and/or in combination with other materials.

Notably, the barbell collar100can be used with a variety of exercise barbells560including curl barbells and loadable dumbbells. Another advantage is that the barbell collar100can be used with Olympic barbells. Olympic barbells have a sleeve diameter of 50 mm or 1.96 inches. However, there are also Strongman barbells which have a different shaft diameter than the Olympic barbells. Axle bars are meant to be used with Strongman sports and are made of special tubing that are 1.9 inches in diameter or 48.26 mm. Usefully and advantageously, the barbell collar100is designed such that the barbell collar100can be used with either the Olympic barbells or the Axle (Strongman) bar because the dynamic contact patches150a,150bexpand and retract enough to clamp down onto either the 50 mm (Olympic Barbell) or the 48.26 mm (Axle Barbell). This is an advantage over existing conventional barbell collars, because the user would be forced to purchase multiple types of barbell collars that can fit either the shaft diameter of the Olympic barbell or the shaft diameter of the Axle barbells, as the conventional barbell collars were not interchangeable. It is noted that the barbell560is a standard barbell that has not had modifications made to the barbell560in order for the barbell collar100and its respective components to fit onto the barbell560. Rather, the barbell collar100is mechanically adept and designed to fit onto each end of the barbell560without changes to the barbell560form or structure. Thus, the barbell560does not have to be customized to fit the barbell collar100. Rather, the barbell collar100can fit onto each standard barbell560as noted above which may be either 50 mm or the 48.26 mm in nominal diameter.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the interior diameter for an exemplary barbell collar110may be 2.05 inches in diameter when the dynamic contact patches150a,150bare in their open positions and the static contact patch150cis in place. When the dynamic contact patches150a,150bare in their closed position, the dynamic contact patches150a,150bmay close down to 1.83 inches. The Olympic barbell is right around 2 inches in diameter and the Axle barbell is at 1.9 inches in diameter.

Advantageously, the barbell collars100as described herein is lightweight and may weigh approximately one pound in total in a non-limiting embodiment, but are able to hold a great deal of weight (i.e., in the form of load provided from the weight plates804as shown inFIG.8). For example, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, the barbell collars100may be able to hold at least 2000 lbs. of weight, which is very desirable to lifters who need a barbell collar100capable of securely holding a number of weight plates804simultaneously on a barbell560(e.g., as shown inFIG.8).

The barbell collar100, as described above, in one or more non-limiting embodiments includes a number of advantages and features that are superior to the existing, conventional barbell collars. A first advantage includes that the barbell collar100may absorb shock and vibration for any kind of lifting. For example, even if a user802, as shown inFIG.8, performs a lift in which the user802quickly raises a heavily weighted barbell560over the user802's head and then suddenly drops the barbell560to the ground without a great deal of control, the barbell560can handle that sudden drop of the barbell560to the ground or floor while still holding the weight plates804without failing, buckling, or the barbell collar100falling off and losing grip of the barbell560.

Another advantage of the barbell collar100is that the barbell collar100is serviceable unlike the existing barbell collars. The contact patches150a,150b, and150care the components of the barbell100that may wear out with time and use for multiple rounds of lifting. Advantageously, the contact patches150a,150b, and150care serviceable and replaceable. Accordingly, the user802can remove the retention ring190shown inFIG.1with any sort of tool (e.g., screwdriver). The retention ring190may be held against the back of the body collar110by friction fit and is removable. Next, the user802may remove the existing contact patches150a,150b, and150cand replace with newer contact patches150when the old contact patches150a-150chave worn out. With existing barbell collars, when the existing barbell collars fail or wear out, the user802has to buy entirely new barbell collars. However, with the barbell collar100shown inFIGS.1-8and specificallyFIG.4, the user802can service the barbell collar100by replacing one or more old or worn contact patches150a-150c.

Advantageously, the barbell collars100are very strong and durable. In a non-limiting embodiment, many of the components of the barbell collar100may be made of steel, although this is non-limiting and other materials may be used. Notably, the energizers130a-130bmay be made of a spring like, lighter weight metal and/or rubber or another material.

It may be preferable that the barbell collars100are lightweight and not too heavy to carry in a user802's bags or other storage container. Additional advantages of the dynamic weight plate retention collar include the ability to mitigate and reduce torsional friction and forces from the weight plates804away from the barbell sleeve560through the rotational degree of freedom provided by the piston disk120. Further, the dynamic weight plate retention collar comprises of a vibration and impact absorbing mechanism using an energized component that mitigates vibration and impact through one or multitude of engineering principals including, but not limited to, springs, friction, inertia, poisons ration, viscosity, pressure, and electromagnetism. Further, the dynamic weight plate retention collar100includes components that remove the torsional loading requirements of the axial rotational degree of freedom along the barbell sleeve from the barbell anchor point to the weight plates.

In addition to the above, the barbell collar or dynamic weight plate retention collar100is configured to securely engage a single or multitude of weight plates804through repetitive movements that propagate high levels of vibration and impact to the barbell collar100. The dynamic weight plate retention collar100is configured to anchors itself to the barbell560by transferring loads through load activated contact patches150a-150ccapable of reducing the inefficiencies of rotational friction of an adjustable rotatable fastener140a-140bto a given barbell560. The dynamic weight plate retention collar100contains a vibration and impact mitigation piston disk120that dynamically reduces transferred loads through the use of fundamental engineering principals such as springs, friction, inertia, poisons ratio, viscosity, pressure, and electromagnetism. Advantageously, the piston disk120is freely rotating so the piston disk120can absorb the linear and rotational loads from the weight plates804.

Advantageously, the barbell collars100have a dynamic piston120and spring130system that allows the barbell collar100to absorb the shocks and vibration emitted from the weight plates804as the weight plates804and/or barbell560are dropped. This ensures the clamps/contact patches150a-150cdo not lose their grip prematurely as multiple reps are performed by the user802.

FIGS.10-13are directed to a second embodiment for a barbell collar1002. The barbell collar1002functions as a barbell collar similar to barbell collar100shown inFIGS.1-8. The barbell collar1002, as shown inFIGS.10-13, is able to keep weight plates, such as weight plates804shown inFIG.8, from sliding off of either end of a barbell560. In other words, the barbell collar1002is configured to secure the set of weight plates804in place so that the weight plates804do not fall or slide off of either end of a barbell560. In a non-limiting embodiment, the cross-sectional profile of the front ring1020and of the body collar110is circular to accommodate a circular shaped barbell560(e.g. as shown inFIG.8and inFIG.12). The barbell collar1002is configured to slide over and fit the ends of a standard size barbell560, which fits into and slides through the interior cavity1008of the barbell collar1002.

As shown inFIG.10, in a non-limiting embodiment, the barbell collar1002comprises a front ring1020that is fastened or fastenably coupled to a body collar110having a number of contact patches such as contact patch150a,1150b, and1150cas shown more clearly inFIG.11.

The barbell collar1002further comprises an adjustable fastener145as shown inFIG.10that is comprised of a rotatable handle160coupled to a rotatable screw element140that responds to the rotational movements of the rotatable handle160. The rotatable handle160and rotatable set screw element140function in accordance with the rotatable and adjustable fastener145as described above with respect toFIGS.1-8. The adjustable handle160and element140may function as a turnbar handle and set screw that can impart force on the dynamic contact patch150aas shown inFIG.11. Notably, the adjustable fastener145needs to be able to access the dynamic contact patch (i.e.150aof the body collar1002) in order for the contact patch to be considered dynamic and moveable in its direction towards and away from the barbell560.

Notably, the barbell collar1002and specifically the body collar110comprises contact patches150a,1150b, and1150chaving the same form and structure as the contact patches150shown inFIGS.1-8, and in particular inFIGS.6A-6C. However, the barbell collar1002and specifically the body collar110is configured to have only one dynamic contact patch (e.g., dynamic contact patch150a) which is coupled to the adjustable fastener145and its components. The dynamic contact patch150ais capable of being dynamically moved (up and down or forward and back towards or away from the barbell560) using the adjustable fastener145and its respective components. Unlike the barbell collar100shown inFIGS.1-8, the barbell collar1002shown inFIGS.10-13has a single dynamic contact patch150awhile the remaining two contact patches1150band1150care static contact patches and do not function as dynamic contact patches. As shown inFIG.11, there is not an adjustable fastener145coupled to either static contact patch1150bor1150cand thus these static contact patches1150band1150care not configured to be moved or adjusted.

As shown inFIG.11, there is a front ring1020that includes one or more fastener holes1004a,1004b,1004cintegrated into a body of the front ring1020. The fastener holes1004a,1004b, and1004care configured to receive fasteners1006a,1006b, and1006c, as shown inFIG.10and inFIG.11, which helps to fastenably secure the front ring1020to the body collar110portion of the barbell collar1002. For example, as shown inFIG.11, the fasteners1006a,1006b, and1006cmay screw into or otherwise fastenably fit into the fastener holes1004a,1004b,1004cof the front ring1020and also fit through the dedicated and aligned fastener holes1102a,1102b, and1102cintegrated into a front side of the body collar110portion of the barbell body collar1002.

It is noted that the front ring1020is made of a material that will prevent or reduce the wear of the barbell plates804. For example, the front ring1020can be made of a soft steel such as aluminum or an impact resistant polymer such as ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. Additionally, the front ring1020also serves as a retaining mechanism or retainer for the contact patches150a,1150b, and1150c.

The body collar110includes three contact pockets204a,204b, and204cwhich are similar to and in accordance with the contact pockets204a,204b, and204cas described above with respect toFIGS.1-9. The contact pockets204a,204b, and204care configured to hold and retain the contact patches150a,1150b, and1150c. Each contact patch150a,1150b, and1150chas the same form and structure as the contact patches150as described above inFIGS.1-9and inFIGS.5A-5Cspecifically, except as noted above, the contact patches1150band1150care not located beneath an adjustable fastener145and as such are considered to be static contact patches150. The contact patches150a,1150b, and1150care single units.

The dynamic contact patch150afor the barbell collar1002, as shown in a non-limiting embodiment inFIGS.10-13, is positioned and fits within a contact pocket204athat is located beneath an opening1102integrated into a surface of the body collar110, which is shown inFIG.11. In a non-limiting embodiment, it may be preferable for the dynamic contact patch150ato be located on an interior top surface of the body collar1002and accessible by the adjustable fastener145so that a user can access the handle160of the adjustable fastener145from a top surface of the body collar1002. The rotatable element140of the adjustable fastener145is able to cause the dynamic contact patch150ato move down and/or forwards towards a barbell560causing the dynamic contact patch150ato press down onto and bite down onto the outer surface of the barbell560to hold the barbell560within the interior cavity1008of the barbell collar110. The static contact patches1150band1150calso function to provide reciprocating compression and hold onto the outer surface of the barbell560, but the static contact patches1150band1150ccannot be caused to advance in a downward or forward direction or retract back up or backwards as the dynamic contact patch150ais able to do responsive to the movement of the handle160and rotatable element140of the adjustable fastener145.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the contact pockets204a-204cmay be machined or otherwise integrated into the body collar110by being positioned 120 degrees apart from each other.

Notably, the contact patches150a,1150b, and1150care serviceable and replaceable. With respect to how to access the contact patches150a,1150b, and1150cas shown inFIG.11, a user may unfasten fasteners1006a-1006cfrom their respective holes1004a-1004c, and then pull off the front ring1020. Next, the user may pull out one or more of the contact patches150a,1150b, and1150cfor replacement and serviceability with one or more new replacement contact patch150by inserting the new replacement contact patch150into a desired contact pocket204a-204c. The contact pockets204a-204care machined or otherwise formed into the body collar110as shown inFIGS.10-13and are configured to hold the contact patches150a,1150b, and1150cproviding a correct size and shape to hold the contact patches150a,1150b, and1150cfor their dynamic or static function respectively. Notably, the user may pull out the contact patches150a,1150b, and1150cwithout any special tools and can slide in the replacement contact patches150a,1150b, and1150c.

It is noted that the barbell collar1002shown inFIGS.10-13has a single orientation in how it should be facing the weight plates804as slid onto either end of a barbell560. As shown inFIG.10and inFIG.11, the front1010of the barbell collar1002should be facing the last weight plate804or the weight plate804that is closest to the front side1010of the barbell collar1002. The rear or back1012of the barbell collar1002is furthest away from the weight plate804when the barbell collar1002is slid onto either end of the barbell560.

FIG.12shows a pictorial illustration of a rear side1012of the barbell collar1002.FIG.12shows how the adjustable fastener145is coupled to and positioned over the dynamic contact patch150awhich is configured to be advanced towards an outer surface of the barbell560to provide compression and hold and to bite down onto the outer surface of the barbell560. The static contact patches1150band1150calso provide grip and reciprocating compression as applied by the bottom contact surfaces508(e.g., as shown inFIG.12) of the static contact patches1150band1150c.FIG.12shows how there is a downward force1202applied when the rotatable handle160is turned and tightened causing the dynamic contact patch150ato tightly bite down and grip onto the outer surface of the barbell560. Thus, the barbell collar1002is able to securely hold the weight plates804on the barbell560and prevent the weight plates804from sliding off of the barbell560. When the rotatable handle160is turned in an opposite direction to loosen the grip of the dynamic contact patch150a, the barbell collar1002may be pulled off of the end of the barbell560.

FIG.13shows a cross-sectional view of the barbell collar1002as taken along line A-A as shown inFIG.10. In a non-limiting embodiment, the diameter1302may be approximately 2 inches in diameter. In a non-limiting embodiment, the barbell collar1002may be useful for supporting weight plates804on a barbell560.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the barbell collar1002may weigh approximately 0.25 kilograms and is very lightweight yet can still hold a great deal of weight from the weight plates804.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the barbell collar1002does not include a piston disk120or spring energizers130.

Many advantages and benefits are offered by the one or more non-limiting embodiments of the barbell collar100and barbell collar1002as described herein and shown in the accompanying details.

In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, and steps, among others, are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also contain one or more other components. The term “set” as used herein may relate to one or more item.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number),” this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 mm means a range whose lower limit is 25 mm and upper limit is 100 mm.

Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” would refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward” would refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise noted. The term “coupled to” as used herein may refer to a direct or indirect connection. The term “set” as used herein may refer to one or more items.

Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. This description provides example embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the preceding description of the embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing embodiments of the invention. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Also, some embodiments are described as processes depicted as flow diagrams or block diagrams. Although each may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process may have additional steps not included in the figure.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The present invention according to one or more embodiments described in the present description may be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive of the present invention.