GB2410197A

GB2410197A - Dumbbell having weight attached by two securing members

Info

Publication number: GB2410197A
Application number: GB0501239A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Zdzislaw Janusek
Original assignee: Escape Fitness Ltd
Current assignee: Escape Fitness Ltd
Priority date: 2004-01-23
Filing date: 2005-01-21
Publication date: 2005-07-27
Anticipated expiration: 2025-01-21
Also published as: GB0401464D0; GB0501239D0; WO2005070502A3; GB2410197B; WO2005070502A2

Abstract

A dumbbell or barbell comprising a bar 12 and a weight assembly 16 mounted on an end portion 14 of the bar. The dumbbell or barbell comprises a first securing member 20 for securing the weight assembly on the end portion. The dumbbell or barbell further comprises an additional second securing member 30 for securing the weight assembly on the same end portion such that the first and second securing members each independently secure the weight assembly on the end portion. The first and second securing members each cooperate with a projection 18 to secure the weight assembly between the projection and the respective securing members.

Description

AN EXERCISE DEVICE

The present invention relates to an exercise device, particularly but not exclusively to a dumbbell or barbell for weight lifting exercises and other fitness activities.

Conventional dumbbells or barbells comprise a bar and a set of weights mounted on the end portions of the bar.

These dumbbells or barbells further comprise flanges and collars to retain the weights in position on the bar and to secure the weights. The flanges are provided on the bar towards the end portions. The collars are located on the end portions over the weights to secure the weights on the bar by cooperating with the flanges to secure the weights therebetween.

These dumbbells or barbells have the problem that, through repeated use, the collars can be loosened which causes the weights to rotate and vibrate during use. This is unpleasant to the user and can cause the weights to become disconnected which would give rise to safety concerns.

The present invention aims to obviate or at least mitigate the above described problems and/or to provide improvements generally.

According to the present invention, there is provided an exercise device as defined in any of the accompanying claims.

In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an exercise device comprising: a bar, the bar comprising an end portion; a weight assembly mounted on the end portion; a first member for securing the weight assembly to the end portion; a second member for securing the weight assembly to the same end portion, andi wherein the first and second securing members each independently secure the weight assembly to the end portion.

The weight assembly is thus secured to the end portion by first and second securing members which each operate independently from each other. The independent operation of the securing members allows the weight assembly to be independently fastened by each of the securing members.

This has the important advantage that if the second securing member is loosened or otherwise undone, then the first securing member still secures the weight assembly on the bar. Vice versa, if the first securing member is loosened or otherwise undone, then the second securing member still secures the weight assembly. This securing arrangement thus ensures that the weight assembly is securely mounted on the bar whereby loosening of the weight assembly is prevented or significantly reduced as the weight assembly is secured by both primary and secondary securing members.

Preferably, the exercise device comprises a weight assembly on both end portions of the bar. The weight assembly may comprise a single weight or an assembly of one or more individual weights. The latter arrangement has the advantage that the weight assembly may be composed of similar weights in a modular form which are combined to form a suitable weight assembly.

The weight assembly is preferably of an approximate cylindrical external shape similar to conventional weight assemblies that are commonly used in barbells and dumbbells.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bar comprises a member for locating the weight assembly on the end portion. The locating member may comprise a projection.

The projection may be in the form of a flange. This has the advantage that the locating member can be easily machined out from the end portion of the bar.

In another embodiment of the invention, at least a part of each of the securing members engages with the weight assembly. In this way, the weight assembly is retained on the end portion.

The projection may be provided on the bar on one side of the weight assembly, the first and second securing members each co-operating with the projection to secure the weight assembly between the projection and at least a part of the respective securing members. In this way, the weight assembly is retained securely between the projection and the securing members as the weight assembly is effectively clamped between the locating member and the securing members. Each of the securing members provides a clamp force inwards which forces the weight assembly onto the locating member.

The weight assembly may comprise a first face which is located on the outside of the weight assembly. The weight assembly may further comprise a second face which is located on the inside of the weight assembly. The securing members may both be located in relation to or in engagement with the first face. The locating member may be positioned on the bar in relation to the second face, preferably thereby engaging the second face.

In one embodiment, the end portion comprises a first threaded portion. The first securing member may engage with the first threaded portion. The first threaded portion may comprise an external thread.

In a preferred embodiment, the first securing member comprises a nut which engages with the first threaded portion. In this way, the weight assembly is securely held on the bar. The weight assembly preferably comprises a recess for receiving the first securing member.

In an alternative embodiment, the first securing member is welded to the end portion. Preferably, the first securing member comprises a nut, the end portion comprises a first threaded portion, and the nut is welded to the first threaded portion. In this way, a compressive force may be provided by the nut, and then permanently maintained via the welded fixing.

In a further alternative embodiment, the first threaded portion may form the first securing member. The weight assembly may engage with the threaded portion.

In another embodiment of the invention, the second securing member engages with the bar and the weight assembly. The end portion preferably comprises a second threaded portion.

The second securing member may engage with the second threaded portion. The second threaded portion may comprise an internal thread.

In a further preferred embodiment, the second securing member comprises an end plate. The end plate may engage with the weight assembly. The end plate may be mounted on the weight assembly and engage with the second threaded member. The second securing member may comprise a screw which engages with the end plate and the end portion.

In a preferred embodiment, the end plate is of a smaller cross-section than the cross-section of the weight assembly. This increases the pressure of the end plate on the weight assembly as the contact area between the end plate and the weight assembly is reduced or minimised. This ensures that the second securing member securely holds the weight assembly in place.

The end plate preferably comprises a recess. The recess is adapted to receive a label or similar to display product information.

In a preferred embodiment, the end plate comprises a resilient member. The resilient member may prevent the device from being damaged, for example when contacting a similar exercise device during butterfly exercises. The resilient member is preferably provided in the recess on the end plate.

In a further embodiment, the end plate obscures the first securing member from sight. In this way, a first securing member which is not aesthetically pleasing may be hidden from view, thereby preserving the aesthetics, design and visual appearance of the exercise device.

In another embodiment of the invention, the weight assembly comprises smooth edges. This prevents damage to the exercise device and to other equipment such as flooring on which the device is placed during use. The weight assembly may comprise mild steel and/or stainless steel. The weight assembly may further comprise a cover. The cover may comprise a resilient material such as rubber or polyurethane material. This further limits damage to the device or to other equipment which is contacted with the device.

In another embodiment of the invention, the bar comprises a handle, the handle being rotatable relative to the bar.

This arrangement is particularly advantageous for certain fitness exercises as the bar can freely rotate in relation to the handle. The handle may be formed by a sleeve which is rotatably mounted on the bar. Relative rotation between the bar and the sleeve may be provided by means of appropriate bearings. Alternatively, the inside of the sleeve may be manufactured from a low friction material which is freely rotatable over the surface of the bar. To this effect, the bar surface may be smooth and the inner material of the sleeve may be formed from suitable materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene of pEfe or such like materials. The handle may comprise means for improving grip on the handle which may be formed by an appropriate texture or another adequate material. In this respect, polyurethane is a suitable material as it is relatively soft, resilient and hygienic.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the bar may comprise means for providing grip. This improves overall handling and grip on the bar during use.

In a further embodiment, the first and second securing members may be configured in such a way that the first securing member is releasable only after releasing the second securing member or vice versa. Release or removal of the securing member is thus only possible in a sequence whereby firstly the second securing member is released or removed after which step the first securing member is released or removed. Or, vice versa, whereby firstly the first securing member is released which is followed by the release of the second securing member to disassemble the device.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided an exercise device comprising a bar and a weight assembly mounted on an end portion of the bar, the device further comprising dual securing means for securing the weights on the bar, the dual securing means comprising first and second securing members for securing the weight assembly on the same end portion, wherein the first and second securing members each independently secure the weight assembly on the end portion.

There is thus provided an exercise device as hereinbefore described and as shown in any of the accompanying drawings.

The invention will now be further illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 presents a combined diagrammatic cross- sectional/side view of an exercise device according to an embodiment of the invention.

The exercise device 10 comprises a bar 12 having end portions 14 on each end of the bar 12. The device 10 further comprises two weight assemblies in the form of a set of weights 16 which are mounted on the end portions 14 of the bar 12. The weights 16 are retained on the end portions 14 by locating members in the form of projections or collars 18.

The weights 16 are secured on the bar 12 by first 20 and second 22 securing members. The first securing member 20 comprises a locking nut 26 which engages with the threaded section 24 of the end portion 14. The weights 16 are retained on the bar 12 on each end portion 14 between the nuts 26 and the projections 18. The locking nut 26 may also be welded to the end portion 14 to provide a permanent fixing.

The second securing member 22 comprises end plates 28 which engage with the weights 16 and which are held in place by means of mounting screws 30 which engage with internal threads 32 which are provided on the end portions 14 of the bar 12. The end plates 28 comprise a recess in which a resilient disc 34 is located. This disc 34 prevents damage to the end plate. Such damage can occur during butterfly exercises when a similar device is held in each hand and the devices are moved towards one another.

The end plates 28 may also be used to hide the first securing member 20 from view. This is of particular importance if the first securing members 20 are permanently fixed, for example the first securing members 20 are locking nuts 26 which are welded in position, thereby providing a fixing which detracts from the visual appearance of the exercise device 10. When the end plates 28 are used in conjunction with permanently fixed first securing members, they may be provided primarily to enhance the appearance of the exercise device 10, and may be manufactured from modern soft, tactile and resilient materials.

The weights 16 further comprise a cover 36 of a resilient material which protects the weights 16 and prevent the device 10 from damaging other equipment during use.

To assemble the device 10, weights 16 are mounted on the end portions 14 of the bar 12 and they are secured in place by applying and tightening the nuts 26. Subsequently, the end plates 28 are provided over the weights 16 and the plates are secured in place by means of the mounting screws - 9 30. Preferably, an adhesive, such as LOCTITE_ is applied to the internal and external threads to ensure that the nut and mounting screws 30 are securely fastened. A resilient disc 34 is provided in the recess on the end plate 28 to protect the device and other equipment. The disc 34 displays product details such as the weight of the device and other appropriate marking.

After assembly of the device 10, the device 10 is ready for use. The device 10 can be used in a similar fashion to conventional dumbbells and barbells to improve the fitness and health of the user.

It is evident that the construction for securing the weights on the bar is not limited to applications in dumbbells or barbells but can also be applied to secure weights in other exercise equipment applications.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising: a bar, the bar comprising an end portion; a weight assembly mounted on the end portion; a first member for securing the weight assembly to the end portion; a second member for securing the weight assembly to the same end portion, and; wherein the first and second securing members each independently secure the weight assembly to the end portion.

2. An exercise device comprising a bar and a weight assembly mounted on an end portion of the bar, the device further comprising dual securing means for securing the weights on the bar, the dual securing means comprising first and second securing members for securing the weight assembly on the same end portion, wherein the first and second securing members each independently secure the weight assembly on the end portion.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bar comprises a member for locating the weight assembly on the end portion.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the first and second securing members each co-operate with the locating member to independently secure the weight assembly on the end portion whereby the weight assembly is clamped between the locating member and the securing members.

5. A device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the locating member comprises a projection, the projection being provided on the bar. - 1 1

6. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight assembly has a first face on one side of the assembly and the weight assembly has a second face on the opposite side of the assembly, each of the first and second securing members engaging with the first face.

7. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the end portion comprises a first threaded portion.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the first securing member engages with the first threaded portion.

9. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight assembly comprises a recess for receiving the first securing member.

10. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the end portion comprises a second threaded portion.

11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the second securing member engages with the second threaded portion.

12. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second securing member comprises an end plate, the end plate being adapted to engage with the weight assembly.

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the end plate comprises a resilient surface.

14. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight assembly comprises a cover.

15. A device according to claim 14, wherein the cover comprises a resilient material such as rubber or polyurethane.

516. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the securing members are releasable.

17. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second securing members may be configured in such a way that the first securing member is releasable only after releasing the second securing member or vice versa.

18. A device according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first securing member comprises a permanent fixing.

19. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bar comprises a handle, the handle being rotatable relative to the bar.

20. An exercise device as hereinbefore described and as shown in the accompanying drawing.