GB2462118A

GB2462118A - Weight training apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2462118A
Application number: GB0813639A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard May
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-07-25
Filing date: 2008-07-25
Publication date: 2010-01-27
Also published as: GB2475176A; GB201021607D0; WO2010010353A1; GB0813639D0

Abstract

A weight training apparatus comprises an elongate member having a central portion 4 and end portions 6a,b, each end portion being offset from the longitudinal axis of the central portion and being adapted for holding one or more weights. The central portion 4 of the elongate member includes a plurality of grip portions 8a,b, each grip portion having a cross-sectional form having an aspect ratio greater than 1 (see figure 2). The cross-sectional form of each grip portion may be substantially rectangular or elliptical.

Description

I

WEIGHT TRAINING APPARATUS

The present invention is directed towards an apparatus for weight training. The invention is particularly concerned with an apparatus for the development of the muscles of the arms, in particular the lower arms.

Weight training is becoming an increasingly popular activity. Gym membership is very popular and also people are becoming increasingly interested in weight training at home. People interested in weight training are often aware that they are only as strong as their weakest point. With many people, the weakest point is the lower arm. Current weight training devices are not specifically aimed at the lower arm area. Current weight training devices aimed at the lower arm area are mainly hand held devices not suitable for gyms and not particularly suited to developing the muscles in the lower arm. Such devices are often difficult to grasp, making lower arm, training difficult, and also causing pain, irritation and even bleeding in the hands due to the grip used. For example, a conventional weight training apparatus comprises an elongate bar having a circular cross-section, with provision for one or more weights to be mounted to the free ends of the bar.

While this apparatus is well suited to training a range of muscle groups in the body of a user, it is not best suited to training the lower arm area..

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved weight training device specificaUy aimed at the arms and more specifically the lower arm that is easy and comfortable to grasp.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a weight training apparatus comprising an elongate member having a central portion and end portions, each end portion being adapted for holding one or more weights; the central portion of the elongate member comprising at least one grip portion, each grip portion having a cross-sectional form having an aspect ratio greater than 1, each end portion being offset from the longitudinal axis of the grip portion.

The apparatus of the present invention allows the arms of the user, in particular the lower arms, to be exercised. The apparatus provides the advantage that the user can more easily hold and grip the apparatus during the exercises required to work the lower arms, compared with conventional and known designs of apparatus. In particular, the apparatus of the present invention allows the user to perform exercises that require the user to hold the apparatus and curl or rotate the hands about the wrists or the lower arms about the elbows, thus raising and lowering the apparatus and any attached weights. This curling action is particularly effective in exercising the lower arms.

The apparatus comprises an elongate member having a central portion and end portions. The end portions are each adapted to hold one or more weights. Devices for retaining and holding weights on the end portions are known in the art and may be employed in the present invention. The end portions are preferably elongate members, in particular tubular members of known configuration. The end portions may extend at any orientation to the central portion and preferably have their longitudinal axes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the central portion.

The end portions extend from a central portion of the apparatus. The central portion is an elongate member which, in use, is held by the user. The central portion comprises at least one grip portion. In use, the grip portion is gripped and held by the user during the exercise routine using the apparatus.

The end portions and the one or more grip portions are arranged such that the centre of mass of the apparatus is displaced from the longitudinal axis of the grip portion. In a preferred arrangement, the longitudinal axis of the or each grip portion is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the central portion and end portion is displaced from the longitudinal axes of both the central portion and the grip portion. However, other arrangements of the end portions, central portion and grip portions may also be provided. For example, the end portions and central portion may have their longitudinal axes aligned and the longitudinal axis of the or each grip portion be displaced therefrom.

In use, weights are applied to the end portions of the apparatus.

Typically, the weights are in the form of discs, with central bores therethrough for passing onto the end portions of lifting apparatus. The end portions may be sized to accept any appropriate weights. Currently, weights are available with a range of bore diameters. To allow weights with different bore diameters to be loaded onto the apparatus, the end portions may be provided with a metal sleeve with a suitable outside diameter, so as to allow the apparatus to be used with weights of differing sizes and design.

The or each grip portion of the apparatus is preferably elongate and is positioned so as to have its longitudinal axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the central portion.

The apparatus may comprise a single grip portion extending along a major portion or the entire length of the central portion. Alternatively, the apparatus may comprise a plurality of grip portions, spaced apart so as to be positioned where a user lifts the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the central portion is provided with two grip portions. The one or more grip portions are preferably symmetrically disposed about the centre of mass of the apparatus along the central portion.

The grip portion of the central portion of the apparatus is formed to have a cross-section having an aspect ratio greater than 1. In this way, the hands of the user are able to hold the grip portion sufficiently firmly to perform the aforementioned curling exercises, with a significantly reduced tendency for the apparatus to rotate in the hands of the user. It is a particular problem with known apparatus that, while exercises of the aforementioned kind may be attempted, the user generally experiences the bar of the apparatus slipping and rotating in their hands. The displacement of the centre of mass of the apparatus and any attached weights from the longitudinal axis of the portion being gripped generates a moment of force under the action of gravity as the centre of mass is moved out of vertical alignment with the longitudinal axis of the or each grip portion. It is this moment that causes the known apparatus to slip in the hands of users, potentially injuring the user. This problem is solved in the present invention by having the or each grip portion formed with a cross-section that has an aspect ratio greater than 1. In other words, the or each grip portion may be considered as having two orthogonal dimensions of unequal size.

Preferably, the aspect ratio of the cross-section of the at least one grip portion is at least 1.5, more preferably at least 2, still more preferably is at least 3. Excessively large aspect ratios should be avoided, as this reduces the ability of the user to comfortably grip and hold the grip portion.

Accordingly, aspect ratios of less than 6, more preferably less than 5 are preferred.

The central portion and the grip portion may be formed to have the same cross-sectional form. The cross-sectional form of the or each grip portion is preferably different to the cross-sectional form of the remainder of the central portion. In this way, the positions for placing the hands on the apparatus and gripping the apparatus can be made more apparent to the user.

The or each grip portion may have any suitable cross-sectional form that is comfortable to hold in the hands, The cross-sectional form of the grip portion is preferably substantially rectangular, or alternatively is elliptical.

These shapes allow the grip to fit comfortably in the hand of a user, and allow a user to grip the apparatus easily and firmly during the aforementioned exercises. In particular, these forms allow the user to easily prevent the apparatus from rotating in the hands under the action of the moment of force arising during the carrying out of the various exercises.

The or each grip portion may have any suitable dimensions, again this being dictated primarily by the ability of the user to hold the grip portion firmly and comfortably during the exercises. The circumference of the grip portion may be in the range of from 50 to 200mm, preferably from about 75 to 150mm, and is more preferably about 100mm. This size has been found to fit comfortably into the hand of an average user.

The surface of the or each grip portion may be plain and/or smooth.

However, the surface of the grip portion is preferably textured so as to increase its grip for a user. A preferred texture is knurling. Suitable surface textures and patterns and the methods for forming them are known in the art.

The central portion, grip portions and the end portions of the apparatus may be formed as two or more separate components, but are preferably formed as a single member.

The apparatus may be used by itself in an exercise and training regime. However, as noted above, more commonly the end portions will have weights applied.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a weight training apparatus comprising an elongate member having a central portion and end portions, one or more weights disposed on each end portion; the central portion of the elongate member comprising at least one grip portion, the grip portion having a cross-sectional form having an aspect ratio greater than 1; the centre of mass of the apparatus being displaced from the longitudinal axis of the at least one grip portion.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a general view of the apparatus according to a preferred embodiment; and Figure 2 is a detailed view of the grip portion of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing a cross-section therethrough.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present ivnention, generally indicated as 2. The apparatus 2 comprises an elongate, generally tubular central portion 4 and tubular end portions 6a and 6b. The end portions 6a, 6b are parallel to the central portion 4, but offset from the longitudinal axis of the central portion 4 by means of tubular members 7a and 7b, respectively. The end portions 6a, 6b are arranged to receive weights of known shape and size and in known manner.

Thus, the end portions 6a and 6b may be provided with suitable retaining and locking means to retain the weights, the components of which are known in the art and are commercially available.

The central portion 4 comprises grip portions 8a and 8b. The grip portions 8a and 8b are spaced apart on the central portion 4 and arranged symmetrically about the centre of mass of the apparatus, generally indicated as M in Figure 1.

The grip portions 8a and 8b have a cross sectional form with an aspect ratio of greater than 1, one embodiment of which is shown in more detail in Figure 2.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the grip portion, generally indicated as 102. The grip portion 102 has a cross-section 104. The cross-section 104 is generally rectangular in shape, with the corners thereof rounded for ease of use, comfort and safety. The cross-sectional form has an aspect ration greater than 1. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the cross-sectional form of the grip portion has an aspect ratio of approximately 4.

The surface of the grip portion 102 comprises knurling 106, to provide a textured, higher friction surface for gripping and holding.

In use, the apparatus of Figure 1 is weighted to the desired level by applying weights to the end portions 6a and 6b. The user may then hold the apparatus by grasping the grip portions 8a and 8b in the hands. Exercises that involve the raising and rotating of the apparatus, for example the user rotating their hands or lower arms about their wrists or elbows. As the apparatus is raised and rotated, such that the weights are or move out of vertical alignment with the longitudinal axis of the grip portions 8a and 8b, the apparatus is urged to rotate in the user's hands under the action of gravity.

This action can be readily countered by the hands of the user by virtue of the specific cross-sectional profile of the grip portions described above.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A weight training apparatus comprising an elongate member having a central portion and end portions, each end portion being adapted for holding one or more weights; the central portion of the elongate member comprising at least one grip portion, each grip portion having a cross-sectional form having an aspect ratio greater than 1, each end portion being offset from the longitudinal axis of the at least one grip portion.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the end portions have their longitudinal axes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the central portion.
3. The apparatus according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the grip portion has a cross-sectional form having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the grip portion has a cross-sectional form having an aspect ratio of at least 2.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the grip portion has a cross-sectional form having an aspect ratio of at least 3.
6. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cross-sectional forms of the grip portion is different to the cross-sectional form of the remainder of the central portion.
7. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cross-sectional form of the grip portion is substantially rectangular.
8. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cross-sectional form of the grip portion is substantially elliptical.
9. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the grip portion has a cross-sectional circumference of about 100mm.
10. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface of the grip portion is provided with a texture to increase its grip for a user.
11. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the central portion and both end portions are formed as a unitary member.
12. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the grip portion is elongate and has its longitudinal axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the central portion.
13.A weight training apparatus comprising an elongate member having a central portion and end portions, one or more weights disposed on each end portion; the central portion of the elongate member comprising at least one grip portion, the grip portion having a cross-sectional form having an aspect ratio greater than 1; the centre of mass of the apparatus being displaced from the longitudinal axis of the at least one grip portion.
14.The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the end portions have their longitudinal axes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the grip portion.
15. The apparatus according to either of claims 13 or 14, wherein the grip portion has a cross-sectional form having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the grip portion has a cross-sectional form having an aspect ratio of at least 2.
17.The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the grip portion has a cross-sectional form having an aspect ratio of at least 3.
18. The apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the cross-sectional form of the grip portion is different to the cross-sectional form of the remainder of the central portion.
19.The apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the cross-sectional form of the grip portion is substantially rectangular.
20.The apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the cross-sectional form of the grip portion is substantially elliptical.
21.The apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the grip portion has a cross-sectional circumference of about 100mm.
22.The apparatus according to any of claims l3to 17, wherein the surface of the grip portion is provided with a texture to increase its grip for a user.
23. The apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the central portion and both end portions are formed as a unitary member.
24. The apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the grip portion is elongate and has its longitudinal axes coincident with the longitudinal axis of the central portion.
25. A weightlifting apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to either of the accompanying figures.