GB2569957A

GB2569957A - Bar for weights

Info

Publication number: GB2569957A
Application number: GB1800054.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edward Keeping Gareth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-01-03
Filing date: 2018-01-03
Publication date: 2019-07-10
Also published as: GB201800054D0

Abstract

A bar 1 for weights X,Y comprises an elongate member 2 having first 2A and second 2B ends a face 4A, 4B on the elongate member having a substantially planar surface against which the palm of the hands of a user can be placed, and an arm 5A,5B extending from the first 2A and second 2B ends of the elongate member, each arm 5A, 5B being adapted to support an exercising weight X,Y. The elongate member may be formed from a frame 3A, 3B, 3C covered with sheet material or may be a rectangular box. The bar 1 may be received in a conduit in the elongate member.

Description

TITLE: Bar for weights

The present invention relates to a bar for weights.

When exercising in a gym it is common practice to lift weights. Some weights include a bar spacing a pair of weights, with each weight secured to one end of the bar. The user grips the bar in both hands and uses arms to lift and lower the weights to exercise various muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue in the body.

The action of gripping the bar contracts and exercises the flexor muscles in the forearm. This does not however stretch the flexor muscles which occur when the palm of the hand is flat (e.g. when placed on a planar surface) and when the hand is additionally bent outwards.

The invention seeks to provide a bar for weights which, inter alia, will stretch the flexor muscles and strengthen the extensor muscles when exercising with the bar and its weights.

According to the present invention there is provided a bar for weight comprising: a) an elongate member having first and second ends, b) a face on the member having a substantially planar surface against which the palm of the hands of a user can be placed, and c) an arm extending from each first and second end, each arm being adapted to support an exercising weight.

Preferably the elongate member is generally rectangular.

In one embodiment the elongate member is a structural elongate frame with opposing planar faces, with arms extending from either end of the frame, and at least one face is covered with a layer of sheet material to provide the planar surface against which the palm of the hands of a user can be placed.

In another embodiment the bar has a cylindrical bar member adapted to receive a weight at each end, and the elongate member, shorter than the bar member, is positioned between each end of the bar member. The elongate member may be secured to the periphery of the bar member, or the bar member may pass through a conduit in the elongate member. The elongate member may be an elongate rectangular box.

Preferably the elongate member is of a width which is substantially equal to the spacing between thumb and forefinger, e.g. around 40 to 60mm, such as 50mm.

The length of the elongate member may be around 1000 to 1200mm e.g. 1057mm, and the length of the bar with arms may be around 2000 to 2250 mm, e.g. 2134mm.

The invention also relates to the above defined bar with a weight on each arm.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying perspective drawings in which:

Figure 1A shows an exploded view of a first embodiment,

Figure I B shows an assembled view of Figure 1A, and

Figure 2 shows an alternate embodiment.

Referring to Figures 1A and IB there is shown a bar 1 for weights X,Y. Weights X,Y may be of any type well known in the art.

Bar 1 has a rectangular elongate member 2 having first and second ends 2A,2B. Elongate member 2 has an elongate structural frame 3 with opposing planar faces 3A.3B. Both faces 3A,3B are covered with a layer of sheet material 4 A,4B respectively. Sheet material 4A,4B each provide a planar surface on the face of the elongate member 2 against which the palm of the hands of a user can be placed.

Arms 5A,5B extend from the ends 3C,3D of the frame 2 (and hence the ends 2A,2B of the elongate member). Arms 5 A,5B are adapted to support weights X,Y by passing through apertures W,Z in the weights XY.

Bar 1 may conveniently be formed of metal parts, welded or otherwise secured together, or formed of other suitable material.

Preferably the elongate member is of a width which is substantially equal to the spacing between thumb and forefinger, e.g. around 40 to 60mm, such as 50mm. This allows the elongate member to be held between thumb and forefinger, whilst exercising with the bar with weights.

Preferably the length of the elongate member may be around 1000 to 1200mm e.g. 1057mm, and the length of the bar with arms may be around 2000 to 2250 mm, e.g. 2134mm.

In use a person can balance the bar with its weights on the palm of the hands and exercise, e.g. by lowering and raising the bar and its weights. This action will stretch the flexor muscles and strengthen the extensors. If desired a spirit lever could be provided on the elongate member to help a user balance the elongate member in the palms of the hands. The bar can also be used to strengthen finger tendons by just holding it with one’s fingertips, and it can also be used to train the back of the hand by having the top of your hand flat on the board.

Referring now to Figure 2 there is shown an alternative embodiment.

In Figure 2, a bar 10 of the invention has a cylindrical bar member 11 adapted to receive a weight X,W at each end 11 A,1 IB. Bar 10 also has a rectangular elongate member 12, shorter than the bar member 11. Elongate member 12 has a cylindrical conduit 13 through which bar member 11 can slide, and the elongate member 12 is positioned between each end of the bar member, whereby the ends of the bar member 11 act as arms extending from the elongate member. If desired a fastening means may be provided to stop the elongate member 12 rotating about the bar member 11 (not shown).

Elongate member 12 may be formed of any suitable material e.g. plastics or metal, and may be in the form of a plank, i.e. a rectangular box shape.

Preferably he length of the elongate member 12 may be around 1000 to 1200mm e.g. 1057mm, and the length of the bar member 11 may be around 2000 to 2250 mm, e.g. 2134mm.

Again in use, a person can balance the bar with its weights on the palm of the hands and exercise, e.g. by lowering and raising the bar and its weights. This action will stretch the flexor muscles and strengthen the extensors. If desired a spirit lever could be provided on the elongate member to help a user balance the elongate member in the palms of the hands. The bar can also be used to strengthen finger tendons by just holding it with one’s fingertips, and it can also be used to train the back of the hand by having the top of your hand flat on the board.

Instead of passing through the conduit of elongate member conduit, the elongate member may be secured to the periphery of the bar member.

The bar of the invention allows controlled range of motion that can be configured and fixed, and then varied at desired loads and ranges depending on the current stage of the user’s strength levels, and may be used to target specifically the wrist, hand and forearm muscles. It may also be used to allow a patient to conveniently and effectively rehabilitate certain injuries. The stretching of the flexor muscles and strengthening the extensors helps maintain the hands entire function. It may also strengthen the ligaments, tendons and muscles of the wrists, hands, forearms, elbows and shoulders.

The invention may take a form different to that specifically described above.

Further modifications will he apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bar for weight comprising: a) an elongate member having first and second ends, b) a face on the member having a substantially planar surface against which the palm of the hands of a user can he placed, and c) an arm extending from each first and second end, each arm being adapted to support an exercising weight.

2. A bar according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member is generally rectangular.

3. A bar according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elongate member is a structural elongate frame with opposing planar faces, with arms extending from either end of the frame, and at least one face is covered with a layer of sheet material to provide the planar surface against which the palm of the hands of a user can be placed.

4. A bar according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a cylindrical bar member adapted to receive a weight at each end, and the elongate member, shorter than the bar member, is positioned between each end of the bar member.

5. A bar according to claim 4, wherein the elongate member is secured to the periphery of the bar member, or the bar member may pass through a conduit in the elongate member.

6. A bar according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the elongate member may be an elongate rectangular box.

7. A bar according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate member is of a width which is substantially equal to the spacing between thumb and forefinger, e.g. around 40 to 60mm, such as 50mm.

8. A bar according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the elongate member may be around 1000 to 1200mm e.g. 1057mm, and the length of the bar with arms may be around 2000 to 2250 mm, e.g. 2134mm.

9. A bar according to any preceding claim with a weight on each arm.