Variable Weight Instability Mace and Long Bar Exercise Device

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/677,401, entitled “VARIABLE WEIGHT INSTABILITY MACE AND LONG BAR EXERCISE DEVICE”, filed on Jul. 30, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The field of the disclosure generally to exercise equipment and, more specifically, to hand-held exercise devices that incorporate suspended or swinging weights to create dynamic instability for resistance training.

Conventional exercise devices such as barbells, dumbbells, and fixed-weight training tools provide resistance primarily through static mass. While effective for building strength, these traditional tools do not typically engage stabilizer muscles in the same way as dynamic or unstable loads.

Several prior inventions have attempted to introduce dynamic or swinging weights into training tools, including adjustable sledgehammers, fitness bars with rotating grips, and suspended cable systems. However, these designs often require specialized mounting systems, are cumbersome to handle, or offer limited adjustability in the placement or type of weight used.

There remains a need for a simple, portable, and versatile training device that engages the core and stabilizer muscles through intentional instability while allowing for variable resistance and user customization.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a detailed top elevation view of the variable weight instability mace exercise device.

FIG. 2 is a detailed top elevation view of the variable weight instability long bar exercise device.

FIG. 3 is a representation of an operator using the variable weight instability mace exercise device.

FIG. 4 is a representation of an operator using the variable weight instability long bar exercise device.

SUMMARY

The variable weight instability mace and long bar exercise devices target individuals engaged in functional fitness, sports training, athletic development, and bodybuilding, offering different exercises for the upper body, lower body, and core, for beginner, intermediate, and advanced users. Almost any mace or barbell workout can be used with the variable weight instability mace and long bar exercise devices. The mace includes an aluminum round tube coated with powder coated grip paint. On one end is a polyethylene plug and on the other end is an aluminum flange with a mechanical connection to a stainless steel heavy duty 360° swing bearing hanger with a chain and weight connection. The long bar also includes an aluminum round tube coated with powder coated grip paint, but with central, inner, and outer grip line indicators. On each end of the tube is an aluminum flange with a mechanical connection to a stainless steel heavy duty 180° to 360° rotary swing hook with a chain and weight connection.

The present disclosure provides a variable weight instability exercise device in two configurations: a single-ended mace and a dual-ended long bar. Both devices comprise a lightweight, hand-held shaft equipped with one or more rotational connectors, from which a flexible connector suspends one or more weights.

As the device is moved, the suspended weights swing freely, introducing dynamic instability that engages the user's stabilizing muscles and enhances neuromuscular control. The amount of instability can be adjusted by modifying the length of the flexible connector or the mass of the attached weight.

The disclosure allows for the use of a variety of weights-including standard plates, kettlebells, and lightweight elements such as drilled hockey pucks-making the device suitable for all fitness levels, including youth athletes. The long bar configuration features grip markings for proper hand positioning, while both devices are designed for ease of use, modular weight attachment, and portability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The variable weight instability mace and long bar exercise devices target individuals engaged in functional fitness, sports training, athletic development, and bodybuilding, offering different exercises for the upper body, lower body, and core, for beginner, intermediate, and advanced users. Almost any mace or barbell workout can be used with the variable weight instability mace and long bar exercise devices. The mace includes an aluminum round tube coated with powder coated grip paint. On one end is a polyethylene plug and on the other end is an aluminum flange with a mechanical connection to a stainless steel heavy duty 360° swing bearing hanger with a chain and weight connection. The long bar also includes an aluminum round tube coated with powder coated grip paint, but with central, inner, and outer grip line indicators. On each end of the tube is an aluminum flange with a mechanical connection to a stainless steel heavy duty 180° to 360° rotary swing hook with a chain and weight connection.

As the operator swings the mace or long bar, there is additional movement with the weight and chain, thereby making the exercise more challenging. Weight attachment is simple and easy. Weights can be swapped for heaver or lighter weights, giving the operator more options with their workout, and difficulty using the same weights can be increased or decreased by looping the weights at different chain lengths, thereby increasing or decreasing the weight instability while performing the exercise.

The variable weight instability exercise device is provided in two configurations: a mace and a long bar. Both devices are designed to introduce dynamic instability into resistance training by suspending weights from the shaft using flexible connectors.

Mace Configuration

FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 are diagram representations of the mace exercise device as the mace configuration. FIG. 1 is a detailed top elevation view of the variable weight instability mace exercise device. According to FIG. 1, the mace exercise device comprises a 3′6″ aluminum round tube coated with powder coated grip paint 10, having a polyethylene plug 12 on one end and a 3″ aluminum flange 14 on the other end. The aluminum flange 14 is mechanically connected to the aluminum tube 10 with two 5/16″×2″ hex drive stainless steel button head socket cap screws and NYLOK bolts 16. Connected to the 3″ aluminum flange 14 is a stainless steel heavy duty 360° swing bearing hanger with a 1500 lbs capacity 20. The flange 14 is mechanically connected to the heavy duty hanger 20 with three 5/16″×1″ hex drive stainless steel button head socket cap screws and NYLOK bolts 18. A stainless steel quick link chain connection 22 is attached to the heavy duty hanger 20. Attached to the quick link chain connection 22 is a 1′ length of ¼″ zinc-coated steel chain 24 with a weight plate 26 looped through the chain.

According to FIG. 3, the mace comprises an aluminum round tube with powder-coated grip paint approximately 1.25 inches in diameter and available in lengths between 32 and 42 inches. One end of the tube is fitted with a polyethylene plug, and the other end includes a mechanically fastened aluminum flange. The flange is connected to a 360° swing bearing hanger with a load capacity of up to 1,500 lbs. A zinc-coated steel chain, approximately 1 foot in length, is attached to the hanger via a stainless steel quick link. A weight, such as a 2.5 lb plate or a series of drilled hockey pucks (approximately 0.3 lbs each), is suspended from the chain. The chain may be looped to shorten or lengthen the drop, adjusting the degree of instability.

FIG. 3 is a representation of an operator using the variable weight instability mace exercise device. According to FIG. 3, the operator holds the mace in the start position, with the left hand at the bottom of the bar and the right hand near the center point of the bar. The mace is swung behind and over the operator's right shoulder and out in front of the operator. The operator then switches their grip so the right hand is now at the bottom of the bar and the left hand is near the center point. The mace is swung behind and over the operator's left shoulder and the process repeats for a given number of repetitions.

According to FIG. 3, when In use, the operator holds the mace in various grip positions and swings it around the body to perform functional strength movements. The swinging weight introduces rotational and angular instability, challenging the core and upper body muscles.

Long Bar Configuration

FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 are diagram representations of the mace exercise device as the long bar configuration.

FIG. 2 is a detailed top elevation view of the variable weight instability long bar exercise device. According to FIG. 2, the long bar exercise device comprises a 4′6″ aluminum round tube coated with powder coated grip paint 30. On the aluminum tube 30 are lines used to communicate to the operator the center line 32, the left and right inner grip lines 34L and 34R, and the left and right outer grip lines 36L and 36R. On each end of the aluminum tube 30 is a 3″ aluminum flange 38L and 38R. Each aluminum flange 38L and 38R is mechanically connected to the aluminum tube 30 with two 5/16″×2″ hex drive stainless steel button head socket cap screws and NYLOK bolts 40L and 40R. Connected to each 3″ aluminum flange 38L and 38R is a stainless steel heavy duty 180°+360° rotary swing hook with a 1500 lbs capacity 44L and 44R, using three 5/16″×1″ hex drive stainless steel button head socket cap screws and NYLOK bolts 42L and 42R. Connected to each rotary swing hook 44L and 44R is the first link of a 2′ length of ¼″ zinc-coated steel chain 48L and 48R. Looped through each chain 48L and 48R is a weight plate 50L and 50R. Each chain is then reconnected to its respective swing hook 44L and 44R using a 3¼″×3⅛″ 5/16″ size 316 stainless steel universal spring snap 46L and 46R.

According to FIG. 2, the long bar device comprises a 4′6″ aluminum round tube with powder-coated grip paint. Grip markings on the shaft indicate the center, inner, and outer hand positions to guide proper form. Aluminum flanges are fastened at both ends of the shaft and are each connected to a 180° +360° rotary swing hook. A 2-foot zinc-coated steel chain is attached to each hook via universal spring snaps. Weights up to 100 lbs per side can be suspended and secured through the chain loops.

FIG. 4 is a representation of an operator using the variable weight instability long bar exercise device. According to FIG. 4, the operator holds the long bar exercise device in the start position in front of them, with the left and right hands in between their respective inner and outer grip lines 34L 34R 36L 36R. The operator begins a kayak paddle exercise pointing the right end of the bar in front of the operator and the left end of the bar behind the operator. The operator then pulls their right hand to the right side of their body while lifting their left hand up and in front of their head. The operator begins rotating the bar in front of them by simultaneously bringing their left hand down and their right hand up. The operator then pulls their left hand to the left side of their body while lifting their right hand up and in front of their head. The operator begins rotating the bar in front of them by simultaneously bringing their right hand down and their left hand up. The operator then pulls their right hand to the right side of their body while lifting their left hand up and in front of their head. The process then repeats for a given number of repetitions.

The operator may perform exercises such as a kayak paddle motion, overhead presses, or rotation drills while managing the instability of swinging weights. The suspended configuration creates resistance not only in lifting but in controlling the motion path, increasing the engagement of stabilizer muscles throughout the body.

As the operator swings the mace or long bar, there is additional movement with the weight and chain, thereby making the exercise more challenging. Weight attachment is simple and easy. Weights can be swapped for heaver or lighter weights, giving the operator more options with their workout, and difficulty using the same weights can be increased or decreased by looping the weights at different chain lengths, thereby increasing or decreasing the weight instability while performing the exercise.

The construction materials may vary. The shaft may be made from aluminum, stainless steel, carbon fiber, or other rigid materials. The flexible connector may be a chain, band, strap, or cable. Suspended weights may include standard plates, kettlebells, sandbags, pucks, or other compact weights.

According to the disclosure, the devices are suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced users, including youth athletes who may use lighter weights. Difficulty can be increased through heavier weights or longer chain lengths, or decreased through shorter chains and lighter loads.

According to further embodiments of the disclosure, other mace or barbell workouts can be used with the variable weight instability mace and long bar exercise devices, targeting the upper body, lower body, and core, for beginner, intermediate, and advanced operators. An additional benefit of these devices is the instability and added movement of the weights attached. As the operator swings the mace or long bar, there is additional movement with the weight and chain, thereby making the exercise more challenging. Another added benefit is that the weights can be swapped for heaver or lighter weights, giving the operator more options and versatility with their workouts. Also, difficulty using the same weights can be increased or decreased by looping the weights at different chain lengths, thereby increasing or decreasing the weight instability while performing the exercise.

Alternate Embodiments

According to the disclosure, alternate embodiments of the variable weight instability mace and long bar exercise device includes the following:

• • Different materials, sizes, and interconnections can be used for all components.
  • In lieu of chains; bands, cables or other fasteners can be used to attach the weights.
  • In lieu of weight plates; sandbags, water bags, bags, bells, balls, kettlebells or other weights can be used.
  • In lieu of an aluminum round tube with powder coated grip paint; a knurled or non-knurled round tube of aluminum, stainless steel, carbon fiber or other rigid material can be used.
  • In lieu of powder coated grip paint: leather wraps or grip tape can be used.
  • In lieu of a heavy duty 360° swing bearing hanger; a bolt and bearing allowing for rotation can be used.
  • In lieu of a heavy duty 180°+360° rotary swing hook; a bolt and bearing allowing for rotation can be used.
  • In lieu of mechanical connections; welded aluminum or welded steel can be used.

According to the disclosure a handheld fitness device configured for variable weight training exercise is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end, a rotational connector attached to the first end of the shaft, a flexible connector suspended from the rotational connector and at least one weight suspended from the flexible connector, wherein the suspended weight is configured to swing relative to the shaft, creating instability during exercise.

According to the disclosure, the flexible connector of the device comprises a zinc-coated steel chain. The length of the flexible connector is adjustable to vary the degree of instability.

According to the disclosure, the rotational connector of the device comprises a 360° swivel bearing or a 180°+360° rotary swing hook. The weight of the device is selected from a group consisting of standard weight plates, sandbags, kettlebells, and drilled hockey pucks.

According to the disclosure, the elongated shaft of the device comprises aluminum, stainless steel, carbon fiber, or another rigid material. The shaft includes branding elements selected from a group consisting of a company logo, a QR code, a load capacity marking, or a disclaimer. The shaft has a length between 32 inches and 42 inches.

According to the disclosure, the total load capacity of the suspended weight is up to 35 pounds. The suspended weight creates resistance through dynamic instability rather than static load.

Furthermore, the suspended weight comprises one or more lightweight elements intended for youth athletes, including drilled hockey pucks or other weights weighing less than 2.5 pounds each.

According to the disclosure, a long bar fitness device configured for variable weight training exercise is also disclosed. the long bar device comprises an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end, a rotational connector attached to each of the first and second ends of the shaft, a flexible connector suspended from each rotational connector and a weight suspended from each flexible connector, wherein the suspended weights are configured to swing independently and induce instability during exercise.

According to the disclosure, the shaft of the long bar device includes grip markings to guide hand placement. The total load capacity of the suspended weights of the long bar device is up to 200 pounds, with up to 100 pounds on each end. The flexible connector of the long bar device comprises a zinc-coated steel chain and the connector is adjustable to vary the degree of instability.

According to the disclosure, the rotational connector of the long bar device comprises a 360° swivel bearing or a 180°+360° rotary swing hook. The shaft of the long bar device includes branding elements selected from a group consisting of a company logo, a QR code, a load capacity marking, or a disclaimer.

According to the disclosure, the elongated shaft of the long bar device comprises aluminum, stainless steel, carbon fiber or another rigid material and has a length of 54 inches. The suspended weight of the long bar device creates resistance through dynamic instability rather than static load.

The specific embodiments described above have been shown by way of example and understood is that these embodiments may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. Further understood is that the claims are not intended to be limited to the forms disclosed, but rather to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. While the foregoing written description of the system enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The system should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the system. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Information as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described object of the present disclosure, the presently preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, and is, thus, representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and is to be limited, accordingly, by nothing other than the appended claims, wherein any reference to an element being made in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment and additional embodiments as regarded by those of ordinary skill in the art are hereby expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims.

Moreover, no requirement exists for a system or method to address each problem sought to be resolved by the present disclosure, for such to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. However, various changes and modifications in form, material, workpiece, and fabrication material detail may be made, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as set forth in the appended claims, as may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, are also encompassed by the present disclosure.