Interchangeable Weight Bar Device

Description

(b) Cross-reference to Related Applications

Not Applicable

(c) STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

(d) THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

(e) INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM.

Not Applicable

(f) STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR JOINT INVENTOR

Not Applicable

(g) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The disclosure relates to weightlifting machines and more particularly pertains to a new weightlifting machine for attaching numerous weightlifting bars to a Smith machine.

(2) Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

The prior art relates to weightlifting machines. More specifically, the prior art relates to Smith machines, which are a popularly used for weight training. A Smith machine generally comprises a barbell that is fixed within steel rails allowing only vertical or near-vertical movement. Because the barbell is fixed within the steel rails, Smith machines offer limited exercise options for users. If the user wants to perform different types of exercises, for example using a squat bar instead of a standard barbell, or exercises for a single arm, the user needs to use a different machine. However, exercise machines are heavy, large, and expensive, making it difficult for users to simply purchase or access multiple machines. Thus, there is a need for a Smith machine that has the barbell removably coupled to the steel rails, allowing the user to insert alternative types of weightlifting bars and other equipment to the rails.

(h) BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a frame that has a base, a top, and a pair of columns that are coupled to and extend between the base and the top. The frame further includes a pair of sleeves that are movably coupled to the pair of columns. A pair of tubes is coupled to the pair of sleeves wherein each tube of the pair of tubes is positioned on a respective sleeve of the pair of sleeves. A barbell is movably coupled to the frame wherein the barbell is slidable along the pair of columns between the base and the top of the frame and wherein the barbell is configured to facilitate a user in lifting weights. The barbell includes a pair of outer sections that are positioned to extend through the pair of tubes wherein each outer section of the pair of outer sections is positioned within a respective tube of the pair of tubes. A central section is removably couplable to the pair of outer sections.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

The objects of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

(i) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of an interchangeable weight bar device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4a is a rear isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4b is a front detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8a is a detail isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8b is a detail front view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an isometric detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12a is an isometric detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12b is an isometric detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12c is an isometric detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12d is an isometric detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

(J) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 14 thereof, a new weightlifting machine embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 14, the interchangeable weight bar device generally comprises a frame 12, which generally includes a base 14, a top 20, and a pair of columns 22 that are coupled to and extend between the base 14 and the top 20. A pair of forward rails 16 are generally coupled to and extend between the base 14 and the top 20. The pair of forward rails 16 is generally perpendicular to the base 14 and the top 20. A pair of rearward rails 18 are generally coupled to and extend between the base 14 and the top 20. The pair of rearward rails 18 may be angled to extend upwardly from the base 14 and inwardly toward the pair of forward rails 16. Each forward rail of the pair of forward rails 16 is aligned with a respective rearward rail of the pair of rearward rails 18.

The pair of columns 22 are generally positioned proximate to the pair of forward rails 16. For example, the pair of columns 22 may be positioned between the pair of forward rails 16 and the pair of rearward rails 18. The pair of columns 22 are generally parallel to the pair of forward rails 16, wherein the pair of columns 22 are perpendicular to the base 14 and the top 20.

A pair of sleeves 24 are movably coupled to the pair of columns 22. Each sleeve of the pair of sleeves 24 is positioned on a respective column of the pair of columns 22. The pair of sleeves 24 are slidable along the pair of columns 22 between the base 14 and the top 20 of the frame 12. The pair of sleeves 24 are generally parallel to the pair of columns 22.

A pair of tubes 26 is coupled to the pair of sleeves 24. Each tube of the pair of tubes 26 is positioned on a respective sleeve of the pair of sleeves 24. The pair of tubes 26 are generally perpendicular to the pair of sleeves 24.

A barbell 28 is movably coupled to the frame 12. The barbell 28 is generally slidable along the pair of columns 22 between the base 14 and the top 20 of the frame 12. The barbell 28 is generally configured to facilitate a user in lifting weights.

The barbell 28 generally includes a pair of outer sections 30 that are positioned to extend through the pair of tubes 26. Each outer section of the pair of outer sections 30 is positioned within a respective tube of the pair of tubes 26. Each outer section of the pair of outer sections 30 typically has a length exceeding a length of the respective tube of the pair of tubes 26 wherein each outer section of the pair of outer sections 30 extends outwardly from opposing ends of each respective tube of the pair of tubes 26.

A central section 32 is removably couplable to the pair of outer sections 30. Preferred embodiments include a plurality of interchangeable central sections 32 that are each removably couplable to the pair of outer sections 30. The plurality of interchangeable central sections 32 is configured to facilitate the user in sliding the barbell 28 along the pair of columns 22 when the user is lifting weights. In particular, each interchangeable central section of the plurality of interchangeable central sections 32 is configured to facilitate the user in performing different sets of exercises with the barbell.

For example, the plurality of interchangeable central sections 32 may include a standard barbell insert 34, which is typically linear. A buffalo bar insert 34, which is typically arcuate. A multi-grip barbell insert 38 may have a pair of barbell lateral members 40 and a plurality of barbell cross-members 42 that are coupled to and extend between the pair of barbell lateral members 40. An open trap bar insert 52 may have a pair of handles 54 that are coupled to and extend outwardly from a shaft 56.

A safety squat bar insert 44 may have a pair of arms 46 that extend outwardly from a rod 48. The pair of arms 46 are generally spaced from each other wherein the pair of arms 46 are configured to be positionable to rest on a pair of shoulders of the user. The safety squat bar insert 44 may further include a padding material 50. The padding material 50 may be positioned on each arm of the pair of arms 46. The padding material 50 may be positioned on the rod 48 between the pair of arms 46.

The plurality of interchangeable central sections 32 may further include a pair of independently operated levers 58. Each independently operated lever of the pair of independently operated levers 58 may have a lever aperture 60 that is configured to facilitate the user in coupling attachments to the pair of independently operated levers 58. For example, the user could position a carabiner or other clip through the aperture to connect attachments such as ropes, cables, or straps to the barbell 28, providing additional exercise options to the user.

A coupler 62 releasably secures a selectable interchangeable central section of the plurality of interchangeable central sections 32 to the pair of outer sections 30 of the barbell 28. The coupler 62 generally includes a pair of outer section end caps 64 that are coupled to the pair of outer sections 30 of the barbell 28. Each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64 is positioned on a respective outer section of the pair of outer sections 30. The pair of outer section end caps 64 are generally positioned between the pair of columns 22 of the frame 12. An outer section end cap opening 66 extends into each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64. The outer section end cap opening 66 is generally distally positioned on each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64, relative to the respective outer section of the pair of outer sections 30 of the barbell 28.

A pair of insert end caps 68 is coupled to each interchangeable central section of the plurality of interchangeable central sections 32. The pair of insert end caps 68 is removably positionable within the pair of outer section end caps 64 through the outer section end cap opening 66.

As shown in FIG. 2-5 and 7, the coupler 62 may further include a pair of slots 70 that extending through each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64. The pair of slots 70 are generally spaced from each other. Each slot of the pair of slots 70 may include a slot first portion 72 that extends through an outer section end cap forward edge 74 toward a respective outer section of the pair of outer sections 30 of the barbell 30. In other words, the slot first portion 72 may extend toward a respective column of the pair of columns 22 on which the respective outer section of the pair of outer sections 30 is slidably positioned. The slot first portion 72 may be parallel to the pair of outer sections 30 of the barbell 28.

A slot second portion 76 may be coupled to and extend from the slot first portion 72. The slot second portion 76 generally has a slot second portion primary edge 78 and a slot second portion secondary edge 80. The slot second portion 76 may be arcuate.

A slot third portion 82 may be coupled to and extend from the slot second portion 76. The slot third portion 82 generally extends away from the respective outer section of the pair of outer sections 30 on which each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64 is positioned. In other words, the slot third portion 82 may extend toward the outer section end cap forward edge 74 of each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64. The slot third portion 82 may be parallel to the slot first portion 72. The slot second portion primary edge 78 may be convexly arcuate between the slot first portion 72 and the slot third portion 82. The slot second portion secondary edge 80 may be concavely arcuate between the slot first portion 72 and the slot third portion 82.

A pair of coupler pegs 84 may be coupled to and extend outwardly from each insert end cap of the pair of insert end caps 68. The pair of coupler pegs 84 may be spaced from each other. The pair of coupler pegs 84 are alignable with the pair of slots 70 whereby the pair of coupler pegs 84 are positionable to rest within the pair of slots 70. The pair of coupler pegs 84 may be parallel to each other. The pair of coupler pegs 84 may be perpendicular to each respective insert end cap of the pair of insert end caps 68 on which the pair of coupler pegs 84 are positioned.

A coupler spring 86 may be positioned within each outer section of the pair of outer sections 30 adjacent to the pair of outer section end caps 64. The coupler spring 86 may be biased to expand.

A coupler button 88 may be coupled to the coupler spring 86 within each outer section of the pair of outer sections 30. Each insert end cap of the pair of insert end caps 68 may urge, or push, the coupler button 88 inward to compress the coupler spring 86, particularly while the pair of coupler pegs 84 are positioned within the slot first portion 72 and the slot second portion 76 of the pair of slots 70. The coupler button 88 may be released once the pair of coupler pegs 84 are positioned within the slot third portion 82 of the pair of slots 70. The coupler spring 86 may expand when the coupler button 88 is released wherein the coupler button 88 and the coupler spring 86 exert force on the pair of insert end caps 68 and secure the pair of coupler pegs 84 within the slot third portion 82 of the pair of slots 70.

As shown in FIG. 8-10, an alternative embodiment of the coupler 62 may further including a pair of grooves 90 that extend into an outer section end cap interior surface 92 of each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64. The pair of grooves 90 may be spaced from each other across each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64. The pair of grooves 90 may be parallel to the respective outer section 30 of the barbell 28 on which each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64 is positioned.

A pair of latches 94 may be pivotably coupled to each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64. For example, the pair of latches 94 may be pivotable upwardly away from each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64 and downwardly toward each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64. The pair of latches 94 may be spaced from the outer section end cap opening 66.

A pair of tongues 96 may be coupled to and extend outwardly from each insert end cap of the pair of insert end caps 68. The pair of tongues 96 may be spaced from each other. The pair of tongues 96 are alignable with the pair of grooves 90. The pair of tongues 96 is positionable within the pair of grooves 90 when the pair of insert end caps 68 are positioned within the pair of outer section end caps 64.

A pair of bores 98 may extend into each insert end cap of the pair of insert end caps 68. The pair of bores 98 may be spaced from each other. The pair of bores 98 are generally alignable with the pair of latches 94 when the pair of insert end caps 68 are positioned within the pair of outer section end caps 64. The pair of latches 94 are engageable with the pair of bores 98 while the pair of latches 94 are pivoted downwardly toward each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64 to secure the pair of insert end caps 68 within the pair of outer section end caps 64. The pair of latches 94 release the pair of bores 98 when the pair of latches 94 are pivoted upwardly away from each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64 to release the pair of insert end caps 68 from the pair of outer section end caps 64.

As shown in FIG. 11-12d, an alternative embodiment of the coupler 62 may further include a plate 100 that is coupled to each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64. The plate 100 is generally distally positioned relative to the respective outer section 30 of the barbell 38. The outer section end cap opening 66 may extend through the plate 100. In such embodiments, the outer section end cap opening 66 may be perpendicular to the respective outer section 30 of the barbell 38.

A cross-member aperture 102 may extend through the plate 100. The cross-member aperture 102 may be coupled to the outer section end cap opening 66. The cross-member aperture 102 may be perpendicular to the outer section end cap opening 66 wherein the cross-member aperture 102 and the outer section end cap opening 66 define a T-shape extending through the plate 100.

A fin 110 may be coupled to and extend outwardly from each insert end cap of the pair of insert end caps 68. The fin 110 is generally perpendicular to each insert end cap of the pair of insert end caps 68. The fin 110 is positionable within the cross-member aperture 102.

An insert cutout 104 may extend through each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64. The insert cutout 104 may be coupled to the outer section end cap opening 66 adjacent to the cross-member aperture 102 wherein the insert cutout 104 extends away from the plate 100 toward the respective outer section. The insert cutout 104 may be parallel to the respective outer section 30 of the barbell 28. An opposing end of a pair of opposing ends of the selectable interchangeable central section of the plurality of interchangeable central sections 32 is positionable within a respective outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64 through the insert cutout 104. A recess 108 may extend into each insert end cap of the pair of insert end caps 68. The opposing end of the selectable interchangeable central section of the plurality of interchangeable central sections 32 may extend through the recess 108.

A plurality of plate through-holes 106 may extend through the plate 100. A plurality of poles 112 may be coupled to and extending outwardly from each insert end cap of the pair of insert end caps 68. The plurality of poles 112 are positionable within the plurality of plate through-holes 106 to secure a position of the pair of insert end caps 68 within the pair of outer section end caps 64.

A safety cache 114 may be coupled to the barbell 28 and the frame 12. The safety cache 114 releasably secures a position of the barbell 28 relative to the base 14 and the top 20 of the frame 12. The safety cache 114 is configured to inhibit the barbell 28 from falling while the user is lifting weights.

For example, a plurality of posts 116 may be coupled to each forward rail of the pair of forward rails 16. The plurality of posts 116 generally extend outwardly from each forward rail of the pair of forward rails 16. A first set of posts 118 may be positioned on a first forward rail of the pair of forward rails 16 and extend toward a second set of posts 120 that are positioned on a second forward rail of the pair of forward rails 16. The first set of posts 118 are generally vertically aligned with each other along the first forward rail. The second set of posts 120 are generally vertically aligned with each other along the second forward rail. Each post of the first set of posts 118 is generally horizontally aligned with a respective post of the second set of posts 120.

A pair of hooks 122 may be coupled to the pair of outer sections 30 of the barbell 28. Each hook of the pair of hooks 122 may be positioned proximate to a respective forward rail of the pair of forward rails 16 of the frame 12. The pair of hooks 122 may extend upwardly from the barbell 28 toward the top 20 of the frame 12. The barbell 28 may be pivotably coupled to the pair of tubes 26 wherein the barbell 28 is pivotable forwardly toward the pair of forward rails 16 and backwardly toward the pair of rearward rails 18 within the pair of tubes 26.

The pair of hooks 122 may include a first hook 126 that is positionable to engage a selectable post of the first set of posts 118 when the barbell 28 is pivoted forwardly toward the pair of forward rails 16. A second hook 128 may be positionable to engage the respective post of the second set of posts 120. The first hook 126 and the second hook 128 may be spaced from the plurality of posts 116 while the barbell 28 is pivoted backwardly toward the pair of rearward rails 18.

In use, the selectable interchangeable central section of the plurality of interchangeable central sections 32 can be coupled to the pair of outer sections 30 of the barbell 28. For example, the pair of independently operated levers 58 may be selected when the user wants to perform rowing motion exercises or lifts with a single arm. When the user wants to perform squats, the safety squat bar may be selected.

As described above, the coupler 62 secures the selectable interchangeable central section of the plurality of interchangeable central sections 32 to the pair of outer sections 30 of the barbell 28. For example, as shown in FIG. 2-5 and 7, each insert end cap of the pair of insert end caps 68 can be positioned through the outer section end cap opening 66 of the pair of outer section end caps 64. One insert end cap of the pair of insert end caps 68 can be pushed inwardly toward the respective outer section of the pair of outer sections 30 of the barbell 28, compressing the coupler button 88 and the coupler spring 86 so that the pair of coupler pegs 84 can move through the pair of slots 70. Once the pair of coupler pegs 84 are positioned within the slot third portion 82 of the pair of slots 70, the coupler spring 86 will have space to expand, securing a position of the pair of insert end caps 68 within the pair of outer section end caps 64. The horizontal movement of the coupler button 88 and the coupler spring 86 as the pair of coupler pegs 84 move through the slot first portion 72 and the slot second portion 76 also creates enough space for the second insert end cap of the pair of insert end caps 68 to be pushed inwardly toward the second respective outer section of the pair of outer sections 30.

As shown in FIG. 8-10, the pair of insert end caps 68 can be positioned through the outer section end cap opening 66 of the pair of outer section end caps 64.

The pair of tongues 96 on each insert end cap of the pair of insert end caps 68 can be aligned with the pair of grooves 90 within each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64. The pair of tongues 96 and the pair of grooves 90 ensure that the pair of bores 98 will align with the pair of latches 94. The pair of latches 94 can then be pivoted downwardly toward each outer section end cap of the pair of outer section end caps 64 to engage the pair of bores 98 and secure the pair of insert end caps 68 within the pair of outer section end caps 64. For example, the pair of latches 94 may clamp onto each insert end cap of the pair of insert end caps 68 within the pair of bores 98.

As shown in FIG. 11-12d, the pair of opposing ends of the selectable interchangeable central section can be positioned directly within the outer section end cap opening 66 through the insert cutout 104. The pair of insert end caps 68 can then be positioned over the opposing ends of the selectable interchangeable central section and pushed outwardly toward the pair of outer section end caps 64. In such embodiments, the pair of insert end caps 68 may be removably coupled to each interchangeable central section of the plurality of interchangeable central sections 32. The fin 110 will slide into the cross-member aperture 102, and the plurality of poles 112 will slide into the plurality of plate through-holes 106, securing the opposing ends of the selectable interchangeable central section and the pair of insert end caps 68 together with the pair of outer section end caps 64.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.