EXERCISE WEIGHT SUPPORT DEVICE ENHANCEMENTS

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/130,754 (Atty's Docket No. 7-167) entitled “EXERCISE WEIGHT SUPPORT DEVICE ENHANCEMENTS” filed Apr. 4, 2023 by John Gordon Kay et al; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/002,088 (Atty's Docket No. 7-166) entitled “EXERCISE WEIGHT SUPPORT DEVICE ENHANCEMENTS” filed Aug. 25, 2020 by John Gordon Kay et al., since issued Apr. 4, 2023 as U.S. Pat. No. 11,617,914; which claims the benefit of the priority date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/891,399 (Atty's Docket No. 7-165) entitled “EXERCISE WEIGHT SUPPORT DEVICE ENHANCEMENTS” filed Aug. 25, 2019 by John Gordon Kay et al. ; the disclosures of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/998,980 (Atty's Docket No. 7-160) entitled “PORTABLE, EXTENSIBLE, EXERCISE WEIGHT SUPPORT DEVICE WITH SAFETY FEATURES” filed Mar. 11, 2016 by John Gordon Kay et al., since issued Feb. 6, 2018 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,884,239 (hereinafter referred to as “Kay et al.”); which claims the benefit of the priority date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/133,418 entitled “PORTABLE SELF-SPOTTING HANDHELD SAFETY DEVICES (A PAIR) FOR EXERCISE WITH DUMBBELLS OR A BARBELL” filed Mar. 15, 2015 by John Gordon Kay et al. ; the disclosures of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to field of exercise devices, and more specifically to devices for enhancing the ease and safety of weightlifting with free weights.

2. Description of the Related Art

What is disclosed herein relates to the field of exercise devices—specifically to devices that protect a weightlifter when lifting free weights, such as a barbell or a pair of dumbbells, when assistance from a human spotter is unavailable. More specifically, what is disclosed herein relates to improvements to a prior art exercise weight support device As explained in Kay et al., weightlifting is enjoyed by millions of people in pursuit of better health and increased strength. Lifting free weights, such as barbells or a pair of dumbbells that are unconnected to any stationary structure, is widely regarded as a better form of weightlifting than using a weightlifting machine, because the weightlifter is free to use their normal range of movement for their body type when lifting. However, lifting free weights presents a greater variety of risks for personal injury to both the weightlifter and to others who may be in the vicinity of the weightlifter than does using a weightlifting machine.

However, as also explained in Kay et al., there is a wide variety of possible risks in lifting with free weights, including a greater variety of types of muscle strain involving a greater variety of muscles, as well as the possibility of dropping a barbell on a part of the weightlifter's body, including a foot or the neck. Another issue are the “pre-lift” lifting of free weights from a rack or floor to a starting position from which the lifting exercise is to begin, and the “post-lift” lowering of free weights back to the rack or floor, which when taken together, many weightlifters find requires more exertion than occurs during the actual lifting exercise, itself.

It is this greater variety of risks that long ago led to the introduction of an ever increasing variety of weightlifting machines. Generally, weightlifting machines increase safety by limiting the range of possible movement made by the weightlifter during the lifting exercise to little more than a single straight or gently arcing movement. This greatly simplifies the lifting exercise by relieving the weightlifter of having to exert additional energy to constrain the movement of weights in directions other than along the path of movement that is intended during the lifting exercise. Also, weightlifting machines generally eliminate the need for a weightlifter to engage in the “pre-lift” lifting of free weights and the “post-lift” lowering of free weights, thereby precluding occurrences of accidents during those phases. It is for these reasons that weightlifting machines are often viewed as a good option for novice weightlifters and/or individuals who only occasionally engage in weightlifting.

Unfortunately, while the imposition of such limits in movement by weightlifting machines may greatly increase safety, and while the elimination of the pre-lift and post-lift phases by weightlifting machines may be seen as positive benefits that even avid weightlifters may appreciate, those same imposed limits in movement are seen as having disadvantages. For example, although constraining the movement of weights in directions other than along the path of movement relieves a weightlifter from needing to exert additional energy to do so, this can remove the opportunity to develop other muscles than those strictly required to exert weightlifting force(s) along that constrained path of movement. In other words, muscle development may become limited to only particular muscles such that some muscles in a part of the body may become markedly more developed than others in that same part of the body. It is this possible result that often causes avid weightlifters to choose free weights over weightlifting machines, and thereby accept the increased potential for accidents and injury.

As also explained in Kay et al., various efforts have been made by others to address the potential for injury and/or damage to property that may arise during weightlifting with free weights. However, such other efforts have given rise to various devices that suffer from various shortcomings, including not addressing the potential for injuries during one or more of the “pre-lift” lifting, the actual lifting exercise, and the “post-lift” lowering; and/or not being suited for use with one or the other of barbells and dumbbells.

Kay et al. discloses various embodiments of an exercise weight support device that improves upon such efforts by others in enabling the benefits of weightlifting with free weights to be enjoyed with greater safety and convenience. What is disclosed and claimed in this present application further improves upon such efforts.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Exercise devices and improvements to exercise devices are described for the increasing the ease and safety of weightlifting with free weights.

Among those improvements may be the provision of an extended trigger handle, either in lieu of or in addition to, a primary trigger handle to provide an alternate and/or additional location at which to position a hand of a weightlifter.

Among those improvements may be a more modular design that allows each exercise weight support device to be used interchangeably, either with or without various adapters, with a growing variety of free weights widely varying physical configurations that are designed to enable the selection of the amount of weight to be made in a manner that is more “user friendly”to weightlifters.

Among those improvements may be the addition of externally operable trigger controls that enable the vertical position of each exercise weight support device to be adjusted by grasping external portions of the outer frame and operating each of the externally operable trigger controls with a single digit of a hand.

Among those improvements may be the addition of an improved sheet-like bar wrap that provides weightlifters with an improved grip on the handles or portions of bars by which free weights are lifted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A fuller understanding of what is disclosed in the present application may be had by referring to the description and claims that follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a partially exploded view of a prior art exercise weight support device, showing features of an outer frame, a retracting reel mechanism within an inner frame, and a trigger handle;

FIGS. 1B and 1C are perspective views of example uses of two of the prior art exercise weight support devices of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the prior art exercise weight support device of FIG. 1A, showing aspects of a sliding motion of the trigger handle between operating and non-operating positions;

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of an example embodiment of an improved exercise weight support device, showing features of portions of an improved outer frame, an improved retracting reel mechanism within an improved inner frame, and an improved trigger handle;

FIGS. 2B and 2C are side elevational views of the improved exercise weight support device of FIG. 2A, with a portion of the outer frame removed to show aspects of a sliding motion of a combination of the trigger handle, portions of the retracting reel mechanism and inner frame between operating and non-operating positions;

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are perspective views of a pair of an example variation of the improved exercise weight support device of FIGS. 2A-C, showing aspects of a variation of the improved handle assembly thereof;

FIGS. 3D, 3E, 3F and 3G are perspective views of a single one of the variation of improved exercise weight support device of FIGS. 3A-C.

FIG. 3H is a perspective view of the variation of improved handle assembly of the variation of improved exercise weight support device of FIGS. 3A-C.

FIGS. 3I, 3J and 3K are elevational views of the variation of improved handle assembly of FIG. 3 3H, showing aspects of operation thereof.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an example variation of the improved exercise weight support device of FIGS. 2A-C, showing aspects of a variation of the improved outer frame thereof;

FIG. 4C is a side elevational view of the variation of improved exercise weight support device of FIGS. 4A-B.

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a detachable component of the variation of improved exercise weight support device of FIGS. 4A-C.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are perspective views of an adapter to adapt free weights of a plate-like configuration for use with at least the variant of improved exercise weight support device of FIGS. 4A-D.

FIG. 5D is a side elevational view of the adapter of FIGS. 5A-C coupled to the variant of improved exercise weight support device of FIGS. 4A-D to adapt free weights of a plate-like configuration for use therewith.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of free weight of near-spherical configuration.

FIGS. 6B and 6C are perspective views of an approach to coupling the variant of improved exercise weight support device of FIGS. 4A-D to the near-spherical free weight of FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of an embodiment of a first improved bar wrap useable with either the prior art exercise weight support device of FIGS. 1A-D, or one of the variants of improved exercise weight support device of FIG. 2A-C, 3A-K or 4A-D.

FIGS. 7C, 7D, 7E and 7F are side elevational views showing aspects of using the first improved bar wrap of FIGS. 7A-B.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of an embodiment of a second improved bar wrap useable with either the prior art exercise weight support device of FIGS. 1A-D, or one of the variants of improved exercise weight support device of FIG. 2A-C, 3A-K or 4A-D.

FIGS. 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F and 8G are side elevational views showing aspects of using the second improved bar wrap of FIGS. 8A-B.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of an embodiment of a third improved bar wrap useable with either the prior art exercise weight support device of FIGS. 1A-D, or one of the variants of improved exercise weight support device of FIG. 2A-C, 3A-K or 4A-D.

FIGS. 9C, 9D, 9E and 9F are side elevational views showing aspects of using the third improved bar wrap of FIGS. 9A-B.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views of an embodiment of a fourth improved bar wrap useable with either the prior art exercise weight support device of FIGS. 1A-D, or one of the variants of improved exercise weight support device of FIG. 2A-C, 3A-K or 4A-D.

FIGS. 10C and 10D are side elevational views showing aspects of using the fourth improved bar wrap of FIGS. 10A-B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Kay Et Al., and Associated Prior Art

FIGS. 1A through 1D, taken together, depict aspects of a prior art exercise weight support device 100 of Kay et al. More precisely, FIGS. 1A through 1D are based on a subset of the figures of Kay et al., specifically FIGS. 1, 4, 6B and 2B thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-D, Kay et al. discloses the exercise weight support device 100 as including an outer frame 6 that includes a cradle 5 and accompanying pair of hooks 3 and 4 to support a portion of the bar of a dumbbell 29 or 30, or of a barbell 31. The outer frame 6 also carries an inner frame 10 that caries a retracting reel mechanism 26 that couples the exercise weight support device 100 to a belt 9. By being so coupled to the belt 9, the dumbbell 29 or 30, or part of the barbell 31 may be supported (e.g., by the depicted carabiner 7 that engages the depicted loop 8 formed in an upper end of the belt 9) by the exercise weight support device 100 from a portion of ceiling or other overhead structure of sufficient strength.

The inner frame 10 may be rigidly affixed to the outer frame 6 by one or more fasteners through aligned mounting holes, such as the depicted combination of nut 23 and bolt 22 extending through the depicted mounting hole 28 of the outer frame 6, and a corresponding unseen mounting hole 21 of the inner frame 10. Alternatively or additionally, the frames 6 and 10 may be affixed to each other in any of a variety of other ways, such as by being directly welded to each other, formed integrally with each other, etc.

The retracting reel mechanism 26 includes a spool 13 around which a lower end of the belt 9 may be wound, and that may be rotatably connected to the inner frame 10. The retracting reel mechanism 26 also includes a handle assembly 27 manually operable to control the retracting reel mechanism, and that may be slidably mounted to the inner frame 10 to permit a linear movement between operating and non-operating positions, such as by being guided through linear movement by the depicted pair of channels 24 and 25 formed in the inner frame 10. Thus, while the two frames 6 and 10 remain in a fixed positional relationship to each other, and while the axis about which the spool 13 rotates remains in a fixed positional relationship to both of the frames 6 and 10, the handle assembly 27 is movable relative to both of the frames 6 and 10 between the operating and non-operating positions.

The handle assembly 27 may include a trigger handle 19 flanked by handle portions 16 and 18. The trigger handle 19 extends down from the retracting reel mechanism 26 and into relatively close proximity to the cradle 5, the hooks 3 and 4, and the portion of the bar of whichever free weight 29, 30 or 31 may be supported thereby. This relatively close proximity of the trigger handle 19 to these other components 3, 4 and 5 puts the trigger handle 19 within reach of the digits of a hand of a weightlifter who is grasping the combination of the cradle 5 (between the hooks 3 and 4) and the portion of the bar of one of the free weights 29, 30 or 31. This enables operation of the trigger handle 19 using those digits while continuing to grasp the combination of the cradle 5 and the portion of the bar of one of the free weights 29, 30 or 31.

As is described more fully in Kay et al., the trigger handle 19 is operated by a weightlifter pulling it downward toward the cradle 5 (and the portion of the bar of one of the free weights 29, 30 or 31 that is supported atop and within the cradle 5). While the trigger handle 19 is not operated, it tends to be biased upwards into a non-operating position by one or more springs 14 and 15. With the trigger handle 19 in the non-operating position, a ratchet pawl 17 (also flanked by the handle portions 16 and 18, and directly guided in a linear motion by the channels 24 and 25) is caused to engage a pair of ratchet wheels 11 and 12 forming opposing ends of the spool 13, thereby causing the retracting reel mechanism 26 to act against the weight of whichever one of the free weights 29, 30 or 31 is currently being supported by preventing more of the belt 9 from being payed out from the spool 13 such that the exercise weight support device 100 is prevented from being pulled downward. Stated differently, with the trigger handle 19 in the non-operating position, the current vertical position of whichever one of the free weights 29, 30 or 31 is currently being supported is maintained.

However, when the trigger handle 19 is pulled into its operating position as by being pulled downward toward the combination of the cradle 5 and the portion of the bar of one of the free weights 29, 30 or 31, and against the biasing force exerted by the one or more springs 14 and 15, the ratchet pawl 17 is pulled out of engagement with the ratchet teeth 11 and 12, thereby causing the retracting reel mechanism 26 to allow the belt 9 to be freely retracted onto the spool 13 as a weightlifter raises the combination of one of the free weights 29, 30 or 31 and the exercise weight support device 100. A torsion spring 20 incorporated into, or otherwise connected to, the spool 13 may bias the spool 13 toward rotating as needed to take in any slack that may develop in the belt 9 as the weightlifter raises the combination of the free weights 29, 30 or 31 and the exercise weight support device 100, thereby tending to keep the belt 9 taught to some degree. The pulling of the trigger handle 19 into the operating position also causes the retracting reel mechanism 26 to allow the belt 9 to be freely payed out from the spool 13 as the weightlifter lowers that combination. Stated differently, while the trigger handle 19 is in the operating position, the weightlifter is able to perform their weightlifting exercise, and while in the non-operating position, the exercise weight support device 100 maintains a constant vertical position to support one of the free weights 29, 30 or 31 at that constant vertical position.

Thus, both the trigger handle 19 and the ratchet pawl 17 are attached to handle portions 16 and 18 such that they are caused to move in unison with each other. And thus, movement of the trigger handle 19 between the operating and non-operating positions causes movement of the ratchet pawl 17 out of engagement and into engagement, respectively, with the teeth of the ratchet wheels 11 and 12, thereby selectively preventing the rotational movement of the spool 13.

The reader is invited to refer to Kay et al. for a more detailed discussion and more complete depiction of the features and operation of the exercise weight support device 100 of Kay et al.

Improved Exercise Weight Support Device and Accessories of Present Application

Improved Exercise Weight Support Device and Accessories of Present Application FIGS. 2A-C, 3A-K and 4A-D, taken together, depict aspects of various different embodiments of an improved exercise weight support device 200 incorporating various enhancements over the prior art exercise weight support device 100 of Kay et al. It should be noted that where these embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200 include components that correspond to components of the prior art exercise weight support device 100 of Kay et al., those corresponding components have been given identical reference numerals to those of the prior art exercise weight support device 100 for sake of ease of understanding.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-C, 3A-K and 4A-D, like the prior art exercise weight support device 100 of Kay et al., each of the depicted embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200 incorporate an outer frame 6 that includes a cradle 5, and a pair of hooks 3 and 4. Also, similar to the prior art exercise weight support device 100, each of the embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200 incorporate an inner frame 10 to which components of an improved retracting reel mechanism 226 (which corresponds to the prior art retracting reel mechanism 26 of the prior art exercise weight support device 100) are mounted. Further, similar to the prior art exercise weight support device 100, the inner frame also carries an embodiment of an improved handle assembly 227 (which corresponds to the prior art handle assembly 27 of the prior art exercise weight support device 100). Additionally, like the prior art exercise weight support device 100, each of the embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200 are operable to support a bar of a free weight (e.g., one of the aforedescribed dumbbells 29 or 30, the aforedescribed barbell 31), via the combination of the cradle 5, and the pair of hooks 3 and 4, from a ceiling or other overhead structure of sufficient strength to which the improved exercise weight support device 200 may be coupled via the belt 9. However, and as will shortly be explained in greater detail, the manner in which the components of each of the embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200 interact to control the rotation of the spool 13 to which the belt 9 is attached differ significantly from the manner in which corresponding ones of those components interact in the prior art weight support device 100.

While the outer frame 6 of the prior art exercise weight support device 100 of Kay et al. is of a largely open configuration (e.g., partially resembling a portion of C-channel or U-channel) allowing considerable external access to the inner frame 10 and prior art retracting reel mechanism 26, the outer frame 6 of each of the depicted embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200 may be assembled from multiple pieces that cooperate to more fully enclose the inner frame 10 and improved retracting reel mechanism 226. More specifically, the outer frame 6 of each of the embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200 may be formed from a pair of side frame portions 63 and 64, and a top frame portion 65 that cooperate to so enclose the inner frame 10 and the improved retracting reel mechanism 226. A distinct belt slot 69 may be formed through the top frame portion 65 to allow the belt 9 to pass therethrough. Also, in each of the embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200, the side frame portions 63 and 64 may be formed to be identical, but mirror images, to each other.

Also, while the prior art handle assembly 27 of the prior art exercise weight support device 100 of Kay et al. movably interacts with the combination of the inner frame 10 and prior art retracting reel mechanism 26, the combination of the improved handle assembly 227 and the inner frame 10 in each of the embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200 movably interacts with the outer frame 6. More specifically, the inner frame 6 and the outer frame 10 of each of the embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200 slidably move relative to each other, and each carries different components of the improved retracting reel mechanism 226. Operation of the improved handle assembly causes the relative sliding movement of the inner frame 6 and the outer frame 10 relative to each other, and in so doing, controls the rotation of the spool 13.

As will shortly be explained in greater detail, apart from such significant aspects as the manner in which rotation of the spool 13 is controlled, differences do exist among the various embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200 depicted in FIGS. 2A-C, 3A-K and 4A-D. As depicted in FIGS. 2A-C and 3A-K, the hooks 3 and 4 may be formed integrally with the side frame portions 63 and 64, respectively, and the may be formed integrally with the hooks 3 and 4. In contrast, in FIGS. 4A-D, the pair of hooks 3 and 4, along with the cradle 5, may be selectively attachable to the side frame portions 63 and 64, respectively, through the use of fasteners (e.g., nuts and bolts, pins, rivets, etc.) extending through aligned pairs of holes 36 and 66, and aligned pairs of holes 48 and 68. Also, as depicted in FIGS. 2A-C and 4A-D, one embodiment of the improved handle assembly 227 is confined within the space beneath the frames 6 and 10, and between the hooks 3 and 4 (when the hooks 3 and 4 are present). In contrast, in FIGS. 3A-K, another embodiment of the improved handle assembly 227 includes a lever-like form of the trigger handle 19 that extends sideways partially outside of the space beneath the frames 6 and 10, and between the hooks 3 and 4.

Turning more specifically to FIGS. 2A-C, again, while the inner frame 10 of the prior art exercise weight support device 100 of Kay et al. is affixed to an interior surface of the outer frame 6 such that the inner frame 10 and the outer frame 6 are caused to not move relative to each other, the inner frame 10 and the outer frame 6 of at least the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 2A-C may be slidably connected to each other in a manner that enables relative movement therebetween along a linear path. More specifically, the inner frame 10 and the outer frame 6 of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 2A-C may be coupled by through-hole fasteners (e.g., nuts and bolts, rivets, pins, etc.), by track and/or groove components, and/or by any of a variety of other forms of mechanical coupling in a manner that enables the inner frame 10 to slide relative to the outer frame 6 along a linear path within the interior of the outer frame 6. Still more specifically, with the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIG. 2A-C suspended by the belt 9 to a ceiling or other overhanging structure of sufficient strength, the linear path along which the inner frame 10 and the outer frame 6 are able to slide relative to each other may be oriented vertically. The same mechanical coupling by which such relative sliding movement is enabled may also incorporate one or more mechanical stops of any of a variety of configurations that serve to limit the extent of the movement of the inner frame 10 within the interior of the outer frame 6. Alternatively or additionally, one or more portions of the outer frame 6, itself (e.g., an interior surface of the top frame portion 65), may serve to provide at least one of such mechanical stops.

Unlike the trigger handle 19 of the prior art handle assembly 27 of the prior art exercise weight support device 100 of Kay et al., the trigger handle 19 of the improved handle assembly 227 of at least the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 2A-C is adjustable in its positions relative to the cradle 5 in both its operating and not-operating positions to accommodate bars of differing diameters of a wider variety of free weights. More specifically, while the trigger handle 19 of both the prior art handle assembly 27 and the improved handle assembly 227 are flanked by handle portions 16 and 18, the handle portions 16 and 18 of the improved handle assembly 227 may each additionally incorporate a set of notches 56 and 58, respectively (of which the notches 58 are visible), by which each of the handle portions 16 and 18 may be coupled to a crossbar 57 at different locations along their lengths. As a result, the distances between the trigger handle 19 and the cradle 5, in both operating and non-operating positions are made adjustable to enable the operating handle 19 to continue to be made reachable with the finger tips of a hand of a weightlifter, even as bars of differing diameters are supported atop and within the cradle 5. The crossbar 57, in turn, is either mechanically fixed to the inner frame 10 (e.g., by one or more fasteners, by welding thereto, etc.), or is formed integrally with the inner frame 10. Thus, upon being mechanically coupled by a selected pair of the notches 56 and 58, the trigger handle 19 of the improved handle assembly 227 becomes mechanically coupled via the handle portions 16 and 18, respectively, to the inner frame 10.

As previously discussed, in the prior art retracting reel mechanism 26 of the prior art exercise weight support device 100 of Kay et al., the spool 13 around which the bottom end of the belt 9 may be wrapped may be rotatably mounted to the inner frame 10 such that it rotates about an axis that does not move relative to either of the inner frame 10 or the outer frame 6. Again, a principle feature of the prior art exercise weight support device 100 is that the outer frame 6 and the inner frame 10 are mechanically affixed to each other such that they do not move relative to each other. As also previously discussed, in the prior art retracting reel mechanism 26, it is the ratchet pawl 17 that is mechanically linked to the prior art handle assembly 27. Again, another principle feature of the prior art weight support device 100 is that the ratchet pawl 17 is movable relative to both of the frames 6 and 10. Thus, in the prior art retracting reel mechanism 26, movement of the trigger handle 19 relative to the frames 6 and 10 between the operating and non-operating positions causes corresponding movement of the pawl 17 out of engagement and into engagement, respectively, with the teeth of the ratchet wheels 11 and 12 that are mechanically linked for rotation with the spool 13 about the axis of the spool 13. More specifically, when the trigger handle 19 of the handle assembly 27 is not pulled downward (or “squeezed”) toward the cradle 5 as by grasping the trigger handle 19 and moving it closer to the cradle 5, the ratchet pawl 17 is allowed to be urged by the one or more springs 14 and 15 (and/or by another elastic component, not shown) into engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheels 11 and 12. However, when the trigger handle 19 is so pulled downward (or “squeezed) toward the cradle 5 (i.e., into its operating position), the ratchet pawl 17 is pulled out of engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheels 11 and 12.

In contrast, in the improved retracting reel mechanism 226 of the various embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200 (including the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-C), the spool 13 around which the bottom end of the belt 9 may be wrapped may be rotatably mounted to the inner frame 10 such that it rotates about an axis that moves with the inner frame 10 relative to the outer frame 6 as the inner frame 10 is slidably moved along the aforedescribed linear path within the interior of the outer frame 6. Again, a principle difference of each of the embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200 from the prior art exercise weight support device 100 of Kay et al. is that the inner frame 10 in the improved exercise weight support device 200 is not connected in a fixed manner to the outer frame 6, which allows the inner frame 10 to move relative to and within the outer frame 6. Also, in the improved retracting reel mechanism 226, the pawl 17 may be directly or indirectly affixed to an interior portion of the outer frame 6 (e.g., by one or more through-hole fasteners, by any of a variety of other forms of hardware therebetween, by being welded thereto, by being formed integrally therewith, etc.) such that the pawl 17 does not move relative to the outer frame 6. It is therefore another principle difference of the improved retracting reel mechanism 226 from the prior art retracting reel mechanism 26 that the ratchet pawl 17 does not move relative to the outer frame 6 in response to any movement of the trigger handle 19. Instead, in the improved retracting reel mechanism 226, all of the spool 13, the ratchet wheels 11 and 12, the inner frame 10 and the improved handle assembly 227 slidably move in unison relative to the outer frame 6 when the trigger handle 19 is moved (or “squeezed”) toward the cradle 5. Thus, in the improved retracting reel mechanism 226, movement of the trigger handle 19 relative to the outer frame 6 between the operating and non-operating positions causes corresponding movement of the inner frame 10, and in turn, causes corresponding movement of the teeth of the ratchet wheels 11 and 12 out of engagement and into engagement, respectively, with the pawl 17.

FIG. 2B depicts the improved ratchet mechanism 226 in a state in which the trigger handle 19 of the improved handle assembly 227 is not pulled downward relative to the outer frame 6 (or “squeezed”) toward the cradle 5 such that the trigger handle 19 is allowed to remain in its non-operating position. As a result, the inner frame 10 is allowed to be retained by one or more springs and/or another elastic component (not shown) at a vertically higher location within the outer frame 6 that cause the teeth of the ratchet wheels 11 and 12 to be engaged with the ratchet pawl 17.

It should be noted, however, it may not be necessary to employ one or more springs and/or another elastic component to cause the inner frame 10 to be retained at a vertically higher location within the outer frame 6 when the trigger handle 19 is allowed to remain in its non-operating position. As a result of the inner frame 10 being allowed to move in a linear sliding motion within the outer frame 6, as a result of that linear sliding motion becoming a vertical sliding motion when the improved exercise weight support device 200 is suspended from a ceiling or other sufficient overhead structure by the belt 9 that is wrapped around the spool 13, and as a result of the spool 13 being rotatably mounted to the inner frame 10, the outer frame 6 is caused to be supported by the inner frame 10 when the improved exercise weight support device 200 is suspended by the belt 9. This allows the force of gravity to act upon the outer frame 6 such that the outer frame 6 is caused to be pulled down relative to the inner frame 10, thereby causing upward sliding movement of the inner frame 10 within, and relative to, the outer frame 6, which in turn, causes the teeth of the ratchet wheels 11 and 12 to become engaged with the ratchet pawl 17. Thus, when the trigger handle 19 is not moved out of its non-operating position, the force of gravity acting on the outer frame 6 may be sufficient to cause the engagement between the ratchet pawl 17 and the ratchet wheels 11 and 12 that is needed to restrict rotation of the spool 13 such that more of the belt 9 is prevented from being payed out from the spool 13, and thus, the improved exercise weight support device 200 is caused to maintain its vertical position relative to the ceiling or other overhanging structure from which it is suspended by the belt 9.

FIG. 2C depicts the improved ratchet mechanism 226 in a state in which the trigger handle 19 of the improved handle assembly 227 is pulled downward (or “squeezed”) toward the cradle 5 and into its operating position. As a result, the inner frame 10 is slidably moved downward within, and relative to, the outer frame 6, thereby pulling the teeth of the ratchet wheels 11 and 12 out of engagement with the ratchet pawl 17.

It should be noted that, while it may be possible to dispense with the use of springs and/or other elastic components to maintain the trigger handle 19 in its non-operating position while it is not being acted upon to move it into its operating position, it may still be deemed desirable to incorporate a torsion spring 20 into the spool 13 (or otherwise couple a torsion spring to the spool 13) to bias the spool 13 towards rotating in a direction that tends to wind more of the belt 9 onto the spool 13. In this way, at times when the trigger handle 19 is in its operating position such that the teeth of the ratchet wheels 11 and 12 are no longer engaged by the pawl 17, thereby allowing the spool 13 to rotate more freely, slack that develops in the belt 9 each time a weightlifter moves the improved exercise weight support device 200 upwards during their lifting exercise will be taken up by the spool 13. This serves to ensure that the belt 9 remains taught throughout their lifting exercise such that it remains possible for the weightlifter to cause the improved exercise weight support device 200 to remain in whatever vertical position it is in at any time during the lifting exercise by simply releasing the trigger handle 19 such that the trigger handle 19 is allowed to return to its non-operating position.

An advantage of the improved retracting reel mechanism 226 of the improved exercise weight support device 200 over the prior art retracting reel mechanism 26 of the prior art exercise weight support device 100 of Kay et al. is that, in the improved retracting reel mechanism 226, the fact that 1) the spool 13 is connected to the belt 9, 2) the spool is rotatably mounted on the inner frame 10 such that its axis of rotation does not move relative to the inner frame 10, 3) the inner frame 10 is connected to the trigger handle 19 such that the inner frame 10 and the trigger handle 19 do not move relative to each other, 4) the outer frame 6 is slidably connected to the inner frame 10 such that the two frames 6 and 10 are able to move vertically relative to each other, and 5) the outer frame 6 carries the weight of whatever free weights are used with the improved exercise weight support device 200, means that a weightlifter must necessarily begin lifting whatever free weights are used with the improved exercise weight support device 200 as part of pulling the trigger handle 19 toward the cradle 5 to cause the teeth of the ratchet wheels 11 and 12 to cease to engage the ratchet pawl 17. Stated differently, the act of “pulling” the trigger handle 19 downward relative to the outer frame 6 and into its operating position relative necessarily includes moving the outer frame 6 vertically upward by the weightlifter such that whatever free weights are used with the improved exercise weight support device 200 must also necessarily be moved upward by the weightlifter along with the outer frame 6. This may prove to be an important safety feature in that the weightlifter is forced to discover whether or not he or she is capable of lifting the amount of weight that they have chosen to lift before such a disengagement of the teeth of the ratchet wheels 11 and 12 with the ratchet pawl 17 can take place. Without the weightlifter being forced to actually begin lifting that amount of weight before the teeth of the ratchet wheels 11 and 12 can be pulled away from and disengaged from the ratchet pawl 17, the weightlifter might otherwise be put into a situation in which they've discovered they've made a mistake by trying to lift more weight than they are actually capable of lifting, which may result in any of a variety of weightlifting injuries.

Turning more specifically to FIGS. 3A-K, unlike the prior art exercise weight support device 100 of Kay et al., at least the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 3A-K may incorporate an alternate embodiment of the improved handle assembly 227 that includes an extended trigger handle 49 to provide an alternate location along the length of a bar of a barbell (e.g., the bar of the barbell 31) at which a hand of a weightlifter may be positioned to operate this embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200. Apart from this alternate embodiment of the improved handle assembly 227, the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 3A-K may otherwise be quite similar to the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 2A-C.

As depicted in each of FIGS. 3A-C, a pair of at least the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support devices 200 of FIGS. 3A-K may carry mirror image versions of the extended trigger handle 49. As will be familiar those skilled in the art, it is not uncommon for a weightlifter to position their hands at different distances from each other along the bar of a barbell depending on which weightlifting exercise they are performing. By way of example, it is not uncommon for a weightlifter to position their hands further apart along the bar of a barbell to perform a bench pressing exercise, and to position their hands closer together along the bar of that same barbell to perform a weightlifting squat exercise. The depicted mirror image pair of extended trigger handles 49 provide each of the depicted improved exercise weight support devices 200 with an alternate hand position that is offset along the length of the bar of a barbell from the primary hand position for using the trigger handle 19, as earlier described in detail in reference to FIGS. 2A-C. As will soon be explained in greater detail, in different variations, the provision of such an alternate hand position may be in lieu of, or in addition to, the provision of the primary hand position. As

depicted in each of FIGS. 3D-G, in some variations, the provision of the extended trigger handle 49 may entail the provision of a superset of the components of the embodiment of the improved handle assembly 227 of FIGS. 2A-C. More specifically, in some variations, it may be that the trigger handle 19 is augmented with the addition of an extender link 41, the extended handle 49 and an extender bar plate 45.

As depicted, the extender link 41 may be configured to be coupled to the trigger handle 19, and to extend downwardly therefrom to where the extender link 41 may also be configured to be coupled to the extended trigger handle 49. The coupling between the extender link 41 and the extended trigger handle 49 may allow a limited degree of play therebetween that behaves as a hinge therebetween. More precisely, and as depicted, the extended trigger handle 49 may extend through the coupling with the extender link 41 in a manner that utilizes the coupling as a pivot point for the extended trigger handle 49.

As also depicted, the extender bar plate 45 may be configured to be coupled to one end of the extended trigger handle 49, and to be positioned against the bar of a barbell (e.g., the bar of the barbell 31). The coupling between the extender bar plate 45 and the extended trigger handle 49 may incorporate a hinge, or may otherwise be configured to function as a hinge. As specifically depicted in FIG. 3G, the extender bar plate 45 may be configured to be secured in position against the bar of a barbell with a bar wrap. FIGS. 7A-F, 8A-G, 9A-F and 10A-D, set forth the details of a variety of different types of bar wrap that may be used to secure a portion of an embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 (e.g., the cradle 5) using a variety of gripping and fastening mechanisms, including and not limited to, friction, magnetic materials, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc. As FIG. 3G specifically depicts the use of the bar wrap 800 described in greater detail in reference to FIGS. 10A-D as an example. With the extender bar plate 45 secured to the bar of a barbell, as depicted, the hinge interposed between the extender bar plate 45 and the extended trigger handle 49 may provide another pivot point for the extended trigger handle 49.

Again, and as depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 3D-G, the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 3A-K may be substantially similar to that of FIGS. 2A-C, with the exception of the provision of the extended trigger handle 49. Both embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200 may include substantially similar or identical outer frames 6, including the side frame portions 63 and 64 that are formed integrally with the hooks 3 and 4, respectively, as well as the cradle 5. Both embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200 may also include substantially similar or identical inner frames 10 that move in a vertical sliding motion within, and relative to, their respective outer frames 6. Accordingly, the inner frame 6 of each embodiment may be affixed to, or formed integrally with, the crossbar 57 to which the handle portions 16 and 18 (which are coupled to each end of the trigger handle 19) may be removably attached via corresponding pairs of notches 56 and 58, respectively.

With the extender link 41 coupled to the trigger handle 19 (which is, in turn, coupled to the inner frame 10 through the crossbar 57), with the extender bar plate 45 secured to the bar of a barbell, and with the extended trigger handle 49 coupled to both the extender link 41 and the extender bar plate 45 with pivoting connections, the extended trigger handle 49 becomes operable in a lever-like manner, as will shortly be explained.

FIGS. 3H-K depict further details of the manner in which the extended trigger handle 49 may be coupled to other components of the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 3A-K, as well as aspects of the manner of operation of the extended trigger handle 49.

As depicted in FIG. 3H, and as should be noted, although the above discussion concerning the extended trigger handle 49 describes adding components to the trigger handle 19 as an approach to adding the extended trigger handle 49, other embodiments are possible in which the trigger handle 19 may be replaced with a crossbar link 47. In this way, the crossbar link 47 serves to couple the extender link 41 to the crossbar 57, instead of the trigger handle 19. In such embodiments, it may be that the crossbar link 47 is of a generally similar shape as the trigger handle 19, and may also include portions 16 and 18 that may include notches 56 and 58, respectively, by which the coupling to the crossbar 57 is effected. However, it may also be that the crossbar link 47 differs from the trigger handle 19 inasmuch as its portions 16 and 18 may differ in length, the quantities of the notches 56 and 58, and/or in the positions of the notches 56 and 58 along the portions 16 and 18, respectively, from the handle portions 16 and 18 of the trigger handle 19. More specifically, while the trigger handle 19 may be sized and/or shaped to enable it to be grasped and used as a handle, the crossbar link 47 may be differently sized and/or shaped such that it is not able to be grasped and used as a handle.

FIGS. 3I-K, taken together, depict examples of such difference between the trigger handle 19 and the crossbar link 47, as well as examples of what locations are made available for a weightlifter to position the fingers 992 and a thumb 991 of a hand (shown with dotted lines).

Turning to FIG. 3I, the provision of the extended trigger handle 49, regardless of whether the trigger handle 19 or the crossbar link 47 is used, enables all four finger 992 of a hand of a weightlifter to be positioned atop the extended trigger handle 49, while the thumb 991 of the same hand is able to be positioned underneath the bar of the barbell 31. This is the alternate location originally depicted in FIGS. 3A-C for a weightlifter to position a hand. This enables use of those digits 991 and 992 to squeeze together the extended trigger handle 49 and the bar of the barbell 31, thereby moving the extended trigger handle from a non-operated position and to an operated position, thereby causing the crossbar 57 to be pulled down (i.e., toward the bar of the barbell 31), and thereby also pulling down the inner frame 10 within, and relative to, the outer frame 6, as originally discussed in greater detail in reference to FIGS. 2A-C.

Turning to FIG. 3J, the provision of the extended trigger handle 49, with the trigger handle 19 still in place, enables all four finger 992 of a hand of a weightlifter to be positioned atop the trigger handle 19, while the thumb 991 of the same hand is able to be positioned underneath the bar of the barbell 31. This is same location originally discussed in reference to FIGS. 2A-C for a weightlifter to position a hand while using the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 2A-C. This enables use of those digits 991 and 992 to squeeze together the trigger handle 19 and the bar of the barbell 31 in the way previously discussed in considerable detail in reference to FIGS. 2A-C, thereby causing the crossbar 57 to be pulled down (i.e., toward the bar of the barbell 31), and thereby also pulling down the inner frame 10 within, and relative to, the outer frame 6.

Turning to FIG. 3K, the provision of the extended trigger handle 49, with the trigger handle 19 replaced by the crossbar link 47, may enable all four finger 992 of a hand of a weightlifter to be positioned atop the extended trigger handle 49 at a location underneath the where the trigger handle 19 would otherwise be positioned, while the thumb 991 of the same hand is able to be positioned underneath the bar of the barbell 31. This may be a location for positioning a hand of a weightlifter where the dimensions of the portions 16 and 18 of the crossbar link 47 are such that there may be insufficient space between the crossbar link 47 and the crossbar 57 for the fingers 992 to fit therebetween. Indeed, it may be that the crossbar link 47 and the extender link 41 are intentionally shaped and/or sized to enable such positioning of the fingers 992.

Referring back to FIGS. 3I-K, in some variants of the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 3I-K, it may be that the use of the extended trigger handle 49 entails simply adding the combination of the extender link 41, the extended trigger handle 49, the extender bar plate 45 and a bar wrap (e.g., one of the bar wraps 500, 600, 700 or 800, all of which are described in greater detail, below) to the trigger handle 19. Depending on the dimensions of at least the extender link 41 and/or of the bar of the barbell 31, it may be necessary to momentarily detach the trigger handle 19 from the crossbar 57 to adjust their relative positions. Indeed, it may be that a retrofit or accessory kit may be provided that includes such a combination of components 41, 45, 49 and one of 500, 600, 700 or 800.

Alternatively, in other variants of the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 3I-K, it may be that the use of the extended trigger handle 49 entails replacing the trigger handle 19 with the crossbar link 47, and then adding the combination of the extender link 41, the extended trigger handle 49, the extender bar plate 45 and a bar wrap (e.g., one of the bar wraps 500, 600, 700 or 800, all of which are described in greater detail, below) to the crossbar link 47. Depending on the dimensions of at least the extender link 41 and/or of the bar of the barbell 31, it may be necessary to momentarily detach the crossbar link 47 from the crossbar 57 to adjust their relative positions. Again, it may be that a retrofit or accessory kit may be provided that includes such a combination of components 41, 45, 47, 49 and one of 500, 600, 700 or 800.

Turning more specifically to FIGS. 4A-D, unlike the prior art exercise weight support device 100 of Kay et al., at least the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 4A-D may additionally carry one or more handles 67, and/or may be additionally operable via a pair of externally operable trigger controls 76 and 78, either in addition to or in lieu of, operating the trigger handle 19. Each of the trigger controls 76 and 78 may be operable with a single digit of a hand that may simultaneously grasp the outer frame 6 via a handle 67.

As will become evident in the succeeding figures of the present application, the more thoroughly enclosing configuration of the outer frame 6 of at least the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 4A-D, coupled with the use of adapters and/or other hardware components to support the use of a wider variety of free weights (e.g., free weights beyond the more traditional configurations of the earlier depicted dumbbells 29 and 30, or of the earlier depicted barbell 31), may render access to the trigger handle 19 more difficult at times other than when weightlifting exercises are actually being performed. The addition of the externally operable trigger controls 76 and 78 provides alternatives for controlling the improved retracting reel mechanism 226 at such other times to effect vertical positioning of the combination of the improved exercise weight support device 200 and a free weight supported thereby prior to actual performance of a weightlifting exercise.

More specifically, each of the trigger controls 76 and 78 may be mechanically affixed to the inner frame 10 (e.g., through a vertical slot formed through the outer frame 6, as depicted for the trigger control 78) such that the trigger controls 76 and 78 may be operable to cause the aforedescribed vertical sliding movement of the inner frame 10 within the outer frame 6 that is needed to cause the teeth of the ratchet wheels 11 and 12 to be pulled out of engagement with the ratchet pawl 17, just as would be the case if the trigger handle 19 were moved from to its operating position, as previously discussed in reference to FIGS. 2A-C. Still more specifically, with the trigger controls 76 and 78 so mechanically linked to the inner frame 10, the act of pulling either of the trigger controls 76 and 78 downward relative to the outer frame 6 and toward the handle 67 performs the same function as the act of pulling the trigger handle 19 downward relative to the outer frame 6 and into its operating position. Thus, the trigger control 78 is depicted in each of FIGS. 4A-C in a non-operating position that is equivalent to the aforedescribed non-operating position of the trigger handle 19, and pulling the trigger control 78 downward toward the handle 67 is pulling the trigger control 78 into an operating position that is equivalent to the aforedescribed operating position of the trigger handle 19.

FIGS. 5A through 5D, taken together, depict aspects of an example embodiment of an adapter 300 to adapt free weights of a plate-like configuration (e.g., free weights that lack a bar that can be supported by the combination of the cradle 5 and the pair of hooks 3 and 4) for use with at least the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 4A-D. More specifically, and by way of example, the various components of the adapter 300 may be shaped and/or sized to serve as a mechanism by which at least the generally rectangular, and relatively small IRONMASTER® plate like free weights 390 offered by Ironmaster LLC of Monroe, Washington, USA can be used with the improved exercise weight support device 200.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-D, the adapter 300 may have a relatively cube-shaped frame 360 defined by four relatively square-shaped upstanding side walls, but with an open top 309 and an open bottom 301 that cooperate to define a passage that extends vertically through the frame 360. Flanking a pair of opposed edge portions of the open top 309 may be a pair of mounting flanges 363 and 364 through each of which a pair of mounting holes 366 and 368, respectively, may be formed. Each of the pairs of mounting holes 366 and 368 may be shaped, sized and spaced apart in a manner intended to align with a corresponding one of the pairs of mounting holes 66 and 68 carried by lower portions of outer frame 6 of at least the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 4A-D at times when those lower portions of the outer frame 6 are inserted into the space between the mounting flanges 363 and 364, as depicted in FIG. 5D.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 5A-D, bars 329, 330 and 331 extend outwardly from various ones of the four upstanding side walls of the cube-shaped frame 360. As depicted, the cube-shaped frame 360 may be formed from a pair of generally U-shaped pieces of material. Each of the bars 329 and 330 may extend from one of the two seams that are formed where the pair of U-shaped pieces meet and may be bonded to those portions of the cube-shaped frame 360 in any of a variety of ways (e.g., through the depicted flanges). Also, the bar 331 may extend through middle portions of each of the two U-shaped pieces of material, as well as extending cross-wise through the passage defined through the cube-shaped frame 360 between the open top 309 and the open bottom 301.

With the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 4A-D and the adapter 300 assembled as depicted in FIG. 5D, use of such an assembly in the performance of weightlifting exercises may entail a weightlifter inserting their hand through the open bottom 301 of the adapter 300 to grasp the portion of the bar 331 therein. As best seen in FIGS. 5B-C, the portion of the bar 331 that extends through the passage may be of a wider diameter than either of the portions of the bar 331 that extend outwardly from two of the upstanding side walls of the cube-shaped frame 360. Such a wider diameter may serve the purpose of providing a more comfortable grip for a weightlifter and/or the purpose of ensuring that the bar 331 remains in position relative to the cube-shaped frame 360.

Though not specifically depicted, with the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 4A-D and the adapter 300 so assembled, the trigger handle 19 extends downward through the open top 309, into the passage defined through the cube-shaped frame 360, and into close enough proximity to the portion of the bar 331 therein as to enable a weightlifter to operate the trigger handle 19 with the digits of a hand that is grasping the portion of the bar 331 therein. In this way, operation of the trigger handle 19 within such an assembly is caused to resemble the aforedescribed operation of the trigger handle 19 with the combination of the cradle 5 and the pair of hooks 3 and 4 supporting the bar of one of the free weights 29, 30 or 31. More specifically, with a hand inserted through the open bottom 301, into the passage defined within the cube-shaped frame 360, and grasping the portion of the bar 331, therein, a weightlifter may use digits of that hand to reach and pull the trigger handle 19 downward toward that portion of the bar 331, out of a non-operating position, and into an operating position in which the improved retracting reel mechanism 226 is caused to allow the belt 9 to be freely retracted as the weightlifter raises the combination of the improved exercise weight support device 200, the adapter 300 and the free weights 390; and allows the belt 9 to be freely payed out as the weightlifter lowers that combination.

FIGS. 6A through 6C, taken together, depict aspects of an example embodiment of coupling at least the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 4A-D to a near-spherical free weight 490. More specifically, the depicted near-spherical free weight 490 may be one of a set of CENTER MASS BELL® free weights offered by Sorinex Exercise Equipment, Inc. of Lexington, South Carolina, USA.

Referring to FIG. 6A, as depicted, such a free weight has a generally spherical outer wall 496 with a passage formed therethrough within which a bar 493 extends cross-wise to provide a grip for use by weightlifters. The reader is invited to refer to U.S. Pat. No. 9,573,014 issued Feb. 21, 2017 to Albert and Richard Sorin of the Sorin family of Sorinex Exercise Equipment, Inc. for a more detailed discussion and more complete depiction of the features of such a free weight.

Referring to FIGS. 6B-C, as specifically depicted, a variant of the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 4A-D may be coupled to the free weight 490 using a pair of mounting straps 466 and 468 that may be installed within each of a corresponding pair of the mounting holes 66 and 68. In some embodiments, each of the mounting straps 466 and 468 may be any of a variety of types of cord, wire, fabric strap material, elastomeric tubing of relatively small diameter, etc. Further, each of the mounting straps 466 and 468 may be attached and/or coupled to a corresponding pair of the mounting holes 66 and 68 using any of a variety of attachment components to form a releasable coupling therebetween, including and not limited to, fabric snaps, hooks and eyes, clamps and/or clasps, relatively small carabiners, etc.

As depicted in FIG. 6C, each of the mounting straps 466 and 468 may be partially wrapped around a different portion of the near-spherical outer wall 496 of the free weight 490. However, in other embodiments, each of the mounting straps 466 and 468 may extend entirely into the passage formed through the free weight 490 and may be wrapped around the bar 493 therein. Still other approaches to using the mounting straps 466 and 468 to strap the free weight 490 to the mounting holes 66 and 68, and/or to other portion(s) of the outer frame 6 of at least the embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200 of FIGS. 4A-D may be used.

FIGS. 7A-F, 8A-G, 9A-F and 10A-D, depict aspects of four different example embodiments of an improved sheet-like bar wrap 500, 600, 700 and 800, respectively. Each of these bar wraps may be used with either the prior art exercise weight support device 100, or one of the embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200.

More specifically, each of the bar wraps 500, 600, 700 and 800 has a generally rectangular sheet-like shape with an inner surface 501, 601, 701 and 801, and an outer surface 509, 609, 709 and 809, respectively. The outer surface 509, 609, 709 and 809 is intended to face outwardly when the bar wrap 500, 600, 700 and 800, respectively, is wrapped around: 1) the bar of a free weight (e.g., the bar of one of the dumbbells weights 29 or 30; the bar of the barbell 31; or the bar 493 of the near spherical free weight 490); 2) the bar of an adapter (e.g., the bar 331 of the adapter 300); and/or 3) the cradle 5 of either the prior art exercise weight support device 100, or one of the embodiments of the improved exercise weight support device 200.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-C, much of the shape and size of the bar wrap 500 is determined by a flexible sheet substrate 506 that may be made up of any of a variety of fabrics (e.g., ballistic nylon) and/or any of a variety of elastic materials (e.g., rubber).

As depicted, a strip of magnets 555 may be stitched onto the inner surface 501 at one end of the flexible sheet substrate 506. It should be noted that, although a strip of visible individual magnets 555 is depicted, in other embodiments, such individual magnets 555 may be embedded within one end of the flexible sheet substrate 506 so as to not be visible. Alternatively or additionally, in other embodiments, a single-piece strip of flexible magnetic material may be used in place of the depicted strip of individual magnets 555, whether on the inner surface 501 of one end of the flexible sheet substrate 506 or embedded therein. It should also be noted that, instead of stitching, the strip of magnets 555 or of a single-piece strip of flexible magnetic material may be affixed to the inner surface 501 in other ways than by stitching (e.g., via an adhesive, heat welding, insertion within the material of the flexible substrate 506, etc.).

As also depicted, a patch 553 of hook fasteners or of loop fasteners of a matched set of patches 553 and 554 of hook-and-loop fasteners may be stitched onto the inner surface 501 at the end of the flexible sheet substrate 506 that is opposite the end onto which the strip of magnets 555 is depicted as stitched, and the patch 554 of the other of the matched set of patches 553 and 554 of hook-and-loop fasteners may be stitched onto the outer surface 509 at a location between the ends. It should also be noted that, instead of stitching, one or both of the patches 553 and 554 may be affixed to the flexible sheet substrate 506 in other ways than by stitching (e.g., via an adhesive, heat welding, etc.).

Referring to FIGS. 7D-E, use of the bar wrap 500 to provide a weightlifter with a better grip of the surface of the bar of a free weight (e.g., the bar of one of the free weights 29, 30, 31 or 490) or the bar of an adapter (e.g., the bar 331 of the adapter 300) may entail first positioning the end of the bar wrap 500 that carries the magnets 555 (or other form of magnetic material) in relatively close proximity to the bar to enable magnetism to pull and maintain that end of the bar wrap 500 in contact with the bar. The bar wrap 500 may then be wrapped around the bar and the bar wrap 500, itself, as shown, and then the patch 553 may be brought into contact with the patch 554 such that the matched set of hook-and-loop fasteners are caused to become engaged to thereby hold the bar wrap 500 in a wrapped-around configuration surrounding the circumference of a portion of the bar.

Referring to FIG. 7F, the bar wrap 500 may, alternatively, be similarly wrapped around a combination of the bar of a free weight and the cradle 5 of either the prior art exercise weight support device 100, or an embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200. The manner in which the bar wrap 500 may be wrapped around such a combination may be substantially similar to what was just described above for wrapping the bar wrap 500 around solely the bar of a free weight or an adapter, although the flexible sheet substrate 506 may be made somewhat longer to better fit around such a combination.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-C, much of the shape and size of the bar wrap 600 is determined by a flexible sheet substrate 606 that may be made up of any of a variety of fabrics and/or any of a variety of elastic materials.

However, as depicted, one end of the flexible sheet substrate 606 may not extend all the way to one end of the bar wrap 600, thereby allowing both sides of a patch 655 of flexible gripping material (e.g., a rubber or flexible elastomer, etc.) to be exposed, except where a portion of the side of the patch 655 that forms part of the inner side 601 of the bar wrap 600 is stitched onto an end portion of the flexible sheet substrate 606 that would otherwise form part of the outer surface 609 of the bar wrap 600. In this way, the patch 655 serves to provide part of the inner surface 601 and part of the outer surface 609 of the bar wrap 600 at that end thereof. It should also be noted that, instead of stitching, the patch 655 of flexible gripping material may be affixed to that portion of the flexible sheet substrate 606 in other ways than by stitching (e.g., via an adhesive, heat welding, etc.).

As also depicted, a patch 653 of hook fasteners or of loop fasteners of a matched set of patches 653 and 654 of hook-and-loop fasteners may be stitched onto the inner surface 601 at the end of the flexible sheet substrate 606 that is opposite the end onto which the patch 655 of flexible gripping material is depicted as stitched, and the patch 654 of the other of the matched set of patches 653 and 654 of hook-and-loop fasteners may be stitched onto the outer surface 609 at a location between the ends. It should also be noted that, instead of stitching, each of the patches 653 and 654 may be affixed to the flexible sheet substrate 606 in other ways than by stitching (e.g., via an adhesive, heat welding, etc.).

As further depicted, in at least some embodiments, the patch 655 of flexible gripping material may be formed by extrusion and/or in any of a variety of other ways that may impart a curving configuration thereto. Such a curved configuration of the patch 655 may define a partially enclosed cylindrical volume that may become filled with a portion of a bar of a free weight (e.g., the bar of one of the free weights 29, 30, 31 or 490) or the bar of an adapter (e.g., the bar 331 of the adapter 300) when the bar wrap 600 is used. Further a slot-like opening may be defined by the depicted curved configuration such that such a portion of such a bar may be slipped into the partially enclosed cylindrical volume therethrough with the flexibility of the patch 655 imparting a spring-like characteristic thereto such that the patch 665 could be said to “snap” onto such a portion of such a bar.

As part of enabling such a “snap-on” behavior, the radius of such a curve imparted to the patch 655 may be selected based on the expected radii of the bars of various forms of free weights, and/or the radii of the bars of various adapters for use with at least the improved exercise weight support device 200. More specifically, the radius of the partially enclosed cylindrical volume defined by the curved configuration of the patch 655 may be selected to be somewhat smaller than the expected radii of whatever bars that the bar wrap 600 is expected to be used with. In addition to aiding in causing such a “snap-on” behavior, such a smaller radius may also assist in pressing the portion of the inner surface 601 that is defined by the patch 655 into more forceful contact with the exterior surface of the portion of the bar around which the bar wrap 600 is wrapped.

Referring to FIGS. 8D-E, use of the bar wrap 600 to provide a weightlifter with a better grip of the surface of the bar of a free weight or the bar of an adapter may entail slipping the bar of a free weight or an adapter into the partially enclosed cylindrical volume defined by the curved configuration of the patch 655 such that the patch 655 is caused to “snap” onto the bar, as has been described above. More of the bar wrap 600 may then be wrapped onto the bar wrap 600, itself, and around the bar, as shown, and then the patch 653 may be brought into contact with the patch 654 such that the matched set of hook-and-loop fasteners thereof are caused to become engaged to thereby hold the bar wrap 600 in a wrapped-around configuration surrounding the circumference of a portion of the bar.

Referring to FIGS. 8F-G, the bar wrap 600 may, alternatively, be similarly wrapped around a combination of the bar of a free weight and the cradle 5 of either the prior art exercise weight support device 100, or an embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200. The manner in which the bar wrap 600 may be wrapped around such a combination may be substantially similar to what was just described above for wrapping the bar wrap 600 around solely the bar of a free weight or an adapter, although the flexible sheet substrate 606 may be made somewhat longer to better fit around such a combination.

Referring to FIG. 9A, unlike the bar wraps 500 and 600, there may be little difference between the inner surface 701 and the outer surface 709 of the bar wrap 700 such that these two surfaces may be regarded as interchangeable such that the bar wrap 700 may be wrap around a bar with either surface serving as the inner surface 701 or the outer surface 709. Much of the shape and size of the bar wrap 700 is determined by a flexible sheet substrate 706 that may be made up of any of a variety of fabrics and/or any of a variety of elastic materials.

As depicted, multiple interlocking tabs 753 may be formed on opposite ends of the flexible sheet substrate 706, with cutaway regions 754 separating adjacent ones of the interlocking tabs 753. The interlocking tabs 753 and cutaway regions 754 may be of identical configuration on each of the opposing ends. As depicted, each of tabs 753 may be shaped to define a relatively broad portion that is separated from the rest of the flexible sheet substrate 706 by a relative narrow neck portion. Such a shape of each of the tabs 753 may define each of the cutaway regions 754 as opening through the edge of one of the opposing ends of the flexible sheet substrate 706 with a relatively narrow open region between the relatively broad regions of two adjacent tabs 753, with the relatively narrow open region then widening into a relatively broad open region between the relatively narrow neck regions of the same two adjacent tabs 753.

Referring to FIG. 9B, this shaping of the tabs 753, and accordingly, of the cutaway regions 754, serves to enable the tabs 753 of each of the opposing ends of the flexible sheet substrate 706 to interact with each other in a manner akin to the teeth of a zipper. Thus, the two opposing ends of the flexible sheet substrate 706 are able be brought together and coupled to each other by causing the 753 to interlock or “interdigitate” as would the teeth of a zipper.

Referring to FIGS. 9C-D, use of the bar wrap 700 to provide a weightlifter with a better grip of the surface of the bar of a free weight (e.g., one of the weights 29, 30, 31 or 490) or the bar of an adapter (e.g., the bar 331 of the adapter 300) may entail first positioning of the inner surface 701 of the bar wrap 700 against the bar and then wrapping both of the opposing ends that carry the tabs 753 around the bar, bringing the opposing ends together. The relatively narrow neck regions of the tabs 753 carried by one of the opposing ends of the bar wrap 700 may then be inserted through the relatively narrow open regions of corresponding ones of the cutaway regions 754 of the other of the opposing ends to thereby cause the interlocking or “interdigitating” of the tabs 753 of both of the opposing ends of the bar wrap 700.

Referring to FIGS. 9E-F, the bar wrap 700 may, alternatively, be similarly wrapped around a combination of the bar of a free weight and the cradle 5 of either the prior art exercise weight support device 100, or an embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200. The manner in which the bar wrap 700 may be wrapped around such a combination may be substantially similar to what was just described above for wrapping the bar wrap 700 around solely the bar of a free weight or an adapter, although the flexible sheet substrate 706 may be made somewhat longer to better fit around such a combination.

Referring to FIGS. 10A-B, much of the shape and size of the bar wrap 800 is determined by a flexible sheet substrate 806 that may be made up of any of a variety of fabrics (e.g., ballistic nylon) and/or any of a variety of elastic materials (e.g., rubber).

As depicted, a patch 853 of hook fasteners or of loop fasteners of a matched set of patches 853 and 854 of hook-and-loop fasteners may be stitched onto the inner surface 801 at one end of the flexible sheet substrate 806, and the patch 854 of the other of the matched set of patches 853 and 854 of hook-and-loop fasteners may be stitched onto the outer surface 809 at a location between both ends of the flexible sheet substrate 806. As a result, the end of the flexible sheet substrate 806 that is opposite the end onto which patch 853 may simply be a bare portion 855 of the flexible sheet substrate 806. It should also be noted that, instead of stitching, one or both of the patches 853 and 854 may be affixed to the flexible sheet substrate 806 in other ways than by stitching (e.g., via an adhesive, heat welding, etc.).

Referring to FIGS. 10C-D, use of the bar wrap 800 to provide a weightlifter with a better grip of the surface of a combination of the bar of a free weight and the cradle 5 of either the prior art exercise weight support device, or an embodiment of the improved exercise weight support device 200, may entail first positioning the bare portion 855 that defines one end of the bar wrap 800 between the bar of the free weight and the cradle 5 such that the bare portion 855 becomes pinched therebetween. The bar wrap 800 may then be wrapped around the combination of the bar and the cradle 5, as well as around itself, as shown, and then the patch 853 may be brought into contact with the patch 854 such that the matched set of hook-and-loop fasteners are caused to become engaged to thereby hold the bar wrap 800 in a wrapped-around configuration surrounding the circumference of the combination of the bar and the cradle 5.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the claimed invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.