Exercise Bar Connector Assembly

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/658,629 filed on May 8, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment. In particular, it pertains to an improved connector assembly for exercise bars having multiple pieces.

The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Exercise has physical and mental health benefits. Among the various types of exercises, weight training is a form of strength training that aims to develop the strength and size of skeletal muscles. Weight training utilizes the weight force of gravity acting on physical objects to oppose the force generated by muscle. These physical objects are available in a variety of types of specialized equipment. However, weight training equipment must be properly assembled before use.

Exercise bars are commonly used in weight training. Many users prefer to use such free weight exercise bars rather than complex weight-lifting machines. Exercise bars can be used as a weighted fitness bar for personal training, physical therapy and home workouts. Exercise bars can include a single-piece solid bar or multiple segments/pieces/portions that can be connected to each other prior to use. In some cases, it is more convenient to ship or distribute an exercise bar that has two or more segments as opposed to a single-piece (large) exercise bar.

illustrates a prior art/conventional multi-segmented exercise bar (a curl bar). As shown, exercise barhas two segments, a first bar segment A, and a second bar segment B which are configured to be coupled with a connection assembly C. The connection assembly C includes: (i) a protruding memberon segment B having a plurality of through holes/openings, (ii) one or more through holes on a first end of segment A, and (iii) one or more roll pins. Typically, the exercise baris assembled by inserting the first end of segment A within an opening in the protruding membersuch that at least one of the holes in segment A is aligned with a hole in segment B. This is followed by inserting an endof the roll pinwithin the aligned holes and hammering it in to join the segments A and B securely.

However, this connection assembly C may be prone to certain issues. For example, after multiple uses and by adding heavy weights to the second ends of segments A and B, the exercise barmay tend to become wobbly as the two segments (A, B) start to loosen up or their connection fails when subjected to repetitive stress/strain of the additional weights. This is because the hammered roll pin does not provide a stable and secure connection between the two segments. This can also lead to accidents where the two segments can disassemble on their own when in use. Also, if the holes on the two segments A and B cannot be perfectly aligned (for instance, if the holes in one or both segments are not machined precisely), it would be difficult to insert the roll pin within the holes and assemble the exercise bar.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved connection mechanism for multi-segmented exercise bars. In particular, there is a need for a new connection mechanism that provides a safe and secure connection between one or more exercise bar segments that is capable of substantially withstanding repetitive stress and strain.

The present invention relates to an improved connector means for exercise bars having two or more pieces/segments. In an embodiment, the exercise bar is a curl bar having at least two segments. In another embodiment, the exercise bar is a straight bar having at least three segments. In another embodiment, the exercise bar is a hex bar having at least three segments. In another embodiment, the exercise bar is a cambered bar having at least three segments. In another embodiment, the exercise bar is a triceps bar having at least three segments. In general, the one or more embodiments of the present application can be utilized with any type of exercise bar that has multiple segments or bar components.

According to an embodiment, a connector assembly for a multi-segmented exercise bar includes: a plurality of exercise bar segments; and a female end portion and a male end portion. The female end portion can be formed along an anterior portion of a first exercise bar segment while the male end portion can be formed along an anterior portion of a second exercise bar. The female end portion includes a connector sleeve having: a channel extending at least partially through the connector sleeve, wherein the channel comprises an opening proximate to its anterior end; a locking opening located proximate to the channel opening; and a female threaded portion formed along a portion of an inside wall of the channel. The female threaded portion can be formed posterior to the locking opening. The male end portion has: a male threaded portion; and a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is positioned posterior to the male threaded portion. The male threaded portion can be located on an outer surface of the second exercise bar segment. The second exercise bar segment, having the male end portion, is configured for rotational advancement into the first exercise bar segment through the channel opening.

In one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises a pin. The pin can be a spring-loaded pin having a pin head and a spring body connected to the pin head. The locking opening can be sized for securely receiving the pin head therein. The pin head can be flush with an exterior surface of the connector sleeve. The first exercise bar segment and the second exercise bar segment are configured to be coupled to form at least one of a curl bar or a straight bar, or any other suitable exercise bar.

In another embodiment, a connector assembly for a multi-segmented exercise bar includes: a plurality of exercise bar segments; a connector exercise bar segment, and a first and second exercise bar segments. The connector exercise bar segment comprises: a first male end portion formed along an anterior end of the connector exercise bar segment, the first male end portion comprising: a first male threaded portion; and a first locking mechanism, wherein the first locking mechanism is positioned posterior to the first male threaded portion; and a second male end portion formed along a posterior end of the connector exercise bar segment, the second male end portion comprising: a second male threaded portion; a second locking mechanism, wherein the second locking mechanism is positioned posterior to the second male threaded portion. The first exercise bar segment comprises a female end portion formed inside an anterior portion of the first exercise bar segment. The female end portion comprises: a first channel extending at least partially through an anterior end of the first exercise bar segment, the first channel comprising a first channel opening proximate to its anterior end; a first locking opening located proximate to the first channel opening; and a first exercise bar segment female threaded portion formed along a portion of an inside wall of the first channel, the first exercise bar segment female threaded portion formed posterior to the first locking opening. The second exercise bar segment comprises a female end portion formed inside an anterior portion of the second exercise bar segment. The second exercise bar segment female end portion comprises: a second channel extending at least partially through an anterior end of the second exercise bar segment, the second channel comprising a second channel opening proximate to its anterior end; a second locking opening located proximate to the second channel opening; and a second exercise bar segment female threaded portion formed along a portion of an inside wall of the second channel, the second exercise bar segment female threaded portion formed posterior to the second locking opening. The first and second male threaded portions can be located on an outer surface of the connector exercise bar segment. Each of the first and second locking mechanisms comprises a corresponding first spring-loaded pin and a second spring-loaded pin. Each of the first locking opening and the second locking opening is sized for securely receiving a pin head of the corresponding first and second spring-loaded pins. The first and second spring-loaded pins are configured to be flush with an exterior surface of the connector exercise bar segment. The connector exercise bar segment is configured to be coupled to the first and the second exercise bar segments to form at least one of a curl bar or a straight exercise bar.

In yet another embodiment, a connector assembly for a multi-segmented exercise bar includes: a plurality of exercise bar segments; a connector exercise bar segment and a first and second exercise bars. The connector exercise bar segment comprises: (i) a first female end portion formed within an anterior portion of the connector exercise bar segment, comprising: a first channel extending at least partially through an anterior end of the connector exercise bar segment, the first channel comprising a first channel opening proximate to its anterior end; a first locking opening located proximate to the first channel opening; and a first female threaded portion formed along a portion of an inside wall of the first channel, the first female threaded portion formed posterior to the first locking opening; and (ii) a second female end portion formed within a posterior portion of the connector exercise bar segment, the second female end portion comprising: a second channel extending at least partially through a posterior end of the connector exercise bar segment, the second channel comprising a second channel opening proximate to its anterior end; a second locking opening located proximate to the second channel opening; and a second female threaded portion formed along a portion of an inside wall of the second channel, the second female threaded portion formed posterior to the second locking opening. The first exercise bar segment comprises: a first exercise bar segment male end portion located proximate to an anterior end of the first exercise bar segment, comprising: a first exercise bar segment male threaded portion; and a first exercise bar segment locking mechanism, wherein the first exercise bar segment locking mechanism is positioned posterior to the first exercise bar segment male threaded portion. The second exercise bar segment comprises: a second exercise bar segment male end portion located proximate to an anterior end of the second exercise bar segment. The second exercise bar segment male end portion further comprising: a second exercise bar segment male threaded portion; and a second exercise bar segment locking mechanism, wherein the second exercise bar segment locking mechanism is positioned posterior to the second exercise bar segment male threaded portion.

The first exercise bar segment male threaded portion is located on an outer surface of the first exercise bar segment, and the second exercise bar segment male threaded portion is located on an outer surface of the second exercise bar segment. The first exercise bar segment locking mechanism and the second exercise bar segment locking mechanism comprise a corresponding first spring-loaded pin and a second spring-loaded pin. Each of the first locking opening and the second locking opening is sized for securely receiving a pin head of the corresponding first and second spring-loaded pins. The first and second spring-loaded pins are configured to be flush with an exterior surface of connector exercise bar segment. The connector exercise bar segment is configured to be coupled to the first and the second exercise bar segments to form at least one of a curl bar or a straight exercise bar, or any other suitable exercise bar.

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (for example, “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

illustrates an exercise barhaving two pieces or segments—a first segmentA and a second segmentB. As further illustrated in, the two segments can be joined together with an exemplary connector assemblyto form a singular/unitary exercise bar. In one embodiment, the two segmentsA andB can joined to form a curl bar. A curl bar is a type of barbell with a curved shape. However, it is understood that the two segments can be joined to form a straight exercise bar or an exercise bar of a different shape. Additionally, it is understood that the two segments can have any shape or any number of pieces that can be connected to form a singular/unitary piece of exercise equipment.

The connector assemblycan include a female end portion formed along an anterior portion of the first exercise bar segmentA and a male end portion located along an anterior portion of the second exercise bar segmentB. However, it is understood that the female end portion can be formed on the anterior portion of the second exercise bar segmentB and the male end portion can be formed on the anterior portion of the first exercise bar segmentA.

The female end portion can include a connector sleeve. The connector sleevecan be pre-formed/pre-moulded onto or coupled to the anterior portion of the first bar segmentA. The connector sleevecan be tubular or have any other desired shape. The connector sleevecan be formed with the same material as the bar segmentsA andB, or it can be formed of any other suitable material.

A channelextends horizontally through at least a portion of the connector sleeve. Channelhas an opening or apertureat its anterior end for receiving the male end portion of the second exercise segmentB. The inner diameter of the channelis slightly larger (for instance, a few millimetres more) than the outer diameter of the male end portion of the second exercise bar segmentB such that, as shown in, the male end portion of the second exercise bar segmentB can be inserted within the channel opening.

The connector sleevehas a female engagement structure. The engagement structure can include: (i) a pin locking openingformed along an inside wall of the sleeveand extending to the exterior surface of the connector sleeve; and (ii) a female threaded portionA formed along a portion of an inside wall of the channeland which is further located posterior to the pin locking opening. The pin locking openingcan be located proximate to the channel opening. The female threaded portionA can include, without limitation, one or more female threads that run substantially between the pin locking openingand a posterior end of the channelin the first exercise bar segmentA.

The male end portion can include a male engagement structure having: (i) a locking mechanism, such as, a button or a pin; and (ii) a male threaded portionB formed along the outer surface of the anterior end of the second exercise bar segmentB. The pinis configured with depressible means. In one embodiment, the pin can be a spring-loaded pin. The spring-loaded pincan be positioned posterior to the male threaded portionB. The male threaded portionB can include, without limitation, one or more male threads that run substantially between the anterior end of the second exercise bar segmentB and the spring-loaded pin. The male threaded portionB is configured to be complementary to the female threaded portionA. The terms “male thread” and “female thread” are known in the art.

The spring-loaded pinincludes a pin headA which can be coupled to a spring bodyB. The pin headA can be disposed above a surface of the second exercise bar segmentB while the spring bodyB can be located in a recess formed on an outer surface of the second exercise bar segmentB.

Prior to using the exercise bar, the first exercise bar segmentA can be connected to the second bar segmentB to form a unitary bar. In an exemplary embodiment, the male threaded portionB is configured to be slidably inserted into the channel openingin response to a rotational movement of the second exercise bar segmentB in a first direction (such as, in a counterclockwise direction). The rotational movement is continued until the end of the male threaded portionB abuts the channel opening. At this point, the pin headA is manually depressed so that the springB can be compressed and the spring-loaded pinslides within the channel opening. When the pinaligns with the pin locking opening, the springB is automatically released, and the pin headA ejects to be locked inside the pin locking opening. As such, the pin headA is now level or slightly lower than the exterior surface of the connector sleeve. Further, the male threaded portionB threadedly engages with the female threaded portionA to form a tightly threaded arrangement. The pin locking openingis sized to securely receive the pin headA and lock the pin. Advantageously, due to the combination of the threaded engagementand the spring-loaded pinsecured within the pin locking opening, a secure connection is formed between the exercise bar segmentsA andB. This secure connection can be strong enough to withstand prolonged use of the exercise bar, and the addition of heavy weights to the posterior ends of the exercise bar. This reduces the risk of accidents due to uncoupling of the exercise bar segments.

In one embodiment, once the pin headA is securely lodged in the opening, and a unitary exercise bar is assembled (as shown in), the two exercise bar segmentsA andB can be disconnected by dislodging the pin headA from the opening. In this embodiment, the pin headA once secured within the openingcan be level with the outside surface of the sleeve. In another embodiment, the pin headA can extend to a height slightly lower than the outside surface of the sleeve. In an example, the pin headA extending to a height slightly lower than the outside surface of the sleeveallows a secure connection that will not be accidently pressed during use of the exercise bar.

Accordingly, the openingcan be formed on an outer surface of the connector sleeveproximate to the pin locking opening. By depressing the pin headA through the opening, the springB is compressed, and the spring-loaded pincan get released from the pin locking opening. At this stage, by rotating the male end portion in a second rotational direction (for instance, a clockwise direction) that is opposite to the first rotational direction, the male threaded portionB can be disengaged from the female threaded portionA and the two segmentsA andB can be disassembled/disconnected to ensure portability, and for convenient storage or transportation.

In one embodiment, the connector assemblyor the connector sleevecan be provided as a separate component(s) that can be assembled to the anterior end(s) of the bar segmentsA,B prior to use.

illustrates an embodiment of an exercise barhaving three segmentsA,B-andB-. As shown in, a connector exercise bar segmentA can be coupled to a first and second exercise bar segments,B-andB-, to form a unitary exercise bar.

Connector exercise bar segmentA can be configured to have an anterior and posterior male end portion. As described earlier with reference to, the anterior and posterior male end portions can include a corresponding male engagement structure having: (i) a locking mechanism, such as, a button or a pin,-and-; and (ii) a male threaded portionB-andB-formed along the outer surface of the anterior and posterior ends of the connector exercise bar segmentA. The pins-and-can be configured with depressible means. In one embodiment, the pins can be spring-loaded pins-and-. The pins-and-can have a spring body and a depressible button. The spring-loaded pins-and-can be positioned posterior to the male threaded portionsB-andB-. The male threaded portionsB-andB-can include, without limitation, one or more male threads that run substantially between the anterior and posterior ends of the connector exercise bar segmentA and the spring-loaded pins-,-.

The exercise bar segmentsB-andB-include female engagement structures located around their corresponding anterior end portions-,-. Exercise bar segmentsB-andB-can be substantially similar to each other. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the anterior portion of each exercise bar segment,B-andB-, has a central internal channel-,-. The inside of channel walls-and-includes female threaded portions,A-andA-, and corresponding pin locking openings-and-for receiving pins-and-.

Prior to use, as discussed with reference to, the three exercise bar segments—A,B-andB-—are coupled together by inserting the first male threaded portionB-within channel opening-and the second male threaded portionB-is inserted within channel opening-. When the pins-and-align with the corresponding pin locking openings-and-formed inside the channels-and-, the springs coupled to pins-and-are released, and the pin heads of pins-and-eject to be locked within the corresponding openings-and-. Additionally, the first male threaded portionB-engages with the female threaded portionA-on bar segmentB-while the second male threaded portionB-engages with the female threaded portionA-on bar segmentB-to form a threaded secure connection.

In an alternate embodiment, as shown in, a first female engagement structure is arranged on an inside surface of an anterior end-A of a connector exercise barAA, while a second female engagement structure is arranged on an inside surface of a posterior end-A of the connector exercise bar. At least an anterior and a posterior end portion of the connector exercise bar segmentAA has channels,-A and-A. Each female engagement structure further includes pin locking openings-A and-A and one or more female threadsA-A andA-A located posterior to the corresponding pin locking openings.

Exercise bar segmentsB-A andB-A include a male engagement structure arranged around their anterior end portions. The male engagement structures include corresponding spring-loaded pins-A and-A and corresponding male threaded portionsB-A andB-A. The male threaded portions can include, without limitation, one or more male threads.

As described with reference to, prior to use, the three exercise bar segments of—AA,B-A andB-A—are coupled together by inserting the first male threaded portionsB-A within channel opening-A and the second male threaded portionB-A is inserted within channel opening-A. When the pins-A and-A align with the corresponding pin locking openings-A and-A formed inside the channels-A and-A, the springs coupled to pins-A and-A are released, and the pin heads of pins-A and-A eject to be locked inside the corresponding openings-A and-A. Additionally, the first male threaded portionB-A engages with the female threaded portionA-A on connector bar segmentAA while the second male threaded portionB-A engages with the female threaded portionA-A on connector bar segmentAA to form a threaded secure connection.

illustrates an exemplary view of a three-segment hex exercise barwith a pin connector assembly in accordance with another embodiment. The hex barcan be a three-segment assembly utilizing the spring-loaded pin connector assembly as described herein. As shown in, prior to use, the three exercise bar segments are coupled together by inserting the first male threaded portionB-within channel opening on the sleeve-and the second male threaded portionB-is inserted within channel opening on the sleeve-to create a unitary hex exercise bar.

Additionally, the three-segment hex exercise barwith a spring-loaded pin connector assembly has the anterior and posterior male end portions, which can include a corresponding male engagement structure having: (i) a locking mechanism, such as, a button or a pin,-and-; and (ii) a male threaded portionB-andB-formed along the outer surface of the anterior and posterior ends of the connector hex exercise bar segmentA. The pins-and-can be configured with depressible means, such that the pins-and-can be depressed through the pin locking openings-and-. This allows the user to selectively disassemble the three-segment hex exercise bar.

In an embodiment, the pin head-,-once secured within the opening-,-can be level with the outside surface of the sleeve-,-. In another embodiment, the pin head-,-can extend to a height slightly lower than the outside surface of the sleeve-,-. In an example, the pin head-,-extending to a height slightly lower than the outside surface of the sleeve-,-allows a secure connection that will not be accidently pressed during use of the exercise bar.

Similar to,illustrate exemplary views of a three-segment cambered exercise barand a three-segment triceps exercise barwith a connector assembly, respectively. The additional embodiments exemplify the variety of exercise bar shapes that can use the connector assembly to create a unitary exercise bar when desired but can be disassembled for ease of storage. Accordingly, the three exercise bar segments are coupled together by inserting the first male threaded portionsB-,B-within channel opening on the sleeve-,-and the second male threaded portionB-,B-is inserted within channel opening on the sleeve-,-to create a unitary exercise bar. The three-segment exercise bars,with a spring-loaded pin connector assembly has the anterior and posterior male end portions, which can include a corresponding male engagement structure having: (i) a locking mechanism, such as, a button or a pin,-,-and-,-; and (ii) a male threaded portionB-,B-andB-,B-formed along the outer surface of the anterior and posterior ends of the connector exercise bar segmentsA,A. The pins-,-and-,-can be configured with depressible means, such that the pins-,-and-,-can be depressed through the pin locking openings-,-and-,-. This allows the user to selectively assemble and disassemble the three-segment exercise bars,.

In an embodiment, the pin head-,-,-,-once secured within the opening-,-,-,-, can be level with the outside surface of the sleeve-,-,-,-. In another embodiment, the pin head-,-,-,-can extend to a height slightly lower than the outside surface of the sleeve-,-,-,-. In an example, the pin head-,-,-,-extending to a height slightly lower than the outside surface of the sleeve-,-,-,-allows a secure connection that will not be accidently pressed during use of the exercise bar.

The exercise bars,,,, andcan be made of durable and sturdy materials, such as steel or other suitable materials. As known in the art, the exercise bars,,,, andcan include a gripping section and a posterior end configured to receive weight plates or other weights known in the art.

The exercise bar with the secure connector assembly described herein may be sold wherever traditional exercise bars are sold as well as wherever exercise equipment generally is sold. The exercise bar with a secure connector assembly of the present invention can be sold individually or with additional other products, including but not limited to weight plates, dumbbells, kettlebells, jump ropes, fitness mats, wrist or ankle weights, and resistance bands. The exercise bar with a secure connector assembly of the present invention can also be sold with access to preprogrammed workouts. For instance, the preprogrammed workouts could be accessed via manual input on a smart device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer, or via a smart home device. The exercise bar with a secure connector assembly of the present invention can be sold with instruction sheets illustrating a method of use of the device along with various workouts that can be carried out using the device.

While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.