EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

Abstract

A weight lifting assembly includes a horizontal cross bar, two vertical stands for supporting the cross bar, each stand having a base for engaging a ground surface, wherein the cross bar is fixed to the stands in use; and the assembly is sized and configured to be lifted by a user via the cross bar, to lift the assembly including the vertical stands off the ground surface during use.

Claims

1. A weight lifting assembly comprising: a horizontal cross bar, two vertical stands for supporting said cross bar, each stand comprising a base for engaging a ground surface, wherein the cross bar is fixed to the stands in use; and said assembly is sized and configured to be lifted by a user via the cross bar, to lift the assembly including the vertical stands off the ground surface during use.

2. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross bar is adjustable in a vertical position along said stands.

3. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each stand comprises a weight receiving member for receiving one or more weights in use.

4. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein said weight receiving member is located towards a lower end of said stands so that said weight lifting assembly has a low centre of gravity during use for stability.

5. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein said weight receiving member is on a lower horizontal plane than said cross bar for stability.

6. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said weight lifting assembly comprises two locking mechanisms, each said locking mechanism for locking said cross bar with a respective said stand.

7. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein said locking mechanism has a locked and unlocked position, in the locked position the cross bar coupled to the stand and in the unlocked position the cross bar free to move along the stand.

8. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the position of said crossbar with respect to said stands remains fixed when an upwards force is applied to said crossbar when the locking mechanisms are in the locked position.

9. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein said locking mechanism locks the cross bar to the stand at predetermined vertical positions.

10. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein each said stand comprises a plurality of apertures providing the predetermined vertical positions, and the locking mechanism is configured to engage the apertures to couple the cross bar to the stand.

11. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein said plurality of apertures are equally spaced along said stand.

12. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein said plurality of apertures are spaced sufficiently apart along the stand so that the position of said crossbar can be adjusted without misaligning the cross bar with said stand.

13. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a locking pin configured to engage with an aperture in said stand when in a locked position; and a biasing mechanism to bias the locking pin to the locked position.

14. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein said locking mechanism further comprises a hand grip connected to said locking pin, such that when the hand grip is moved in a releasing direction, the locking pin also moves in said releasing direction to move the locking pin from the locked position to an unlocked position.

15. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein said releasing direction is away from the respective said stand.

16. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the cross bar comprises a cavity at least partially housing said locking pin and said biasing mechanism.

17. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cross bar locks with the stand at a continuous range of positions along the stands by friction between said cross bar and said stand.

18. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said stand comprises a slot extending at least partially along the length of the stands, configured to receive a respective end of said cross bar.

19. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein said slot is substantially parallel to a vertical axis of said stand.

20. The weight lifting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight lifting assembly comprises two guide casings, each said guide casing coupling said cross bar with a respective said stand to allow sliding of said cross bar along the stand during height adjustments between the cross bar and the stands.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which:

[0051] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the weight lifting assembly.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the weight lifting assembly including weight plates.

[0053] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the weight lifting assembly.

[0054] FIG. 4 shows a close-up perspective view of the base assembly and weight receiving member.

[0055] FIG. 5 shows a partial close-up view of the stand and attachment member of the weight lifting assembly.

[0056] FIG. 6 shows a partial front view of the weight lifting assembly in an unlocked configuration.

[0057] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the weight lifting assembly and a bench.

[0058] FIG. 8 shows a close-up cross section view of a preferred locking mechanism.

[0059] FIG. 9 shows a partial perspective close-up view of a stand.

[0060] FIG. 10 shows four disassembled weight lifting assemblies, in a preferred storage configuration.

[0061] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another weight lifting assembly.

[0062] FIG. 12 shows a guide casing for guiding the cross bar of the assembly along a stand of the assembly.

[0063] FIG. 13 shows a base of one of the stands of the assembly of FIG. 11.

[0064] FIG. 14 shows a cross section of the base of one of the stands of the assembly. A plane of the cross section is one a longitudinal centreline of the stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] With reference to FIG. 1 there is shown a weight lifting assembly 1 comprising generally vertical stands 2 dependent from a generally horizontal cross bar 3. The vertical stands 2 preferably each include an elongate member 6 arranged generally vertically in use, a weight receiving member 4, and a base assembly 5 at a bottom end of the elongate member 6.

[0066] The weight lifting assembly 1 is preferably formed from metal, for example aluminium. It is anticipated that the weight lifting assembly 1 can be formed from different metals. For example, the stands 2 or elongate members of the stands 2 may be formed from aluminium, while the cross bar 3 is formed from steel. However other suitable materials with sufficient stiffness and durability may be used.

[0067] The weight lifting assembly 1 is preferably sized and configured to be lifted by users as a whole.

[0068] The weight lifting assembly 1 comprises two vertical stands 2 horizontally spaced apart from each other in use. Preferably the spaced apart vertical stands 2 are spaced a width greater than the shoulder width of a user of the weight lifting assembly 1.

[0069] The stands 2 support the cross bar 3. The stands 2 are attached to the ends of the cross bar 3, or are alternatively attached towards the ends of the cross bar. It is anticipated that stands 2 having different heights, to accommodate different users, uses, or exercises, may be provided.

[0070] In the most preferred configurations, the vertical position or height of the cross bar 3 relative to the base 5 can be adjusted, described in more detail later.

[0071] The stands 2 preferably comprise weight receiving members 4 and a base 5 for providing a stable support for the weight lifting assembly 1.

[0072] The weight lifting assembly 1 comprises stands 2 and a cross bar 3 having an inherent weight. It should be appreciated that the weight lifting assembly 1 is suitable for use with no additional weight plates 10 added to the assembly as shown in FIG. 1.

[0073] Alternatively, the user can add, or remove standard weights 10 to the weight lifting assembly 1 as shown in FIG. 2. The weights 10 can be added to, or removed from, the weight receiving members 4.

[0074] In the preferred configuration, the weight receiving members 4 are located towards a lower end 8 of the stands 2 of the weight lifting assembly 1, so that weights 10 may be loaded towards the lower end 8 of the stands 2. Preferably, the weight receiving members 4 are on a lower horizontal plane than the cross bar 3.

[0075] A weight lifting assembly 1 having weights 10 loaded towards the lower end 8 of the stands 2 has a low centre of gravity, resulting in improved stability. Additionally, a weight lifting assembly 1 configured for loading weights 10 at the lower end 8 of the stands 2 improves the safety of the assembly for users, as weights 10 do not need to be lifted high to be loaded onto the assembly. Loading weights 10 onto the weight lifting assembly 1 towards the lower end 8 of the stand 2 may reduce the likelihood of back injuries, or if the weights are dropped, the weights may cause less damage to the ground or the assembly.

[0076] As weights 10 have been loaded onto the weight receiving members 4 of the weight lifting assembly 1, a useful advantage of the present invention is its ability to adjust the height of the cross bar 3 along the length of the stands 2 without having to remove the weights 10 off the assembly. In contrast, on a traditional barbell and rack assembly, weights are generally located at the ends of the barbell, so users have to remove the weights to adjust the height of the barbell relative to the rack.

[0077] The weight receiving members 4 comprises a distal end 11 and a proximal end 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Weights 10 can be inserted from the distal end 11 of the weight receiving pin 4 towards the proximal end 12 of the weight receiving pin 4.

[0078] In the preferred configuration, the weight receiving members 4 are cylindrical.

[0079] In the preferred configuration, the weight receiving members 4 are substantially horizontal. The weight receiving members 4 in a substantially horizontal configuration helps the weights 10 stay on the weight lifting assembly 1. Alternatively, the distal end 11 of the weight receiving pin 4 is higher than the proximal end 12 (not shown). In this configuration, the weights 10 are biased by gravity towards the proximal end 12 of the weight receiving pin 4, which is another configuration which helps the weights 10 stay on the weight lifting assembly 1.

[0080] The weight receiving members 4 are configured to receive weights 10. Optionally a weight collar 25 can be inserted onto the distal end 11 of the weight receiving pin 4 to secure the weights 10 onto the weight receiving pin 4.

[0081] The length of the weight receiving members 4 are preferably long enough to support multiple weights 10. In the preferred configuration, the length of a weight receiving member 4 is configured to support three weights 10 as represented in FIGS. 2 and 3. It will be appreciated that accommodating of more than 3 weights may be desired.

[0082] In FIG. 3 there is shown an exploded view of a weight lifting assembly 1. The components of weight lifting assembly can be connected by joining techniques known in the art, for example using screws, rivets, and/or welding etc.

[0083] An example configuration as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, has the cross bar 3 of the weight lifting assembly 1 being substantially cylindrical. Optionally, the cross bar 3 comprises a flattened top section to limit flex, twisting, and/or swing of the cross bar when lifting. It is anticipated that the cross bar 3 may be a variety of shapes. For example, in one configuration (not shown), the cross bar 3 is generally horizontal having two angled sections where the user can grip the cross bar to engage a range of muscle groups (e.g. an EZ-Curl Bar).

[0084] Preferably, a locking mechanism 13 locks the cross bar 3 with the stand 2, so the position of the cross bar 3 with respect to the stands 2 remains fixed when an upwards force is applied to said crossbar in a locked position, such as when a user lifts the assembly off the ground by the cross bar.

[0085] In one configuration of the weight lifting assembly 1, the locking mechanisms 13 lock the cross bar 3 with the stands 2 in a plurality of predetermined positions.

[0086] The stand 2 preferably comprises a plurality of locking apertures 9 along the length of the stand 2. The locking mechanisms are configured to engage with the locking apertures of the respective stand to lock a respective end of said cross bar 3 to the stand. The position of the locking apertures 9 corresponds to the different positions or heights the cross bar 3 can be adjusted to relative to the base 5.

[0087] In one configuration, the plurality of locking apertures 9 are equally spaced along the stand 2. Preferably, the locking apertures 9 are spaced sufficiently so that the user is able to adjust the position of the cross bar 3 without misaligning the positions of the cross bar on each stand.

[0088] Alternatively, the cross bar 3 locks with the stands 2 at a continuous range of positions along the stands. The cross bar 3 can be secured to the stands 2 by increasing friction between the cross bar and the stand. In one configuration, a clamping mechanism can secure the cross bar 3 to the stands 2 (not shown).

[0089] In the preferred configuration, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 8 the locking mechanism 13 comprises a hand grip 15, a locking pin 16, and a biasing mechanism 17. In the preferred configuration, the locking pin 16 as an internal locking pin located within the cross bar 3.

[0090] The weight lifting assembly 1 in the preferred configuration comprises a locking mechanism 13 at each of the two junctions between the cross bar 3 and the stands 2 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7.

[0091] The locking mechanism 13 of the weight lifting assembly 1 in the preferred configuration is best shown in FIG. 8 for locking the cross bar 3 with the stands 2.

[0092] The locking mechanism 13 is preferably biased to a locked position by a biasing mechanism 17. In the locked position the locking pin 16 engages with and is secured to the stand 2. The internal locking pin 16 engages with the respective stand 2 to prevent the movement of the cross bar 3 along the stands.

[0093] The internal locking pin 16 is configured to selectively engage with any of the locking apertures 9 in the stands 2.

[0094] Preferably, the cross bar 3 comprises a cavity 28 at least partially housing the internal locking pin 16, and the biasing mechanism 17.

[0095] The internal locking pin 16 comprises a first end 29 and a second end 30. The first end 29 of the internal locking pin 16, engages with locking apertures 9 of the stand 2. The locking apertures 9 of the stands 2, via apertures 9 is configured to receive a first end 29 of the internal locking pin 16.

[0096] The biasing mechanism 17 biases the internal locking pin 16 in a direction towards the stand 2 towards the locked position. Most preferably, the biasing mechanism 17 is a spring such as a coil spring as illustrated in FIG. 8, or any other suitable biasing means. In the preferred configuration, the biasing mechanism 17 engages with the second end 30 of the internal locking pin 16.

[0097] The weightlifting assembly 1 comprises a release mechanism for releasing the internal locking pin 16 from the locking apertures 9 of the stand 2. In one configuration, to disengage the locking mechanism 13, the internal locking pin 16 is forced in a direction away from the stands 2, as shown by arrow 31.

[0098] Each locking mechanism 13 preferably comprises a guide casing 14 at each end of the cross bar 3 to help secure the cross bar 3 to the stands 2 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. The guide casing 14 connects the cross bar 3 to the stands 2 and acts as a sleeve to help guide the cross bar 3 along the stands 2 during height adjustments.

[0099] The stand 2 preferably passes through the guide casing 14. The guide casing 14 preferably comprises a body around a portion of the stand. The body of the guide casing 14 having some length, preferably extends partially along the stand 2. The guide casing 14 is preferably elongate and extends parallel to a vertical axis of the stand a distance.

[0100] The guide casing 14 couples the cross bar 3 with the stands 2 to allow a single degree of freedom of translational sliding of the cross bar along a vertical axis of the stands 2 during height adjustments. Preferably, the guide casing 14 helps maintain the cross bar 3 in a generally horizontal orientation so that the cross bar is locked at the same height with respect to the two stands 2. The cross bar 3 is substantially perpendicular to the respective stands 2, when it is in a generally horizontal orientation.

[0101] Optionally, the guide casing 14 extends from the bar towards the lower end 8 of the stand 2 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8. Alternatively, the guide casing 14 extends from the bar towards an upper end 7, or both the upper end 7 and the lower end 8 of the stand 2 (not shown).

[0102] The guide casing 14 concealing at least a portion of the locking mechanism 13 also helps reduce pinch points where fingers or loose articles may get trapped, thus improving the safety of the exercise equipment. The guide casing 14 also conceals the locking mechanism 13 improving the aesthetic appeal of the weight lifting assembly 1.

[0103] Preferably the locking mechanism 13 at the two junctions of the cross bar 3 and the stands 2 can be operated simultaneously to allow for a substantially vertical adjustment 27 of the cross bar.

[0104] In the preferred configuration, a handgrip 15 is attached to the internal locking pin 16. The hand grip may be connected to the respective pin by one or more fastening means 18. At least a portion of the fastening means 18 travels within a side cavity 32 of the cross bar 3. A portion of the fastening means 18 moves from a first position in the side cavity 32 from a locked position, to a second position in the side cavity to an unlocked position.

[0105] Preferably, if the hand grip 15 is forced towards a releasing direction 31, the connected internal locking pin also moves in the direction 31. In one configuration, the releasing direction 31 is away from the stand as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8.

[0106] Using a handgrip 15 to operate the locking mechanism 13 improves the aesthetic appeal of the weight lifting assembly 1, as the internal elements of the locking mechanism operate while being hidden. The locking mechanism 13 of the preferred configuration allows the user to unlock the cross bar 3 from the stands 2 and thus adjust the height of the cross bar relative to the ground.

[0107] Preferably the handgrip 15 is a material different from the cross bar 3, such as a polymer, rubber or other suitable material.

[0108] The locking mechanism 13 described makes the height adjustment of the weight lifting assembly 1 intuitive and simple to use, especially for new users and in an exercise class environment where simple and quick height adjustability may be desired.

[0109] In use, the weight lifting assembly 1 with an adjustable cross bar 3 is advantageous as it may reduce injury to the user when they are getting into position for their exercise. For example, a user may first lie on their back on a bench under the cross bar 3 of the weight lifting assembly 1 as illustrated in FIG. 7, then adjust the cross bar towards and their chest. In another example, the user may first step under the cross bar 3, then adjust the cross bar on to their shoulders for squat exercises. The weight lifting assembly 1, may help users reduce the likelihood of injury as they may get into their exercise position, before needing to adjust the cross bar.

[0110] It is anticipated that other locking mechanisms can be used to adjust the cross bar 3 relative to the stands 2 of the weight lifting assembly 1. For example, a ratchet system may be used as a locking mechanism.

[0111] The stand 2 is in one configuration generally hollow. The stands 2 optionally comprise end caps 19 to enclose any sharp edges and for aesthetic appeal.

[0112] The cross bar 3 optionally comprises rubber or plastic grips around the cross bar 3 (not shown) for user comfort. Grips around the cross bar 3 may also help improve the user's control of the weight lifting assembly 1 during lifting by reducing the likelihood of the cross bar slipping during use, and/or thick hand grips help engage a range of muscle groups.

[0113] The base assembly 5 as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 comprises a base member 20 and a support member 24. The base assembly 5 is attached to a lower end of the elongate member of the stand. The underside of the base member 20 preferably comprises a large surface or lateral dimension, i.e. a large diameter or perimeter extending around a longitudinal axis of the vertical elongate member, for engaging with the ground for stability.

[0114] The base member 20 optionally comprises a protective layer 21. The protective layer 21 can cover a portion of the base member 20 as represented in FIGS. 1 and 2. Alternatively, the protective layer 21 can cover the entire upper and/or lower surface of the base member 2 (not shown). The protective layer 21 protects the base member 20 from marks, scratches, sweat and/or dents, in particular if weights 10 are dropped close to the base member. The protective layer 21 may also improve the grip between the base member 20, and the ground which the weight lifting assembly 1 is on. The protective layer 21 can be a rubber or plastic, for example.

[0115] In the illustrated configuration, the base assembly 5 comprises a support member 24 for supporting the vertical elongate member of the stand 2 from the base member 20. The support member 24 is attached to the base member 20.

[0116] In the illustrated configuration, the stand 2 comprises an attachment member 22 having a recess 23 as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The attachment member 22 connects the weight receiving member 4 to the elongate member of the stand 2. The recess 23 of the attachment member 22 is configured to receive a complimentary section of the support member 24 of the base assembly 5. Fastening means 26 secures the attachment member 22 to the support member 24. The attachment member 22 connects the vertical elongate member of the stand 2 to the base assembly 5. The attachment member 22 is preferably located at a height above the base member 20 to allow the weights 10 to be off the ground.

[0117] In the illustrated configuration, the lower ends 8 of the vertical elongate members are spaced above the ground to allow weights 10 to fit beneath the vertical members of the stands 2. The elongate member of the stand 2 and the weights 10 may be generally in the same vertical plane to improve the compactness of the weight lifting assembly 1, and/or the stability of the assembly.

[0118] In the illustrated configuration, the lower end 8 of the elongate members of the stands 2 is at a distance from the base member 20 greater than the radius of the biggest weight 10 to be loaded onto the weight lifting assembly 1.

[0119] In one configuration, the vertical elongate member of the stand 2 and the proximal end 12 of the weight receiving member 4 of the stand are generally in the same vertical plane. An advantage of the stand 2 and weights 10 on the same plane, is to improve the compactness of the weight lifting assembly 1, and/or the stability of the assembly.

[0120] Alternatively, the vertical member of the stand 2 and the proximal end 12 of the weight receiving member 4 of the stand 2 are not in the same vertical plane.

[0121] It is anticipated that the weight lifting assembly 1 may alternatively comprise stands 2 with a lower end 8 of the vertical elongate members extending to the ground or base member 20.

[0122] In the illustrated configuration, the attachment member 22 is connected to the elongate member of the stands 2 as illustrated in FIG. 5. Preferably, the vertical elongate member and attachment member 22 comprise complimentary spaces 27 and protrusions 28. Optionally, fasteners 26 secures the attachment member 22 to the base assembly 5. Fasteners known in the art such as, screws, bolts may be used as the fastener 26.

[0123] As represented in FIG. 6, the height of the cross bar 3 from the base member 20 is preferably adjustable. The cross bar 3 can move in a generally vertical direction as shown by the arrows 27. The length of the stands 2 can be fixed, and the cross bar 3 can be adjusted vertically along the stands. Alternatively, the cross bar 3 can be fixed to the stands 2, and the length of the stands can be adjusted to adjust the relative height of the cross bar from the base member 20.

[0124] A useful advantage of the present invention is the adjustability of the cross bar 3 to tailor the weight lifting assembly 1 for users of different heights and/or to accommodate different exercises including other equipment under the cross bar 3.

[0125] The cross bar 4 may be tailored to users confined in wheelchairs as the cross bar 3 can be adjusted to a suitable height, towards the lower end 8 of the stand 2.

[0126] It is anticipated that the cross bar 4 can also be adjusted to different heights for a variety of exercises. For example, the cross bar 4 of the weight lifting assembly 1 can be adjusted to a height suitable for bench presses as shown in FIG. 7, and at a lower height for other exercises like deadlifts.

[0127] As illustrated in FIG. 9 the stands 2 comprises a slot 33 at least partially along the length of the elongate member of the stands. In some embodiments, the slot 33 may be configured to receive an end of the cross bar 3.

[0128] The profile of cross-section the slot 33 of the stand 2 is substantially rectangular. The slot is substantially parallel to a vertical axis of the stand. The slot 33 stiffens the stand 2. The slot 33 may help to stiffen the weight lifting assembly 1 by allowing the ends of the cross bar 3 to securely engage with the stands 2 and to limit flex and twisting of the cross bar 3 when lifting. As shown in FIG. 8, the guide casing 14 may include a projection configured to extend into the slot 33. The projection and slot may be sized to provide a sliding fit between the guide casing and stand. The projection and slot may to help stiffen the weight lifting assembly 1 by allowing the guide casings to securely engage with the stands 2 and to limit flex and twisting of the cross bar 3 when lifting.

[0129] A useful advantage of the present invention is the ability of the slot 33 of the stands 2 to conceal the locking mechanism 13, resulting in fewer pinch points. The slot 33 of the stands 2 also helps improve the aesthetic appeal of the weight lifting assembly 1, as the engagement of the internal locking pin 16 with locking apertures 9 located in the recess of the stand is hidden from view.

[0130] The weight lifting assembly 1 can be disassembled to allow for more efficient storage as shown in FIG. 10. The cross bar 4 can be removed, for example by sliding up and off the stands 2. The locking mechanisms 13 preferably remain attached to the bar 4. The locking mechanisms 13 and cross bar 3 together provide a cross bar assembly. The disassembled stands 2, and cross bar assembly can be arranged in a compact way for storage.

[0131] The weights 10 can remain on the disassembled stand 2 as represented in FIG. 10. Alternatively the weights 10 can also be removed for separate storage.

[0132] A weight lifting assembly 1, 101 configured to be disassembled is particularly useful when the assembly is used in a multipurpose workout area or in a limited space such as in an exercise class or at home where it is desirable to put away and store the exercise equipment after use.

[0133] FIG. 11 illustrates another example embodiment of a weight lifting assembly 101 according to the present invention. The embodiment of FIG. 11 is similar to the embodiment 1 of FIGS. 1 to 10 described above but each stand 2 has a different base to the base 5 described above. Same or similar features as described above are referenced by the same reference numerals.

[0134] The base 55 of the embodiment 101 of FIG. 11 is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. The underside of the base 55 preferably comprises a large surface or lateral dimension, i.e. a large diameter or perimeter extending around a longitudinal axis of the vertical elongate member 6 of the stand 2 to engage the ground to provide a stable base to the stand 2. A top of the base 55 is attached to a bottom end of the elongate member 6 of the stand, for example via a fastener 26.

[0135] In the illustrated embodiment, the weight receiving member 4 is attached to the elongate member 6 of the stand. The weight receiving member 4 is received through an aperture through the elongate member 6. The weight receiving member 4 is attached to the elongate member 6 near to a bottom end 8 of the elongate member 6. The weight receiving member 4 may extend from two opposed sides of the elongate member/stand. This allows weights to be received on the weight receiving member 4 on each side of the elongate member of the stand. FIG. 14 shows two weight plates received on the weight receiving member 4 on one side of the stand. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the plates 10 can be provided to each side of the weight receiving member 4, to balance the weight plates on each side of the stand 2, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0136] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the base 55 includes clearance spaces to avoid the weight plates 10 contacting the base 55. In the illustrated embodiment the clearance spaces are provided by cut outs in a wall of the base.

[0137] With the weight receiving member 4 received through the elongate member adjacent to an end of the elongate member 6, the weight receiving member 4 may also provide a fixing point for fixing the base 55 to the elongate member 6. As shown in FIG. 14, the base 55 is attached to the elongate member 6 via a fastener 26 engaging the weight receiving member 4 (e.g. a screw or bolt 26 engaging a threaded socket formed in the weight receiving member 4).

[0138] With reference to FIG. 12, in some embodiments the guide casing 14 includes longitudinally extending ribs 34 to engage an outer surface of the elongate member 6 of the stand 2 to reduce friction and allow for easy sliding along the stands 2 and height adjustment of the bar 3 relative to the stands 2.

[0139] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing configurations and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0140] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.