Modular handle assembly for weightlifting bar

Abstract

A resilient shoulder harness for a barbell that defines an elongate first open channel for removably receiving a barbell and opposed second open channels, transverse to the first open channel, for removably receiving handles for the barbell.

1 . A shoulder harness for a weightlifting bar, the shoulder harness comprising:
 a body portion defining an elongate open channel for selective receipt and removal of a barbell; and   opposed arm portions extending from the body portion and each defining an open channel transverse to that defined by the body portion.   
     
     
         2 . The shoulder harness of  claim 1  where each open channel defined by the opposed arm portions is configured to receive a respective handle extending from a barbell inserted in the elongate open channel of the body portion. 
     
     
         3 . The shoulder harness of  claim 1  where each open channel defined by the opposed arm portions has a concave shape. 
     
     
         4 . The shoulder harness of  claim 3  where each open channel defined by the opposed arm portions extends to either side of the elongate open channel of the body portion. 
     
     
         5 . The shoulder harness of  claim 1  formed of integral skin polyurethane foam. 
     
     
         6 . The shoulder harness of  claim 5  where the integral skin polyurethane foam has a shore hardness between 25 and 50. 
     
     
         7 . The shoulder harness of  claim 6  where the integral skin polyurethane foam has a shore hardness between 30 and 45. 
     
     
         8 . The shoulder harness of  claim 6  where the integral skin polyurethane foam has a shore hardness of about 40. 
     
     
         9 . The shoulder harness of  claim 1  where each of the opposed arm portions forms an arched indentation shaped to surround a lifter's shoulders. 
     
     
         10 . The shoulder harness of  claim 1  which forms an interior space between the arm portions and a neck indentation within the interior space. 
     
     
         11 . A handle assembly configured to adapt a weightlifting bar into a shoulder bar, the handle assembly comprising two opposed handles spaced from each other by a rigid elongate adapter member forming an interior channel sized to partially enclose the shoulder bar. 
     
     
         12 . The handle assembly of  claim 11  where the two opposed handles are connected to an outwardly directed curved surface of the adapter member. 
     
     
         13 . The handle assembly of  claim 11  where the two opposed handles are rigidly and fixedly connected to the adapter member. 
     
     
         14 . The handle assembly of  claim 11  where the adapter member is curved to form a channel sized to closely surround an Olympic sized weight bar. 
     
     
         15 . A shoulder bar having an elongate cylindrical bar configured to support weights at either end via central apertures in the weights, and two opposed handles extending generally perpendicularly from the elongate cylindrical bar, the opposed handles selectively and replaceably removable from the elongate cylindrical bar.