Reebok Anti-Roll Barbell and Dumbbell System

My expertise is in developing patentable user centred design solutions and this investigation focussed on solving how to improve the loading and securing of the barbell weights for users during aerobic exercise routines. The inability to load and lock the free weights is caused by disc rotation, which disrupts the users exercise routines and can cause health and safety issues through tripping and falling over. This disruptive problem frequently occurs for users who participate in multiple person exercise routines that involve barbell and dumbbell activities in fitness centres and gyms.

This systematic user centred investigation, supported by patent evaluations and ergonomic product testing, has generated an entirely new anti-roll barbell design and locking system. Through ethnographic research and user testing a D-shape disc and bar locking system was developed that addressed the limitations of existing solutions, eliminating all disc rotation. This means that a user can locate, load and reload disks without requiring rotation. The D-shape bar, which introduces a flat bearing surface and cam locking mechanism also address the limitations of existing solutions by improving the locking performance. It has also resulted in an entirely new visual identity within this category of product. The inventiveness of these features have been rigorously scrutinised via 13-month patent assessment procedure. This has lead to successful granting of a UK patent.

The systematic research leading to the anti-roll design informed the development of an anti-roll dumbbell for Reebok Europe.