Weight selection methods and apparatus Number:7,077,791 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent An exercise dumbbell has at least one weight selector that is rotatable into engagement with various combination of weights at opposite ends of the handle. On a first embodiment, first and second weight selectors are rotatably mounted on opposite ends of a bar for independent rotation relative to the handle. On a second embodiment, first and second weight selectors are keyed to a common bar and rotated together therewith relative to the handle.<H apparatus, selection, Weight, selectio, 7077791.html, Patent, pto, 7077791

Title: Weight selection methods and apparatus

Abstract: An exercise dumbbell has at least one weight selector that is rotatable into engagement with various combination of weights at opposite ends of the handle. On a first embodiment, first and second weight selectors are rotatably mounted on opposite ends of a bar for independent rotation relative to the handle. On a second embodiment, first and second weight selectors are keyed to a common bar and rotated together therewith relative to the handle.

Patent Number: 7,077,791 Issued on 07/18/2006 to Krull

Inventors: Krull; Mark A. (Bend, OR)
Assignee: Mautilus, Inc. (Vancouver, WA)

Appl. No.: 127049

Filed: April 18, 2002

Current U.S. Class: 482/108 ; 482/107; 482/98

Current International Class: A63B 21/075 (20060101)

Field of Search: 482/106-108,93,94,98

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Other References

UK fitness supplies.co.uk, located at http://www.ukfitnesssupplies.co.uk, 3 pages (First publ. date unknown, website pages printed on Aug. 4, 2003). cited by other.

Primary Examiner: Huson; Gregory L.
Assistant Examiner: Mathew; Fenn C.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable mass free weight system, comprising: a handle assembly including a hand grip, a first weight selector disposed at a first end of said hand grip, and a second weight selector disposed at an opposite, second end of said hand grip, wherein each said weight selector is rotatably connected to said hand grip, and each said weight selector includes (a) a base portion that defines a longitudinal axis, (b) radial portions that are affixed to said base portion at axially spaced locations and extend radially away from said base portion, and (c) axial portions that are affixed to radially outward ends of respective radial portions and extend axially away from respective radial portions; a plurality of aligned weights, wherein slots in the weights are configured to receive said base portion, and gaps are defined between adjacent weights to receive respective radial portions and axial portions therebetween, and each of said weights has a nub that projects axially toward a respective one of said radial portions and is selectively engaged when a respective one of said axial portions is rotated beneath said nub; and a base configured to support said weights in a rest position.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of said weights has an axially extending shoulder that spans a respective one of said gaps.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said first weight selector is rotatable relative to said second weight selector.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein opposite end portions of a bar project outward from respective ends of said hand grip, and each said base portion forms a tube about a respective one of said end portions.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein each said base portion is keyed to a common bar that extends through said hand grip.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein each said weight selector is rotatable to a first orientation relative to said weights, wherein only first said weights at respective ends of said hand grip are engaged by respective axial portions, and each said weight selector is rotatable to a second orientation relative to said weights, wherein only second said weights at respective ends of said hand grip are engaged by respective axial portions.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein each said weight selector is rotatable to a third orientation relative to said weights, wherein both said first weights and said second weights are engaged by respective axial portions.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said radial portions supports at least two said axial portions that are circumferentially spaced apart from one another.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said radial portions supports at least three said axial portions that are circumferentially spaced apart from one another.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein said weights have lower ends that are configured to fit into respective slots in said base, and transversely extending shoulders that are configured to rest on opposite sidewalls on said base.

11. An adjustable mass free weight system, comprising: a hand grip; at least one weight selector that defines a longitudinal axis and is rotatably connected to said hand grip, wherein a plurality of discrete engagement members are affixed to each said weight selector at discrete axially spaced locations, and each of said members includes a radially extending segment and at least one axially extending segment affixed to a radially outward portion of said radially extending segment; a plurality of weights, wherein each of said weights has a slot that is configured to receive a respective said weight selector, and adjacent said weights define gaps therebetween to accommodate respective members, and each of said weights has an axially extending nub that is disposed radially inside a rotational path defined by each said axially extending segment on a respective one of said members, and said at least one weight selector rotates relative to said weights to move each said axially extending segment into and out of underlying engagement with a respective nub; and a base configured to support said weights in a rest position.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said at least one weight selector is rotatable to a first orientation relative to said weights, wherein only a first one of said weights is engaged, and said at least one weight selector is rotatable to a second orientation relative to said weights, wherein a second one of said weights is engaged.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said at least one weight selector is rotatable to a third orientation relative to said weights, wherein both said first one of said weights is engaged by a respective axially extending segment, and said second one of said weights is engaged by a respective axially extending segment.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein opposite end portions of a bar project outward from respective ends of said hand grip, and said at least one weight selector includes first and second weight selectors rotatably mounted on respective end portions of said bar and rotatable independent of one another.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein said weights have lower ends that are configured to fit into respective slots in said base, and transversely extending shoulders that are configured to rest on opposite sidewalls on said base.

16. An adjustable mass free weight system, comprising: a bar having an intermediate handle portion, a first end portion, and an opposite, second end portion, wherein said bar defines a longitudinal axis; a first weight plate and a second weight plate maintained in axial alignment along said first end portion of said bar; a third weight plate and a fourth weight plate maintained in axial alignment along said second portion of said bar, wherein each said weight plate includes an axially extending nub; a first weight selector and a second weight selector, wherein each said weight selector is rotatably mounted on a respective end portion of said bar, and said first weight selector includes at least one dedicated hook for each of said first weight plate and said second weight plate, and said second weight selector includes at least one dedicated hook for each of said third weight plate and said fourth weight plate, and each said hook is configured to engage and disengage a respective said nub as a function of its orientation relative to said bar, and each said hook on said first weight selector is constrained to rotate together, and each said hook on said second weight selector is constrained to rotate together; and a base configured to support said weights in a rest position.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein a first bracket is secured to said first end portion of said bar, and a second bracket is secured to said second end portion of said bar, and each said bracket bounds a distal end of a respective weight selector.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein a first bracket is secured to said first end portion of said bar, and a second bracket is secured to said second end portion of said bar, and each said bracket has a U-shaped configuration with opposite distal ends connected to said bar and an intermediate portion spanning a respective weight selector.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein a first bracket is secured to said first end portion of said bar, and a second bracket is secured to said second end portion of said bar, and each said bracket has a U-shaped configuration with opposite distal ends connected to said bar, and a respective weight selector disposed therebetween.

20. The system of claim 16, wherein each said weight plate has a lower end that is configured to fit into a respective slot in said base, and transversely extending shoulders that are configured to rest on opposite sidewalls on said base.

21. An adjustable mass free weight system, comprising: a handle having a first end and a second end; a plurality of first weights maintained in axial alignment at said first end of said handle; a plurality of second weights maintained in axial alignment at said second end of said handle; a base configured to support said first weights and said second weights in a rest position; and a first means, rotatably connected to said first end of said handle, for selectively securing said first weights to said handle and for maintaining spacing between adjacent said first weights, wherein said first means is rotatable from a first orientation, wherein only one of said first weights is secured to said handle, to a second orientation, wherein another of said first weights is secured to said handle; and a second means, rotatably connected to said second end of said handle, for selectively securing said second weights to said handle and for maintaining spacing between adjacent said second weights, wherein said second means is rotatable from a first orientation, wherein only one of said second weights is secured to said handle, to a second orientation, wherein another of said second weights is secured to said handle.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise equipment and more particularly, to weight selection methods and apparatus for free weights such as dumbbells and barbells.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various weight selection methods and apparatus have been developed to provide adjustable resistance to exercise. With respect to free weights, weight plates are typically mounted on opposite ends of a bar. In relatively advanced systems, the bar or handle assembly is stored in proximity to the weight plates, and at least one selection mechanism is provided to connect a desired amount of mass to the bar.

Some examples of patented barbell/dumbbell improvements and/or features are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,198 to Hettick, Jr. (discloses a barbell assembly having opposite end weights that are maintained in alignment on respective storage members and selectively connected to a handle by means of axially movable springs); U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,034 to Shields (discloses both barbell and dumbbell assemblies having opposite end weights that are maintained in alignment on a shelf and selectively connected to a handle by means of latches on the weights); U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,463 to Shields (discloses a dumbbell assembly having opposite end weights that are maintained in alignment on a base and selectively connected to a handle by means of cam driven pins on the weights); U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,064 to Olson et al. (discloses a dumbbell assembly having a plurality of interconnected opposite end weights that are stored in nested relationship to one another and selectively connected to a handle by means of a U-shaped pin); U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,762 to Towley, III et al. (discloses a dumbbell assembly having a plurality of interconnected opposite end weights that are stored in nested relationship to one another and selectively connected to a handle by various means); U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,997 to Roth et al. (discloses a dumbbell assembly having opposite end weights that are maintained in alignment on a base and selectively connected to a handle by means of eccentric cams on a rotating selector rod); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,350 to Krull (discloses a dumbbell assembly having opposite end weights that are maintained in alignment on a base and selectively connected to a handle by means of respective first and second selector rods that move axially in opposite directions). Despite these advances and others in the field of weight selection, room for improvement and continued innovation remains.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides weight selectors that occupy spaces between adjacent weights and rotate through a range of orientations to alternatively engage and disengage various combinations of the weights. Each weight selector is configured to engage any combination of at least two weights. Many features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the more detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWING

With reference to the Figures of the Drawing, wherein like numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views,

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exercise dumbbell constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partially sectioned side view of a weight base and a plurality of weight plates suitable for use with the dumbbell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectioned end view of the weight base and weights of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the weight plates of FIG. 3 without the weight base;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the weight plates of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the weight plates of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an end view of a weight engagement member on the dumbbell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the weight engagement member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an opposite end view of the weight engagement member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an end view of a weight indicator on the dumbbell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the weight indicator of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an opposite end view of the weight indicator of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is an exploded end view of the weight engagement member of FIG. 7, the weight indicator of FIG. 10, and two additional weight engagement members, as they occupy a first orientation on the dumbbell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the weight engagement members and weight indicator of FIG. 13, as they occupy a second orientation on the dumbbell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the weight engagement members and weight indicator of FIG. 13, as they occupy a third orientation on the dumbbell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the weight engagement members and weight indicator of FIG. 13, as they occupy a fourth orientation on the dumbbell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the weight engagement members and weight indicator of FIG. 13, as they occupy a fifth orientation on the dumbbell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a side view of a bracket on the dumbbell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is an inside end view of the bracket of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is an outside end view of the bracket of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a top view of the bracket of FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is a side view of a bar on the dumbbell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is an end view of the bar of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a top view of the bar of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a side view of a handle on the dumbbell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 26 is an end view of the handle of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is an end view of a fastener on the dumbbell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 28 is a side view of another exercise dumbbell constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is partially sectioned side view of one end of the dumbbell of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is an end view of a knob on the dumbbell of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is an opposite side view of the knob of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a side view of one end of a shaft on the dumbbell of FIG. 28;

FIG. 33 is an end view of the shaft of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a side view of a first weight engaging member on the dumbbell of FIG. 28;

FIG. 35 is an end view of the weight engaging member of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a side view of a second weight engaging member on the dumbbell of FIG. 28;

FIG. 37 is an end view of the weight engaging member of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a side view of a third weight engaging member on the dumbbell of FIG. 28;

FIG. 39 is an end view of the weight engaging member of FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a top view of three adjacent weights on the dumbbell of FIG. 28;

FIG. 41 is an end view of one of the weights of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a side view of the weight of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is an opposite end view of the weight of FIG. 41;

FIG. 44 is a partially sectioned top view of the weights of FIG. 40 resting on a cradle constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a partially sectioned side view of the weights and cradle of FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is an end view of the cradle of FIG. 44 without the weights;

FIG. 47 is an end view of an alternative embodiment weight engagement member suitable for use in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 48 is a side view of the weight engagement member of FIG. 47; and

FIG. 49 is an opposite end view of the weight engagement member of FIG. 47.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides methods and apparatus to facilitate adjustment of weight resistance to exercise motion. Generally speaking, the present invention allows a person to adjust weight resistance by rotating one or more weight selectors into engagement with a desired combination of weights.

FIG. 1 shows an exercise dumbbell 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention. The dumbbell 100 includes a handle assembly 110 and a plurality of weight plates 227 229 that are selectively connected to the handle assembly 110.

As shown in FIG. 2, the weight plates 227 229 rest on a weight base or cradle 300 when not in use. The base 300 is preferably an injection molded plastic member having an intermediate portion, and respective weight storage areas at opposite ends of the intermediate portion. Each weight storage area is defined by a plurality of side walls, end walls, and spacers which cooperate to define discrete weight upwardly opening slots or compartments 327 329. The upper corners on these walls and spacers are preferably beveled and/or rounded to help guide the weight plates 227 229 into place. Also, each end wall 307 and 309 is preferably contoured or notched (as shown in FIG. 3) for reasons discussed below.