AU2020269342A1

AU2020269342A1 - Dumbbell glide apparatus with weight adjusting key

Info

Publication number: AU2020269342A1
Application number: AU2020269342A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Ping Liu
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-05-04
Filing date: 2020-04-01
Publication date: 2021-08-05
Also published as: EP3962611A1; CN113507967A; KR20210132017A; WO2020224360A1; JP3239837U; JP2022531047A; EP3962611A4

Abstract

A dumbbell apparatus is adapted with a series of weight plates(30), the number of which can be safely and reliably adjusted with a single simple motion by resiliently depressing and sliding an adjustment button to select the desired weight. The apparatus includes a cradle(40) for storing and deploying the apparatus, weight plates(30), and a handle apparatus which has two spline bolts(23,24) which support the weight plates(30) and are used to simultaneously be adjusted by means of an adjusting pin(27) which moves the spline members(23,24) together through a motion transmitting gear(73). The apparatus may be further enhanced with permanent weights and gripping options.

Description

DUMBBELL GLIDE APPARATUS WITH WEIGHT ADJUSTING KEY

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to exercise and fitness devices, in particular apparatus for light weightlifting, such as dumbbells, further including those which are adapted for adjustable weights.

The dumbbell is a very popular exercise and fitness device. It affords both effective and varied fitness training. Dumbbells are normally used for light weight lifting with a single arm although they are also deployed in pairs so that both arms may be exercised simultaneously. As the type of exercises which may be involved with dumbbell workouts are varied, it is helpful to have the ability to quickly switch from one weight to another in order to make the most use of the time available for exercise. One way this can be done would be to have a number of dumbbells of varying weights, but this is expensive and creates a storage problem.

A means of permitting switching from one weight to another without substantial storage problems is to use weight adjustable dumbbells. Generally speaking, weight adjustable dumbbells comprise a dumbbell handle which is adapted at both ends to receive one or more weight plates and such may further comprise means of locking and fastening the weight plates into position for safe use. There are many kinds of weight adjustable dumbbells in the market.

For example, reference is made to US200405969AI. This apparatus teaches a device in which it is necessary to set the adjusting mechanism in both ends of the dumbbell handle separately in order that the bolt fixes relative weight plates. It is not convenient and requires additional time to set a certain weight because two separate actions are required.

Reference is also made to US20070184945A, which avoids the above mentioned defects by adopting theory of sinistral and dextral threading. The bolts in the ends of the dumbbell can be moved by dialing the turntable, so that the bolt fixes certain plates of the desired weights.

However, because the threading on the thread rod is a continuous line, the weight location is not precise. Precise location of this kind of dumbbell requires adding positioning mechanisms which are complex and expensive.

There are numerous dumbbell variations in the market but none of them allow simultaneous setting of precise and balanced weights. Such would offer a distinct advantage. What is not provided in the prior art is an adjustable weight dumbbell which permits and facilitates rapid and efficient adjustment of the weight plates and also results in a balanced and safe way to change weights with dumbbell apparatus.

As can be seen, there is a need for an adjustable dumbbell that addresses many of the problems associated with currently available adjustable dumbbells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a weight adjustable dumbbell of simple structure, which is simple to use, safe, and reliable. Certain embodiments of the present invention achieve this by providing a weight adjustable dumbbell which is comprised of a dumbbell handle assembly, a number of pieces of weight plates and a weight plate base. The dumbbell handle assembly is comprised of a handle member, two handle brackets, two spline bolt bodies, a positioning gear, an adjusting key and a positioning plate. There are adjustable slots and bolt slots in the handle member. A series of adjustable slots are on top of one side of the handle member on one side and bolt slots are on two sides of the handle member. There are slide slots on top of one handle bracket and guide slots on two sides of the handle member. Two handle brackets are fixed on two ends of the handle member respectively.

Two spline bolt bodies are inserted at both ends of the handle member and engage each other by means of the gear within the handle member. A positioning plate is fixed on the sliding slot of one handle bracket in one of several discrete adjustment positions, corresponding to the number of weight plates. An adjustable key may be passed through a narrow slot of the positioning plate and may be fixed on the threaded hole of the spline bolt body. There is an angled gap in each weight plate and a rectangle slot under the angled gap for holding the handle bar assembly.

The angled gap and the elongated and rectangle slot under it make a Y shaped slot. In the elongated and rectangle slot, there is an arc slot for holding the spine bolt body. A number of cradling slots are also opened on the weight plate base.

An axle hole is in the above mentioned handle member. The gear is positioned on the axle through the hole is turns about the axle and is fixed in position by a pin. The gear meshes with teeth on the interior of each spline member. Weight plates are positioned on two ends of the above mentioned handle member ibn this base, which is adapted with cradles for each. A cover plate is fixed by a screw on the slide slot of one of the above mentioned handle brackets.

The above mentioned adjustable handle is comprised of an adjusting pin, a retaining spring and a positioning base. The adjusting pin is fixed in the threading hole of an adjusting spine bolt body by the positioning base, retaining spring, locating slot in the positioning plate, slide slot and adjustable slot in the handle bracket. This permits the two spline bodies to be simultaneously and precisely moved in and out with the same movement. There may be a weight indication label on the above mentioned positioning plate. A handle cover is fixed on the above mentioned positioning base.

It is then, an object of the present invention to provide a weight adjustable dumbbell which has an adjusting handle which further allows the user to simply and easily choose an equal amount of weight plates on both ends of the handle bar assembly simultaneously.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a weight adjustable dumbbell with a weight indication label on the positioning plate which makes weight selection simple and easy.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a handle and positioning plate of the weight adjustable dumbbell with a self-lock function, so that the spline bolt body will not move randomly. Thus the weight plates are fixed on the handle bar assembly safely, which allows safe and reliable applying and lifting.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide the two spline bolt bodies of the weight adjustable dumbbell which can work together through the gear and conduct physically equivalent elongation or shortening.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a dumbbell apparatus which is enhanced for gripping by scoring a gripping surface or by providing an alternative material for the gripping surface in order to provide comfort or safety.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an adjustable dumbbell apparatus which may be tailored for use with a variety of weight quantities.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a dumbbell apparatus which is amenable to a variety of manufacturing methods.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is an oblique view of an adjustable dumbbell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention assembled for use;

Figure 2 depicts the adjustable dumbbell of Figure 1 with the major components separated in relative position so that all major components may be seen;

Figure 3 depicts an exploded view of the adjustable dumbbell of Figure 1;

Figures 4A through 4C show various cutaway views of the adjustable dumbbell bar assembly, where Figure 4A is an oblique side cutaway view, Figure 4B is a front view with the left bracket member being cutaway, and Figure 4C is a top cutaway view;

Figures 5A through 5D are drawings which depict various key features of the adjustment of the dumbbell bar assembly, where Figure 5A is a front view of the dumbbell bar assembly with the left bracket member cut out and which shows the adjustment pen and a first position, Figure 5B depicts a view of the weight plate which demonstrates how it is received by the spline members, Figure 5C depicts the adjusting key in a first position, and Figure 5D depicts the adjustment pin in a second position;

Figures 6A through 6C depict various views of the apparatus including Figure 6A, the front view in which a single weight plate is selected, Figure 6B, which is the left side cross-section view while choosing one piece of weight plate, and Figure 6C, the top cross-section view while choosing one piece of weight plate; and

Figures 7A through 7C are schematic drawings of the work theory of the utility model, including Figure 7A, which is the front view while choosing four pieces of weight plates, Figure 7B, which shows the left side cross-section view while choosing four pieces of weight plates, and Figure 7C, which is the front cross-section view while choosing four pieces of weight plates.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a dumbbell apparatus which is adapted with a series of weight plates, the number of which can be safely and reliably adjusted with a single simple motion. The apparatus includes a cradle for storing and deploying the apparatus, weight plates, and a handle apparatus which has two spline bolts which support the weight plates and are used to simultaneously be adjusted by means of an adjusting pin which moves the spline members together through a motion transmitting gear. The apparatus may be further enhance with permanent weights and gripping options.

First referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, it can be seen that the weight adjustable dumbbell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is comprised of dumbbell bar assembly 20, weight plates 30 and base member 40 as its major components. Figure 1 depicts the apparatus in its standard condition while Figure 2 depicts the major components apart from one another so that their critical features may be seen. Dumbbell bar assembly 20 houses the moving parts of the invention that provide for weight adjustability. The cradle apparatus 40 provides means for both storage and deployment of the entire apparatus.

The weight plates 30 may be made from various materials. In some embodiments, the weight plates 30 may be formed from cast iron. In other embodiments, the weight plates 30 may be formed from a polymer material, such as a blow molded polymer material. In some embodiments, the blow molded polymer material may be hollow and filled with a substance to obtain the desired weight. In other embodiments, the blow molded polymer material may be sufficient by itself to provide the desired weight.

Each weight plate 30 has a Y shaped slot 31 which is comprised of upper angled gap 32, elongated and rectangular slot 33 and an arc slot 34. The arc slot 34 is to allow the weight plate 30 to be received by the dumbbell bar assembly 20 and be held into place as will be more fully described herein. The elongated and rectangular slot 33 is to hold the dumbbell bar assembly 20, the angle gap 32 is to guide the dumbbell bar assembly 20 to drop into the elongated and rectangular slot 33. Base member 40 is to hold and position the weight plates 30.The amount of slots is the same as the amount of weight plates 30. The base member 40 is also for the support of the dumbbell bar assembly 20.

Referring now to Figure 3, the dumbbell bar assembly 20 is comprised primarily of handle member 21, handle brackets 22, adjusted spline bolt body 23, adjusting spline bolt body 24, positioning gear 73, positioning plate 26, adjusting pin 27, cover plate 25 and weight plates 30. Handle brackets 22 are attached to both ends of the handle member 21. By providing a scored surface 61 on the grip portion 62 in the middle of the handle member 21, the grip portion 62 may be adapted to facilitate a more secure grip by the user. On the handle member 21, opposite from the positioning plate 26, is a cover plate 25. The handle brackets 22 are also adapted with guiding slots 81 which are useful in keeping the weight plates 30 aligned. Finally, the handle brackets may be further adapted with equal weights 83 on either end which would be permanent to provide stability in use or simply to provide a desired weight resistance.

The handle member 21 is further adapted with a hole 71 which may receive an axle pin 72 which further may serve as the axle to a positioning gear 73. The positioning gear 73 through the hole 23 is fixed in the handle member 21 by an axle pin 72. Spline bolts bodies 23, 24 are inserted at both ends of the handle member 21 and engage with each other by means of the positioning gear 73. There is a threaded hole 78 in one end of the adjusting spline bolt body 24. After the adjusting spline bolt body 24 is inserted completely into handle member 21, the adjusting pin 27 will locate in the threading hole 78 of the adjusting spline bolt body 24 through the slide slot of handle bracket 22 and adjusting slot 17 (see Figure 4) of handle member 21, thus limiting the moving of spline bolt body 24 to the functioned scope.

Cover plate 25 is fixed on handle bracket 22 by screw 28, for example. The positioning plate 26 is fixed on the handle bracket 22 by adjusting pin 27. The adjusting pin 27 is fixed in the threading hole 78 of spline bolt body 24 by the positioning base 81, fixing spring 49, positioning plate 26, slide slot and adjusting slot 17 (see Figure 4) . The handle cover (Figure 5D) fastens on positioning base 81. A weight body 83 is fixed on each end of the handle member 21 through threading 99.

The structures of the adjusting spline bolt body 24 and the adjusted spline bolt body 23 are identical except for the receiving threaded hole 78 in the adjusting spline bolt body 24 which is adapted to receive the threaded positioning screw portion of the adjusting pin 27. In some embodiments, the structures of the adjusting spline bolt body 24 and the adjusted spline bolt body 23 may be identical, where a positioning pin 29 may be inserted into the threaded hole 78 in the adjusted spline bolt body 23.

Lengths 91, 92 of each spline bolt body 23, 24 have an extended circumference, moreover there are bulged portions 93, 94 extending from each extended circumference lengths 91, 92 which are adapted to slide within the arc slot 34 of each weight plate 30. This relationship will allow the simultaneous in and out movement of each spline body 23, 24 to cause the bulged portions 93, 94 of each of the extended circumference lengths 91, 92 of each spline member 23, 24 to fit within the desired arc slot 34 of each weight plate 30 for lifting with the dumbbell 10.

Each spline bolt member 23, 24 also has cutaway lengths 95, 96 with a half cutaway circumference. The bulged portions 93, 94 of each cutaway circumference placed together fit snugly within the handle member 21. The cutaway lengths 95, 96 are adapted with the meshed teeth 97 which are adapted to mechanically communicate with the positioning gear member 73 which is sandwiched between them. In this way, the inward or outward movement of the adjusting spline member 24 with the adjusting pin 27 will be matched by an equal and opposite inward or outward movement of the adjusting spline member 23.

In this manner, the bulged portions 93, 94 of each spline member 23, 24 will fit within the arc slots 34 of the desired weight plates 30, starting with the plates 30 positioned closest to the handle member 21 and cause them to be "selected" for use in a desired exercise.

It is now useful to describe how the user can simply and easily make the required adjustments. Such is done by means of the positioning base 50 and the adjusting pin 27. Making reference to Figure 5A, it can be seen that one of the positioning plate 26 is adapted with a series of positioning holes 12 which are interconnected with a narrow channel 17. The adjusting pin 27 attached to the adjusting spline member 24 is adapted to pass through this channel 17. As the adjusting pin 27 is moved from in to out, or vice versa, the above described interaction of the spline members 23, 24 through the interior gear 73 cause the bulged portions 93, 94 of each spline members 23, 24 to "select" the desired numbers of weight plates 30.

In order to facilitate the selections, the free end of the adjusting pin 27 is fitted with a retaining head 47 which will receive a spring loaded cap member 42. The spring loaded cap member further comprises an inverted cone member 43 which is, at its narrow end, adapted with a hole through which the adjusting pin 27 will snugly fit therewithin.

The adjusting pin 27 is adapted with an exterior threaded portion 45 which may be received by the interior threaded portion 46 (not shown) of adjusting spline member 24, a retaining head 47 on the other end of the adjusting pin 27, is of sufficient length to be threaded into the adjusting spline member 24 and through the channel 17 a sufficient distance to allow the operation of a spring loaded cap member 42.

Accordingly, the adjusting pin 27 may be passed first through a coil spring 49, next through the cone member 43 wide end 48 first, next through the channel 17 and then its exterior threads 45 may be screwed into the interior threads 46 of the adjusting spline member 24.

The head 47 is of adequate diameter to hold the coil spring 49 so that it may provide tension as the cap member 42 is pulled up towards the head 47. The cap member 42 is also adapted to fit snugly with any desired one of the positioning holes 12-16. When the cap member 42 is pulled up, the adjusting pin 27 may be moved.

The adjusting pin 27 may be depressed to permit movement of the adjusting pin 27 in the positioning plate 26.

Each of the positioning holes 12-16 is adapted to move the spline members 23, 24 to select a desired member of weight plates. The tensions of the coil spring 49 will cause the adjusting spline member 24 to remain locked in the desired positions to "select" the correct number of weight plates 30.

It should be noted that the scored gripping surface 62 could be eliminated or enhanced by providing some other gripping surface, such as rubber, plastic, vinyl, cloth, wool, or synthetic fabric. Such substitution could have the effect of making the apparatus easier and more comfortable to use although it would make the manufacture slightly more difficult. The point here is that it is quite possible that there are variations to the preferred embodiment which might provide one or more additional features to the apparatus which are still in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It should also be noted that the spline members 23, 24 have been described as generally cylindrical in structure along their length and that the bulging portions 93, 94 have been referred to as arced so that they may fit in the arc slot 34 of the weight plate rectangular slot 33. It is also possible that the spline members could be made with another cross-sectional shape, such as an oblong or polygon as long as such cross-sectional shape would permit the application of such features as the snug fit within the handle member 21, a bolting surface to fit within the arc slot 34 of the weight plate rectangular slot 33 and the provision of a flat surface with teeth along the flat surface of the cutaway portions 95, 96 of each spline member 23, 24. It is possible that selection of such a cross-sectional shape would facilitate easier manufacture without sacrificing the user-friendly quality of the apparatus.

It should further be noted that the bulging portions 93, 94 need not be arced and that the arc slot 34 and the rectangular slot 33 could be replaced with a widget shape, a square shape, or any other geometric configuration which would permit secure geometric communication between such bulging surface and the receiving portion of the rectangular and delegated slot on each weight plate.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

A dumbbell bar assembly that connects to a desired number of weight plates to be lifted by a user by positioning of a single adjusting pin, comprising:

a plurality of weight plates each with a slot for connection to said dumbbell bar assembly;

one or more base members for positioning said plurality of weight plates relative to said dumbbell bar assembly; and

two spline bolt bodies one at each end of said dumbbell assembly engaging said slots of said weight plates for connecting said weight plates to said dumbbell bar assembly;

wherein said number of weights engaged by both said spline bolt bodies is controlled by said position of a single adjusting pin for adjusting said weight to be lifted by said user;

wherein the single adjusting pin is resiliently depressible to permit the single adjusting pin to move to one or more positions to select the number of weights; and

wherein the single adjusting pin connects with one of the two spline bolt bodies, where movement of the single adjusting pin causes movement of both of the two spline bolt bodies.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 1, wherein said weight plates have a parallel slot that is narrower near a periphery and an arc slot that is wider near a center of said weight plates.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 1, wherein said weight plates are formed from a blow molded polymer material.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 1, wherein said spline bolt bodies have a bulge portion that passes through said parallel slot of said weight plates and engages said arc slot of said weight plates.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 1, wherein said spline bolt bodies have teeth that mesh with said teeth of a positioning gear.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 2, wherein said spline bolt bodies have teeth that mesh with said teeth of a positioning gear.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 4, wherein said spline bolt bodies have teeth that mesh with said teeth of a positioning gear.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 5, further comprising an adjusting plate that holds said adjusting pin in fixed positions corresponding to said desired number of weight plates.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 6, further comprising an adjusting plate that holds said adjusting pin in fixed positions corresponding to said desired number of weight plates.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 7, further comprising an adjusting plate that holds said adjusting pin in fixed positions corresponding to said desired number of weight plates.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 8, further comprising a spring resiliently directing the adjusting pin away from the base and keeping the adjusting pin in said fixed position, the spring being depressible to permit movement of the adjusting pin.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 9, further comprising a spring resiliently directing the adjusting pin away from the base and keeping the adjusting pin in said fixed position, the spring being depressible to permit movement of the adjusting pin.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 10, further comprising a spring resiliently directing the adjusting pin away from the base and keeping the adjusting pin in said fixed position, the spring being depressible to permit movement of the adjusting pin.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 11, wherein said adjusting plate is marked with said weight of said dumbbell bar assembly corresponding to each position of said adjusting pin.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 12, wherein said adjusting plate is marked with said weight of said dumbbell bar assembly corresponding to each position of said adjusting pin.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 13, wherein said adjusting plate is marked with said weight of said dumbbell bar assembly corresponding to each position of said adjusting pin.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 14, wherein the dumbbell bar assembly is coated with a material to enhance gripping by said user.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 15, wherein the dumbbell bar assembly is coated with a material to enhance gripping by said user.
The dumbbell bar assembly of claim 16, wherein the dumbbell bar assembly is coated with a material to enhance gripping by said user.