US20090156376A1 - Balanced Stackable Dumbbell System - Google Patents
Balanced Stackable Dumbbell System Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090156376A1 US20090156376A1 US12/372,579 US37257909A US2009156376A1 US 20090156376 A1 US20090156376 A1 US 20090156376A1 US 37257909 A US37257909 A US 37257909A US 2009156376 A1 US2009156376 A1 US 2009156376A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- weight
- ring
- dumbbell
- handle
- locking
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
- A63B21/072—Dumb-bells, bar-bells or the like, e.g. weight discs having an integral peripheral handle
- A63B21/0728—Dumb-bells, bar-bells or the like, e.g. weight discs having an integral peripheral handle with means for fixing weights on bars, i.e. fixing olympic discs or bumper plates on bar-bells or dumb-bells
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
- A63B21/0601—Special physical structures of used masses
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
- A63B21/072—Dumb-bells, bar-bells or the like, e.g. weight discs having an integral peripheral handle
- A63B21/075—Dumb-bells, bar-bells or the like, e.g. weight discs having an integral peripheral handle with variable weights, e.g. weight systems with weight selecting means for bar-bells or dumb-bells
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/00058—Mechanical means for varying the resistance
- A63B21/00065—Mechanical means for varying the resistance by increasing or reducing the number of resistance units
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to dumbbells for weight lifting, and more particularly to a dumbbell system with improved ergonomic design and which allows for the simple addition of additional weights to a base dumbbell member in a compact design.
- Health clubs typically have several racks of non-stackable dumbbells of varying weight which range from five pounds to approximately 120 pounds in five-pound or similar increments.
- the racks to hold all of the dumbbells in the five-pound to 120-pound sets are typically several feet long. Because such sets of dumbbells are extremely expensive and consume a lot of space, these sets are not well designed for home use.
- Dumbbells have been designed for home gym use to include a bar having a center sleeve portion which defines a handle and weight discs which are removably attached to each end of the bar by a locking collar.
- a problem with these prior art designs is that it is still necessary to maintain a full set of disc weights which can be placed on the ends of the dumbbell bar. Furthermore, it is time consuming to put the weights on and take the weights off from this type of dumbbell design.
- the locking collars are also a safety hazard if they are not properly secured in place.
- the moment arm which is applied to a user's wrist if the dumbbell is not maintained in a horizontal plane can result in painful stresses to the wrist joint of the user. Similar painful stresses are present with standard one-piece dumbbells.
- dumbbell system which is capable of providing several increments of weight in a compact construction.
- a dumbbell system including a base weight member including a ring shaped body and a handle extending across an opening in the ring shaped body.
- a weight ring is adapted to be removably mounted to the base weight member.
- a lock ring is engageable with the weight ring to securely mount the weight ring to the base weight member.
- the weight ring includes a first mating portion
- the lock ring includes a second mating portion which is adapted to be engaged with the first mating portion of the weight ring for securing the weight ring to the lock ring.
- the base weight member has an outer perimeter surface with a pair of angularly disposed edge portions while the weight ring includes an inner surface with at least one angularly disposed edge portion which engages one of the pair of angularly disposed edge portions of the base weight member.
- the locking ring includes an angularly disposed inner surface which engages the other of the pair of angularly disposed edge portions of the base weight member.
- a series of additional weight rings are adapted to be removably mounted to one another in order to provide variable increments of weight.
- the base weight member as well as the additional weight rings can be nested together in a single assembly and the lock rings can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the weight rings in order to allow the user to select from a plurality of weight increments.
- the lock rings can be provided with a plurality of dimples on a face surface thereof in order to facilitate rotation of the lock ring relative to the corresponding weight ring so that the lock ring can be easily engaged or disengaged from the weight ring.
- a threaded screw system is actuated to selectively engage and disengage additional weights to a base weight member.
- the threaded screw system is driven by rotation of the handle of the base weight member.
- FIG. 1 is a top view of a dumbbell assembly according to the principles of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the dumbbell assembly shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the dumbbell assembly according to the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a detailed view taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 1 illustrating the insertion of the locking tab into the slot of the locking ring according to the principles of the present invention
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 1 illustrating the locking tab engaged with the slot of the lock ring according to the principles of the present invention
- FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the circled area 6 of FIG. 2 illustrating the serrations on the face surface of the dumbbell system of the present invention
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line 7 - 7 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 is a detailed perspective view of the slot provided in the lock rings according to the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a detailed perspective view of the locking tabs which are engageable with the slot in the lock ring;
- FIG. 10 is a top view of a weight disk system according to the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a standard 40 pound dumbbell for purposes of illustrating the moment forces
- FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a 40 pound dumbbell having angled interior edges according to the present invention for purposes of illustrating the moment forces;
- FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of a ring shaped 40 pound dumbbell for purposes of illustrating the moment forces
- FIG. 14 is a modified view of FIG. 4 illustrating an acoustic lock signal mechanism for the locking ring according to the principles of the present invention
- FIG. 15 is a modified view of FIG. 9 illustrating an engagement tab of the acoustic lock signal mechanism
- FIG. 16 is a modified view of FIG. 9 illustrating retaining tabs of the acoustic lock signal mechanism
- FIG. 17 is a modified view of FIG. 7 illustrating a second preferred embodiment of a locking ring according to the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 a is a top view of the second preferred embodiment of the locking ring with a weight ring according to the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 is a top view of the second preferred embodiment of the locking ring implementing a first preferred embodiment of a latching mechanism according to the principles of the present invention
- FIG. 19 is a top view of the second preferred embodiment of the locking ring implementing a second preferred embodiment of a latching mechanism according to the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 20 is a top view of the second preferred embodiment of the latching mechanism
- FIG. 21 is a side view of the second preferred embodiment of the latching mechanism
- FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a barbell assembly according to the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the barbell assembly along line 23 - 23 of FIG. 22 illustrating an attachment mechanism for the dumbbell according to the principles of the present invention
- FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the barbell assembly illustrating a second preferred method of attaching dumbbells for forming the barbell assembly;
- FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the dumbbell assembly according to the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 26 is a top view of the dumbbell assembly shown in FIG. 25 ;
- FIG. 27 is a side view of the base weight member of the dumbbell assembly shown in FIG. 25 ;
- FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view of the dumbbell assembly taken along line 28 - 28 of FIG. 26 illustrating the threaded screw attachment mechanism for the addition of weight rings to the base weight member of the dumbbell assembly;
- FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the dumbbell assembly according to the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 30 is a top view of the dumbbell assembly shown in FIG. 29 ;
- FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the dumbbell assembly taken along line 31 - 31 of FIG. 30 illustrating the threaded screw attachment mechanism for the addition of weight disks to the base weight member of the dumbbell assembly;
- FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the handle portion of the dumbbell assembly shown in FIG. 29 ;
- FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the threaded screw member shown in FIG. 33 ;
- FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a mount block assembly of the dumbbell assembly shown in FIG. 29 ;
- FIG. 36 is a detailed perspective view of the lock mechanism utilized with the dumbbell assembly shown in FIG. 29 ;
- FIG. 37 is a plan view of the unlocking mechanism for use with the dumbbell assembly shown in FIG. 29 ;
- FIG. 38 is a plan view of the inboard side of the first weight disk for use with the dumbbell assembly shown in FIG. 29 ;
- FIG. 39 is a perspective view from an outboard side of the weight disks used with the dumbbell assembly shown in FIG. 29 ;
- FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the inboard side of the additional weight members of the dumbbell assembly shown in FIG. 29 ;
- FIG. 41 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 41 - 41 of FIG. 40 ;
- FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 42 - 42 of FIG. 40 .
- the dumbbell assembly 10 includes a base weight member 12 including a body portion 14 defining a central opening 16 extending therethrough and including a handle 18 which extends across the opening 16 in the body portion 14 .
- the body portion 14 is ring shaped.
- a first weight ring assembly 20 is removably mounted to the base weight member 12 .
- a second weight ring assembly 22 is adapted to be removably mounted to the first weight ring 20 .
- a third weight ring assembly 24 is adapted to be removably mounted to the second weight ring assembly 22 .
- the body portion 14 of the base weight member 12 is preferably ring shaped. As best shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 , the body portion 14 of the base weight member 12 includes an outer perimeter surface 28 with a pair of angularly disposed edge portions 30 , 32 . The angularly disposed edge portions 30 , 32 extend radially inward. It should also be noted that the inner perimeter surface of the body portion 14 is also provided with angularly disposed edge portions 34 , 36 which extend radially outward.
- the angularly disposed edge portions 34 , 36 which are disposed on the inner perimeter surface of the body portion 14 allow for easier access of a user's hand and helps to avoid interference with a user's wrist or forearm while the dumbbell assembly 10 is in use. Additionally, the angularly disposed edge portions 34 , 36 allow for a reduction of the inner diameter opening of the handle 18 , hence reducing the overall size of the dumbbell assembly 10 and hence, also reduces the torque moments over a standard cylindrical weight.
- a standard dumbbell free weight is comprised of two equal weights, typically hexagonal in shape, attached and separated by a cylindrical handle 5.0 to 5.5 inches long. If a fulcrum is placed at the center of the handle, then the dumbbell is balanced like a see-saw and equal and opposite torques, i.e. moment.times.weight, are applied at both ends of the dumbbell. These torques for a typical 40-lb. weight are 90.2 inch-lbs. (see FIG. 11 and Equation [1] below). If the same 40 lb. free weight is made with a cylindrical configuration which includes angled edges within the gripping opening, then the left and right side torques calculate to be 32 in-lbs. (see FIG. 12 and Equation [2] below).
- the locking tabs 50 extend vertically upward from the mounting ring 48 and have an uppermost portion 50 a which extend radially outward as best shown in FIGS. 5 , 7 , and 9 .
- the slots 52 disposed in the lock ring 42 include a first recess portion 54 which is adapted to receive the radially outward extending portion 50 a of the tab 50 .
- the slot 52 also includes a flange portion 56 which, upon rotation of the lock ring 42 relative to the weight ring 40 , receives the radially outwardly extending portion 50 a of the locking tabs 50 as shown in FIG. 5 in order to engage the lock ring 42 to the first weight ring 40 .
- the first weight ring 40 also includes an outer perimeter surface 60 with an angularly disposed lower edge portion 62 .
- the lock ring 42 includes an angularly disposed outer surface 63 and an angularly disposed inner surface 64 which engages the upper angularly disposed edge portion 32 of the base weight member 14 .
- the angularly disposed edge portions 30 , 32 of the base weight and the angularly disposed lower edge portions of the weight rings and the angularly disposed surfaces of the lock ring are preferably greater than approximately 7 degrees to avoid locking or wedging of the elements together. The larger the angle, the easier the elements go together and come apart. An angle of 20 degrees has been found to effectively satisfy manufacturing anti-locking characteristics.
- the second and third weight ring assemblies 22 , 24 are identical in design to the first weight ring assembly 20 but are simply larger in size such that the first weight ring assembly can be nested inside the second weight ring assembly and the second weight ring assembly 22 can be nested radially inward of the third weight ring assembly 24 .
- the second weight ring assembly 22 includes a second weight ring 70 and a second lock ring 72 and the third weight ring assembly 24 includes a third weight ring 74 and a third lock ring 76 .
- Each of the weight ring assemblies 20 , 22 , 24 is designed with a sufficient tolerance to allow mating with one another to prevent locking.
- the second and third weight rings 70 , 74 each include a mounting ring 48 with tabs 50 as described above with respect to the first weight ring 40 .
- the mounting rings 48 are mounted to the body of the first, second, and third weight rings 40 , 70 , 74 by screws or by other fastening techniques such as adhesives.
- the mounting rings 48 are preferably made of injection molded plastic while the body portion of the first, second, and third weight rings 40 , 70 , 74 are preferably made of cast metal, although other materials exhibiting the desired weight characteristics can also be utilized.
- the second and third lock rings 72 , 76 are also provided with slots 52 similar to the slots 52 provided in the first lock ring 42 .
- the first, second, and third lock rings 42 , 72 , and 76 are preferably made of a plastic material.
- the use of a combination of materials as discussed above allows for several advantages. Since the plastic components can be made with high precision and the cast metal components can be made at low cost, the assembly as a whole can be manufactured at low cost while the use of the plastic components (mounting rings and lock rings) allows the assembly to be manufactured with high tolerance so as to have a refined operation and appearance.
- the first, second and third locking rings can include an acoustic lock signal mechanism.
- an acoustic lock signal mechanism 110 In operation, once a locking ring has been sufficiently rotated to its lock position, a “click” can be heard signaling to a user that the locking ring is indeed locked.
- FIGS. 14 through 16 a preferred embodiment of an acoustic lock signal mechanism 110 will be described in detail.
- the acoustic lock signal mechanism 110 is disposed within at least one of the slots 52 . Specifically, the acoustic lock signal mechanism 110 is disposed on a first end of the slot 52 , located opposite to the recess portion 54 .
- a top surface 112 of the slot has first and second fingers 114 , 116 .
- the first finger 114 is shorter than the second finger 116 .
- a top surface 118 of the mounting ring 48 includes a third finger 120 extending upward and located next to the tab 50 .
- the locking ring 42 and mounting ring 48 are engaged as previously described. However, as the locking ring is rotated towards its lock position the upward extending third finger 120 contacts the downward hanging first finger 114 . With sufficient force, the upward extending third finger 120 flexes to pass under the downward hanging first finger 114 . Once the third finger 120 passes under the first finger 114 it snaps back into position, contacting the second finger 116 . As this process occurs, a “clicking” sound results, thus signaling the operator that the locking ring 42 is locked.
- the dumbbell assembly 10 In operation, the dumbbell assembly 10 , according to the principles of the present invention, is laid out in the manner shown in FIG. 1 . As is well understood, a pair of dumbbell assemblies 10 is often used during a workout. Initially, it should be noted that the base weight members 12 can be provided with a selected amount of weight such as, for example, 15 pounds or 20 pounds.
- each of the weight ring assemblies 20 , 22 , 24 can weigh, for example, 10 pounds so that the base weight member 12 used alone can provide, for example, a 15-pound or 20-pound weight while the addition of the first weight ring assembly 20 will allow the use of a 25-pound and 30-pound dumbbell, and the addition of the first and second weight ring assemblies 20 , 22 will provide a 35-pound and 40-pound dumbbell and the use of the first, second, and third weight ring assemblies 20 , 22 and 24 would provide a 45-pound and 50-pound dumbbell.
- the base weight members of 10, 15 or 20 pounds are designed so that their outer perimeters are identical and can readily accept the weight ring assemblies 20 , 22 and 24 .
- the dumbbell assembly 10 can be picked up by handle 18 and the first and second weight ring assemblies 20 , 22 would be picked up along with the base weight member 12 while the third weight ring 74 would remain on the floor.
- removal of the second and third lock ring 72 , 76 from the second and third weight rings 70 , 74 by rotation of the lock rings in the direction of arrow B would allow the first weight ring assembly 20 to be maintained with the base weight member 12 but freed from the second and third weight ring assemblies 22 , 24 .
- removal of all of the lock rings 42 , 72 , 76 would allow the base weight members 12 to be utilized alone in order to provide the smallest increment of weight for the dumbbell assembly 10 .
- the bottom face surfaces of the first, second, or third weight rings 40 , 70 , 74 can be provided with a serrated surface 80 such as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the serrations would act to provide a frictional contact with the floor to prevent the weight rings from rotating when the lock rings are engaged or disengaged.
- the bottom surfaces of the weight rings 40 , 70 , 74 can also be provided with a rubberized coating which would provide additional friction between the floor or other surface to provide means for preventing rotation of the weight rings when the lock rings are being rotated for engagement or disengagement from the weight rings.
- a rubber mat 82 may also be utilized as shown in FIG. 3 for providing this function.
- the first, second, and third lock rings 42 , 72 , and 76 can also be provided with a plurality of dimples 84 on an upper surface thereof in order to facilitate a user's gripping the lock rings for rotation relative to the weight rings.
- first, second and third locking rings 42 ′, 72 ′, 76 ′ will be described in detail.
- a base weight member 14 ′ is included.
- the base weight member 14 ′ is identical in construction to the previously described base weight member 14 , however, a tab portion 122 is further included running along selective lengths of upper angularly disposed edge portion 32 ′.
- the first locking ring 42 ′ comprises first and second ring halves 124 , 126 which are pivotably attached to the first weight ring 40 by a hinge 128 . This is best seen in FIG. 17 a .
- the locking ring 42 ′ is attached to the weight ring 40 , the overall system becomes simpler by removing any concern a user may have for keeping track of the location of the locking ring 42 ′.
- the locking ring 42 ′ is always with its respective weight ring.
- Each of the first and second ring halves 124 , 126 include a grooved portion 128 running along an angularly disposed inner surface 130 and a tab portion 134 running along an angularly disposed outer surface 132 .
- the first locking ring 42 ′ is set over the first weight ring 40 .
- the first locking ring 42 ′ is then hinged into a closed position, such that first and second ring halves 124 , 126 come together.
- the first and second ring halves 124 , 126 are held together by a latch mechanism 136 .
- Latch mechanism 136 comprises a simple latch 138 hingable on the angularly disposed outer surface 132 .
- the latch 138 is attached on the first half 124 and mates with a groove 140 on the second half. Once latched, the latch 138 is flush with the outer surface 132 such that subsequent locking rings are not obstructed.
- the grooved portion 128 of the first locking ring 42 ′ mates with the tab portion 122 of base weight member 14 ′.
- the weight ring 40 also includes a plurality of fingers 40 a ′ which extend from the inner edge thereof and which engage slots 42 a ′ disposed in the inner surface of the locking ring 42 ′.
- a second locking ring 72 ′ is also included and is equivalent in construction to first locking ring 42 ′ but is of a larger diameter. As such, a detailed description of the second locking ring 72 ′ is not required.
- the second locking ring 72 ′ is pivotally attached to the second weight ring 70 . In an open position, the second locking ring 72 ′ is set over the second weight ring 70 . The second locking ring 72 ′ is then hinged into a closed position and latched similarly to the first locking ring 42 ′.
- a groove portion 142 of the second locking ring 72 ′ mates with the tab portion 134 of the first locking ring 72 ′ to retain the second weight ring 70 in position around the first weight ring 40 .
- FIG. 19 shows a third locking ring 76 ′ which is similar in construction to the first and second locking rings 42 ′, 72 ′.
- the third locking ring 76 ′ is of a larger diameter than the second locking ring 72 ′ such that it can fit around the second locking ring 72 ′.
- the third locking ring 76 ′ is attached to the third weight ring 74 .
- the third locking ring 76 ′ maintains an upper angularly disposed edge portion 144 without a protruding tab portion.
- the third locking ring 76 ′ comprises first and second ring halves 146 , 148 hingedly attached to one another by a hinge 150 .
- Each of the first and second ring halves 146 , 148 include a grooved portion 152 running along an angularly disposed inner surface 153 .
- the third locking ring 76 ′ is set over the third weight ring 74 .
- the third locking ring 76 ′ is then hinged into a closed position and latched similarly to the first and second locking rings 42 ′, 72 ′.
- the grooved portion 152 of the third locking ring 76 ′ mates with a tab portion 154 of second locking ring 72 ′. In this manner, the grooved portion 152 and the tab portion 154 act to prevent removal of the third locking ring 76 ′ enabling the third locking ring 76 ′ to retain the third weight ring 74 .
- the first half of the first locking ring maintains a recessed portion 160 .
- a latch 162 is hingeably attached to the first half 124 by first and second pivot arms 164 , 166 and is pivotable about a pin 168 .
- the latch 162 has an upper surface 170 which is flush with an upper surface 172 of the first locking ring 42 ′.
- a spring 174 is disposed between a bottom surface 176 of the latch 162 and the recessed portion 160 . The spring 174 acts to pivotally bias the latch 162 upwards such that the latch 162 remains in a lock position.
- a second end of the latch includes a protruding hook portion 180 .
- the recessed portion 182 includes a step 184 such that the hook 180 engages the step 184 to hold the first locking ring 42 ′ in the closed position.
- an operator simply presses on the first end of the latch 162 against the biasing force of the spring 174 .
- the latch 162 pivots about the pin 168 and the second end of the latch 162 rotates upward. This action disengages the hook 180 from the step 184 and the first locking ring 42 ′ is then able to be opened for removal.
- latch mechanism 136 is usable with each of the first, second and third locking rings 42 ′, 72 ′, 76 ′. Therefore, although the first locking ring 42 ′ has been used to detail the latch mechanism 136 , it should be understood that this is merely an exemplary implementation and does not limit the use of latch mechanism 136 to the first locking ring 42 ′. It should also be noted that although the locking rings 42 ′, 72 ′, and 76 ′ have been shown of a two-piece construction, a single piece flexible construction could also be utilized.
- dumbbell assembly 10 of the present invention has been illustrated as a ring-shaped design, other shapes may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- oval, square, or rectangular shaped members could be utilized in a similar nested fashion with different types of mating portions being required on the locking members for securing the additional weights to the base weight member.
- the above example was illustrated with three weight ring assemblies being added. It should be understood that any number of weight ring assemblies can be utilized so long as the size of the dumbbell system does not become too large and cumbersome for the user.
- a universal component may also be introduced to a single master member in order to provide for the addition of, for example, five-pound increments. This can be accomplished, for example, by providing a single heavier weighted lock ring to replace the innermost lock ring 42 which is lighter weight and made of plastic.
- the heavier weighted lock ring can be made of, or filled with, a heavier material than the lock ring 42 . Alternatively, other methods of mounting an additional weight may be utilized.
- the nested arrangement of the weight system of the present invention can also be utilized for providing variable weight disks 100 (shown in FIG. 10 ) for use with a standard barbell in the same manner that conventional weight disks are utilized.
- the base weight member 102 is provided with a smaller central hole 104 which is adapted to receive a barbell therethrough.
- the first, second, and third weight ring assemblies 20 , 22 , 24 are removably mounted to the base weight member 102 in the same manner as described above with respect to the dumbbell system 10 or as described with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 17-21 or FIGS. 25-29 .
- the disk weight assembly 100 provides a compact design to provide several increments of weight in the space of a single disk.
- the barbell 190 comprises a bar 192 and first and second dumbbell assemblies 10 , as described above (or alternatively the dumbbell assemblies of FIGS. 17-21 or FIGS. 25-29 ).
- the bar includes an adapter 194 disposed on each end.
- the adapter 194 includes a first recess 196 for receiving the bar 192 therein.
- First and second set screws 198 , 200 are used to hold the adapter 194 on the bar 192 .
- the adapter 194 also includes a second U-shaped recess 202 for receiving the handle 18 of the dumbbell assembly 10 therein.
- the adapter 194 further includes a threaded portion 204 for threadably engaging a retention nut 206 .
- a support disk 208 is fixed to and radially extends from the adapter 194 and is equivalent in diameter and angle as angularly disposed edge portions 34 , 36 of dumbbell assembly 10 .
- the dumbbell assembly 10 is mounted onto the adapter 194 by setting the handle 18 into the recess 202 .
- the angularly disposed edge portion 34 , 36 is supported by the support disk 208 preventing the dumbbell assembly 10 from pivoting about the handle 18 in the recess 202 .
- the retention nut 206 is threaded onto the threaded portion 204 of the adapter 194 such that a bottom face 210 of the retention nut 206 contacts and puts pressure on the handle 18 , within the recess 202 .
- a second adapter 220 is shown which enables an increased amount of weight to be included on the barbell 190 .
- the second adapter 220 is threaded onto the first adapter 194 in place of the retention nut 206 .
- the second adapter 220 includes a first threaded portion 222 , for engaging the threaded portion 204 of the first adapter 194 .
- a bottom face 224 of the second adapter 220 contacts the handle 18 for holding the handle 18 within the recess 202 .
- the second adapter 220 further includes a recess 226 for receiving a handle 18 ′ of a second dumbbell assembly 10 ′.
- a second support disk 228 is fixed to and radially extends from the second adapter 220 , the end of which is equivalent in both diameter and angle of angularly disposed edge 34 ′, 36 ′. Similarly to the first support disk 208 , the second support disk 228 prevents the dumbbell assembly 10 ′ from pivoting about the handle 18 ′ in the recess 226 .
- a second threaded portion 230 is also included which is identical in diameter and thread definition as is the threaded portion 204 of first adapter 194 .
- the retention nut 206 can be used to hold the handle 18 ′ within the recess 226 of second adapter 220 .
- a spring-type clamp as is known in the art, may also be utilized to retain the dumbbell 10 to the adapter 194 and/or 220 .
- the dumbbell assembly 310 includes a base weight member 312 including a body portion 314 defining a central opening 316 extending therethrough, a handle 318 which extends across the opening 316 in the body portion 314 and a pair of half shafts 317 and 319 for operatively securing additional weight rings.
- the body portion 314 is substantially ring shaped.
- the ring shape can be cylindrical, oval, rectangular, or square.
- a first weight ring 320 is removably mounted to the base weight member 312 .
- a second weight ring 322 is adapted to be removably mounted to the first weight ring 320 .
- a third weight ring 324 is adapted to be removably mounted to the second weight ring 322 .
- Handle 318 is constructed in a tubular shape and is rotatably attached to body portion 314 at two points in a diametrical configuration. As best shown in FIG. 28 , handle 318 contains internal drive threads 315 extending from the inner surface thereof.
- Half shafts 317 and 319 include external threads 317 a , 319 a that are complementary to the threads 315 . However, threads 317 a , 319 a on half shafts 317 and 319 are oppositely arranged.
- each half shaft includes a keyway 321 that runs the length of the half shaft. Keyway 321 is engaged by key 323 which protrudes from body member 314 to prevent rotation of the half shafts 317 and 319 .
- the body portion 314 of the base weight member 312 is preferably ring shaped. As best shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 28 , the body portion 314 of the base weight member 312 includes an outer perimeter surface 328 with an angularly disposed edge 330 on the lower portion of surface 328 . The angularly disposed edge 330 extends radially inward. It should also be noted that the inner perimeter surface of the body portion 314 is also provided with angularly disposed edge portions 334 , 336 which extend radially outward and are identical in shape and function to edges 34 and 36 of body 14 .
- the base weight member 312 can be nested with a plurality of weight rings such as weight rings 320 , 322 , 324 .
- the first weight ring 320 is a unitary construction having a ring shaped main body portion 340 .
- the ring shaped body portion 340 includes an inner surface 344 with an angularly disposed edge portion 346 which extends radially inward and corresponds with the angularly disposed edge portion 330 of the base weight member 312 .
- the first weight ring 320 also includes mounting holes 348 and 348 ′ disposed therethrough located on diametrically opposed sides of ring shaped body portion 340 . Mounting holes 348 and 348 ′ are oriented generally perpendicular to inner surface 344 having a diameter sufficient to accommodate half-shafts 317 and 319 .
- the key 321 and keyway system 323 prevents the rotation of half shafts 317 and 319 , thus forcing the torque applied through handle 318 to translate half shafts 317 and 319 outward, as illustrated by Arrows “A”.
- the weight ring 320 is attached to the base weight member 312 .
- Additional weight rings 322 , 324 may be added to the dumbbell assembly 310 by following the same method.
- the handle 318 can be rotated in the opposite direction stated above.
- half shafts 317 and 319 are translated inward opposite to the direction of Arrows “A” and are selectively disengaged from the weight rings 320 , 322 , 324 .
- the dumbbell assembly 310 include a lock mechanism 339 to prevent handle 318 from undesired rotation.
- Lock mechanism 339 is mounted atop base weight member 312 substantially aligned with handle 318 .
- Lock mechanism 339 includes a locking pin 341 for retaining the handle 318 in one position to prevent inadvertent release of a weight ring during use.
- the locking pin 341 is disposed in a hole 315 in base member 312 .
- the locking pin 341 has a first end engaging a hole 318 A in the handle 318 and a second end provided with a knob 343 .
- Knob 343 is generally cylindrical in shape and allows pin 341 to be easily actuated. Pin 341 is biased into the locked position by spring member 345 .
- Spring 345 is disposed around locking pin 341 and provides a biasing force that biases the locking pin 341 toward engagement with the handle 318 .
- the operation of lock mechanism 339 is very simple. In order to rotate handle 318 , knob 343 is pulled away from body portion 314 so that the locking pin 341 is disengaged with the handle 318 . The handle 318 can then be rotated to drive the half shafts inward or outward. The lock mechanism 339 self engages when the handle 318 is turned until spring member 345 forces pin 341 to snap into hole 318 A on handle 318 . As the pin 341 snaps into the hole 318 A, it provides an acoustic and a visual lock signal to the user.
- a U-shaped slot 347 for helping to line up the weight rings.
- the slot corresponds to a boss 349 that is positioned on the inner surface of each of the weight rings 320 .
- the slot 347 receives the boss 349 to prevent misalignment and guides the base weight member 312 such that mounting holes 348 and 348 ′ and half shafts 317 and 319 are aligned.
- slots 347 and boss 349 are located around the mounting holes 348 , 348 ′. It is, however, understood that alternative positioning of the slot 347 and boss 349 would accomplish the same function as the position of the present slots and bosses.
- the pitch of the threads on the half shafts can also be selected to allow for the handle 318 to be rotated in either a full rotation or partial rotation (i.e., 90.degree., 120.degree., 180.degree.) for engaging additional weight rings.
- additional holes 318 a are needed to be spaced around the handle 318 to be engaged by the locking pin 341 at the various desired locations for providing full engagement with the desired weight ring 320 , 322 , 324 .
- the dumbbell assembly 410 includes a rotatable handle 412 and a pair of end mounting blocks 414 disposed at opposite ends of the handle 412 .
- a first pair of weight disks 416 are securely mounted to the mounting blocks 414 on an outboard side thereof.
- a plurality of additional weight disks 418 a - f are selectively mounted to the dumbbell assembly 410 as will be described in greater detail herein. It should be understood that each of disks 418 a - 418 f are of general identical configuration and are, therefore, interchangeable with one another.
- a pair of threaded half shafts 420 are disposed within the handle 412 and are operable upon rotation of the handle 412 to selectively move outward or retract inward depending upon the direction of rotation of the handle 412 .
- the half shafts 420 retract inwardly, thus disengaging with one of the added disks 418 and thereby reducing the weight of the dumbbell assembly.
- the half shafts 420 are caused to extend outward from the handle 412 and to engage, and therefore, secure additional weight disks 418 to the dumbbell assembly 410 .
- the handle 412 is provided with a pair of indicator windows 422 through which the user can see a visual display 424 of the amount of weight which is currently engaged with the dumbbell assembly 410 .
- the half shafts 420 are provided with visual display elements 424 a - d , for example “10,” “20,” “30,” and “40” which is an indicator of the number of pounds or kilograms or other measure of weight secured to the dumbbell assembly 410 .
- the half shafts 420 move in an extending or retracting position such that the indicators 424 a - 424 d properly align with the windows 422 provided in the handle 412 whereby the half shafts 420 are properly and completely engaged with the desired weight disks 418 to be added.
- a locking mechanism 426 is provided in association with at least one of, and optionally both of, the mounting blocks 414 .
- the mounting blocks 414 include a radially extending bore portion 428 (best shown in FIG. 35 ) which receives a locking pin assembly 430 .
- the locking pin assembly 430 includes a base portion 432 which is press fit within the bore 428 and is fixedly mounted therein.
- a sliding pin member 434 includes a cap portion 436 which is attached to an upper end of the pin 434 .
- a seat portion 438 extends radially outward from the pin portion 434 and provides a seat against which a coil spring 440 can be disposed.
- the spring 440 is disposed against the seat portion 438 and the base portion 432 in order to provide a biasing force against the pin 434 to bias the pin in the direction of arrow A, as shown in FIG. 36 .
- the end portion 442 of the pin 434 extends into an opening 444 provided in the mounting block 414 , as best shown in FIG. 35 .
- the end portion 442 of the pin 434 engages an aperture 446 provided in the handle 412 in order to prevent rotation of a handle relative to the mounting block 414 , as illustrated in the left portion of FIG. 31 .
- the locking mechanism 426 is capable of preventing inadvertent rotation of a handle 412 thus preventing an inadvertent release of one of the weight disks 418 while the dumbbell assembly 410 is in use.
- a slide disengagement member 450 is provided.
- the slide disengagement member 450 includes an elongated slot 452 which receives the pin portion 434 of the locking assembly 426 .
- the cap end portion 436 rests against the upper surface of the slide 450 .
- the slide 450 includes an upwardly sloped ramp portion 454 ( FIG. 35 ) such that when the slide mechanism is moved in the direction of the unlock arrow, causes the cap end portion 436 to ride up the ramp 454 and disengage the end portion 442 of the pin 434 from engagement with the aperture 446 and the handle 412 , thus permitting relative rotation thereof.
- a biasing spring 456 is provided in the elongated slot 452 and biases the slide member 450 back to a locking position.
- the handle 412 includes a pair of substantially cylindrical end portions 460 which are provided for insertion in the central aperture 444 in the mounting blocks 414 .
- a C-clip, or similar type clip device 462 is engaged with a recessed groove 464 in order to prevent axial movement of the mounting block 414 .
- the handle 412 includes an axial aperture 466 extending an entire length thereof, as best shown in FIG. 31 .
- the axial aperture 466 is provided with thread engaging projections 468 which engage the threaded portion 470 of the half shafts 420 .
- handle 412 When the locking mechanism 426 are moved to an unlocked position as described above, handle 412 is free to rotate relative to mounting blocks 414 .
- half shafts 420 which are provided with an elongated keyway 472 ( FIG. 34 ), which are engaged by a key 474 mounted to the first weight disks 416 , are prevented from rotation.
- half shafts 420 upon rotation of the handle 412 , half shafts 420 , which are prevented from rotation, are axially driven due to the engagement of the thread engaging pins 468 with the helical thread portion 470 of the half shafts 420 .
- the half shafts 420 are either driven in an extending or a retracting direction so that the half shafts move within the central openings 506 of added disks 418 for selective engagement therewith.
- the first weight disks 416 include a plurality of fastener receiving holes 480 which are capable of receiving threaded fasteners 482 ( FIG. 31 ) which thread into corresponding threaded openings in the mounting blocks 414 .
- the apertures 480 can be located generally in any position on the first weight disks.
- the first weight disks 416 include an aperture 486 extending therethrough and having a first recessed shoulder portion 488 for accommodating the end of the handle and a second shoulder portion 490 for accommodating the C-clip 462 .
- the key 474 is received in an axial groove provided in the first shoulder portion 488 and extends radially into the aperture portion 486 .
- a recessed slot 492 which includes an uppermost semicircular slot portion 492 A and a pair of substantially vertical sidewall portions 492 B and a pair of angled guide sidewall surfaces 492 C.
- the recessed sidewall portions 492 A-C define a guide channel 494 with angled inwardly extending sidewall surfaces that receives a projecting portion 496 provided on an inboard side 450 of an adjacent weight disk 418 , as best shown in FIG. 40 .
- each of the weight disks 416 , 418 is provided with the recessed channel portion 492 as shown in FIG.
- the added disks 418 each include the projecting portion 496 ( FIG. 40 ) on an inboard surface thereof for engagement with the channel portions 494 of the outboard surfaces of the adjacent weight disks.
- the threaded half shafts 420 are extendable and retractable to selectively engage the apertures 506 provided in the added weight disks 418 in order to secure the projecting members 496 within the mounting channels 494 .
- the dumbbell assembly of the present invention would be mounted on a support surface 510 that includes disk supporting portions which support each of the weight disks 418 in an upright vertical position so that the dumbbell assembly 410 , including the handle 412 , mounting blocks 414 , and first weight disks 416 can be inserted between the vertically upright supported disks 418 for selective engagement with the desired number of disks 418 and can be picked up while leaving the unselected weight disks 418 still standing in a vertical position.
- An example of such a sidewall structure 510 is illustrated in FIG. 30 for supporting the added disks 418 in a vertical position. For purposes of simplicity of illustration, only one set of sidewall structures 510 is shown.
- the locking mechanism 426 can be configured and arranged to be engaged by a corresponding structure on the dumbbell support assembly to disengage the locking mechanism 426 upon placement of the dumbbell assembly 410 in its support structure.
- the unlocking mechanism 426 would be automatically disengaged to allow the user to rotate the handle 412 for selectively engaging or disengaging the added weight disks 418 to or from the dumbbell assembly 410 .
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Abstract
A dumbbell system is provided including a body portion and a handle extending across an opening in the body portion. The dumbbell system is ideal for use in areas where space is limited.
Description
- The present application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/267,911 filed Oct. 9, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/203,689, filed Aug. 9, 2002, which is based on PCT/US01/04239, filed Feb. 9, 2001, which claims benefit of Provisional U.S. Application No. 60/214,919, filed on Jun. 29, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,282, issued Oct. 8, 2002.
- The present invention relates generally to dumbbells for weight lifting, and more particularly to a dumbbell system with improved ergonomic design and which allows for the simple addition of additional weights to a base dumbbell member in a compact design.
- Studies have shown that exercise greatly reduces the risk of heart disease and other ailments, and also contributes to better overall health and well being. Weight lifting has been determined to be a very important part of a well balanced exercise regimen. Accordingly, people are joining health clubs and purchasing home gym equipment in order to improve their physical fitness.
- Health clubs typically have several racks of non-stackable dumbbells of varying weight which range from five pounds to approximately 120 pounds in five-pound or similar increments. The racks to hold all of the dumbbells in the five-pound to 120-pound sets are typically several feet long. Because such sets of dumbbells are extremely expensive and consume a lot of space, these sets are not well designed for home use.
- Dumbbells have been designed for home gym use to include a bar having a center sleeve portion which defines a handle and weight discs which are removably attached to each end of the bar by a locking collar. A problem with these prior art designs is that it is still necessary to maintain a full set of disc weights which can be placed on the ends of the dumbbell bar. Furthermore, it is time consuming to put the weights on and take the weights off from this type of dumbbell design. The locking collars are also a safety hazard if they are not properly secured in place. In addition, with the weights being disposed at each end of the dumbbell, the moment arm which is applied to a user's wrist if the dumbbell is not maintained in a horizontal plane can result in painful stresses to the wrist joint of the user. Similar painful stresses are present with standard one-piece dumbbells.
- Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dumbbell system which is capable of providing several increments of weight in a compact construction.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a dumbbell system which provides equally distributed weight around the handle of the dumbbell assembly so that rotation of the handle away from a horizontal position does not result in undesirable added stresses on the user's wrist.
- It is yet another object of the present invention to enable a user to attach a pair of dumbbells to a bar for use as a barbell. As a result the barbell maintains the incremental weight/compact construction advantages of the individual dumbbells.
- These and other objects of the present invention are obtained by providing a dumbbell system including a base weight member including a ring shaped body and a handle extending across an opening in the ring shaped body. A weight ring is adapted to be removably mounted to the base weight member. According to a first embodiment, a lock ring is engageable with the weight ring to securely mount the weight ring to the base weight member. The weight ring includes a first mating portion, and the lock ring includes a second mating portion which is adapted to be engaged with the first mating portion of the weight ring for securing the weight ring to the lock ring. The base weight member has an outer perimeter surface with a pair of angularly disposed edge portions while the weight ring includes an inner surface with at least one angularly disposed edge portion which engages one of the pair of angularly disposed edge portions of the base weight member. The locking ring includes an angularly disposed inner surface which engages the other of the pair of angularly disposed edge portions of the base weight member.
- A series of additional weight rings are adapted to be removably mounted to one another in order to provide variable increments of weight. The base weight member as well as the additional weight rings can be nested together in a single assembly and the lock rings can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the weight rings in order to allow the user to select from a plurality of weight increments.
- The lock rings can be provided with a plurality of dimples on a face surface thereof in order to facilitate rotation of the lock ring relative to the corresponding weight ring so that the lock ring can be easily engaged or disengaged from the weight ring.
- According to another embodiment, a threaded screw system is actuated to selectively engage and disengage additional weights to a base weight member. Preferably, the threaded screw system is driven by rotation of the handle of the base weight member.
- Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood however that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
- The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a top view of a dumbbell assembly according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the dumbbell assembly shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the dumbbell assembly according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a detailed view taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 1 illustrating the insertion of the locking tab into the slot of the locking ring according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 1 illustrating the locking tab engaged with the slot of the lock ring according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the circled area 6 ofFIG. 2 illustrating the serrations on the face surface of the dumbbell system of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line 7-7 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a detailed perspective view of the slot provided in the lock rings according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 is a detailed perspective view of the locking tabs which are engageable with the slot in the lock ring; -
FIG. 10 is a top view of a weight disk system according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a standard 40 pound dumbbell for purposes of illustrating the moment forces; -
FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a 40 pound dumbbell having angled interior edges according to the present invention for purposes of illustrating the moment forces; -
FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of a ring shaped 40 pound dumbbell for purposes of illustrating the moment forces; -
FIG. 14 is a modified view ofFIG. 4 illustrating an acoustic lock signal mechanism for the locking ring according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 15 is a modified view ofFIG. 9 illustrating an engagement tab of the acoustic lock signal mechanism; -
FIG. 16 is a modified view ofFIG. 9 illustrating retaining tabs of the acoustic lock signal mechanism; -
FIG. 17 is a modified view ofFIG. 7 illustrating a second preferred embodiment of a locking ring according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 17 a is a top view of the second preferred embodiment of the locking ring with a weight ring according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 18 is a top view of the second preferred embodiment of the locking ring implementing a first preferred embodiment of a latching mechanism according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 19 is a top view of the second preferred embodiment of the locking ring implementing a second preferred embodiment of a latching mechanism according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 20 is a top view of the second preferred embodiment of the latching mechanism; -
FIG. 21 is a side view of the second preferred embodiment of the latching mechanism; -
FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a barbell assembly according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the barbell assembly along line 23-23 ofFIG. 22 illustrating an attachment mechanism for the dumbbell according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the barbell assembly illustrating a second preferred method of attaching dumbbells for forming the barbell assembly; -
FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the dumbbell assembly according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 26 is a top view of the dumbbell assembly shown inFIG. 25 ; -
FIG. 27 is a side view of the base weight member of the dumbbell assembly shown inFIG. 25 ; -
FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view of the dumbbell assembly taken along line 28-28 ofFIG. 26 illustrating the threaded screw attachment mechanism for the addition of weight rings to the base weight member of the dumbbell assembly; -
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the dumbbell assembly according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 30 is a top view of the dumbbell assembly shown inFIG. 29 ; -
FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the dumbbell assembly taken along line 31-31 ofFIG. 30 illustrating the threaded screw attachment mechanism for the addition of weight disks to the base weight member of the dumbbell assembly; -
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the handle portion of the dumbbell assembly shown inFIG. 29 ; -
FIG. 33 is a top perspective view of the threaded screw member for use with the dumbbell assembly shown inFIG. 29 ; -
FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the threaded screw member shown inFIG. 33 ; -
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a mount block assembly of the dumbbell assembly shown inFIG. 29 ; -
FIG. 36 is a detailed perspective view of the lock mechanism utilized with the dumbbell assembly shown inFIG. 29 ; -
FIG. 37 is a plan view of the unlocking mechanism for use with the dumbbell assembly shown inFIG. 29 ; -
FIG. 38 is a plan view of the inboard side of the first weight disk for use with the dumbbell assembly shown inFIG. 29 ; -
FIG. 39 is a perspective view from an outboard side of the weight disks used with the dumbbell assembly shown inFIG. 29 ; -
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the inboard side of the additional weight members of the dumbbell assembly shown inFIG. 29 ; -
FIG. 41 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 41-41 ofFIG. 40 ; and -
FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 42-42 ofFIG. 40 . - With reference to the accompanying drawings, a
dumbbell assembly 10 of the present invention will now be described. Thedumbbell assembly 10 includes abase weight member 12 including abody portion 14 defining acentral opening 16 extending therethrough and including ahandle 18 which extends across theopening 16 in thebody portion 14. According to a preferred embodiment, thebody portion 14 is ring shaped. A firstweight ring assembly 20 is removably mounted to thebase weight member 12. A second weight ring assembly 22 is adapted to be removably mounted to thefirst weight ring 20. A thirdweight ring assembly 24 is adapted to be removably mounted to the second weight ring assembly 22. - As mentioned above, the
body portion 14 of thebase weight member 12 is preferably ring shaped. As best shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 7 , thebody portion 14 of thebase weight member 12 includes anouter perimeter surface 28 with a pair of angularly disposededge portions edge portions body portion 14 is also provided with angularly disposededge portions edge portions body portion 14 allow for easier access of a user's hand and helps to avoid interference with a user's wrist or forearm while thedumbbell assembly 10 is in use. Additionally, the angularly disposededge portions handle 18, hence reducing the overall size of thedumbbell assembly 10 and hence, also reduces the torque moments over a standard cylindrical weight. - A standard dumbbell free weight is comprised of two equal weights, typically hexagonal in shape, attached and separated by a cylindrical handle 5.0 to 5.5 inches long. If a fulcrum is placed at the center of the handle, then the dumbbell is balanced like a see-saw and equal and opposite torques, i.e. moment.times.weight, are applied at both ends of the dumbbell. These torques for a typical 40-lb. weight are 90.2 inch-lbs. (see
FIG. 11 and Equation [1] below). If the same 40 lb. free weight is made with a cylindrical configuration which includes angled edges within the gripping opening, then the left and right side torques calculate to be 32 in-lbs. (seeFIG. 12 and Equation [2] below). That is approximately 35% of a standard dumbbell. If on the other hand the cylindrical 40 lb. free weight is made from a cylinder of equal height with no angled edges, then the torques at the left and right hand sides calculate to be 37 in-lbs. (seeFIG. 13 and Equation [3] below). That is 41% of a standard dumbbell but 15% greater than the cylindrical weight with angled edges within the gripping opening. The equations for each of the above calculations is shown below. -
torque=19.5.times.(5.5/2+3.75/2)=90 inch-lbs. [1] -
torque=39/4.times.3.375=32.1 inch-lbs [2] -
torque=39/4.times.3.8125=37.2 inch-lbs [3] - The
base weight member 12 can be nested with a plurality of weight rings such asweight ring assemblies weight ring assembly 20 includesfirst weight ring 40 andfirst lock ring 42. Thefirst weight ring 40 includes aninner surface 44 with an angularly disposededge portion 46 which extends radially inward and corresponds with the angularly disposededge portion 30 of thebase weight member 12. Thefirst weight ring 40 also includes a mountingring 48 fixedly attached to a body portion of theweight ring 40. The mountingring 48 includes a plurality ofmating portions 50 in the form of locking tabs. Thelock ring 42 includes a plurality of corresponding mating portions in the form ofslots 52. The lockingtabs 50 extend vertically upward from the mountingring 48 and have anuppermost portion 50 a which extend radially outward as best shown inFIGS. 5 , 7, and 9. Theslots 52 disposed in thelock ring 42 include afirst recess portion 54 which is adapted to receive the radially outward extendingportion 50 a of thetab 50. Theslot 52 also includes aflange portion 56 which, upon rotation of thelock ring 42 relative to theweight ring 40, receives the radially outwardly extendingportion 50 a of the lockingtabs 50 as shown inFIG. 5 in order to engage thelock ring 42 to thefirst weight ring 40. - The
first weight ring 40 also includes anouter perimeter surface 60 with an angularly disposed lower edge portion 62. Thelock ring 42 includes an angularly disposed outer surface 63 and an angularly disposedinner surface 64 which engages the upper angularly disposededge portion 32 of thebase weight member 14. The angularly disposededge portions - The second and third
weight ring assemblies 22, 24 are identical in design to the firstweight ring assembly 20 but are simply larger in size such that the first weight ring assembly can be nested inside the second weight ring assembly and the second weight ring assembly 22 can be nested radially inward of the thirdweight ring assembly 24. Specifically, the second weight ring assembly 22 includes asecond weight ring 70 and asecond lock ring 72 and the thirdweight ring assembly 24 includes athird weight ring 74 and athird lock ring 76. Each of theweight ring assemblies - The second and third weight rings 70, 74 each include a mounting
ring 48 withtabs 50 as described above with respect to thefirst weight ring 40. The mounting rings 48 are mounted to the body of the first, second, and third weight rings 40, 70, 74 by screws or by other fastening techniques such as adhesives. The mounting rings 48 are preferably made of injection molded plastic while the body portion of the first, second, and third weight rings 40, 70, 74 are preferably made of cast metal, although other materials exhibiting the desired weight characteristics can also be utilized. The second and third lock rings 72, 76 are also provided withslots 52 similar to theslots 52 provided in thefirst lock ring 42. The first, second, and third lock rings 42, 72, and 76 are preferably made of a plastic material. The use of a combination of materials as discussed above allows for several advantages. Since the plastic components can be made with high precision and the cast metal components can be made at low cost, the assembly as a whole can be manufactured at low cost while the use of the plastic components (mounting rings and lock rings) allows the assembly to be manufactured with high tolerance so as to have a refined operation and appearance. - It is also foreseen that the first, second and third locking rings can include an acoustic lock signal mechanism. In operation, once a locking ring has been sufficiently rotated to its lock position, a “click” can be heard signaling to a user that the locking ring is indeed locked. With reference to
FIGS. 14 through 16 , a preferred embodiment of an acoustic lock signal mechanism 110 will be described in detail. The acoustic lock signal mechanism 110 is disposed within at least one of theslots 52. Specifically, the acoustic lock signal mechanism 110 is disposed on a first end of theslot 52, located opposite to therecess portion 54. Atop surface 112 of the slot has first andsecond fingers first finger 114 is shorter than thesecond finger 116. Atop surface 118 of the mountingring 48 includes athird finger 120 extending upward and located next to thetab 50. The lockingring 42 and mountingring 48 are engaged as previously described. However, as the locking ring is rotated towards its lock position the upward extendingthird finger 120 contacts the downward hangingfirst finger 114. With sufficient force, the upward extendingthird finger 120 flexes to pass under the downward hangingfirst finger 114. Once thethird finger 120 passes under thefirst finger 114 it snaps back into position, contacting thesecond finger 116. As this process occurs, a “clicking” sound results, thus signaling the operator that the lockingring 42 is locked. - In operation, the
dumbbell assembly 10, according to the principles of the present invention, is laid out in the manner shown inFIG. 1 . As is well understood, a pair ofdumbbell assemblies 10 is often used during a workout. Initially, it should be noted that thebase weight members 12 can be provided with a selected amount of weight such as, for example, 15 pounds or 20 pounds. Then, each of theweight ring assemblies base weight member 12 used alone can provide, for example, a 15-pound or 20-pound weight while the addition of the firstweight ring assembly 20 will allow the use of a 25-pound and 30-pound dumbbell, and the addition of the first and secondweight ring assemblies 20, 22 will provide a 35-pound and 40-pound dumbbell and the use of the first, second, and thirdweight ring assemblies weight ring assemblies - By selectively disengaging the
third lock ring 76 from thethird weight ring 74, thedumbbell assembly 10 can be picked up byhandle 18 and the first and secondweight ring assemblies 20, 22 would be picked up along with thebase weight member 12 while thethird weight ring 74 would remain on the floor. Similarly, removal of the second andthird lock ring weight ring assembly 20 to be maintained with thebase weight member 12 but freed from the second and thirdweight ring assemblies 22, 24. In addition, removal of all of the lock rings 42, 72, 76 would allow thebase weight members 12 to be utilized alone in order to provide the smallest increment of weight for thedumbbell assembly 10. - In order to facilitate holding the first, second, or third weight rings 40, 70, 74 from rotating with the rotation of the
corresponding lock ring serrated surface 80 such as shown inFIG. 6 . The serrations would act to provide a frictional contact with the floor to prevent the weight rings from rotating when the lock rings are engaged or disengaged. Alternatively, the bottom surfaces of the weight rings 40, 70, 74 can also be provided with a rubberized coating which would provide additional friction between the floor or other surface to provide means for preventing rotation of the weight rings when the lock rings are being rotated for engagement or disengagement from the weight rings. Additionally, arubber mat 82 may also be utilized as shown inFIG. 3 for providing this function. The first, second, and third lock rings 42, 72, and 76 can also be provided with a plurality ofdimples 84 on an upper surface thereof in order to facilitate a user's gripping the lock rings for rotation relative to the weight rings. - With reference to
FIGS. 17 through 19 , a second preferred embodiment of first, second and third locking rings 42′,72′,76′ will be described in detail. As best seen inFIG. 17 , abase weight member 14′ is included. Thebase weight member 14′ is identical in construction to the previously describedbase weight member 14, however, atab portion 122 is further included running along selective lengths of upper angularly disposededge portion 32′. Thefirst locking ring 42′ comprises first and second ring halves 124,126 which are pivotably attached to thefirst weight ring 40 by ahinge 128. This is best seen inFIG. 17 a. Because the lockingring 42′ is attached to theweight ring 40, the overall system becomes simpler by removing any concern a user may have for keeping track of the location of the lockingring 42′. The lockingring 42′ is always with its respective weight ring. Each of the first and second ring halves 124,126 include agrooved portion 128 running along an angularly disposedinner surface 130 and atab portion 134 running along an angularly disposedouter surface 132. In an open position, thefirst locking ring 42′ is set over thefirst weight ring 40. Thefirst locking ring 42′ is then hinged into a closed position, such that first and second ring halves 124,126 come together. In a first preferred embodiment, the first and second ring halves 124,126 are held together by a latch mechanism 136. Latch mechanism 136 comprises asimple latch 138 hingable on the angularly disposedouter surface 132. Thelatch 138 is attached on thefirst half 124 and mates with agroove 140 on the second half. Once latched, thelatch 138 is flush with theouter surface 132 such that subsequent locking rings are not obstructed. Thegrooved portion 128 of thefirst locking ring 42′ mates with thetab portion 122 ofbase weight member 14′. In this manner, thegroove portion 128 and thetab portion 122 act to prevent removal of thefirst locking ring 42′ enabling thefirst locking ring 42′ to retain thefirst weight ring 40 in position. Theweight ring 40 also includes a plurality offingers 40 a′ which extend from the inner edge thereof and which engageslots 42 a′ disposed in the inner surface of the lockingring 42′. - A
second locking ring 72′ is also included and is equivalent in construction tofirst locking ring 42′ but is of a larger diameter. As such, a detailed description of thesecond locking ring 72′ is not required. Similarly to thefirst locking ring 42′, thesecond locking ring 72′ is pivotally attached to thesecond weight ring 70. In an open position, thesecond locking ring 72′ is set over thesecond weight ring 70. Thesecond locking ring 72′ is then hinged into a closed position and latched similarly to thefirst locking ring 42′. Agroove portion 142 of thesecond locking ring 72′ mates with thetab portion 134 of thefirst locking ring 72′ to retain thesecond weight ring 70 in position around thefirst weight ring 40. -
FIG. 19 shows athird locking ring 76′ which is similar in construction to the first and second locking rings 42′,72′. Thethird locking ring 76′ is of a larger diameter than thesecond locking ring 72′ such that it can fit around thesecond locking ring 72′. Similarly to the first and second locking rings 42′,72′, thethird locking ring 76′ is attached to thethird weight ring 74. Thethird locking ring 76′ maintains an upper angularly disposededge portion 144 without a protruding tab portion. Thethird locking ring 76′ comprises first and second ring halves 146,148 hingedly attached to one another by ahinge 150. Each of the first and second ring halves 146,148 include agrooved portion 152 running along an angularly disposedinner surface 153. In an open position, thethird locking ring 76′ is set over thethird weight ring 74. Thethird locking ring 76′ is then hinged into a closed position and latched similarly to the first and second locking rings 42′,72′. Thegrooved portion 152 of thethird locking ring 76′ mates with atab portion 154 ofsecond locking ring 72′. In this manner, thegrooved portion 152 and thetab portion 154 act to prevent removal of thethird locking ring 76′ enabling thethird locking ring 76′ to retain thethird weight ring 74. - With reference to
FIGS. 20 and 21 , a second preferred embodiment of a locking ring latch mechanism 136 will be described in detail. The first half of the first locking ring maintains a recessedportion 160. Alatch 162 is hingeably attached to thefirst half 124 by first andsecond pivot arms pin 168. Thelatch 162 has anupper surface 170 which is flush with anupper surface 172 of thefirst locking ring 42′. Aspring 174 is disposed between abottom surface 176 of thelatch 162 and the recessedportion 160. Thespring 174 acts to pivotally bias thelatch 162 upwards such that thelatch 162 remains in a lock position. A second end of the latch includes a protrudinghook portion 180. When thefirst locking ring 42′ is in the closed position the second end of thelatch 162 extends over a recessedportion 182 of thesecond half 126. The recessedportion 182 includes astep 184 such that thehook 180 engages thestep 184 to hold thefirst locking ring 42′ in the closed position. To open thefirst locking ring 42′, an operator simply presses on the first end of thelatch 162 against the biasing force of thespring 174. As such, thelatch 162 pivots about thepin 168 and the second end of thelatch 162 rotates upward. This action disengages thehook 180 from thestep 184 and thefirst locking ring 42′ is then able to be opened for removal. It should be noted that latch mechanism 136 is usable with each of the first, second and third locking rings 42′,72′,76′. Therefore, although thefirst locking ring 42′ has been used to detail the latch mechanism 136, it should be understood that this is merely an exemplary implementation and does not limit the use of latch mechanism 136 to thefirst locking ring 42′. It should also be noted that although the locking rings 42′, 72′, and 76′ have been shown of a two-piece construction, a single piece flexible construction could also be utilized. - It should be noted that although the
dumbbell assembly 10 of the present invention has been illustrated as a ring-shaped design, other shapes may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In particular, oval, square, or rectangular shaped members could be utilized in a similar nested fashion with different types of mating portions being required on the locking members for securing the additional weights to the base weight member. In addition, the above example was illustrated with three weight ring assemblies being added. It should be understood that any number of weight ring assemblies can be utilized so long as the size of the dumbbell system does not become too large and cumbersome for the user. - In order to provide even greater versatility with the dumbbell system of the present invention, a universal component may also be introduced to a single master member in order to provide for the addition of, for example, five-pound increments. This can be accomplished, for example, by providing a single heavier weighted lock ring to replace the
innermost lock ring 42 which is lighter weight and made of plastic. The heavier weighted lock ring can be made of, or filled with, a heavier material than thelock ring 42. Alternatively, other methods of mounting an additional weight may be utilized. - The nested arrangement of the weight system of the present invention can also be utilized for providing variable weight disks 100 (shown in
FIG. 10 ) for use with a standard barbell in the same manner that conventional weight disks are utilized. In this arrangement, thebase weight member 102 is provided with a smaller central hole 104 which is adapted to receive a barbell therethrough. The first, second, and thirdweight ring assemblies base weight member 102 in the same manner as described above with respect to thedumbbell system 10 or as described with respect to the embodiments ofFIGS. 17-21 orFIGS. 25-29 . Thus, thedisk weight assembly 100, provides a compact design to provide several increments of weight in the space of a single disk. - With reference to
FIGS. 22 through 24 , a second preferred embodiment for a barbell will be described in detail. The barbell 190 comprises abar 192 and first andsecond dumbbell assemblies 10, as described above (or alternatively the dumbbell assemblies ofFIGS. 17-21 orFIGS. 25-29 ). The bar includes anadapter 194 disposed on each end. Theadapter 194 includes afirst recess 196 for receiving thebar 192 therein. First andsecond set screws adapter 194 on thebar 192. Theadapter 194 also includes a secondU-shaped recess 202 for receiving thehandle 18 of thedumbbell assembly 10 therein. Theadapter 194 further includes a threadedportion 204 for threadably engaging aretention nut 206. Asupport disk 208 is fixed to and radially extends from theadapter 194 and is equivalent in diameter and angle as angularly disposededge portions dumbbell assembly 10. Thedumbbell assembly 10 is mounted onto theadapter 194 by setting thehandle 18 into therecess 202. The angularly disposededge portion support disk 208 preventing thedumbbell assembly 10 from pivoting about thehandle 18 in therecess 202. Theretention nut 206 is threaded onto the threadedportion 204 of theadapter 194 such that abottom face 210 of theretention nut 206 contacts and puts pressure on thehandle 18, within therecess 202. - With particular reference to
FIG. 24 , asecond adapter 220 is shown which enables an increased amount of weight to be included on the barbell 190. After afirst dumbbell assembly 10 has been mounted onto the barbell 190, thesecond adapter 220 is threaded onto thefirst adapter 194 in place of theretention nut 206. Thesecond adapter 220 includes a first threadedportion 222, for engaging the threadedportion 204 of thefirst adapter 194. As thesecond adapter 220 is threaded onto thefirst adapter 194, abottom face 224 of thesecond adapter 220 contacts thehandle 18 for holding thehandle 18 within therecess 202. Thesecond adapter 220 further includes arecess 226 for receiving ahandle 18′ of asecond dumbbell assembly 10′. Asecond support disk 228 is fixed to and radially extends from thesecond adapter 220, the end of which is equivalent in both diameter and angle of angularly disposededge 34′, 36′. Similarly to thefirst support disk 208, thesecond support disk 228 prevents thedumbbell assembly 10′ from pivoting about thehandle 18′ in therecess 226. A second threadedportion 230 is also included which is identical in diameter and thread definition as is the threadedportion 204 offirst adapter 194. As such, theretention nut 206 can be used to hold thehandle 18′ within therecess 226 ofsecond adapter 220. Although the above-described embodiment has been disclosed with a threadedretention nut 206, it should be understood that a spring-type clamp, as is known in the art, may also be utilized to retain thedumbbell 10 to theadapter 194 and/or 220. - With reference to
FIGS. 25 through 28 , a third preferred embodiment of adumbbell assembly 310, being similar in concept todumbbell assembly 10, will be described in detail. Thedumbbell assembly 310 includes abase weight member 312 including abody portion 314 defining acentral opening 316 extending therethrough, ahandle 318 which extends across theopening 316 in thebody portion 314 and a pair ofhalf shafts body portion 314 is substantially ring shaped. The ring shape can be cylindrical, oval, rectangular, or square. Afirst weight ring 320 is removably mounted to thebase weight member 312. Asecond weight ring 322 is adapted to be removably mounted to thefirst weight ring 320. A third weight ring 324 is adapted to be removably mounted to thesecond weight ring 322. - The pair of
half shafts base weight member 312. Handle 318 is constructed in a tubular shape and is rotatably attached tobody portion 314 at two points in a diametrical configuration. As best shown inFIG. 28 , handle 318 containsinternal drive threads 315 extending from the inner surface thereof.Half shafts threads 315. However, threads 317 a, 319 a onhalf shafts shaft 317 are forward, right-hand, threaded and the threads 319 a onshaft 319 are reverse, left hand, threaded. Additionally, as best shown inFIG. 27 , each half shaft includes akeyway 321 that runs the length of the half shaft.Keyway 321 is engaged bykey 323 which protrudes frombody member 314 to prevent rotation of thehalf shafts - As mentioned above, the
body portion 314 of thebase weight member 312 is preferably ring shaped. As best shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 28 , thebody portion 314 of thebase weight member 312 includes anouter perimeter surface 328 with an angularlydisposed edge 330 on the lower portion ofsurface 328. The angularly disposededge 330 extends radially inward. It should also be noted that the inner perimeter surface of thebody portion 314 is also provided with angularly disposededge portions edges body 14. - The
base weight member 312 can be nested with a plurality of weight rings such as weight rings 320, 322, 324. Thefirst weight ring 320 is a unitary construction having a ring shapedmain body portion 340. The ring shapedbody portion 340 includes aninner surface 344 with an angularly disposededge portion 346 which extends radially inward and corresponds with the angularly disposededge portion 330 of thebase weight member 312. Thefirst weight ring 320 also includes mountingholes body portion 340. Mountingholes inner surface 344 having a diameter sufficient to accommodate half-shafts - To secure
weight ring 320 tobase weight member 312 for increasing the weight ofdumbbell assembly 310 it is necessary to placebase weight member 312 inside ofweight ring 320 such thatouter surface 328 ofbase weight member 312 andinner surface 344 offirst weight ring 320 are adjacent. Next, the ends ofhalf shafts holes first weight ring 320 tobase weight member 312 thehandle 318 is rotated. When handle 318 is rotated clockwise,internal drive threads 315 apply a torque, to the external threads, on thehalf shafts keyway system 323 prevents the rotation ofhalf shafts handle 318 to translatehalf shafts half shafts holes first weight ring 320, theweight ring 320 is attached to thebase weight member 312. Additional weight rings 322, 324 may be added to thedumbbell assembly 310 by following the same method. - To decrease the weight of the
dumbbell assembly 310, thehandle 318 can be rotated in the opposite direction stated above. When handle 318 is rotated in the opposite direction,half shafts - It is also preferred that the
dumbbell assembly 310 include alock mechanism 339 to prevent handle 318 from undesired rotation.Lock mechanism 339 is mounted atopbase weight member 312 substantially aligned withhandle 318.Lock mechanism 339 includes alocking pin 341 for retaining thehandle 318 in one position to prevent inadvertent release of a weight ring during use. Thelocking pin 341 is disposed in ahole 315 inbase member 312. Thelocking pin 341 has a first end engaging ahole 318A in thehandle 318 and a second end provided with aknob 343.Knob 343 is generally cylindrical in shape and allowspin 341 to be easily actuated.Pin 341 is biased into the locked position byspring member 345.Spring 345 is disposed around lockingpin 341 and provides a biasing force that biases thelocking pin 341 toward engagement with thehandle 318. The operation oflock mechanism 339 is very simple. In order to rotatehandle 318,knob 343 is pulled away frombody portion 314 so that thelocking pin 341 is disengaged with thehandle 318. Thehandle 318 can then be rotated to drive the half shafts inward or outward. Thelock mechanism 339 self engages when thehandle 318 is turned untilspring member 345 forces pin 341 to snap intohole 318A onhandle 318. As thepin 341 snaps into thehole 318A, it provides an acoustic and a visual lock signal to the user. - Additionally located along the outer surface of the base weight member and outer surfaces of the weight rings is a
U-shaped slot 347 for helping to line up the weight rings. The slot corresponds to aboss 349 that is positioned on the inner surface of each of the weight rings 320. As thebase weight member 312 is positioned within thefirst weight ring 320, theslot 347 receives theboss 349 to prevent misalignment and guides thebase weight member 312 such that mountingholes half shafts slots 347 andboss 349 are located around the mountingholes slot 347 andboss 349 would accomplish the same function as the position of the present slots and bosses. - The
handle 318 is optionally provided with at least one or a plurality ofindicator windows half shafts window FIG. 26 , the number “40” is shown inwindow 364 to indicate to the user that, for example, two weight rings 320, 322 are engaged with thebase weight member 312 to provide a forty-pound dumbbell. The pitch of the threads on thehalf shafts windows handle 318 to be rotated in either a full rotation or partial rotation (i.e., 90.degree., 120.degree., 180.degree.) for engaging additional weight rings. In the case of partial rotations being utilized, additional holes 318 a are needed to be spaced around thehandle 318 to be engaged by the lockingpin 341 at the various desired locations for providing full engagement with the desiredweight ring - With reference to
FIGS. 29-42 , a fourth embodiment of adumbbell assembly 410, being similar in concept todumbbell assembly 310, will be described in detail. Thedumbbell assembly 410 includes arotatable handle 412 and a pair ofend mounting blocks 414 disposed at opposite ends of thehandle 412. A first pair ofweight disks 416 are securely mounted to the mountingblocks 414 on an outboard side thereof. A plurality ofadditional weight disks 418 a-f are selectively mounted to thedumbbell assembly 410 as will be described in greater detail herein. It should be understood that each ofdisks 418 a-418 f are of general identical configuration and are, therefore, interchangeable with one another. - As best seen in
FIG. 31 , a pair of threadedhalf shafts 420 are disposed within thehandle 412 and are operable upon rotation of thehandle 412 to selectively move outward or retract inward depending upon the direction of rotation of thehandle 412. As thehandle 412 is rotated in a retracting position, thehalf shafts 420 retract inwardly, thus disengaging with one of the addeddisks 418 and thereby reducing the weight of the dumbbell assembly. By rotation of thehandle 412 in an “extending” direction, thehalf shafts 420 are caused to extend outward from thehandle 412 and to engage, and therefore, secureadditional weight disks 418 to thedumbbell assembly 410. - The
handle 412 is provided with a pair ofindicator windows 422 through which the user can see avisual display 424 of the amount of weight which is currently engaged with thedumbbell assembly 410. As best shown inFIG. 33 , thehalf shafts 420 are provided withvisual display elements 424 a-d, for example “10,” “20,” “30,” and “40” which is an indicator of the number of pounds or kilograms or other measure of weight secured to thedumbbell assembly 410. Thus, upon rotation of thehandle 412, thehalf shafts 420 move in an extending or retracting position such that theindicators 424 a-424 d properly align with thewindows 422 provided in thehandle 412 whereby thehalf shafts 420 are properly and completely engaged with the desiredweight disks 418 to be added. - A
locking mechanism 426 is provided in association with at least one of, and optionally both of, the mounting blocks 414. The mounting blocks 414 include a radially extending bore portion 428 (best shown inFIG. 35 ) which receives alocking pin assembly 430. As best shown inFIG. 36 , the lockingpin assembly 430 includes abase portion 432 which is press fit within thebore 428 and is fixedly mounted therein. A slidingpin member 434 includes acap portion 436 which is attached to an upper end of thepin 434. Aseat portion 438 extends radially outward from thepin portion 434 and provides a seat against which acoil spring 440 can be disposed. Thespring 440 is disposed against theseat portion 438 and thebase portion 432 in order to provide a biasing force against thepin 434 to bias the pin in the direction of arrow A, as shown inFIG. 36 . Theend portion 442 of thepin 434 extends into anopening 444 provided in themounting block 414, as best shown inFIG. 35 . Theend portion 442 of thepin 434 engages anaperture 446 provided in thehandle 412 in order to prevent rotation of a handle relative to themounting block 414, as illustrated in the left portion ofFIG. 31 . Thus, thelocking mechanism 426 is capable of preventing inadvertent rotation of ahandle 412 thus preventing an inadvertent release of one of theweight disks 418 while thedumbbell assembly 410 is in use. - In order to disengage the
locking mechanism 426, aslide disengagement member 450 is provided. Theslide disengagement member 450, as best shown inFIGS. 35 and 37 , includes anelongated slot 452 which receives thepin portion 434 of the lockingassembly 426. Thecap end portion 436 rests against the upper surface of theslide 450. Theslide 450 includes an upwardly sloped ramp portion 454 (FIG. 35 ) such that when the slide mechanism is moved in the direction of the unlock arrow, causes thecap end portion 436 to ride up theramp 454 and disengage theend portion 442 of thepin 434 from engagement with theaperture 446 and thehandle 412, thus permitting relative rotation thereof. A biasingspring 456 is provided in theelongated slot 452 and biases theslide member 450 back to a locking position. - The
handle 412, as best shown inFIG. 32 , includes a pair of substantiallycylindrical end portions 460 which are provided for insertion in thecentral aperture 444 in the mounting blocks 414. Once the mountingblocks 414 are slid over thecylindrical end portions 460, a C-clip, or similartype clip device 462, is engaged with a recessedgroove 464 in order to prevent axial movement of the mountingblock 414. Thehandle 412 includes anaxial aperture 466 extending an entire length thereof, as best shown inFIG. 31 . Theaxial aperture 466 is provided withthread engaging projections 468 which engage the threadedportion 470 of thehalf shafts 420. When thelocking mechanism 426 are moved to an unlocked position as described above, handle 412 is free to rotate relative to mountingblocks 414. Upon rotation ofhandle 412,half shafts 420, which are provided with an elongated keyway 472 (FIG. 34 ), which are engaged by a key 474 mounted to thefirst weight disks 416, are prevented from rotation. Thus, upon rotation of thehandle 412,half shafts 420, which are prevented from rotation, are axially driven due to the engagement of thethread engaging pins 468 with thehelical thread portion 470 of thehalf shafts 420. Depending upon the direction of rotation of thehandle 412, thehalf shafts 420 are either driven in an extending or a retracting direction so that the half shafts move within thecentral openings 506 of addeddisks 418 for selective engagement therewith. - With reference to
FIG. 38 , thefirst weight disks 416 include a plurality offastener receiving holes 480 which are capable of receiving threaded fasteners 482 (FIG. 31 ) which thread into corresponding threaded openings in the mounting blocks 414. Theapertures 480 can be located generally in any position on the first weight disks. Thefirst weight disks 416 include anaperture 486 extending therethrough and having a first recessedshoulder portion 488 for accommodating the end of the handle and asecond shoulder portion 490 for accommodating the C-clip 462. The key 474 is received in an axial groove provided in thefirst shoulder portion 488 and extends radially into theaperture portion 486. - On the outboard side of the
first weight disks 416, as best shown inFIG. 39 , there is provided a recessedslot 492 which includes an uppermostsemicircular slot portion 492A and a pair of substantiallyvertical sidewall portions 492B and a pair of angled guide sidewall surfaces 492C. The recessedsidewall portions 492A-C define aguide channel 494 with angled inwardly extending sidewall surfaces that receives a projectingportion 496 provided on aninboard side 450 of anadjacent weight disk 418, as best shown inFIG. 40 . Thus, each of theweight disks channel portion 492 as shown inFIG. 39 on an outboard surface thereof, while the addeddisks 418 each include the projecting portion 496 (FIG. 40 ) on an inboard surface thereof for engagement with thechannel portions 494 of the outboard surfaces of the adjacent weight disks. The threadedhalf shafts 420 are extendable and retractable to selectively engage theapertures 506 provided in the addedweight disks 418 in order to secure the projectingmembers 496 within the mountingchannels 494. - According to a preferred embodiment, the dumbbell assembly of the present invention would be mounted on a
support surface 510 that includes disk supporting portions which support each of theweight disks 418 in an upright vertical position so that thedumbbell assembly 410, including thehandle 412, mountingblocks 414, andfirst weight disks 416 can be inserted between the vertically upright supporteddisks 418 for selective engagement with the desired number ofdisks 418 and can be picked up while leaving the unselectedweight disks 418 still standing in a vertical position. An example of such asidewall structure 510 is illustrated inFIG. 30 for supporting the addeddisks 418 in a vertical position. For purposes of simplicity of illustration, only one set ofsidewall structures 510 is shown. It should also be noted that thelocking mechanism 426 can be configured and arranged to be engaged by a corresponding structure on the dumbbell support assembly to disengage thelocking mechanism 426 upon placement of thedumbbell assembly 410 in its support structure. Thus, by simply placing thedumbbell assembly 410 in its support structure, the unlockingmechanism 426 would be automatically disengaged to allow the user to rotate thehandle 412 for selectively engaging or disengaging the addedweight disks 418 to or from thedumbbell assembly 410. - The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (14)
1. A dumbbell system, comprising:
a base weight member including a ring shaped body and a handle extending across an opening in said ring shaped body, wherein the ring shaped body has an outer periphery surface and an inner periphery surface, the inner periphery surface having angularly disposed edge portions extending radially outward.
2. The dumbbell system according to claim 1 , wherein the outer periphery surface has angularly disposed edge portions extending radially inward.
3. The dumbbell system according to claim 1 , wherein edge portions of the inner periphery surface extend angularly outward by at least 7 degrees.
4. The dumbbell system according to claim 1 , wherein edge portions of the inner periphery surface extend angularly outward by about 20 degrees.
5. The dumbbell system according to claim 1 , wherein the ring shaped portion has at least a partial rubberized coating.
6. The dumbbell system according to claim 1 , wherein the ring shaped portion has a substantially uniform cross section about its entire periphery.
7. A dumbbell system, comprising:
a base weight member including a body portion defining a central opening therethrough and a handle extending across said opening in said body portion wherein the body portion has an outer periphery surface and an inner periphery surface, the inner periphery surface having angularly disposed edge portions extending radially outward.
8. The dumbbell system according to claim 6 , wherein the outer periphery surface has angularly disposed edge portions extending inward.
9. The dumbbell system according to claim 6 , wherein edge portions of the inner periphery surface extend angularly outward by at least 7 degrees.
10. The dumbbell system according to claim 6 , wherein edge portions of the inner periphery surface extend angularly outward by about 20 degrees.
11. The dumbbell system according to claim 6 , wherein the body portion has at least a partial rubberized coating.
12. The dumbbell system according to claim, wherein the body portion has a substantially uniform cross section about its entire periphery.
13. A dumbbell system, comprising a base weight member including a ring shaped body and a handle extending across an opening in said ring shaped body,
wherein the ring shaped body has an outer periphery surface with angularly disposed edge portions extending radially inward and an inner periphery surface, the inner periphery surface having angularly disposed edge portions extending radially outward at an angle of at least 7 degrees, and the ring shaped portion has a substantially uniform cross section about its entire periphery.
14. The dumbbell system according to claim 13 , wherein edge portions of the inner periphery surface extend angularly outward by about 20 degrees.
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US12/372,579 US20090156376A1 (en) | 2000-02-09 | 2009-02-17 | Balanced Stackable Dumbbell System |
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US20100304940A1 (en) * | 2007-11-29 | 2010-12-02 | Thomas Svenberg | Dumbbell |
US20100304939A1 (en) * | 2007-11-29 | 2010-12-02 | Tomas Svenberg | Dumbbell |
US8715143B2 (en) * | 2007-11-29 | 2014-05-06 | Tomas Svenberg | Dumbbell |
USD665860S1 (en) | 2010-08-27 | 2012-08-21 | Les Mills International Limited | Hub for a weight training device |
US9138610B2 (en) | 2010-08-27 | 2015-09-22 | Les Mills International Limited | Exercise equipment |
US20140243168A1 (en) * | 2013-02-22 | 2014-08-28 | Abdul Majeed Razzaq | Nested weight plates for barbells and dumbbells |
US10420977B1 (en) * | 2017-01-23 | 2019-09-24 | Life Fitness, Llc | Exercise equipment having a cable system and methods of assembling exercise equipment having a cable system |
USD895740S1 (en) | 2017-10-24 | 2020-09-08 | Les Mills International Limited | Set of weight plates |
US20230001258A1 (en) * | 2020-05-28 | 2023-01-05 | Personality Gym Ab | Adjustable weight lifting device |
US11602661B2 (en) * | 2020-05-28 | 2023-03-14 | Personality Gym Ab | Adjustable weight lifting device |
US11865397B2 (en) * | 2020-05-28 | 2024-01-09 | Personality Gym Ab | Adjustable weight lifting device |
US20240091581A1 (en) * | 2020-05-28 | 2024-03-21 | Personality Gym Ab | Adjustable weight lifting device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20030096683A1 (en) | 2003-05-22 |
US7491155B2 (en) | 2009-02-17 |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FENELON, MARGARET, FENE, TENNESSEE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FENELON, PAUL JOSEPH, DR;REEL/FRAME:061964/0870 Effective date: 20221104 |