US20110021327A1

US20110021327A1 - Locknut secured dumbbell assembly

Info

Publication number: US20110021327A1
Application number: US12/507,733
Authority: US
Inventors: Louis Lien
Original assignee: USA Sports Inc
Current assignee: USA Sports Inc
Priority date: 2009-07-22
Filing date: 2009-07-22
Publication date: 2011-01-27

Abstract

An apparatus and method are provided for assembling fixed-weight dumbbells and barbells. The apparatus and method use locknuts to secure weight plates to the fixed-weight dumbbells and barbells. The locknuts are permanently (or semi-permanently) attached or affixed to opposing ends of the bars or handles of the fixed-weight dumbbells and barbells. The attaching of the locknuts to the bar or handle may be accomplished by any known permanent (or semi-permanent) fastening technique, including welding, soldering, fusing, braising, bonding, and the like. Bolts or other threaded means are then screwed through openings in the weight plates into the locknuts to secure the weight plates to the bar or handle. The locking mechanisms of the locknuts thereafter prevent the bolts or other threaded means from loosening and backing out over time, even under severe shock and vibration conditions.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related in subject matter to, and incorporates herein by reference in its entirety, commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ entitled “Locknut Having Double Locking Mechanism,” and filed on the same day as this application.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention relate generally to fixed-weight dumbbells and barbells and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for securing such dumbbells and barbells using locknuts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fixed-weight dumbbells and barbells have weights that are permanently or semi-permanently fixed, in contrast to adjustable dumbbells and barbells where weights may be added and removed as needed. Common fixed-weight dumbbell and barbell configurations include 5 pounds, 10 pounds, 20 pounds, 30 pounds, 50 pounds, and so forth. In a typical arrangement, one or more weight plates are mounted at each end of a bar or handle and held in place via a mechanical fastener, such as a bolt and the like. In some instances, washers or end caps may be disposed between the bolt heads and the weight plates to more securely fasten the weight plates to the bar or handle.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a typical dumbbell 100 of the type described above. As can be seen, the dumbbell 100 includes weight plates 102 and 104 mounted at opposing ends of a bar or handle 106. The weight plates 102 and 104 are supported via bolts 108 and 110 inserted through holes in the weight plates 102 and 104, defined by annular walls 112 and 114, respectively. The bolts 108 and 110 are then screwed via threads formed on the bolts (see diagonal dashed lines) into openings in the ends of the bar or handle 106, defined by annular walls 116 and 118, respectively, in order to secure the weight plates 102 and 104 to the bar or handle 106. Annular stops 120 and 122 may in some cases be formed or otherwise affixed flushed with the ends of the bar or handle 106 and coaxial along longitudinal axis “A” thereof to provide additional support for the weight plates 102 and 104.
Fixed-weight dumbbells like the one shown in FIG. 1, however, have a number of drawbacks. For example, the dumbbells often endure multiple types of mechanical stresses, shocks, and vibrations during the course of a workout as the dumbbells are haphazardly dropped and tossed about. These mechanical stresses, shocks, and vibrations can cause the bolts holding the weight plates on the bar or handle to gradually work themselves loose over time and back out, rendering the dumbbells potentially unsafe. Fixed-weight barbells are likewise susceptible to similar kinds of problems.
Accordingly, what is needed is a more reliable way to secure weight plates to the bar or handle of a fixed-weight dumbbell or barbell. More specifically, what is needed is a fixed-weight dumbbell or barbell wherein the bolts holding the weight plates to the bar or handle are locked in place and prevented from backing out over time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspect of the invention relate to an improved apparatus and method for assembling fixed-weight dumbbells and barbells. The apparatus and method use locknuts to secure weight plates to the fixed-weight dumbbells and barbells. The locknuts are permanently (or semi-permanently) attached or affixed to opposing ends of the bars or handles of the fixed-weight dumbbells and barbells. Attaching the locknuts to the bar or handle may be accomplished by any known permanent or (semi-permanent) attaching technique, including welding, soldering, fusing, braising, bonding, and the like. Bolts or other threaded means are then screwed through openings in the weight plates into the locknuts to secure the weight plates to the bar or handle. Such an arrangement securely locks the bolts or other threaded means to the bar or handle, thus preventing them from loosening and backing out over time, even under severe shock and vibration conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a prior art dumbbell;

FIGS. 2A-2B are a side view and a perspective view, respectively, of an exemplary dumbbell according to aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 3A-3B are a side view and a perspective view, respectively, of another exemplary dumbbell according to aspects of the invention; and

FIGS. 4A-4B are a side view and a perspective view, respectively, of yet another exemplary dumbbell according to aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The drawings described above and the written description of specific structures and functions below are not presented to limit the scope of what has been invented or the scope of the appended claims. Rather, the drawings and written description are provided to teach any person skilled in the art to make and use the inventions for which patent protection is sought. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all features of a commercial embodiment of the inventions are described or shown for the sake of clarity and understanding.
Persons of skill in this art will also appreciate that the development of an actual commercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the inventions will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment. Such implementation-specific decisions may include, and likely are not limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related and other constraints, which may vary by specific implementation, location and from time to time. While a developer's efforts might be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, such efforts would be, nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of skill in this art having benefit of this disclosure.
It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed and taught herein are susceptible to numerous and various modifications and alternative forms. Thus, the use of a singular term, such as, but not limited to, “a” and the like, is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Also, the use of relational terms, such as, but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “down,” “up,” “side,” and the like, are used in the written description for clarity in specific reference to the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims.
As mentioned above, aspects of the invention relate to an improved apparatus and method for assembling fixed-weight dumbbells and barbells. Specifically, aspects of the invention involve using locknuts to secure weight plates to the fixed-weight dumbbells and barbells. The locknuts are permanently (or semi-permanently) attached or affixed to opposing ends of the bars or handles of the dumbbells and barbells. Bolts or other threaded means may then be screwed through openings in the weight plates and into the locknuts to secure the weight plates to the bar or handle. Such an arrangement prevents the bolts or other threaded means from loosening and backing out over time, even under severe shock and vibration conditions.
Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a side view and a perspective view are shown, respectively, of an example of a fixed-weight dumbbell 200 according to aspects of the invention. As can be seen, the dumbbell 200 includes weight plates 202 and 204 mounted at opposing ends of a bar or handle 206. The weight plates 202 and 204 are supported via bolts 208 and 210 or other threaded means inserted through holes in the weight plates 202 and 204, as defined by annular walls 212 and 214, respectively. The bolts 208 and 210 are then screwed via threads on the bolts (see diagonal dashed lines) into openings in the ends of the bar or handle 206, as defined by annular walls 216 and 218, respectively, in order to hold the weight plates 202 and 204 on the bar or handle 206. Annular stops 220 and 222 may be formed or otherwise affixed flushed with the ends of the bar or handle 206 and coaxial along longitudinal axis “B” thereof to provide additional support for the weight plates 202 and 204.
In accordance with aspects of the invention, locknuts 224 and 226 may be disposed at opposing ends of the bar or handle 206, one locknut on each end, coaxial with the annular stops 220 and 222 and the bar or handle 206. Each locknut 224 or 226 may be permanently (or semi-permanently) attached or otherwise mounted to a respective end of the bar or handle 206 so that the locknut 224 or 226 is fixedly, rigidly, or otherwise immovably held in place relative to the bar or handle 206. The attaching of the locknuts 224 and 226 may be accomplished using any technique known to those having ordinary skill in the art, including by welding, soldering, fusing, braising, bonding, and the like. The bolts 208 and 210 may then be screwed into the locknuts 224 and 226 to secure the weight plates 202 and 204 to the bar or handle 206.
In some implementations, annular recesses may be formed in the weight plates 202 and 204, as defined by annular walls 228 and 230 and back walls 232 and 234, respectively, in order to receive the locknuts 224 and 226 fully within the weight plates 202 and 204. Such annular recesses in the weight plates 202 and 204 may provide protection for the locknuts 224 and 226 to prevent tampering and exposure to potentially damaging contact with the external environment.
Any suitable locknut 224 and 226 known to those having ordinary skill in the art may be used for the dumbbell 200 (and other dumbbells and barbells discussed later herein), including locknuts having a single locking mechanism as well as locknuts having multiple locking mechanisms. Examples of locknuts 224 and 226 that may be used for the dumbbell 200 include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,391,712 (King, et al.) and European Publication No. 0101783 (Yamamoto, et al.), both of which are incorporated herein by reference, as well as commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Locknut Having Double Locking Mechanism,” mentioned previously. The type, size, thread count, thread type, and other characteristics of the locknuts 224 and 226 may vary and may be selected depending on the requirements of the particular application.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are a side view and a perspective view, respectively, of an example of another fixed-weight dumbbell 300 according to aspects of the invention. As with the dumbbell 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the dumbbell 300 includes weight plates 302 and 304 mounted at opposing ends of a bar or handle 306. The weight plates 302 and 304 are supported via bolts 308 and 310 or other threaded means inserted through holes in the weight plates 302 and 304, which are defined by annular walls 312 and 314, respectively. The bolts 308 and 310 are then screwed via threads on the bolts (see diagonal dashed lines) into openings in the ends of the bar or handle 306, which are defined by annular walls 316 and 318, respectively, in order to hold the weight plates 302 and 304 to the bar or handle 306. Annular stops (not expressly shown) may also be provided flushed with the bar or handle 306 and coaxial along longitudinal axis “C” thereof to support the weight plates 302 and 304 if desired.
In accordance with aspects of the invention, locknuts 320 and 322 may be disposed fully within opposing ends of the bar or handle 306, one locknut on each end, coaxial with the bar or handle 306. Annular recesses may be formed in the ends of the bar or handle 306, as defined by annular walls 324 and 326 and back walls 328 and 330, respectively, for receiving the locknuts 320 and 322 within the ends of the bar or handle 306. The annular recesses in the ends of the bar or handle 306 provide protection for the locknuts 320 and 322 to prevent tampering and exposure to potentially damaging contact with the external environment.
As discussed above, each locknut 320 and 322 may be permanently (or semi-permanently) attached or otherwise affixed to a respective end of the bar or handle 306 so that the locknut is fixedly, rigidly, or otherwise immovably held relative to the bar or handle 306. Such attaching may be accomplished using any technique known to those having ordinary skill in the art, including by welding, soldering, fusing, braising, bonding, and the like. The bolts 308 and 310 may then be screwed into the locknuts 320 and 322 to secure the weight plates 302 and 304 to the bar or handle 306. Although not expressly shown, it is also possible to use a mechanical restraint, such as a lip, tabs, or other structure extending from the annular walls 324 and 326 out over the locknuts 320 and 322 to restrain and thereby secure the locknuts 320 and 322 within the annular recesses in the opposing ends of the bar or handle 306.
In some implementations, annular recesses may also be formed in the weight plates 302 and 304, as defined by annular walls 332 and 334 and back walls 336 and 338, respectively, for receiving the bolts 308 and 310 partially or fully within the weight plates 302 and 304. The annular recesses in the weight plates 302 and 304 provide protection for the bolts 308 and 310 to minimize tampering and exposure to potentially damaging contact with the external environment and also give the dumbbell 300 a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a side view and a perspective view are shown, respectively, of an example of yet another fixed-weight dumbbell 400 according to aspects of the invention. As with the previous dumbbells 200 and 300, the dumbbell 400 includes weight plates 402 and 404 mounted at opposing ends of a bar or handle 406. In the present implementation, however, the weight plates 402 and 404 are not supported by bolts, but rest instead on extensions 408 and 410 that are inserted through holes in the weight plates 402 and 404, as defined by annular walls 412 and 414, respectively. Each extension 408 and 410, which may be more clearly seen in FIG. 4B, includes a body section 432 that has a diameter similar to the diameter of the bar or handle 406. In addition, each extension 408 and 410 also has a smaller diameter threaded section 434 that allows the extensions 408 and 410 to be screwed into openings in the ends of the bar or handle 406, as defined by annular walls 416 and 418, respectively, to hold the weight plates 402 and 404 on the bar or handle 406. A head section (not separately labeled) on each extension 408 and 410 prevents the weight plates 402 and 404 from sliding off of the extensions 408 and 410.
In a similar manner to that discussed earlier for the dumbbell 300, locknuts 420 and 422 may be disposed fully within opposing ends of the bar or handle 406, one locknut on each end, coaxial along longitudinal axis “D” with the bar or handle 406. Annular recesses may be formed in the ends of the bar or handle 406, as defined by annular walls 424 and 426 and back walls 428 and 430, respectively, for receiving the locknuts 420 and 422 within the ends of the bar or handle 406. The annular recesses in the ends of the bar or handle 406 provide protection for the locknuts 420 and 422 to prevent tampering and exposure to potentially damaging contact with the external environment. If desired, annular stops (not expressly shown) may also be provided flushed with the bar or handle 406 and coaxial along axis “D” thereof to support the weight plates 402 and 404.
Each locknut 420 and 422 once again may be permanently (or semi-permanently) attached or otherwise affixed to a respective end of the bar or handle 406 so that the locknut is fixedly, rigidly, or otherwise immovably held relative to the bar or handle 406. As before, the attaching may be accomplished using any technique known to those having ordinary skill in the art, including by welding, soldering, fusing, braising, bonding, and the like. The extensions 408 and 410, or rather the threaded section 434 thereof, may then be screwed into the locknuts 420 and 422 to secure the weight plates 402 and 404 to the bar or handle 406. Mechanical restraints, such as a lip, tabs, or other structure extending from the annular walls 424 and 426 over the locknuts 420 and 422 may also be used in the manner described above.
While the disclosed aspects of the invention have been described with reference to one or more specific implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made. Accordingly, each of the foregoing embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the different aspects of the invention, which are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A fixed-weight weight assembly, comprising:

a bar or handle having opposing ends, each opposing end having an opening formed therein;

a locknut fixedly attached to each opposing end of the bar or handle on an exterior of the bar or handle and coaxial with the opening therein;

one or more weight plates disposed at each opposing end of the bar or handle, each weight plate having a hole formed therein; and

threaded means for supporting the one or more weight plates via the hole therein, each threaded means being screwed through one of the locknuts and into one of the opposing ends of the bar or handle via the opening therein;

wherein each locknut has at least one locking mechanism configured to prevent the threaded means screwed therethrough from loosening and backing out of the bar or handle over time.

2. The fixed-weight weight assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an annular stop disposed flushed and coaxial with each opposing end of the bar or handle for supporting the one or more weight plates.

3. The fixed-weight weight assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an annular recess formed in each weight plate for receiving the locknut therein.

4. (canceled)

5. The fixed-weight weight assembly according to claim 1, wherein each locknut is fixedly attached to a respective opposing end of the bar or handle using one or more of the following: welding, soldering, fusing, braising, and bonding.

6. The fixed-weight weight assembly according to claim 1, wherein each threaded means is a bolt.

7. The fixed-weight weight assembly according to claim 6, further comprising an annular recess formed in each weight plate for receiving a head of the bolt therein.

8. The fixed-weight weight assembly according to claim 1, wherein each threaded means is an extension of the bar or handle and has a larger diameter body section for supporting the at least one weight plate and a smaller diameter threaded section for screwing the threaded means through the locknut.

9. The fixed-weight weight assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fixed-weight weight assembly is one of: a dumbbell assembly and a barbell assembly.

10. A method of assembling fixed-weight weight assembly, comprising:

fixedly attaching a locknut to an end of a bar or handle on an exterior of the bar or handle, the locknut being coaxial with an opening formed in the end of the bar or handle;

mounting at least one weight plate on a threaded means via a hole formed in the at least one weight plate, the threaded means supporting the at least one weight plate; and

screwing the threaded means having the at least one weight plate mounted thereon through the locknut and into the opening in the end of the bar or handle;

wherein each locknut has at least one locking mechanism configured to prevent the threaded means from loosening and backing out of the bar or handle over time.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising disposing an annular stop flushed and coaxial with the end of the bar or handle for supporting the one or more weight plates.

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising forming an annular recess in each weight plate for receiving the locknut therein.

13. (canceled)

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the locknut is fixedly attached to the end of the bar or handle using one or more of the following: welding, soldering, fusing, braising, and bonding.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein the threaded means includes a larger diameter body section for supporting a least one weight plate and a smaller diameter threaded section for screwing the threaded means through the locknut.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein each threaded means is a bolt.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising forming an annular recess in the at least one weight plate for receiving a head of the bolt therein.

18. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method is one of: a dumbbell assembly and a barbell assembly.

19. The fixed-weight weight assembly according to claim 1, wherein one or more locknuts have multiple locking mechanisms.

20. The method according to claim 10, wherein one or more locknuts have multiple locking mechanisms.