WO2021263062A1

WO2021263062A1 - Stiffener system and method for weight plate device

Info

Publication number: WO2021263062A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/039012
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffery GALLAGHER; Jason CHERRY; George KOEHL
Original assignee: Innovative Fitness Products Llc
Priority date: 2020-06-24
Filing date: 2021-06-24
Publication date: 2021-12-30

Abstract

A weight plate may include a body formed from a first material and having a perimeter, the body defining a central bore extending through the body; an inner member disposed at the central bore of the body; a plurality of stiffening members formed from a second material and embedded within the body along a path of a circumference of the body positioned between the perimeter of the body and the central bore, wherein the plurality of stiffening members are configured to increase a stiffness of a portion of the body of the plate; and a plurality of openings extending through the body of the plate and positioned closer to the perimeter of the plate than the central bore.

Description

STIFFENER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WEIGHT PLATE DEVICE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/043,250, filed June 24, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] This specification generally relates to one or more stiffening members applied to a substantially circular structure.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Substantially circular structures may be used in a variety of contexts.

For example, benefits of a circular design may be realized in applications ranging from locomotion to personal fitness. In the realm of personal fitness, circular shaped plate weights may be used. Because of the inherent weight, the circular shape may be produced with openings to allow a user to more easily grip and move the weight. The plates can be made of various materials depending on their intended use. For example, some steel plates have holes near the perimeter that make them easier to grip. However, steel plates must be set down carefully to prevent damage to the floor. Some plates are made primarily of rubber so they are much less likely to damage the floor but may then be bulky or may bounce unpredictably when dropped. For example, in some cases a weight plate may bounce unpredictably if openings along a perimeter are present. In another example, a weight plate may bounce unpredictably without openings along a perimeter.

SUMMARY

[0004] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, a weight plate includes a body formed from a first material and having a perimeter, the body defining a central bore extending through the body; an inner member disposed at the central bore of the body; a plurality of stiffening members formed from a second material and embedded within the body along a path of a circumference of the body positioned between the perimeter of the body and the central bore, wherein the plurality of stiffening members are configured to increase a stiffness of a portion of the body of the plate; and a plurality of openings extending through the body of the plate and positioned closer to the perimeter of the plate than the central bore.

[0005] Implementations according to this aspect may include one or more of the following features. For example, an opening of the plurality of openings may be centered at a first radial distance from the central bore. At least a portion of a stiffening member of the plurality of stiffening members may occupy a region at a second radial distance. The second radial distance may be greater than the first radial distance between the central bore and the perimeter of the body.

[0006] In some implementations, the plurality of stiffening members may define the plurality of openings extending through the body of the plate.

[0007] In some implementations, the body of the plate may define the plurality of openings extending through the body of the plate.

[0008] In some implementations, the plurality of stiffening members may include at least two stiffening members that interface with one another.

[0009] In some implementations, a first of the two stiffening members defines an opening and a second of the two stiffening members may include an interface member. The opening of the first of the two stiffening members may be configured to receive the interface member of the second of the two stiffening members.

[0010] In some implementations, the interface may include a hinge member disposed between and coupled to the two stiffening members.

[0011] In some implementations, the hinge member may have a lower stiffness than the two stiffening members.

[0012] In some implementations, the hinge member may include a material that is the same as the second material of the stiffening members.

[0013] In some implementations, the hinge member may include a material that is different than the second material of the stiffening members.

[0014] In some implementations, a weight plate may include a joint member disposed between the two stiffening members. The joint member may be configured to allow the two stiffening members to rotate about the joint member. In some implementations, the joint member may be cylindrical. In general, a joint member may be of any suitable form including spherical.

[0015] In some implementations, the interface may include a portion of the second material that is configured to transfer force to or from the two stiffening members.

[0016] According to another aspect of the subject matter, a method for producing a weight plate may include arranging a plurality of stiffening members of a first material in a substantially circular pattern; arranging an inner member at a central location relative to the plurality of stiffening members, the inner member defining an opening therethrough; encasing at least a portion of the plurality of stiffening members and at least a portion of the inner member with a second material, the second material forming an outer perimeter of the weight plate that extends further than an outer edge of the substantially circular pattern of the plurality of stiffening members, and wherein the plurality of stiffening members are configured to increase the stiffness of a portion of the second material comprising the weight plate; and forming one or more openings in the second material and between the opening of the inner member and the outer perimeter of the weight plate.

[0017] Implementations according to this aspect may include one or more of the following features. For example, arranging the plurality of stiffening members may include interfacing at least two stiffening members with one another.

[0018] In some implementations, interfacing may include inserting an interface member of one of the two stiffening members within an opening formed in the other of the two stiffening members.

[0019] In some implementations, interfacing may include forming a hinge member coupling the two stiffening members. The hinge member may have a lower stiffness than the two stiffening members.

[0020] In some implementations, interfacing may include arranging a joint member between the two stiffening members to allow the two stiffening members to rotate about the joint member. [0021] In some implementations, the at least two stiffening members may be interfaced with one another by a portion of the second material that is configured to transfer force to or from the at least two stiffening members.

[0022] In some implementations, the one or more openings may be formed through the second material and through the plurality of stiffening members.

[0023] Advantageous implementations can include one or more of the following features.

[0024] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0025] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a weight plate that is safer for floors and easy to grip, according to an implementation.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the weight plate of FIG. 1 , according to an implementation.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a multi-perspective view including a front view, a cross- sectional side view, and a cross-sectional front view of the weight plate of FIGS. 1-2 showing the internal components, according to an implementation.

[0028] FIG. 4A is a front and side view of a weight plate without stiffening members when force is applied at a perimeter portion of the weight plate.

[0029] FIG. 4B is a front and side view of a weight plate with stiffening members when force is applied at a perimeter portion of the weight plate.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a front view of a weight plate showing force effects on the weight plate.

[0031] FIGS. 6A-D show alternate configurations of interfacing stiffening members.

[0032] FIGS. 7A-C show cross-sectional front views of alternatively configured weight plates. [0033] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for a stiffening system.

[0034] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, one or more example implementations will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example weight plate according to one implementation is shown.

[0037] As illustrated, a weight plate 101 includes openings 103 along a perimeter of the weight plate 101 as well as an inner member 105 fixed at a central bore 107. The inner member 105 may be made from various materials, including but not limited to metal, plastic, wood, composite, and fiberglass, and may extend through the central bore 107. A portion of the inner member 105 may be positioned on either side of the weight plate 101 to allow an inserting member, such as a bar, to be inserted into the central bore 107 while making contact with the inner member 105. The inner member 105 may be a single piece or can be made of multiple pieces.

[0038] The openings 103 may be configured to promote ease of grasping and handling by a user. The openings 103 may include a textured/soft/rubber surface to provide improved grip and comfort for the user. In some implementations, the openings 103 may expose at least a portion of a stiffening member such that a user may use the material or shape of the exposed portion of the stiffening member for improved grip.

[0039] The weight plate 101 may be constructed from various materials including, but not limited to rubber, metal, plastic, wood, composite, and fiberglass. In some implementations, the weight plate 101 includes metal for one or more internal stiffening members and rubber that encases at least a portion of the one or more internal stiffening members.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows a front 301 and cross-sectional side 303 perspective view of the weight plate 101. FIG. 3 also shows a cross-sectional front view 305 of the weight plate 101 . The cross-sectional front view 305 of the weight plate 101 shows openings 306 arranged along a perimeter of the weight plate 101 , stiffening members 307 arranged with the openings 306 to provide support, interfaces 308 that serve to couple the stiffening members 307, and an inner member 311 positioned at a central bore of the weight plate 101 and defining an opening 313 therethrough.

[0041] A first material 309 of the weight plate 101 may include rubber, plastic, or other materials less stiff than the stiffening members 307. In some implementations, the first material 309 partially encases the stiffening members 307 and the inner member 311 . The material 309 may be applied to the stiffening members 307 and the inner member 311 using a type of molding, such as pouring molding, injection molding, among others as known in the art. For example, the first material 309 may be a material that connects the stiffening members 307 to the inner member 311. The first material 309 may extend past an outer edge formed by the stiffening members 307. In this way, the less stiff first material 309 of the weight plate 101 may be the first contact if the weight plate 101 is dropped and may help to prevent scrapes or dents to the floor.

[0042] Each of the stiffening members 307 may interface with one another at the interfaces 308. In the example shown in the cross-sectional front view 305 of the weight plate 101 , the interfaces 308 may include an opening 308a and an interface member 308b. The opening 308a may be configured to receive the interface member 308b. In some implementations, the interface member 308b may be cylindrical and the opening 308a of the interface 308 may include a circular opening to receive the cylindrical interface member 308b. In some implementations, the interface member 308b may be a type of bolt configured to slide into the opening 308a. Two stiffening members of the stiffening members 307 may be configured to rotate about the location of the interface connecting them. In this way, an angle created between two or more stiffening members may change when a force is applied to the weight plate 101 , for example, when the weight plate 101 is dropped from some height onto the floor below.

[0043] FIG. 4A is a front 400 and side 406 view of a weight plate 401 without stiffening members when a force 402 is applied at a perimeter portion of the weight plate 401. In one example, an individual weight plate, such as weight plate 401 may be dropped on a surface 403. In another example, one or more weight plates 401 may be present on a barbell and be used during an exercise, such as the clean and jerk exercise. As is well known, following the completion of the clean and jerk exercise, a user routinely drops the barbell and associated weight plates onto a surface 403. This routine can exert large forces 402 on the weight plates. Without stiffening members to stiffen the portion of the weight plate 401 corresponding to opening 405, the opening 405 compresses as the force 402 from the fall or drop is transferred into the materials of the weight plate 401. As shown in the side view 406, the material around the opening 405 warps under the force 402 causing a warping 407 which affects a resulting restoring force 408 from the surface 403 to the weight plate 401. Without stiffening members, the effects of a drop on the weight plate 401 may be unpredictable and more likely to cause injury due to the unpredictable nature of effects such as bouncing.

[0044] In some implementations, without stiffening members, portions of a weight plate may degrade more rapidly. For example, after multiple drops onto the opening 405, or a user pulling from the opening 405, the opening 405 may be more likely to degrade as the force is localized to the region of the opening 405 instead of distributed through the weight plate 401 . Because users want products to remain functional and effective, the potential for a portion of the weight plate to fail prematurely would be highly disadvantageous.

[0045] FIG. 4B is a front 410 and side 416 view of a weight plate 411 with stiffening members when force 402 is applied at a perimeter portion of the weight plate. Similar to FIG. 4A, the weight plate 411 may be dropped on the surface 403. With stiffening members to stiffen the portion of the weight plate 411 corresponding to opening 415, the opening 415 remains stiff and the force 402 from the fall is transferred instead to an inner portion 414 of the weight plate 401. Because the inner portion 414 does not include non-central openings, the force 402 may be more equally distributed through the material of the weight plate 411 which may include a first material of the inner portion 414 and a second material of the one or more stiffening members used to stiffen one or more openings including the opening 415. In one example, the inner portion 414 may be constructed from a rubber material and the stiffening members may be a metal, such as steel.

[0046] The side view 416 of FIG. 4B shows a more predictable effect from the falling force 402. The effect is a restoring force 418 from the surface 403. The weight plate 411 remains within an initial plane without the warping 407 of the weight plate 401 without stiffening members. By reducing the unpredictability of effects related to forces applied to the weight plate 411 , the effects of a drop on the weight plate 411 may be less likely, compared to the weight plate 401 without stiffening members, to cause injury due to the unpredictable nature of effects such as bouncing.

[0047] In some implementations, with stiffening members, portions of a weight plate may be less likely to degrade. For example, during a drop onto the opening 415, or a user pulling from the opening 415, a stiffening member positioned at the region of the opening 415, e.g., as shown in FIG. 3, may distribute the force from the drop or pull onto the material of the weight plate 411. The interfaces between the stiffening members may work to activate the inner portion 414 of the weight plate 411 which may be more uniform compared to an outer portion of the weight plate 411 that includes the opening 415. In this way, a portion of the weight plate 411 , such as the opening 415 may be less likely to degrade in isolation as it is able to transfer any instance of force to other parts of the weight plate 411 through the one or more stiffening members thereby distributing any degradation caused by the force through the weight plate 411 . The weight plate 411 may remain functional and effective longer than the weight plate 401 without stiffening members because portions of the weight plate 411 are less likely to fail in isolation.

[0048] In some implementations, the force distribution of the weight plate 411 allows the weight plate 411 to be dropped without denting or otherwise damaging the surface 403. For example, a user may accidentally drop a weight plate. If the weight plate is rubberized steel or fully metal, the weight plate may indeed have a predictable effect but may not be able to distribute the falling force to prevent denting a surface that it contacts. Such as rubberized steel or fully metal weight plate may have the benefits of stiffness which allows for ease of gripping and maneuvering but does not prevent damage to the environment and may be liable for injuries if dropped on a user. In contrast, a fully rubber weight plate, or a weight plate that is more elastic and less stiff than steel or iron, may be less likely to injure persons or environments due to a slower transfer of restoring force. However, the same properties that prevent injuries to persons and environments may prevent ease of gripping and maneuvering. In this way, a weight plate with embedded stiffeners may achieve both the benefits of stiffness that allow for ease of gripping and maneuvering and the benefits of the less stiff, more elastic, materials that are to be stiffened by the embedded stiffeners that may help to prevent injuries to persons and environments.

[0049] In some implementations, a stiffening system, such as a stiffening system applied to a weight plate, may enable a substantially circular structure to exhibit more uniform radial stiffness without uniform geometry. For example, any substantially circular structure may have one or more features, such as the openings of a weight plate, that prevent the geometry from being uniform. However, using a stiffening system, such as the stiffening system shown in FIG.

3 with the stiffening members 307, may enable more uniform radial stiffness. In some implementations, segmented sections may be arranged to increase radial stiffness in regions where material has been removed to increase the ability to grip.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a front view of a weight plate 500 showing force effects on the weight plate 500. The weight plate 500 may be similar to the weight plate shown in FIG. 3. Forces 502 and 505 may act on the weight plate 500. The force 502 acts on the weight plate 500 over the opening 507. The force 505 acts on the weight plate 500 over a non-opening portion of the weight plate 500. Because the force 502 and the force 505 act on different compositions of the weight plate 500, a resulting restoring force will be different for each. As shown in FIG. 4, without stiffening members to solidify a plane of the weight plate, the weight plate 500 may warp under the effects of the force 502 or the force 505.

[0051] By including stiffening members in the weight plate 500, both the force 502 and the force 505 may activate the inner portion 509 of the weight plate 500. The stiffening members located near the opening 507 may transfer force from an outer location through to the inner portion 509 and back out again as a restoring force. Both the force 502 and 505 may act on either a stiffening member or an interface connecting stiffening members to transfer force to the inner portion 509. In this way, a resulting restoring force from the weight plate 500 with stiffening members may be more uniform than resulting restoring forces from the weight plate 500 without stiffening members at least because, in the latter case, the force 502 would act on a composition of the weight plate 500 different than the force 505 and, without a stiffening system to distribute the forces uniformly or semi-uniformly, may generate different resulting restoring forces. By making the restoring force more predictable through the use of a stiffening system of one or more stiffening members, a weight plate may be more safe as well as more durable.

[0052] FIGS. 6A-D show alternate configurations of interfacing stiffening members. Alternate configurations may be used to interface stiffening members of weight plate, such as the weight plate 101 shown in FIG. 3. Each configuration is shown in regard to two stiffening members interfacing with one another. Each stiffening member may include an opening. For example, configuration 610 includes stiffening member 611 and stiffening member 613 connected with one another at interface 615. The stiffening member 613 forms opening 613a. Although unmarked for clarity, other stiffening members shown in FIGS. 6A-D may similarly form openings.

[0053] FIG. 6A shows a configuration 610 of interfacing stiffening members 611 and 613. Interface 615 includes an opening and an inserting member. In the configuration 610, both an opening and inserting member is included in both the stiffening member 611 and 613. In this way, production may be simplified in producing a single form. Based on the curvature of the opening and inserting member of the interface 615, the stiffening members 611 and 613 may rotate about the interface 615 and transfer force through the interface to one another as well as receive force from the interface 615.

[0054] FIG. 6B shows a configuration 620 of interfacing stiffening members 621 and 623 coupled via an interface 625. Interface 625 includes a hinge. In some implementations, the hinge is made of the same material as the stiffening members 621 and 623. In some implementations, the hinge is made of material different than the stiffening members 621 and 623. In the configuration 620, the stiffening members 621 and 623 may rotate about the interface 625 as the hinge of the interface 625 bends. As such the hinge of the interface 625 may have a smaller thickness than the corresponding stiffening members 621 and 623. The interface 625 may be used to transfer force to and between the stiffening members 621 and 623.

[0055] FIG. 6C shows a configuration 630 of interfacing stiffening members 631 and 633. Interface 635 includes an opening and an inserting member. In the configuration 630, a stiffening member may be produced with two opening members or two inserting members. For example, stiffening member 631 includes two opening members and stiffening member 633 includes two inserting members. Interface 635 may include an opening member of the stiffening member 631 receiving an inserting member of the stiffening member 633.

Based on the curvature of the opening and inserting member of the interface 635, the stiffening members 631 and 633 may rotate about the interface 635 and transfer force through the interface to one another as well as receive force from the interface 635.

[0056] FIG. 6D shows a configuration 640 of interfacing stiffening members 641 and 643. Interface 645 includes a joint. The joint is depicted as cylindrical but any joint known in the art that allows movement of at least two members may be used. The joint interfaces between an opening member of the stiffening member 641 and an opening member of the stiffening member 643. In some implementations, a joint of an interface may include an opening member that is configured to receive inserting members of stiffening members. Based on the curvature of the components of the interface 645, including the joint, the stiffening members 641 and 643 may rotate about the interface 645 and transfer force through the interface to one another as well as receive force from the interface 645.

[0057] FIGS. 7A-C show cross-sectional front views of alternatively configured weight plates. In general, FIGS. 7A-C show stiffening members disposed closer to a perimeter of weight plates than openings formed within the weight plates.

As an alternative to the stiffening members 307 of FIG. 3, the stiffening members of FIGS. 7A-C do not form an opening. Rather, they are disposed between the perimeter of the weight plate and the openings formed within the weight plates.

In this configuration, this can result in added stiffness to the openings formed only in the other material of the weight plates, such as rubber. By occupying a region closer to the perimeter along a radial region also occupied by an opening, the stiffening members of FIGS. 7A-C may achieve the advantageous distribution of force discussed herein.

[0058] FIG. 7A shows a weight plate 700 with stiffening member 703 arranged above opening 701. The stiffening member 703 is arranged with stiffening members to either side, such as stiffening member 707. The stiffening member 703 may exchange force with the other stiffening members 707 and the other material of the weight plate 700 through an interface that includes a portion of material 705 used, in part, to construct the weight plate 700. For example, the stiffening member 703 may transfer force to a region of the material 705 between adjacent stiffening members 703, 707. The region of the material 705 may be an interface to transfer the force from the stiffening member 703 to the stiffening member 707 or vice versa. The material 705 may be less stiff or more elastic than the stiffening members 703, 707.

[0059] In some implementations, the amount of overhang of the stiffening member 703 relative to the shape of the opening 701 may be greater or less.

For example, the stiffening member 703 may extend further past the region of the opening 701 on either side (such as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C) or may, in another case, extend across only a portion of the region of the opening 701 .

That is, the stiffening member 703 may cover more or less radians measured from the central opening formed in the weight plate than the opening 701 depending on a particular implementation.

[0060] FIG. 7B shows a weight plate 710 with stiffening member 713 arranged above opening 711. The stiffening member 713 is arranged with stiffening members to either side, such as stiffening member 717. The stiffening member 713 may exchange force with the other stiffening members, such as stiffening member 717, and the other material of the weight plate 710 through an interface that includes a flexure 715. In some implementations, the flexure 715 may include a small portion of material that is less stiff than the stiffening member 713 or stiffening member 717 and thus allow each of the stiffening member 713 and the stiffening member 717 to rotate about the interface that includes the flexure 715. The stiffening member 713 may transfer force to the flexure 715 between the stiffening member 713 and the stiffening member 717. The flexure 715 may be an interface to transfer the force from the stiffening member 713 to the stiffening member 717 or vice versa.

[0061] In some implementations, the flexure 715 is constructed using a first material. For example, the first material may be the same as material used to construct the stiffening members 713, 717. The flexure 715 and stiffening members 713, 717 of the weight plate 710 may be physically connected in one piece of material where the stiffening members of the one piece are thicker and the flexures are thinner. For another example, the first material may be different than a material used to construct the stiffening member 713. The stiffening member 713 may, depending on implementation, be constructed using steel and the flexure 715 may, depending on implementation, be constructed using a plastic, metal, composite, or organic material such as wood. In general, any material known in the art may be used to construct the weight plates, stiffening members, and interface components described herein without limitation.

[0062] FIG. 7C shows a weight plate 720 with stiffening member 723 arranged above opening 721. The stiffening member 723 is arranged with stiffening members to either side, such as stiffening member 727. The stiffening member 723 may exchange force with the other stiffening members, such as stiffening member 727, and the other material of the weight plate 720 through an interface that includes an interface that directly connects the stiffening member 723 to adjacent members, such as stiffening member 727. In some implementations, the interface may be similar to the configurations of interfacing stiffening members shown in FIGS. 6A-D. The interface may allow each of the stiffening member 723 and the stiffening member 727 to rotate about the interface. As such, the stiffening member 723 may transfer force to the stiffening member 723 or vice versa.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process 800 for making a stiffening system. The process 800 may be performed to construct a weight plate, for example, the weight plate 101 of FIG. 3.

[0064] The process 800 includes arranging a plurality of stiffening members of a first material in a substantially circular pattern (802). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the weight plate 101 may be constructed by arranging the stiffening members 307 in a circular pattern. The stiffening members 307 may be of a material that is different from the material 309 that is used to construct an inner portion of the weight plate 101 , such as rubber.

[0065] The process 800 includes arranging an inner member at a central location relative to the plurality of stiffening members, the inner member defining an opening therethrough (804). For example, the weight plate 101 may be constructed by arranging the inner member 311 at the center of the weight plate 101. The inner member 311 may be configured to receive a bar or other object that may break a plane parallel with a plane of the face of the weight plate 101 .

[0066] The process 800 includes encasing at least a portion of the plurality of stiffening members and at least a portion of the inner member with a second material, the second material forming an outer perimeter of the weight plate that extends further than an outer edge of the substantially circular pattern of the plurality of stiffening members, and wherein the plurality of stiffening members are configured to increase the stiffness of a portion of the second material comprising the weight plate (806). For example, at least a portion of the stiffening members 307 and at least a portion of the inner member 311 may be embedded within a material 309. The material 309 may include one or more of rubber, plastic, or other materials less stiff than the stiffening members 307. The material 309 may be applied to the stiffening members 307 and the inner member 311 using a type of molding, such as pouring molding, injection molding, among others as known in the art.

[0067] The process 800 includes forming one or more openings in the second material and between the opening of the inner member and the outer perimeter of the weight plate (808). For example, the stiffening members 307 and the material 309 may form the openings 306 as shown in FIG. 3. In another implementation, such as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the openings 701 , 721 , and 711 , respectively, are formed in the material 705 but not by the stiffening members 703/707, 723/727, and 713/717, respectively.

[0068] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present disclosure, and various modifications and changes may be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Therefore, the implementations of the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present disclosure but to illustrate the technical idea of the present disclosure, and the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited by these implementations.

[0069] While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the specification or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0070] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments.

[0071] Particular implementations have been described. Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the steps recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.

[0072] What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A weight plate comprising: a body formed from a first material and having a perimeter, the body defining a central bore extending through the body; an inner member disposed at the central bore of the body; a plurality of stiffening members formed from a second material and embedded within the body along a path of a circumference of the body positioned between the perimeter of the body and the central bore, wherein the plurality of stiffening members are configured to increase a stiffness of a portion of the body of the plate; and a plurality of openings extending through the body of the plate and positioned closer to the perimeter of the plate than the central bore.

2. The weight plate of claim 1 , wherein an opening of the plurality of openings is centered at a first radial distance from the central bore, and wherein at least a portion of a stiffening member of the plurality of stiffening members occupies a region at a second radial distance, greater than the first radial distance, between the central bore and the perimeter of the body.

3. The weight plate of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of stiffening members define the plurality of openings extending through the body of the plate.

4. The weight plate of claim 1 , wherein the body of the plate defines the plurality of openings extending through the body of the plate.

5. The weight plate of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of stiffening members comprise at least two stiffening members that interface with one another.

6. The weight plate of claim 5, wherein a first of the two stiffening members defines an opening and a second of the two stiffening members comprises an interface member, wherein the opening of the first of the two stiffening members is configured to receive the interface member of the second of the two stiffening members.

7. The weight plate of claim 5, wherein the interface comprises a hinge member disposed between and coupled to the two stiffening members.

8. The weight plate of claim 7, wherein the hinge member comprises a lower stiffness than the two stiffening members.

9. The weight plate of claim 8, wherein the hinge member comprises a material that is same as the second material of the stiffening members.

10. The weight plate of claim 8, wherein the hinge member comprises a material that is different than the second material of the stiffening members.

11. The weight plate of claim 5, further comprising a joint member disposed between the two stiffening members, the joint member configured to allow the two stiffening members to rotate about the joint member.

12. The weight plate of claim 11 , wherein the joint member is cylindrical.

13. The weight plate of claim 5, wherein the interface comprises a portion of the second material that is configured to transfer force to or from the two stiffening members.

14. A method for producing a weight plate, the method comprising: arranging a plurality of stiffening members of a first material in a substantially circular pattern; arranging an inner member at a central location relative to the plurality of stiffening members, the inner member defining an opening therethrough; encasing at least a portion of the plurality of stiffening members and at least a portion of the inner member with a second material, the second material forming an outer perimeter of the weight plate that extends further than an outer edge of the substantially circular pattern of the plurality of stiffening members, and wherein the plurality of stiffening members are configured to increase the stiffness of a portion of the second material comprising the weight plate; and forming one or more openings in the second material and between the opening of the inner member and the outer perimeter of the weight plate.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein arranging the plurality of stiffening members comprises interfacing at least two stiffening members with one another.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein interfacing comprises inserting an interface member of one of the two stiffening members within an opening formed in the other of the two stiffening members.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein interfacing comprises forming a hinge member coupling the two stiffening members, wherein the hinge member has a lower stiffness than the two stiffening members.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein interfacing comprises arranging a joint member between the two stiffening members to allow the two stiffening members to rotate about the joint member.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least two stiffening members are interfaced with one another by a portion of the second material that is configured to transfer force to or from the at least two stiffening members.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more openings is formed through the second material and through the plurality of stiffening members.