WO2022053808A1

WO2022053808A1 - Exercise weight

Info

Publication number: WO2022053808A1
Application number: PCT/GB2021/052330
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon Thomas Phelps
Original assignee: Fluvial Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-09
Filing date: 2021-09-09
Publication date: 2022-03-17
Also published as: GB202014192D0; GB2599077A

Abstract

The invention relates to an exercise weight which comprising a chassis and a handle. The handle includes a grip extending between a pair of couplers. The chassis comprises a connector extending between two end elements, each end element comprises first and second locking locations to which a coupler can be releasably secured. A coupler of the handle is releasably engagable with the first locking locations of each end element such that the handle can be releasably coupled between the end elements in a first position relative to the connector. A coupler of the handle is also releasably engagable with the second locking locations of each end element such that the handle can be releasably coupled between the end elements in a second position relative to the connector.

Description

Exercise Weight

The present invention relates to an exercise weight, particularly, to an adjustable exercise weight and a method of adjusting the exercise weight.

More people are turning to home exercise equipment as a cheaper and easier means of keeping fit than purchasing a gym membership. For example, retail outlets sell home equipment such as bars, weight disks, benches and multifunctional weight stations to cater to the consumer that desires to improve their fitness.

An exercise weight may be fixed, or may comprise individual weights, such as disks, that can be loaded onto a load carrying bar that can be used as a dumbbell or barbell. Such systems are easier to store than purchasing fixed dumbbells or barbells of particular weights, since they can be disassembled and stored as separate components, although room is still required to store the amount of weights that the user has when disassembled in addition to the bar itself. Kettlebells are also a popular form of exercise weight.

Some exercise weights have a centralised handle portion and individual weights can be purchased and secured to the handle. In this way, the total weight can be adjusted by varying the type and amount of weight attached to the handle. The weights can be attached to the handle in different ways, for example the weights can be mounted onto the handle and subsequently locked in place on the handle using a clamp or locking nut.

According to the invention there is provided an exercise weight, the exercise weight comprising a chassis and a handle, wherein: the handle includes a grip extending between a pair of couplers; the chassis comprises a connector extending between two end elements, each end element comprising first and second locking locations to which a coupler can be releasably secured; a coupler of the handle being releasably engagable with the first locking locations of each end element such that the handle can be releasably coupled between the end elements in a first position relative to the connector; and a coupler of the handle being releasably engagable with the second locking locations of each end element such that the handle can be releasably coupled between the end elements in a second position relative to the connector. The invention therefore provides an exercise weight in which a handle can be coupled a chassis in two different positions relative to a connector of the chassis. This allows the balance of the weight to be adjusted according to the exercise to be carried out.

The exercise weight can be used for exercise with the handle secured to the chassis in one of the two positions relative to the connector. However, to provide additional options, the exercise weight may further comprise a weight plate arranged adjacent an end element. The inclusion of weight plates can allow the total weight and/or balance of the exercise weight to be adjusted by the addition, removal, or movement of one or more weight plates.

Arranging the weight plate adjacent the end element allows the weight plate to be supported by the end element. The coupler of the handle may engage with the weight plate when engaging a locking location of the end element adjacent said weight plate such that the handle releasably secures the weight plate to the chassis when coupled between the end elements. A weight plate can be secured to the chassis in a variety of ways, but by using the handle to secure the weight plates to the chassis provides a convenient mechanism for securing the weight plate to the chassis.

The exercise weight may comprise a plurality of weight plates. Weight plates may be added to, or removed from, the chassis of the exercise weight to adjust the overall weight or the balance of the weight. At least one weight plate may be arranged adjacent each end element as this may help to balance the weight. As set out above, the weight plates may be engaged by the couplers of the handle when releasably engaging a locking location of an end element adjacent the weight plates such that the handle releasably secures the weight plates to the chassis when coupled between the end elements.

In the first and second position the handle is secured to the chassis and will also secure any weight plates which are arranged adjacent to the end elements of the chassis to the chassis. This allows a user to adjust the balance of the exercise weight to provide different exercise options and also to adjust the overall weight of the exercise weight by adding or removing weight plates. This can provide a compact and convenient exercise weight that can be adapted for a variety of exercises.

By the term exercise weight it is meant a piece of equipment for use in weight training, similar, but not limited to, a free weight or a kettlebell. An exercise weight having a handle can be grasped by the handle and lifted to be used in a variety of exercises by a user.

The chassis of the exercise weight provides the body of the exercise weight to which the handle and any weight plates can be secured. The chassis comprises end elements secured together by a connector. The connector may provide a second handle for the exercise weight. The end elements each comprise two locking locations to which a coupler of a handle can be secured. This allows each end of the handle can be secured to the chassis allowing a more secure connection between handle and chassis.

The two locations allow the handle to be secured to the chassis in two different positions relative to the connector. The two different positions may include a substantially central position and an offset position. The central position may allow the exercise weight to be used for exercises normally carried out using a dumbbell and the offset position may allow the exercise weight to be used for two handed exercises, for example those normally carried out using a kettlebell. In one, or both, positions the handle may extend substantially parallel with the connector. The central position may be substantially half way between the connector and the offset position.

The handle includes a grip arranged between two couplers. The grip is a portion of the handle that is intended to be grasped and held by a user. It may be smooth, or textured to enhance grip. The two couplers may be substantially identical and the locking locations in each end element may be substantially identical so that the handle can be fitted either way around.

Each weight plate may add a predetermined mass to the exercise weight. For example each weight plate may add between about 1kg and 5kg to the exercise weight, for example between 2kg and 4kg. Each weight plate may weight about 1kg, 2kg, 3kg, 4kg or 5kg. Each weight plate may have substantially the same weight, for example about 3kg. Each end element may comprise a weight which is the same as the options set out for the weight plates above. Each exercise plate may be substantially flat, having a depth which is shallow when compared with a width or length of the plate. The weight plates may have any suitable peripheral shape, for example substantially square or circular. Each weight plate may be substantially identical in shape and may substantially match a shape of one or both end elements.

Each end element may include a locking track extending away from the connecter along which a coupler can slide, and along which the at least two locking locations are distributed. The locking locations may be defined in any suitable way, for example the end element may include features, for example projections, depressions, openings, apertures, which allow a coupler to be secured in that location.

The securing may involve an active locking mechanism in which a movable locking element engages with a feature of the locking location, for example such as a catch, pin or other element may extend from the coupler to engage with a feature of the locking location. The securing may additionally or alternatively involve passive mechanism in which the handle is manipulated to cause the couplers to engage with a feature of the locking location. This will be described in more detail below.

The locking track may be defined within, through or around the end element. The locking track may be a channel extending through the end element as this can provide a robust connection. The locking track may be substantially linear as this may facilitate movement of the handle along the track.

The connector may be located adjacent an edge of each end element. Each locking track may include a first locking position which is substantially central in the end element, and a second locking position adjacent an edge of the end element opposite the connector. By positioning the connector and second locking positions at opposing edges of the end elements it is possible to provide a wide separation between the two, which may allow increased imbalances to be provided, or allow both the handle and connector to be held by a user which may be useful for some exercises.

The locking tracks of the end elements may be parallel. This may facilitate fitting of the handle and allow for simplified construction of the connectors.

As suggested above, the locking tracks of the end elements may be channels in the end elements. The channels may extend along a channel axis and have a width perpendicular to the channel axis. The channel may having a first width in the locking locations and a second width elsewhere. The first width may be greater than the second width. This allows a coupler to be created that can move within the channel in one orientation, but only adopt a second orientation within the locking locations. This provides a passive mechanism for securing the handle to the chassis. In some examples the channel width outside the locking locations may be between about 20 and 25 mm, for example about 23 mm. In the locking locations there may be an enlargement in channel width, for example a circular enlargement, and the channel width in the locking location may be up to between 30 and 35 mm. A circular enlargement in the locking channel may have a diameter of about 32.5 mm.

The grip portion of the handle may be substantially circular and the couplers of the handle may comprise a non-circular portion. The non-circular portion may have a first rotational orientation relative to the channel axis in which a width of the non-circular portion perpendicular to the channel axis is between the first and second width of the channel and a second orientation in which a width of the non-circular portion perpendicular to the channel axis is less than the second width of the channel. Such a coupler can slide, or move within the channel when in the second orientation and can be rotated to the first orientation when in a locking location. With the coupler in the first orientation the coupler cannot leave the locking location and is therefore secured to the chassis.

The orientation of the couplers of the handle may be changed from the first to the second orientation by rotation which may be rotation of the coupler independent of the grip portion of the handle, but may be through rotation of the entire handle itself.

The handle may be rotated by about 90° to change the coupler orientation from the first to the second orientation. This provides a simple mechanism for securing the handle to the chassis and releasing the handle from the chassis.

The handle may further includes a locking arm comprising a pin which is engagable with a security aperture on an end element when in a locking location to prevent rotation of the handle from the first orientation to the second orientation. This provides a simple mechanism to lock the orientation of the handle when the handle is secured to the chassis. This may help to prevent accidental release of the handle.

The end elements may be any suitable shape, for example strips, rods or bars, but may be end plates. The end elements, or end plates, may extend substantially perpendicular to the connector. The end elements, or end plates, may be substantially the same shape, for example square in profile, and may substantially match the profile of the weight plates. A square profile may stabilise the exercise weight when placed on a floor, or other surface, allowing the weight to be used as a raised bar for certain exercises. A thickness of the end plates end may also substantially match the thickness of the weight plates. Each weight plate may have a height of between 15 and 20 cm and a width of between 15 and 20 cm and a depth of between 1 and 2 cm. In some examples a weight plate may have a square profile of about 17.5 cm each side and a depth of about 1.5 cm.

The exercise weight may height of between 15 and 20 cm and a width of between 15 and 20 cm and a depth, or length, of between 20 and 30 cm, for example the exercise weight may have a square profile of about 17.5 cm each side and a length of about 24 cm.

As noted above, each end element may include a locking track extending away from the connecter along which a coupler can slide and along which the at least two locking locations are distributed, and the weight plates may include a matching locking track. Although the handle could couple the weight plates to the chassis in a variety of ways, including active and passive ways, providing a matching locking track in the end elements and weight plates facilitates securing both the handle and weight plates to the chassis. The securing may occur substantially simultaneously.

The connector may include a plurality of holes adjacent each end element and each weight plate may include a prong which engages with a corresponding hole when arranged adjacent each end element. This allows the position of the weight plates relative to the end elements to be pre-determined.

The connector may include profile which includes a weight contact portion arranged adjacent one of the end elements. The weight contact portion sized to correspond with a cutout in a weight plate. In this way the cutout can be engaged with the weight contact portion of the connector such that the weight plate is arranged in a predetermined location relative to the end element. The connector may include a plurality of weight contact portions adjacent an end element, and each weight contact portion may have a different size and/or shape which corresponds with a cutout of a predetermined weight plate. In this way a user is guided as to the correct locations of the weight plates adjacent the end element.

The exercise weight may further comprise end covers which extend over at least a portion of each end element and possibly also adjacent weight plates. The end cover may secured removably, or permanently, to the end element by any suitable means, for example mechanical fixings, by a friction fit, or by an adhesive. The end cover may include alignment features such as one or more of a base, guide ridges, grooves and slots which assist in the alignment of weight plates with the chassis.

The connector may include a second grip portion. The second grip portion of the connector may be substantially the same shape and size as the grip portion of the handle. This allows the connector to be used as a second handle which allows a user to grip both handles to lift or carry the exercise weight.

The invention also provides method of adjusting an exercise weight, the exercise weight comprising a chassis, a handle, the handle includes a grip extending between a pair of couplers, the chassis comprises a connector extending between two end elements, each end element comprising a first locking location and a second locking location to which a coupler can be releasably secured, a coupler of the handle being releasably engaged with the first locking location of each end element such that the handle is releasably secured to the chassis at a first position relative to the connector, the method comprising: releasing the handle from the chassis by releasing the couplers from the first locking locations; moving the handle relative to the connector; and releasably securing the couplers of the handle to the first locking locations of the end elements, or to the second locking locations of the end elements to secure the handle to the chassis in the first position relative to the connector, or a second position relative to the connector.

This method provides a user with the option of releasing the handle from the chassis and reconnecting it at a different position relative to the chassis to provide different workout options.

The handle may be rotated from a first orientation to a second orientation to release it from the chassis, and may be rotated from a second orientation to a first orientation to secure it to chassis.

A pin may be coupled to the handle to prevent the handle being released from the chassis. The method may include the step of disengaging the pin from end element of the chassis to allow the handle to be released from the chassis.

After the couplers of the handle the have been secured to the first locking location or second locking locations to secure the handle and weight plates to the chassis, the method may include engaging the pin with an end element of the chassis.

After releasing the handle from the chassis, the handle may be removed from the chassis and a plurality of weight plates may be added to, or removed from, the chassis adjacent the end elements and the couplers of the handle are then secured to the first locking location or second locking locations to secure the handle and any weight plates to the chassis.

Adding a weight plate to the chassis may comprise inserting a prong of the weight plate into a hole of the connector.

The invention has been described with reference to an example in which the chassis comprises a connector extending between two end elements, and in which each end element comprises first and second locking locations to which a coupler can be releasably secured. In other examples each end plate may comprise only one locking location to which a coupler can be releasably secured. The one locking location may be a central location to provide a dumbbell type arrangement or an offset location to provide a kettlebell type arrangement. In other examples each end plate may comprise more than two locking locations to which a coupler can be releasably secured to provide additional options for the handle location. The features described in connection with the two locking position example, in particular those of the handle and the way in which the handle and the way in which the handle interacts with the end plates and I or the weight plates, also apply to the one location example and the three or more location example.

In a further example the invention provides an exercise weight, the exercise weight comprising a chassis and a handle, wherein: the handle includes a grip extending between a pair of couplers; the chassis comprises a connector extending between two end elements, each end element comprising a locking location to which a coupler can be releasably secured; a coupler of the handle being releasably engagable with the locking location of each end element such that the handle can be releasably coupled between the end elements in a first position relative to the connector; each end element includes a locking track extending away from the connecter along which a coupler can slide and along which the locking location is located; wherein the locking tracks of the end elements are channels in the end elements and the channels in the end elements extend along a channel axis and have a width perpendicular to the channel axis, the channel having a first width in the locking location and a second width elsewhere, the first width being greater than the second width, and the couplers of the handle comprise a non-circular portion, the non-circular portion having a first rotational orientation relative to the channel axis in which a width of the non-circular portion perpendicular to the channel axis is between the first and second width of the channel and a second orientation in which a width of the non-circular portion perpendicular to the channel axis is less than the second width of the channel.

As set out above, the orientation of the couplers of the handle may be changed from the first to the second orientation by rotation of the handle, for example the handle may be rotated by 90° to change the coupler orientation from the first to the second orientation.

The handle may further include a locking arm comprising a pin which is engagable with a security aperture on an end element to prevent rotation of the handle from the first orientation to the second orientation.

As set out above the handle may be used to locate and secure one or more weight plates to the exercise weight. This example provides a simple and reliable method for altering the exercise weight. The handle can be released and removed from the chassis to allow weight plates to be added or removed before the handle is replaced and re-secured to the, or one of the, locking locations.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a view of an exercise weight with a handle in a first position;

Figure 2 shows a view of the exercise weight of Figure 1 with additional weight plates and a handle in a second position

Figure 3 shows a view of the handle of the exercise weight of Figure 1 when removed from the exercise weight;

Figures 4A to 4D shows views of the handle of an exercise weight being moved between the different positions with an end of the handle not shown for clarity;

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of an exercise weight; and

Figure 6 shows another example of a weight plate and associated chassis.

Figure 1 shows a view of an exercise weight 1 with a handle 2 releasably secured in a first position. The exercise weight 1 comprises a chassis 4 and a handle 2 which is coupled to the chassis 4. The handle 2 includes a grip 6 extending between a pair of couplers 8,10 and can be more easily seen in Figure 3. The chassis 4 comprises a connector 12 extending between two end elements 14,16. The end elements 14,16 extend substantially perpendicular to the connector 12. Each end element 14,16 of this example is an end plate that is substantially square in profile and comprises first and second locking locations 18,20 to which a coupler 8,10 can be releasably secured. The connector 12 extends from a substantially central position of a lower edge of each end element 14,16.

The first and second locking locations 18,20 are arranged along a locking track 24. The locking track 24 begins at the first locking location 18 which his arranged substantially centrally in the end elements 14,16 and extends away from the connector 12 to the second locking location 20 which is in a substantially central position adjacent an upper edge of the end elements 14,16.

As shown in Figure 1, a coupler 8,10 of the handle is releasably engaged with the first locking locations 18 of each end element 14,16 such that the handle 2 is releasably coupled between the end elements 14,16 in a first position relative to the connector 12. In this case, in the first position for the handle the handle extends between substantially centrally located first locking locations 18 of each end element 14,16. The exercise weight of Figure 1 also includes two weights plates 22. One weight plate 22 is arranged adjacent each end element 14,16. The weight plates 22 include locking tracks 26 which substantially match the locking tracks 24 of the end elements 14,16, and the locking tracks 26 include first and second locking locations 18,20.

The handle 2 also includes a locking arm 28 comprising a pin 30 (best shown in Figure 3). The pin 30 which is engaged with a security aperture 32 on the end element 14 which prevents the handle 2 being rotated. A security aperture 32 is located adjacent each locking location 18,20. The pin 30 is coupled to a spring loaded handle 34 which can be operated by a user to pull the pin 30 out of the security aperture 32 so that the handle 2 can be rotated.

The exercise weight 1 also includes end covers 36 which extend over at least some of a respective end element 14,16 and any adjacent weight plates 22. The end covers 36 provide support and guides 37 for the weight plates 22 and also provide an external contact surface which makes contact with, for example a floor, when the exercise weight 1 is set down. This may help to prevent damage to the floor as the end covers can prevent contact between the floor and the chassis 4 or weight plates 22. The end covers 36 may be made of any suitable material, for example metal or plastic and may include a coating such as a rubberised or soft coating.

Figure 2 shows a view of the exercise weight 1 of Figure 1 with two additional weight plates 22 and the handle 2 in a second position. In the second position the handle 2 extends between the second locking locations 20 of the end elements 14,16. In the second position the handle 2 extends parallel with the connector 12 of the chassis 4 and the handle 2 and connector 12 are arranged on opposite sides of the first locking location 18 such that the connector 12 and handle 2 are substantially equidistant from the first locking location 18.

The handle 2 also includes guide plates 38 between the grip 6 and the couplers 8,10. These guide plates 38 can help to support the weight plates 22 arranged on the chassis.

Although these figures show end elements 14,16 with first and second locking locations 18,20, as has been discussed above, in other examples the end elements 14,16 may include only one locking location 18 or 20, or may include additional locking locations not shown in these figures.

Figure 3 shows a view of the handle 2 of the exercise weight 1 of Figure 1 with the handle 2 removed from the chassis 4 to allow the parts of the handle 2 to be more easily seen. In particular it can be seen that the handle 2 is formed as a unitary structure and the couplers 8,10 are formed as modified cylinders which aligned with the grip portion 6. The cylinders are modified in that opposing sides of the cylinder have been removed to provide flat areas. The couplers 8,10 have a cross section shape which is substantially rectangular. The cross section shape of the couplers has opposing long, substantially parallel, flat sides linked by curved short ends and this shape can be seen more easily with reference to Figures 4A to 4D. With the handle 2 removed from the chassis 4 weight plates 22 can be added to, or removed from, the chassis 4 prior to the handle 2 being reconnected to the chassis 2 as described below.

Figures 4A to 4D shows views of the handle 2 of an exercise weight being moved between the different positions with an end of the handle 2 not shown for clarity. In this case the locking arm 28 has been removed from the view so that the shape of the cross section of a coupler 8 can be seen. As show in Figure 4A the handle 2 has just been inserted into the locking tracks 24 of the end elements.

The locking tracks 24 comprise a straight channel 40 having a width which substantially matches the distance between the flat sides of the cross section of the couplers 8,10 except in the first and second locking locations 18,20 where a substantially circular enlargement 42 is provided having a diameter substantially matching the distance between the curved ends of the cross section of the couplers 8,10.

This arrangement allows the couplers 8,10 of the handle 2 to enter, or move along, the channel 40 only in an orientation in which the flat sides of the cross section profile of the couplers 8,10 is aligned along the channel 40. In this example the grip 6 and couplers 8,10 are formed together so that the rotating the grip 6 rotates the couplers 8,10. By rotating the grip 6 the orientation of the couplers 8,10 can be changed between an orientation in which the flat sides of the cross section profile is substantially parallel with sides of the channel 40 allowing the couplers 8,10 to enter the channel 40.

As shown I Figure 4A the couplers 8,10 of the handle have entered the channel 40 and are located in the second locking location 20 of each of the end elements 14,16.

Figure 4B shows the handle 2 in the same position relative to the chassis 44 as in Figure4A, but rotated by 90° about a long axis of the handle 2. The rotation of the handle 2 in this way is possible because the couplers 8,10 are located in a locking location 18,20 of the channel 40, in this case the second locking location 20. The circular enlargement 42 is sized to permit the couplers 8,10 to rotate. When the couplers 8,10 are rotated by 90° so that the flat sides of the cross sectional profile are perpendicular to the sides of the channel 40 the couplers 8,10 are trapped in the circular enlargements 42 which means that the handle 2 is releasably coupled to the chassis 4 in the second position.

As shown in relation to Figure 1 and 2, when the couplers 8,10 are trapped in the first or second locking locations 18,20 with the flat sides of the cross section profile of the couplers 8,10 are perpendicular to the sides of the channel 40 the pin 30 can be inserted into a security aperture 32 adjacent the respective locking location 18,20. The pin 30 may be spring loaded to bias it towards a position in which the pin 30 extends from the locking arm 28.

With the pin 30 engaged in a security aperture 32 rotation of the handle 2 is prevented and the handle 2 is therefore secured to the chassis 4.

Figure 4C shows the handle 2 after it has been rotated by 90° from the position shown in Figure 4C so that the orientation of the handle 2 is the same as shown in Figure 4A. The couplers 8,10 are arranged in the channel 40 between the first locking location 18 and second locking location 20. As the couplers are located between the first locking location 18 and second locking location 20 rotation of the handle 2 is prevented.

In order for the handle 2 to be rotated from the position shown in Figure 4B the pin 30 must be disengaged from the security aperture 32 and this can be achieved by pulling the handle 34 away from the locking arm 28. Once the pin 30 is disengaged from the security aperture 32 the handle 2 is rotated to move the pin 30 out of alignment with the security aperture 32 before the handle 34 is released which could cause the pin 30 to re-enter the security aperture 32.

Figure 4C shows the handle 2 in the first position in which the couplers 8,10 are arranged in the circular enlargement of the first locking locations 18. The handle 2 has been rotated by 90° so that the flat sides of the cross sectional profile of the couplers 8,10 are perpendicular to the sides of the channel 40 and the couplers 8,10 are trapped in the circular enlargements 42 which means that the handle 2 is releasably coupled to the chassis 4 in the first position.

As described in relation to Figure 4B the pin 30 is engaged with the security aperture 32 adjacent the first locking location 18. This prevents the handle 2 from being rotated and thereby secures the handle 2 in the first position.

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a handle 2, chassis 4 and weight plates 22. The weight plates 22 have an external shape that substantially matches the shape of the end elements 14,16. Each weight plate 22 includes a cutout 44 to fit over the connector 12 so that the weight plate can be aligned with the end elements 14,16. Figure 6 shows another example of a weight plate 122 and associated chassis 104. The weight plate 122 and chassis 104 are similar to the weight plate 22 and chassis 4 previously described.

The connector 112 of the chassis 104 includes holes 46 adjacent the end elements 114,116 which are able to receive a prong 48 of the weight plate 122 which is arranged within a cutout 140 of the weight plate 122. The engagement of the prong 48 into a hole of the connector 112 of the chassis 104 allows a more secure connection between the weight plate 122 and the chassis 104.

Claims

1. An exercise weight, the exercise weight comprising a chassis and a handle, wherein: the handle includes a grip extending between a pair of couplers; the chassis comprises a connector extending between two end elements, each end element comprising first and second locking locations to which a coupler can be releasably secured; a coupler of the handle being releasably engagable with the first locking locations of each end element such that the handle can be releasably coupled between the end elements in a first position relative to the connector; and a coupler of the handle being releasably engagable with the second locking locations of each end element such that the handle can be releasably coupled between the end elements in a second position relative to the connector.

2. An exercise weight as claimed in claim 1, in which the exercise weight further comprises a weight plate arranged adjacent an end element and in which a coupler of the handle engages with the weight plate when engaging a locking location of the end element adjacent said weight plate such that the handle releasably secures the weight plate to the chassis when coupled between the end elements.

3. An exercise weight as claimed in claim 1, in which the exercise weight further comprises a plurality of weight plates, at least one weight plate arranged adjacent each end element and in which the weight plates are engaged by the couplers of the handle when releasably engaging a locking location of an end element adjacent the weight plates such that the handle releasably secures the weight plates to the chassis when coupled between the end elements.

4. An exercise weight as claimed in claim 1 , claim 2 or claim 3, in which each end element includes a locking track extending away from the connecter along which a coupler can slide and along which the first and second locking locations are distributed.

5. An exercise weight as claimed in claim 4, in which the connector is located adjacent an edge of the end element and each locking track includes a first locking position which is substantially central in the end element, and a second locking position adjacent an edge of the end element opposite the connector.

6. An exercise weight as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, in which the locking tracks of the end elements are parallel.

7. An exercise weight as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6, in which the locking tracks of the end elements are channels in the end elements.

8. An exercise weight as claimed in claim 7, in which the channels in the end elements extend along a channel axis and have a width perpendicular to the channel axis, the channel having a first width in the locking locations and a second width elsewhere, the first width being greater than the second width, and the couplers of the handle comprise a non-circular portion, the non-circular portion having a first rotational orientation relative to the channel axis in which a width of the non-circular portion perpendicular to the channel axis is between the first and second width of the channel and a second orientation in which a width of the non-circular portion perpendicular to the channel axis is less than the second width of the channel.

9. An exercise weight as claimed in claim 8, in which the orientation of the couplers of the handle is changed from the first to the second orientation by rotation of the handle.

10. An exercise weight as claimed in claim 7, in which the handle is rotated by 90° to change the coupler orientation from the first to the second orientation.

11. An exercise weight as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10, in which the handle further includes a locking arm comprising a pin which is engagable with a security aperture on an end element to prevent rotation of the handle from the first orientation to the second orientation.

12. An exercise weight as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the end elements are end plates which extend substantially perpendicular to the connector.

13. An exercise weight as claimed in claim 12, in which the end plates are substantially square in profile.

14. An exercise weight as claimed in claim 12, or claim 13, in which the exercise weight comprises a plurality of weight plates, each weight plate having an external profile which substantially matches an external profile of the end plates. 17

15. An exercise weight as claimed in claim 3, in which each end element includes a locking track extending away from the connecter along which a coupler can slide and along which the at least two locking locations are distributed, and the weight plates include a matching locking track.

16. An exercise weight as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the connector includes a plurality of holes adjacent each end element into which a prong of a weight plate can be inserted when arranged adjacent each end element.

17. An exercise weight as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the exercise weight further comprises end covers which extend over at least a portion of each end element.

18. A method of adjusting an exercise weight, the exercise weight comprising a chassis, a handle, the handle includes a grip extending between a pair of couplers, the chassis comprises a connector extending between two end elements, each end element comprising a first locking location and a second locking location to which a coupler can be releasably secured, a coupler of the handle being releasably engaged with the first locking location of each end element such that the handle is releasably secured to the chassis at a first position relative to the connector, the method comprising: releasing the handle from the chassis by releasing the couplers from the first locking locations; moving the handle relative to the connector; and releasably securing the couplers of the handle to the first locking locations of the end elements, or to the second locking locations of the end elements to secure the handle to the chassis in the first position relative to the connector, or a second position relative to the connector.

19. A method as claimed in claim 19, in which the handle is rotated from a first orientation to a second orientation to release it from the chassis.

20. A method as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, in which the handle is rotated from a second orientation to a first orientation to secure it to chassis.

21. A method as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20, in which a pin coupled to the handle is disengaged from an end element of the chassis to allow the handle to be released from the chassis. 18

22. A method as claimed in claim 21 , in which, after the couplers of the handle the have been secured to the first locking location or second locking location to secure the handle to the chassis the pin is engaged with an end element of the chassis.

23. A method as claimed in any of claims 18 to 22, in which, after releasing the handle from the chassis, the handle is removed from the chassis and a weight plate is added to the chassis adjacent an end element and, when the couplers of the handle are then secured to the first locking location or second locking location to secure the handle to the chassis, a coupler further engages the weight plate and secures said weight plate to the chassis.

24. A method as claimed in claim 23, in which adding a weight plate to the chassis comprises inserting a prong of the weight plate in to a hole of the connector.

25. A method as claimed in any of claims 18 to 24, in which, after releasing the handle from the chassis, the handle is removed from the chassis and a weight plate is removed from the chassis.