Freestanding Selectable Free Weight Assembly

Abstract

An adjustable weight set apparatus includes a handle having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. A first weight set is adapted to be supported on the first end portion of the handle and a second weight set is adapted to be supported on the second end portion of the handle. Each of the first and second weight sets includes a plurality of weight plates. An adjustment assembly is mounted on the handle and includes a single selector element and a pair of selectors positioned for engaging and retaining the weight plates to the handle. The selectors are operatively connected to the selector element such that movement of the single selector element causes movement of both selectors for engaging and retaining the weight plates of the first and second weight sets to the handle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 12/262,478, filed Oct. 31, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to free weights, and in particular, to a selectable free weight assembly having an improved ease of use and a compact design.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An adjustable weight dumbbell apparatus enables a user to have access to a plurality of differing weight sets in a single handset by facilitating the addition or subtraction of weight from the apparatus. In the past, the use of free weight dumbbells generally offered the user one of two options. The first option was a plurality of free weight dumbbell of solid mass in a sufficient number to fulfill the entire desired free weight requirement (i.e., multiple pairs of dumbbells). The second option was an adjustable dumbbell that required physically clamping or securing the weights to a handset using a hand wrench manual locking apparatus.

More recently, improvements in the design of free weight dumbbell designs have been made. While these developments have shown advantages, they are still encumbered by numerous disadvantages. One in particular arises from the user manually removing one or more components in an effort to adjust the weight. The weights are configured as a series of plates with rods connecting the outer vertical sides of each plate to its mated plate at the opposing side of the handset device. As the weights are stacked farther and farther apart, the rods connecting them are increasingly longer to span the greater distance. This means of construction produces a “cage-like” configuration.

Another issue is the ability of a dumbbell to withstand impacts and collisions. Other than solid dumbbells, damage during a drop or collision is almost certain, possibly rendering the adjustable dumbbell of the prior art useless. Some designs require a certain gap between heavy components that would tend to close up due to an impact. The risk of potential injury is likely increased in designs like the “cage-like” configuration where the hand or fingers of the user could be trapped if the dumbbell is dropped, which could lead to injury of the extremity, possibly followed by a collision and further injury once the dumbbell is finally released.

Still another deficiency existing in the prior art relates to adjustable dumbbell apparatuses that employ a tray or other containment device to retain and support the dumbbell when not in use. The problem with this design is that the dumbbell and tray are designed to fit snuggly together. Thus, the design requires a great deal of care and precision when replacing the dumbbell in the tray.

Therefore, it can be seen that it is desirable to provide a selectable free weight dumbbell apparatus that is reliable and easy to use. Further, such an apparatus would be designed and built in a manner that is simple for the user to select the desired weight and secure the weight to the apparatus in an effective and secure manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, an adjustable weight set apparatus generally comprises a handle having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. A first weight set is adapted to be supported on the first end portion of the handle and a second weight set is adapted to be supported on the second end portion of the handle. Each of the first and second weight sets includes a plurality of weight plates. An adjustment assembly is mounted on the handle and includes a single selector element and a pair of selectors positioned for engaging and retaining the weight plates to the handle. The selectors are operatively connected to the selector element such that movement of the single selector element causes movement of both selectors for engaging and retaining the weight plates of the first and second weight sets to the handle.

In another aspect of the invention, an adjustable weight set apparatus generally comprises a handle having a first end portion, a second end portion and a longitudinal axis. An adjustment assembly is mounted on the handle and comprises at least one moveable selector. Weight plates are adapted to be retained on the handle by the selector. The selector is adapted to extend through holes in the weight plates to retain the weight plates to the handle. The selector conforms to a shape of the holes over at least a top half of the selector to prevent relative movement of the selector and weight plates transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

In yet another aspect of the invention, an adjustable weight set apparatus generally comprises a handle assembly including a handle and a plurality of weight plates adapted for mounting on the handle. The weight plates comprise a main body portion and a top portion extending from the main body portion at an angle.

In still another aspect of the invention, an adjustable weight set apparatus generally comprises a handle having a first end portion, a second end portion and a longitudinal axis. An adjustment assembly is mounted on the handle and carries at least one movable selector. Weight plates are adapted to be selectively retained on the handle by the selector. A retainer is sized and shaped for receiving the handle and weight plates. The retainer comprises end walls and a bottom wall. The retainer is adjustable in length.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a free weight dumbbell apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a end view of the apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a perspective of a weight plate of the apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a cross section of the apparatus taken through line 6-6 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross section of a handle assembly and adjustment assembly of the apparatus;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a portion of the handle assembly and adjustment assembly;

FIG. 10 is a perspective of a handle of the apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a perspective of a dial of the apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a perspective of a collar of the apparatus;

FIG. 13 is a perspective of a selector shaft of the apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a perspective of an adjustable retainer of the apparatus; and

FIG. 15 is an illustration of the operation of the present invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and more specifically to FIGS. 1-4, a freestanding selectable free weight dumbbell apparatus 10 generally comprises a dumbbell handle assembly 12 including a tubular handle 14 and a pair of collars 18, 20 mounted on respective ends of the handle. A pair of weight plate sets 16 are supported by the handle assembly 12 and an adjustable retainer 22 is adapted for holding the handle assembly 12 and weight plate sets 16. Each weight plate set 16 comprises a plurality of weight plates 24. A dial 26 (broadly, a “selector element”) mounted on collar 18 adjusts the number of weight plates 24 in each set 16 supported by the handle assembly for varying the total weight of the apparatus 10. A portion of the handle 14 extends between the collars 18, 20 for allowing a user to grasp and manipulate the apparatus 10.

The weight plates 24 in each plate set 16 are arranged in mating sequence between respective collars 18, 20 and retainer end plates 28. The weight plates 24 each comprise a main body portion 29 and a top bent portion 31 extending from the body portion at a skewed angle (FIG. 5). This configuration of the weight plates 24 reduces the overall length of the apparatus 10 as compared to weight plates without a bend. As a result, the shape of the weight plates 24 creates a more compact apparatus 10 which makes for a more easy manipulation of the apparatus. The weight plates 24 may have other shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention. For instance, the weight plates could be substantially round.

Each collar 18, 20 has a collar plate 32 fixed to the respective collar for engaging the first weight plate 24. The collar plates can be made of a suitable material such as steel and have, as illustrated, the same overall shape as the weight plates. However, it is to be understood that the collar plates may have a shape different from the shape of the weight plates. For example a collar plate (not shown) may be slightly smaller than the weight plates 24 shown in the drawings so as to accommodate weight plates of different shapes (e.g., circular weight plates, not shown) without projecting out from any peripheral edge of either shape of weight plate. The weight plates 24 can be made of a suitable material such as steel and the weight plates in each set 16 are designed to lock together in sequence from the collar 18, 20 toward the retainer 22. The weight plates 24 are also designed to lock to the collar plates 32 and retainer end plates 28.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the weight plates 24, collars 18, 20 and retainer end plates 28 each have locking mechanisms 30 for attaching to adjacent components. Specifically, the locking mechanisms 30 function to lock two adjoining weight plates 24 together, or a weight plate to either one of the collar plates 32 or to one of the retainer end plates 28. The locking mechanisms 30 include a central locking tang 34 formed by making a three-sided cut (two lateral side cuts and a transverse top cut) in each of the weight plates 24. An identical locking mechanism 30 can be formed on the collar plates 32 and retainer end plates 28. The area inside the cut is bent outward at an angle, forming the locking tang 34. The void left by the tang 34 forms a central locking slot 36. Additionally, the two lateral side cuts taper toward the top cut such that a bottom edge of the tang 34 is longer than a top edge of the tang.

The central locking tangs 34 are designed to facilitate locking and unlocking of the weight plates 24, collar plates 32 and retainer end plates 28 during use of the apparatus 10. The top edge of each tang 34 has an angled flush face 38 and a locking surface 40. The flush face 38 is angled so that it will not interfere with the surface of an adjoining plate. The locking surface 40 is designed to engage and lock into an upper portion of a central locking slot 36 of an adjacent weight plate 24 or collar plate 32. This method of construction allows for the necessary positioning of the central locking tangs 34 with respect to adjoining central locking slots 36 while providing a mechanism that allows for the placement of a plurality of weight plates 24 flush up against one another.

Each of the weight plates 24, collar plates 32 and retainer end plates 28 also include selector shaft holes 42 positioned at a center of the plates for allowing the passage of selector shafts 50 (FIG. 6) in and out of the weight plates for selecting the desired amount of weight. The skewed orientation of the collar plates 32 with respect to a longitudinal axis LA of the handle 14, in combination with the locking mechanisms 30, cause a portion of the weight plates 24 to be held at a skewed angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle 14 when the weight plates 24 are retained on the handle assembly 12 (FIG. 2).

Selection of the desired weight is achieved through manipulation of the dial 26 which in turn actuates components of the handle assembly 12. Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the handle assembly comprises the handle 14, selector shafts 50 and a gear assembly 52. The dial 26 and gear assembly 52 are broadly an adjustment assembly. The gear assembly comprises a ring gear 54, a spacer 56, a mating gear 58 and a threaded shaft 60. The mating gear is mounted on the threaded shaft 60 that is housed in the handle 14 and seated in a channel 62 formed in an inner surface of the handle (FIG. 10). Threads on one half of the shaft 60 are left-handed and threads on the other half are right-handed, the purpose of which will be explained in greater detail below. The dial 26 is mounted on the handle 14 for rotational movement generally about the longitudinal axis LA of the handle 14. The ring gear 54 and spacer 56 are mounted to an outer face of the dial 26 by fasteners 64 so that the ring gear and spacer rotate conjointly with the dial. Other configurations are contemplated, such as the dial 26, ring gear 54 and spacer 56 can be a single piece. The dial 26 has a counterbore 66 on an inner surface that receives an end of the handle 14 so that the dial is located on the handle (FIG. 11). A lip 67 formed by the counterbore 66 retains the dial 26, ring gear 54 and spacer 56 against movement relative to the handle 14 in a perpendicular direction with respect to the longitudinal axis LA of the handle.

The smaller mating gear 58 engages the ring gear 54 such that teeth on the mating gear mesh with teeth in the ring gear. Thus, rotation of the dial 26 rotates the mating gear 58 which conjointly rotates the threaded shaft 60 at a much higher angular velocity than the dial 26. The channel 62 in the handle 14 constrains the threaded shaft 60 to rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the handle. Also, the spacer 56 acts as a stop for restricting longitudinal movement of the threaded shaft 60. Furthermore, the collars 18, 20 can be configured to function as stops for restricting longitudinal movement of the threaded shaft 60. The collar 18 encloses portions of the gear assembly 52. Collar 18 has a slot 70 that passes an upper part of the dial 26 outside of the collar to allow the user to rotate the dial during use (FIG. 12).

The selector shafts 50 are at least partially received in the handle 14 and selector shaft holes 42 by a close tolerance such that movement of the selector shafts and weight plates 24 transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle is restricted (FIG. 4). This feature provides an advantage over adjustable weight plate sets of the prior art that use internal adjustment components disposed transverse to the drive elements (i.e., selector shafts, threaded shaft). An example of such a device is shown in my U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0197745, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Designs like this require side gaps in their handle assemblies for accommodating the internal components. The gaps cause a loss of conformal engagement between the weight plates and the selector shafts that can lead to relative transverse movement and may also create points of weakness that can cause permanent damage to the apparatus if it is dropped. Also, relative movement in a transverse direction could cause the weight plates 24 to become disengaged with each other. In the present invention, however, by providing structure on the selector shafts 50 that conforms to the round shapes of the selector shaft holes 42 over at least the top halves of the selector shafts, the movement of the weight plates 24 is restricted, helping to eliminate looseness or “slop” and the points of weakness that exist in prior art designs. This is facilitated by the driving engagement of the selector shafts 50 with the gear assembly 52 on the underside of the selector shafts.

Arcuate channels 68 in the selector shafts 50 are sized and shaped to slidingly receive ends of the threaded shaft 60 to allow the selector shafts to move along the threaded shaft (FIG. 13). Ball bearings 70 mounted in recesses 72 in the arcuate channels 68 are configured to ride along the threads of the threaded shaft 60 to facilitate the movement of the selector shafts 50 along the threaded shaft.

A weight indicator (not shown) can be mounted on collar 18 adjacent the dial 26. A stem (not shown) can extend downward from the indicator through a thickness of the collar 18 such that a distal end portion of the stem extends into an interior space of the collar. A washer (not shown) on the distal end portion of the stem can be configured to engage notches (not shown) spaced around the spacer 56. The notches may be spaced approximately 120 degrees from each other to define about 10 different weight increments of the apparatus 10. Thus, rotation of the dial 26 also causes the indicator to turn showing how much weight is selected. Other ways of indicating the selected weight may be used within the scope of the present invention. The dial 26 may be configured for indexed rotation between locked positions. For example, the axially inward surface of the dial 26 nearest the collar 18 may have receptacles (not shown) formed in it. The receptacles may be angularly spaced apart around the dial face (e.g., at 120° intervals). The opposing, axially outwardly directed surface of the collar 18 may have a spring detent (not shown) mounted thereon that can snap into each of the receptacles as they come into registration with the detent. The detent temporarily holds or “locks” the dial 26 and gear assembly 52. The lock can be overcome by application of sufficient torque to the dial 26.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the retainer 22 includes a center plate 80 and a pair of end plates 28 slidably attached to the center plate. The end plates 28 and center plate 80 may be made out of a suitable material such as steel. It may be seen that all or at least all major components of the apparatus 10 can be made of steel. However, use of other materials does not depart from the scope of the present invention. Each end plate 28 comprises a base 82 and a plate portion 84 extending upward from the base. The plate portion 84 is substantially identical to the main body portion 29 of the weight plates 24. The center plate 80 has a pair of longitudinal slots 86 adapted to receive fasteners 88 through the slots for fastening to the base 82 of the end plates 28. This configuration allows the end plates 28 to slide inward and outward from the center plate 80 to accommodate the number of weight plates 24 on the handle assembly 12. A one-piece, nonadjustable retainer may also be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

During use, a user selects the desired amount of weight by rotating the dial 26 either clockwise or counterclockwise. In the illustrated embodiment, rotation of the dial in a clockwise direction causes the ball bearings 70 to ride along the respective threads in the threaded shaft 60 moving the selector shafts 50 outward away from each other. As the selector shafts 50 are moved outward they will extend further into the weight sets 16 through the selector shaft holes 42 in the weight plates 24, engaging more weight plates. Therefore, if the user lifts the handle 14 upward the locking mechanisms 30 will cause more weight plates 24 to be retained on the handle assembly 12. Because the retainer end plates 28 are configured with locking mechanisms 30, it is possible to rotate the dial 26 such that the selector shafts 50 extend through the selector shaft holes 42 in the end plates 28 causing the handle assembly 12 to retain the retainer 22 as well. Thus, a user can increase the weight of the apparatus 10 by adding the retainer 22.

Conversely, if the dial 26 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the ball bearings 70 will ride along the respective threads moving the selector shafts 50 inward toward each other. This will reduce the number of weight plates 24 engaged by the selector shafts 50, resulting in an apparatus of lesser weight. The apparatus 10 is configured such that the selector shafts 50 will not extend past the outermost weight plate 24 when at least one weight plate or collar plate 32 on each side of the handle 14 is retained by the handle assembly 12.

When it is desired to return the handle assembly 12 and weight plates 24 to the retainer 22, the construction of weight plates and the angled orientation of the retainer end plates 28 facilitate easy docking. The bend between the main body portion 29 and the bent top portion 31 of the weight plates 24 along with the manner in which the weight plates are locked together cause a tapering of the weight plate profile from top to bottom. Residual weight plates 90 left behind in the retainer 22 are supported by the retainer such that their profile also tapers from top to bottom. Thus, inserting the weight plates 24 between the residual plates 90 is made easy because the narrow bottom portion of the weight plates 24 retained by the handle assembly 12 are easily received by the wide top portion of the residual weight plates 90 supported by the retainer 22. In addition, the relatively low profile of the collars 18, 20 and the angled orientation of the collar plates 32 provide greater wrist clearance for the user when handling the apparatus 10. The increased wrist clearance reduces the chance that the wrist of the user will hit the collars 18, 20 thus reducing the chance of injury for the user.

Overall the apparatus 10 of the present invention provides a free weight dumbbell design that is shorter in length, more compact and more evenly balanced than the dumbbell designs of the prior art. Regardless of the number of weight plates 24 engaged by the selector shafts 50, a center of mass of the apparatus 10 remains fixed substantially at a midpoint M disposed along the longitudinal axis LA of the handle 14.

Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. An adjustable weight set apparatus comprising:

a handle having a first end and portion a second end portion opposite the first end portion;

a first weight set adapted to be supported on the first end portion of the handle and a second weight set adapted to be supported on the second end portion of the handle, each of the first and second weight sets comprising a plurality of weight plates; and

an adjustment assembly mounted on the handle, the adjustment assembly comprising a single selector element and a pair of selectors positioned for engaging and retaining the weight plates to the handle, the selectors being operatively connected to the selector element such that movement of the single selector element causes movement of both selectors for engaging and retaining the weight plates of the first and second weight sets to the handle.

2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the selector is mounted for rotational movement and the selectors are configured for longitudinal movement, the adjustment assembly further comprising a gear assembly for transferring the rotational movement of the selector element to the longitudinal movement of the selectors.

3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein the gear assembly comprises a ring gear fixed to the selector element such that the ring gear rotates conjointly with the selector element, a mating gear meshed with the ring gear and a threaded shaft housed in the handle and fixedly attached to the mating gear such that rotation of the selector element causes rotation of the threaded shaft, the selectors operatively connected to threads of the threaded shaft so that the rotation of the threaded shaft causes the selectors to move along the threads of threaded shaft for engaging and retaining the weight plates on the handle.

4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein each selector comprises an arcuate channel in the selector and a follower projecting into the arcuate channel, the follower being seated in the threads of the threaded shaft and the arcuate channel being sized and shaped to receive the threaded shaft for allowing the selector to move along the threaded shaft as the threaded shaft rotates.

5. An apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein the threaded shaft comprises a first half having left-handed threads and a second half having right-handed threads, a first selector being connected to the first half of the threaded shaft and a second selector being connected to the second half of the threaded shaft such that movement of the selector element in a first direction cause the selectors to move away from each other and movement of the selector element in a second direction causes the selectors to move toward each other.

6. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein the threaded shaft is seated in a channel defined in an inner surface of the handle.

7. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a center of mass disposed substantially at a midpoint of the apparatus, the midpoint being disposed along a longitudinal axis of the handle.

8. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising an adjustable retainer, the retainer configured to receive and hold the handle, weight sets and adjustment assembly, the retainer comprising a pair of end plates configured to receive the selectors for allowing the selectors to retain the retainer on the handle.

9. An adjustable weight set apparatus comprising:

a handle having a first end portion, a second end portion and a longitudinal axis;

an adjustment assembly mounted on the handle and comprising at least one moveable selector; and

weight plates adapted to be retained on the handle by the selector, the selector adapted to extend through holes in the weight plates to retain the weight plates to the handle, the selector conforming to a shape of the holes over at least a top half of the selector to prevent relative movement of the selector and weight plates transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

10. An apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein the selector comprises a rounded shaft, the selector shaft conforming to the holes over at least the top half of the selector shaft.

11. An apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein the at least one selector comprises a first selector, the adjustment assembly further comprising a second selector, the weight plates comprising a set of first weight plates adapted to be mounted on the first end portion of the handle and a set of second weight plates adapted to be mounted on the second end portion of the handle, the second selector conforming to a shape of holes in the second weight plates over at least a top half of the second selector to prevent relative movement of the second selector and second weight plates transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

12. An apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein the second selector comprises a rounded shaft, the second selector shaft conforming to the holes in the second weight plates over at least the top half of the second selector shaft.

13. An adjustable weight set apparatus comprising a handle assembly including a handle and a plurality of weight plates adapted for mounting on the handle, the weight plates comprising a main body portion and a top portion extending from the main body portion at an angle.

14. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein the weight plates are made of steel.

15. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein when the weight plates are mounted on the handle assembly a longitudinal space between weight plates in opposing sets is greater on one side of the handle than the other allowing for increase wrist clearance for a user of the apparatus.

16. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13 further comprising a center of mass disposed substantially at a midpoint of the apparatus, the midpoint being disposed along a longitudinal axis of the handle.

17. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13 further comprising an adjustable retainer, the retainer configured to receive and hold the handle assembly and weight plates.

18. An apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein the retainer comprises a center plate and a pair of end plates slidably attached to the center plate.

19. An apparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein the retainer is configured to support the weight plates such that a vertical profile of the weight plates tapers toward a center of the retainer when the weight plates are held by the retainer.