Patents by Inventor Carl K. Towley, III

Carl K. Towley, III has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9616270
    Abstract: A selectorized dumbbell comprises a handle assembly that comprises a generally triangularly shaped handle housing having an upwardly extending loop style handle in the manner of a kettlebell handle. The handle housing has angled side walls that provide surfaces on which the user's forearm can rest when doing certain exercises. The handle housing is hollow inside. A set of generally triangularly shaped add-on weights of progressively decreasing size can be nested inside one another with the set of weights being nested inside the handle housing. A repositionable connecting pin can be placed into different positions on the handle housing to selectively couple a desired number of the add-on weights to the handle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: PowerBlock Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mattson K. Towley, Carl K. Towley, III
  • Patent number: 9289638
    Abstract: An exercise equipment frame, such as a power cage, is formed from uprights that comprise at least two sections that are telescopically interfit with one another. The sections have an interference fit between them when the telescopic interconnection is made that is tight enough to require the use of a tool that enables leverage greater than that achievable by the hand pressure of a user. The sections may be of substantially equal length to one another when forming the main uprights of the frame to allow packaging of the sections when disassembled in a carton of more regular dimensions. The sections may also be unequal length to allow coupling of a frame extension to the top of a completed power cage type frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: PowerBlock Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Patent number: 9168412
    Abstract: An exercise machine for performing barbell type free weight lifting exercises has a power cage or Smith press type frame, an elongated bar held on the frame in a substantially horizontal resting position, and an adjustable exercise mass assembly that allows a user to select an exercise weight from among a plurality of choices of different exercise weights provided by the exercise mass assembly. The exercise mass assembly is separate from the bar and any auxiliary weight plates carried on the bar. A cable and pulley system operatively connects the bar to a movable portion of the exercise mass assembly that provides the selected exercise weight. A powered actuator sets up the bar for performing a weight lifting exercise by lifting the movable portion of the exercise mass assembly up above a second portion of the exercise mass assembly that remains stationary during the particular weight lifting exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Power Block Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Patent number: 9138611
    Abstract: A selectorized dumbbell has a plurality of nested weights which each have a box-shaped configuration comprising spaced left and right weight plates joined by planar, substantially imperforate, front and rear walls. The front and rear walls of the nested weights are very thin in comparison to the weight plates, extend over substantially the full height of the weight plates, and are joined to the weight plates along substantially their entire height. A selector comprises a pair of connecting members that coact between a handle of the dumbbell and upper portions of the front and rear walls of the nested weights to select a desired number of the weights for use with the handle depending upon the selected positions of the connecting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: PowerBlock Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl K. Towley, III
  • Publication number: 20150202485
    Abstract: An exercise machine for performing barbell type free weight lifting exercises has a power cage or Smith press type frame, an elongated bar held on the frame in a substantially horizontal resting position, and an adjustable exercise mass assembly that allows a user to select an exercise weight from among a plurality of choices of different exercise weights provided by the exercise mass assembly. The exercise mass assembly is separate from the bar and any auxiliary weight plates carried on the bar. A cable and pulley system operatively connects the bar to a movable portion of the exercise mass assembly that provides the selected exercise weight. A powered actuator sets up the bar for performing a weight lifting exercise by lifting the movable portion of the exercise mass assembly up above a second portion of the exercise mass assembly that remains stationary during the particular weight lifting exercise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: PowerBlock Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Publication number: 20150196792
    Abstract: A selectorized dumbbell comprises a handle assembly that comprises a generally triangularly shaped handle housing having an upwardly extending loop style handle in the manner of a kettlebell handle. The handle housing has angled side walls that provide surfaces on which the user's forearm can rest when doing certain exercises. The handle housing is hollow inside. A set of generally triangularly shaped add-on weights of progressively decreasing size can be nested inside one another with the set of weights being nested inside the handle housing. A repositionable connecting pin can be placed into different positions on the handle housing to selectively couple a desired number of the add-on weights to the handle housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Mattson K. Towley, Carl K. Towley, III
  • Patent number: 9050496
    Abstract: An exercise machine for performing barbell type free weight lifting exercises has a power cage or Smith press type frame, an elongated bar held on the frame in a substantially horizontal resting position, and an adjustable exercise mass assembly that allows a user to select an exercise weight from among a plurality of choices of different exercise weights provided by the exercise mass assembly. The exercise mass assembly is separate from the bar and any auxiliary weight plates carried on the bar. A cable and pulley system operatively connects the bar to a movable portion of the exercise mass assembly that provides the selected exercise weight. A powered actuator sets up the bar for performing a weight lifting exercise by lifting the movable portion of the exercise mass assembly up above a second portion of the exercise mass assembly that remains stationary during the particular weight lifting exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: PowerBlock Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Publication number: 20150065316
    Abstract: An exercise equipment frame, such as a power cage, is formed from uprights that comprise at least two sections that are telescopically interfit with one another. The sections have an interference fit between them when the telescopic interconnection is made that is tight enough to require the use of a tool that enables leverage greater than that achievable by the hand pressure of a user. The sections may be of substantially equal length to one another when forming the main uprights of the frame to allow packaging of the sections when disassembled in a carton of more regular dimensions. The sections may also be unequal length to allow coupling of a frame extension to the top of a completed power cage type frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Publication number: 20140274597
    Abstract: A selectorized dumbbell has a plurality of nested weights which each have a box-shaped configuration comprising spaced left and right weight plates joined by planar, substantially imperforate, front and rear walls. The front and rear walls of the nested weights are very thin in comparison to the weight plates, extend over substantially the full height of the weight plates, and are joined to the weight plates along substantially their entire height. A selector comprises a pair of connecting members that coact between a handle of the dumbbell and upper portions of the front and rear walls of the nested weights to select a desired number of the weights for use with the handle depending upon the selected positions of the connecting members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: PowerBlock Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl K. Towley, III
  • Patent number: 8668630
    Abstract: An add-on weight kit for a selectorized dumbbell comprises a second set of nested weights that are similar in shape and structure to a first set of nested weights originally provided on the dumbbell. The second set of weights has a plurality of overlying rails that will underlie an array of similar rails carried on the first set of nested weights. The kit includes a second handle having vertically spaced openings with the second handle being used in place of a first handle originally provided on the dumbbell. The openings on the second handle are arranged relative to the rails on the second set of weights such that the same connecting pin as used on the dumbbell to couple the first set of weights to the first handle can be used to additionally couple a selected number of the add-on weights to the second handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: PowerBlock Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Publication number: 20130184128
    Abstract: An exercise machine for performing barbell type free weight lifting exercises has a power cage or Smith press type frame, an elongated bar held on the frame in a substantially horizontal resting position, and an adjustable exercise mass assembly that allows a user to select an exercise weight from among a plurality of choices of different exercise weights provided by the exercise mass assembly. The exercise mass assembly is separate from the bar and any auxiliary weight plates carried on the bar. A cable and pulley system operatively connects the bar to a movable portion of the exercise mass assembly that provides the selected exercise weight. A powered actuator sets up the bar for performing a weight lifting exercise by lifting the movable portion of the exercise mass assembly up above a second portion of the exercise mass assembly that remains stationary during the particular weight lifting exercise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Patent number: 8394004
    Abstract: A selectorized dumbbell comprises a plurality of nested weights which have front and rear arrays of rails with the rails being vertically spaced from one another with a space beneath each rail. A handle is insertable into a gap between stacks of nested left and right weight plates. A selector comprises front and rear pin arrays in each end of the handle with the pins in these arrays being selectively movable in a horizontal direction into extended positions located in the spaces beneath the rails for coupling different weights to the handle. The pins in the arrays are movable into their extended positions by a single vertically movable member carried on a vertically rotatable shaft in the handle end or by a plurality of independently movable members in the handle end that are moved by a plurality of keys carried on a top side of the handle end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: PowerBlock Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Publication number: 20120264575
    Abstract: An add-on weight kit for a selectorized dumbbell comprises a second set of nested weights that are similar in shape and structure to a first set of nested weights originally provided on the dumbbell. The second set of weights has a plurality of overlying rails that will underlie an array of similar rails carried on the first set of nested weights. The kit includes a second handle having vertically spaced openings with the second handle being used in place of a first handle originally provided on the dumbbell. The openings on the second handle are arranged relative to the rails on the second set of weights such that the same connecting pin as used on the dumbbell to couple the first set of weights to the first handle can be used to additionally couple a selected number of the add-on weights to the second handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Patent number: 8157711
    Abstract: This invention relates to a selectorized dumbbell having a handle that can be dropped down between nested left and right stacks of weight plates. The weight plates can comprise individual weights or a pair of weight plates, one from each stack, can be connected together to form a single weight. A selector is provided to allow the user to select a desired number of weight plates from each stack and couple such weight plates to the handle to provide an adjustable weight dumbbell. Each weight includes a weight frame having at least one carrier to which a commodity weight can be fastened. The dumbbell can be shipped by the manufacturer with empty weight frames to reduce shipping costs. When the dumbbell with empty weight frames reaches a destination, the dumbbell can be completed by securing commodity weights to the carriers on the respective weight frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Power Block Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Publication number: 20110312475
    Abstract: A selectorized dumbbell comprises a plurality of nested weights which have front and rear arrays of rails with the rails being vertically spaced from one another with a space beneath each rail. A handle is insertable into a gap between stacks of nested left and right weight plates. A selector comprises front and rear pin arrays in each end of the handle with the pins in these arrays being selectively movable in a horizontal direction into extended positions located in the spaces beneath the rails for coupling different weights to the handle. The pins in the arrays are movable into their extended positions by a single vertically movable member carried on a vertically rotatable shaft in the handle end or by a plurality of independently movable members in the handle end that are moved by a plurality of keys carried on a top side of the handle end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: CARL K. TOWLEY, III, GREGORY S. OLSON
  • Publication number: 20110294629
    Abstract: A selectorized dumbbell has a handle that can be inserted into a gap between stacks of nested left and right weight plates. A selector determines how many left weight plates are coupled to the left end of the handle and how many right weight plates are coupled to the right end of the handle. Each weight plate is held between a pair of flexible arms on a forked carrier. The arms allow the weight plates to deflect out of a normal, substantially upright, orientation if an impact shock is delivered to the dumbbell. The arms are restored to their normal orientation once the impact shock dissipates. Alternatively, the weight plates may comprise a metallic inner weight plate covered with an elastomer encasement and with an integral elastomer lug attaching the weight plates to at least one interconnecting member. The selector may comprise a connecting pin with at least one flexible shock absorbing prong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Patent number: 8012069
    Abstract: A selectorized dumbbell has nested stacks of left and right weight plates, a handle that can be disposed between the two stacks of weight plates, and a selector that couples selected numbers of the left and right weight plates to left and right planar ends of the handle. The handle has at least one loop type hand grip located above the ends of the handle and above the weight plates to allow the dumbbell to be used as a kettlebell. This loop type hand grip can be replaced with a bar type hand grip if the dumbbell is to be used like a standard dumbbell, or the handle can be provided in kettlebell or standard versions thereof. Alternatively, the loop type hand grip can be movably disposed on the handle for movement between operative and non-operative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Power Block Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Patent number: 7918772
    Abstract: A selectorized dumbbell has a handle that can be inserted into a gap between stacks of nested left and right weight plates. A selector determines how many left weight plates are coupled to the left end of the handle and how many right weight plates are coupled to the right end of the handle. Each weight plate is held between a pair of flexible arms on a forked carrier. The arms allow the weight plates to deflect out of a normal, substantially upright, orientation if an impact shock is delivered to the dumbbell. The arms are restored to their normal orientation once the impact shock dissipates. Alternatively, the weight plates may comprise a metallic inner weight plate covered with an elastomer encasement and with an integral elastomer lug attaching the weight plates to at least one interconnecting member. The selector may comprise a connecting pin with at least one flexible shock absorbing prong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: PowerBlock Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Patent number: D644701
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: PowerBlock Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Patent number: D651672
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: PowerBlock Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson