Abstract: This invention relates to an exercise machine having an exercise station that includes an exercise bench and one or more exercise implements for allowing a user to perform one or more exercises. An adjustable exercise mass assembly is oriented perpendicularly to the exercise station and includes a pivotal lever. An exercise mass is carried on the pivotal lever and is movable back and forth thereon towards and away from the pivot axis of the pivotal lever to adjust the exercise resistance provided by the exercise mass. The exercise mass preferably comprises at least one selectorized dumbbell. Portions of the dumbbell can be removed from the pivotal lever for use as a dumbbell while some of the weights of the selectorized dumbbell remain in place on the pivotal lever. This allows the mass provided by the selectorized dumbbell(s) to be simultaneously used by multiple users.

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 plate comprises a pair of thinner or partial thickness weight subplates that are abutted and welded together, e.g. a ½? weight plate is formed by a pair of ¼? weight subplates. This substantially decreases the cost of manufacturing the selectorized dumbbell.

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. This allows the impact shock to be absorbed without damaging the dumbbell or while minimizing damage to the dumbbell.

Abstract: A selectorized dumbbell has a selector for coupling a desired number of weights from an array of nested weights to the handle of the dumbbell to select or determine the exercise mass of the dumbbell. The selector comprises a keyboard having a plurality of keys that can be depressed into a weight selecting position. In this weight selecting position, a cam actuator on each key forces a pair of connecting pins apart to couple a particular weight to the handle. A separate weight selection key is provided for each pair of connecting pins. At least one pair of connecting pins is provided for individually coupling each weight to the handle. Preferably, to minimize the risk of accidental weight detachment from the handle, a pair of keys and two pairs of connecting pins couple each weight to the handle in a redundant fashion.

Abstract: A multi-use, multi-level structure can be installed in and removed from a body of water in a seasonal fashion. The structure has a lower level that includes a boat lift and an upper level that provides an entertainment area. The structure carries a ballast system for selectively floating the structure on the body of water or sinking the structure in the water. The ballast system includes an array of hydraulically interconnected ballast tanks that are vented to the atmosphere. A valve may be opened to admit water to the ballast tanks to flood the tanks. A pump is used to pump water out of the ballast tanks when desired.

Abstract: A multi-use, multi-level structure can be installed in and removed from a body of water in a seasonal fashion. The structure has a lower level that includes a boat lift and an upper level that provides an entertainment area. The structure carries a buoyancy system for selectively floating the structure on the body of water or sinking the structure in the water. The buoyancy system preferably comprises a ballast system that includes an array of hydraulically interconnected ballast tanks that are vented to the atmosphere. A valve may be opened to admit water to the ballast tanks to flood the tanks. A pump is used to pump water out of the ballast tanks when desired.

Abstract: A structure can be installed in and removed from a body of water in a seasonal fashion. The structure has a lower level that includes a boat lift and may include an upper level that provides an entertainment area. The structure carries a buoyancy system for selectively floating the structure on the body of water or sinking the structure in the water. A substantially enclosed boathouse may form the structure when the structure has only a lower level. The boathouse is seperable into sections each of which could be separately rolled over the ground by wheels attached to each section. This reduces the usual operational width of the boathouse into the smaller towed widths of the individual sections to ease the task of transporting the boathouse over the ground.

Abstract: A barbell comprises a bar with a receptacle at each end of the bar. The receptacle is configured to receive a selectorized dumbbell therein. The dumbbell is placed into the receptacle in a first loaded condition with a plurality of weights being coupled to the dumbbell. After such placement, the dumbbell can be adjusted to a second loaded condition in which the dumbbell carries fewer weights than in the first loaded condition. The dumbbell is then removed from the receptacle while in the second loaded condition to thereby leave behind at least one weight in the receptacle. Alternatively, the dumbbell in its first loaded condition can simply be left in its entirety in the receptacle. A lock can be provided on the receptacle to help retain within the receptacle either the dumbbell or the weights left behind in the receptacle. Thus, at least portions of selectorized dumbbells provide exercise mass for the barbell.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to a parachute supported aircraft having a frame and a seat for supporting at least a pilot. A parachute is coupled to the frame by a plurality of riser lines for allowing the parachute to inflate and form a wing for lifting the frame. A pair of upwardly extending masts are coupled to the frame. Each mast supports a vertically displaceable sleeve receiving a group of riser lines. Control cables connected to a winch raise and lower the sleeves to allow the pilot to selectively collapse and inflate the wing in a controlled fashion. A wing elevating cord can be used by the pilot to help pull the parachute from a generally vertical, partially inflated, lockout position into a generally horizontal, more inflated, flight position.

Abstract: A barbell comprises a bar with a receptacle at each end of the bar. The receptacle is configured to receive a selectorized dumbbell therein. The dumbbell is placed into the receptacle in a first loaded condition with a plurality of weights being coupled to the dumbbell. After such placement, the dumbbell can be adjusted to a second loaded condition in which the dumbbell carries fewer weights than in the first loaded condition. The dumbbell is then removed from the receptacle while in the second loaded condition to thereby leave behind at least one weight in the receptacle. Alternatively, the dumbbell in its first loaded condition can simply be left in its entirety in the receptacle. A lock can be provided on the receptacle to help retain within the receptacle either the dumbbell or the weights left behind in the receptacle. Thus, at least portions of selectorized dumbbells provide exercise mass for the barbell.

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.

Abstract: An exercise weight system for providing an adjustable exercise resistance or mass comprises a plurality of individual weights. Each weight includes two spaced plates joined in a rigid manner by at least one interconnecting member. The weights can be nested together in a horizontal weight stack such that a connecting pin inserted through the weight stack can select one or more weights for use as the exercise mass. In one embodiment, the interconnecting member is a channel having overlying front and back walls. A plurality of sets of aligned holes and slots are placed in these walls with each set having a uniquely different hole and slot arrangement. The pin can be inserted through any one set of holes and slots to couple a desired number of weights together for use.

Abstract: An exercise weight system for providing an adjustable exercise resistance or mass comprises a plurality of individual weights. Each weight includes two spaced plates joined in a rigid manner by at least one interconnecting member. The weights can be nested together in a horizontal weight stack such that a connecting pin inserted through the weight stack can select one or more weights for use as the exercise mass. In one embodiment, the interconnecting member is a channel having overlying front and back walls. A plurality of sets of aligned holes and slots are placed in these walls with each set having a uniquely different hole and slot arrangement. The pin can be inserted through any one set of holes and slots to couple a desired number of weights together for use.

Abstract: An adjustable dumbbell (10) includes a central handle (22) which can be selectively connected to one or more outer weights (24) by means of a selector pin (26). The outer weights (24) are arranged in a nested symmetrical stack which provides for a compact construction and storage of the unused weights at the same time. The adjustable dumbbell (10) is also incrementally adjustable, and may be used either in conjunction with or as a substitute for a conventional weight stack in an exercise machine. Two additional embodiments (120 and 130) are disclosed.

Abstract: An exercise weight system for providing an adjustable exercise resistance or mass comprises a plurality of individual weights. Each weight includes two spaced plates joined in a rigid manner by at least one interconnecting member. The weights can be nested together in a horizontal weight stack such that a connecting pin inserted through the weight stack can select one or more weights for use as the exercise mass. In one embodiment, the interconnecting member is a channel having overlying front and back walls. A plurality of sets of aligned holes and slots are placed in these walls with each set having a uniquely different hole and slot arrangement. The pin can be inserted through any one set of holes and slots to couple a desired number of weights together for use.

Abstract: An adjustable dumbbell (10) includes a central handle (22) which can be selectively connected to one or more outer weights (24) by means of a selector pin (26). The outer weights (24) are arranged in a nested symmetrical stack which provides for a compact construction and storage of the unused weights at the same time. The adjustable dumbbell (10) is also incrementally adjustable, and may be used either in conjunction with or as a substitute for a conventional weight stack in an exercise machine.

Abstract: An improved T-bar row exercise device (10) includes a pivot bar (20) with an intermediate transverse weight tube (40) located behind the handle (32) and footrests (28) in order to minimize inertial effects for smoother motion, better form and more effective training by the user. If desired, the weight tube (40) can be mounted in a raised position to provide more proportional resistance over the lift angle.