Abstract: A method of exercising includes steps of providing a rod and weights configured for self-attachment to the rod, assembling at least one weight onto each end of the rod, and securing the weights to the ends by rotating the weights on the rod from a first rotational orientation to an interlocking second rotational orientation. The weights have a hub defining a hole, an undulating outer surface for gripping, and inwardly-extending curved fingers with a slot around the fingers allowing the fingers to flex for frictionally engaging the rod when the weights are rotated on the rod.

Abstract: A method of exercising includes steps of providing a rod and weights configured for self-attachment to the rod, assembling at least one weight onto each end of the rod, and securing the weights to the ends by rotating the weights on the rod from a first rotational orientation to an interlocking second rotational orientation. The weights have a hub defining a hole, an undulating outer surface for gripping, and inwardly-extending curved fingers with a slot around the fingers allowing the fingers to flex for frictionally engaging the rod when the weights are rotated on the rod.

Abstract: An adjustable-weight exercise apparatus include a rod with opposing end sections defining bearing surfaces, a first shallow channel without ribs, and a second shallow channel with ribs. The weights each include a hub shaped to telescopingly slide onto ends of the rod. Each hub further includes opposing flexible fingers with tips configured to slide along the second shallow channel when in a first rotational orientation during assembly of the weights onto the rod, and configured to flex over a raised detent into engagement with the second shallow channel between the ribs when the weight is rotated.

Abstract: An adjustable-weight exercise apparatus include a rod with opposing end sections defining bearing surfaces, a first shallow channel without ribs, and a second shallow channel with ribs. The weights each include a hub shaped to telescopingly slide onto ends of the rod. Each hub further includes opposing flexible fingers with tips configured to slide along the second shallow channel when in a first rotational orientation during assembly of the weights onto the rod, and configured to flex over a raised detent into engagement with the second shallow channel between the ribs when the weight is rotated.

Abstract: A helmet, such as for equestrian sports, includes an outer shell formed by an upper dome and a lower ring attached to a bottom edge of the upper dome by screws. The assembled arrangement is particularly strong but is adapted to facilitate molding and further has a traditional equestrian helmet appearance. A removable faceguard includes legs shaped to upwardly fit into downwardly-open cavities formed within the ring, and includes latches pivoted to the legs for snap-attachment to lateral surfaces within the cavities. The latches are made of a material optimized for durability and resiliency, and are preferably of a material different than the faceguard itself.

Abstract: A quick-release collar is provided for securing weight plates to a weight bar in the sport of weight lifting. The collar includes a collar body defining an opening for receiving the weight bar, and defining a tangential ramp leading to the opening. A lock rod engages the ramp, and a tie rod extends through the collar to the lock rod. A handle threads onto the tie rod and, when rotated, tensions the tie rod, pulling the lock rod against the ramp into a securely wedged, interlocked engagement with the bar.

Abstract: An exercise bench having a locking system for locking a portion of the bench adapted for receiving a portion of the body of a user thereon in a desired position is provided. The locking system has a locking member, an engagement member associated with the bench for engaging the locking member to lock the portion of the bench in the desired position, an actuator associated with the locking member for disengagement of the locking member from engagement with the engagement member, the actuator being associated with the portion of the bench such that the location of the actuator with respect to the portion of the bench is maintained when the portion of the bench is rotated about a common axis.

Abstract: A weightlifting apparatus includes a ring-shaped support frame adapted to rest on a base that holds a plurality of weights, with side edges of the weights adjacent side sections of the support frame. An interlock mechanism includes slide members on the support frame that are movable along the side sections, and interlock tabs on the weights that slide across grooves in the weights. The slide members are configured to cammingly engage one end of the interlocking tabs, such that as the slide members engage the tabs on one side of the weights, the interlocking tabs move into engagement with an opposite side of the weights. The slide members are interconnected by a flexible ring, and are configured to move in opposite directions to selectively engage pairs of the weights so that pairs of the weights are selectively secured to the support frame by the interlock mechanism.

Abstract: A quick-release collar is provided for securing weight plates to a weight bar in the sport of weight lifting. The collar includes a collar body defining an opening for receiving the weight bar, and defining a tangential ramp leading to the opening. A lock rod engages the ramp, and a tie rod extends through the collar to the lock rod. A handle threads onto the tie rod and, when rotated, tensions the tie rod, pulling the lock rod against the ramp into a securely wedged, interlocked engagement with the bar.

Abstract: A privacy screen assembly for work spaces of the type having spaced-apart partition panels forming an opening for user ingress and egress therethrough. The privacy screen assembly includes a privacy screen defining a lower edge, and at least one roller mounted adjacent the lower edge for movably supporting the privacy screen on a trackless floor surface. An attachment member is configured to movably interconnect the privacy screen with a first partition panel. The attachment member positions the privacy screen in an offset position relative to the first partition panel. The privacy screen is movable between an open position wherein the privacy screen is disposed alongside at least a portion of the first partition panel, and a closed position wherein the privacy screen closes off at least a substantial portion of the opening.

Abstract: A weight-lifting apparatus includes a plurality of weights each having a central hole and a slot extending from the central hole to a perimeter of the associated weight, the slot having a width less than the diameter of the central hole. The apparatus further includes a shaft having opposing ends defining a diameter about equal to the central holes, and a sleeve positioned on the shaft. The shaft is shaped to rotatably engage the central holes and is rotatable to different positions. The shaft further has a plurality of recessed surfaces on the opposing ends corresponding to the different positions that extend different longitudinal lengths, the recessed surfaces defining with other surfaces on the shaft a reduced dimension about equal to the width of the slot. Further, the shaft and the weights are configured so that by rotating the shaft, the recessed surfaces are selectively positioned to allow the shaft to slide along one or more of the slots, thus selectively releasing the weights.

Abstract: An armrest assembly is provided for a vehicle. A base is mounted to the vehicle and includes a translational member slidably mounted for vertical movement with respect to the base. An armrest is coupled to the translational member. A loadable actuator having first and second ends is coupled at its first end to the armrest. A first support member having first and second ends is pivotally connected at its first end with respect to the base. A second support member having first and second ends is pivotally connected at its first end to the second end of the first support member, and pivotally connected at its second end with respect to the translational member. The second end of the loadable actuator is pivotally coupled with respect to the first support member intermediate the first and second ends of the first support member, whereby to provide a moment arm to facilitate loading of the actuator as the armrest is lowered. A kinematic structure is also provided for use with an air spring assembly.

Abstract: An extendible tray for a vehicle includes a housing mounted in the vehicle and a carrier movably connected with respect to the housing. The carrier is movable between a stored position inside the housing, a first use position outside the housing to expose a first portion of the carrier, and a second use position outside the housing to expose both the first and second portions of the carrier. The carrier is biased outwardly from the housing, and first and second latches are provided to retain the carrier in the stored position and the first use position. When a user pushes the carrier in the direction of the housing, the spring and latches facilitate movement of the carrier from the stored position to the first use position and from the first use position to the second use position. A method for storing an ashtray and a cupholder in a vehicle housing is also provided. In addition, a method for providing access to an ashtray and a cupholder for rear seat passengers in a vehicle is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing coins in a vehicle includes a housing adapted to be located in a vehicle. A carrier is movably connected with respect to the housing and includes a coinholder. The carrier is movable between a stored position inside the housing to conceal the coinholder and a use position outside the housing to expose the coinholder to a user. A spring and latch are provided to facilitate movement between the stored and the use positions. Responsive to a push from a user, a carrier travels from the stored position to the use position. The carrier may be returned from the use position to the stored position by a further push from the user. A method for providing coin storage in a vehicle is also contemplated.