Abstract: An easy-to-manufacture protective saddle for a dumbbell, comprising a generally U-shaped member, including a curved element having a top surface, a base portion, and an inner end; and a generally vertical element having an upper end and an interior end attached to said inner end of the U-shaped member; wherein a non-marring surface for providing contact with a dumbbell to be placed on the saddle is located on said U-shaped member. The saddle has a plurality of means for attachment of the saddle to a frame located in said base portion. The surface is placed onto the U-Shaped member.

Abstract: The present invention is a clear coating on a weight for a dumbbell, a dumbbell having weights having a clear coating, and the process for coating a weight on a dumbbell with a clear coating. The invention includes the painting or other coloration of the weights before placing the clear coating on the dumbbell. Also, the invention includes the use of decals on the weight before the clear coating is placed on the dumbbell. In addition, the invention is a method of advertising on a weight plate.

Abstract: An improved weight plate includes a planar body having a central opening for receiving a barbell or dumbbell bar therethrough. The weight plate includes oppositely facing flange members extending partially about the perimeter of the weight plate. The opposed ends of the flange members are spaced from each other and define a gap therebetween. The flange members extend perpendicularly from both sides of the weight plate planar body about the perimeter thereof. The weight plate includes at least one opening formed adjacent the perimeter of the weight plate. The opening is adapted to receive one or more fingers of an average human hand for securely grasping and lifting the weight plate. Adjacent weight plates mounted on a barbell bar are adapted for interlocking engagement.