ADJUSTABLE DUMBBELL WITH AN ORIENTATION FEATURE

Abstract

A selectable weight dumbbell system may include a base and a dumbbell. The base may include one or more weight receiving spaces defined by the base's walls and floor. The dumbbell may include a handle and one or more selectively removable weights. The weights may be removably positionable in the weight receiving spaces. A weight and the base may form an orientation feature or key between the weight and the base that compels the weight to be positioned in said one of the weight receiving spaces in an orientation for selective engagement with the handle. The orientation feature or key may include an orientation element, such as a protrusion or the like, and an orientation receiving element, such as a groove or the like. The orientation element may extend from the weight or the base. The orientation receiving element may be defined in the weight or the base.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/023,014, entitled “Dumbbell With A Keyed Weight Plate” and filed on Jan. 23, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/844,565, filed on Aug. 24, 2007, and entitled “Adjustable Dumbbell System”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/437,795, filed on May 19, 2006, and entitled “Adjustable Dumbbell System”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/456,977, filed on Jun. 5, 2003, and entitled “Adjustable Dumbbell System”, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,261,678; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/387,298 filed on Jun. 7, 2002, and entitled “Adjustable Dumbbell System”; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/400,244, filed on Jul. 31, 2002, and entitled “Adjustable Dumbbell System”; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/400,894, filed on Aug. 1, 2002, and entitled “Adjustable Dumbbell System”; U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/211,519, filed on Aug. 16, 2004, and entitled “Adjustable Dumbbell Base”, now U.S. Pat. No. D528,173; U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/211,518, filed on Aug. 16, 2004, and entitled “Adjustable Dumbbell”, now U.S. Pat. No. D528,611; U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/164,826, filed on Jul. 31, 2002, and entitled “Adjustable Dumbbell”, now U.S. Pat. No. D540,405; U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/164,931, filed on Jul. 31, 2002, and entitled “Adjustable Dumbbell Support Base”, now U.S. Pat. No. D508,628; U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/164,972, filed on Aug. 1, 2002, and entitled “Adjustable Dumbbell”, now U.S. Pat. No. D540,894; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/425,064, filed on Jun. 19, 2006, and entitled “Weight Selection Methods and Apparatus”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/127,049, filed on Apr. 18, 2002, and entitled “Weight Selection Methods and Apparatus”, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,077,791; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/302,708, filed on Jan. 23, 2008, and entitled “Dumbbell”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/302,698, filed on Jan. 23, 2008, and entitled “Dumbbell Base”, now U.S. Pat. No. D584,086; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/302,699, filed on Jan. 23, 2008, and entitled “Dumbbell Weight Plate”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/302,700, filed on Jan. 23, 2008, and entitled “Dumbbell Weight Plate”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/329,039, filed on Dec. 8, 2008, and entitled “Dumbbell Weight Plate”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/329,044, filed on Dec. 8, 2008, and entitled “Dumbbell Support Structure”, are each hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention relate generally to an adjustable dumbbell system, and more specifically to keyed weights and bases for an adjustable dumbbell system.

BACKGROUND

Dumbbells are widely used exercise devices for providing resistance training in a wide variety of exercises such as bicep curls, bench presses, shoulder presses, triceps extensions, and the like. Due to the number of exercises that may be performed with dumbbells, users often need many different dumbbells, each with different weights, to perform an exercise routine. Traditional dumbbells are somewhat inconvenient to use because each time a user desires to change the weight load of the dumbbell, the user either has to select a heavier dumbbell or disassemble the dumbbell to add or remove weights. A single adjustable dumbbell allows a user to perform a varied exercise routine without requiring a large number of dumbbells with different weights or disassembly of the dumbbell.

In response to these issues, dumbbells have been designed that allow the total weight load to be readily changed on a single dumbbell without disassembling the dumbbell. These dumbbells typically have more complicated structures that allow the weight load to be selected. In operation, a user aligns a dumbbell support structure with weights positioned in a dumbbell base. The user selects the desired weight load using a selector, which selectively joins weights stored in the base to the dumbbell support structure. The user then removes the dumbbell support structure with the selected weights from the base. The unselected weights, if any, remain in the base. The user may then rejoin the dumbbell support structure with the base to select a different weight load.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention may take the form of a selectable weight dumbbell system. The selectable weight dumbbell system may include a base and a dumbbell. The base may include one or more weight receiving spaces. The dumbbell may include a handle and one or more selectively removable weights. Each of the weights may be removably positionable in one of the weight receiving spaces. Each of the weights and the base may form an orientation key between the weight and the base that compels the weight to be positioned in said one of the weight receiving spaces in an orientation for selective operative engagement with the handle.

Another embodiment of the present invention may take the form of a selectable weight dumbbell system. The selectable weight dumbbell system may include a base and a dumbbell. The base may include one or more weight receiving spaces. The dumbbell may include a handle and one or more selectively removable weights. Each of the weights may be removably positionable in one of the weight receiving spaces. The selectable weight dumbbell system may further include a means for orientating the weights to compel each of the weights to be positioned in one of the weight receiving spaces in an orientation for selective operative engagement with the handle.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention may take the form of a selectable weight dumbbell system. The selectable weight dumbbell system may include a base, a dumbbell and an orientation feature. The base may include a weight receiving space. The dumbbell may include a handle and a weight selectively operatively engageable with the handle. The weight may be removably positionable in the weight receiving space. The orientation feature compels the weight to be received in the weight receiving space in an orientation for selective operative engagement with the handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a selectable weight dumbbell system, showing a selectable weight dumbbell received in a dumbbell base.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the selectable weight dumbbell system of FIG. 1, showing the selectable weight dumbbell removed from the dumbbell base with a first combination of weights joined to the selectable weight dumbbell.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the selectable weight dumbbell system of FIG. 1, showing the selectable weight dumbbell removed from the dumbbell base with a second combination of weights joined to the selectable weight dumbbell.

FIG. 4 is yet another perspective of the selectable weight dumbbell system of FIG. 1, showing the selectable weight dumbbell removed from the dumbbell base with no weights joined to the selectable weight dumbbell.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a weight that may be used with the selectable weight dumbbell system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-section view of the dumbbell and dumbbell base for the selectable weight dumbbell system of FIG. 1, viewed along line 6-6 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a weight that may be used with the selectable weight dumbbell system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a selectable weight dumbbell system, showing a selectable weight dumbbell received in a dumbbell base.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the selectable weight dumbbell system of FIG. 8, showing the selectable weight dumbbell removed from the dumbbell base with a first combination of weights joined to the selectable weight dumbbell.

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of the selectable weight dumbbell system of FIG. 8, viewed along line 10-10 in FIG. 8 and showing a first embodiment of a weight for use with the selectable weight dumbbell system.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section view similar to the view shown in FIG. 10, showing a second embodiment of a weight for use with the selectable weight dumbbell system of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention provide an orientation feature for use with various types of selectable weight dumbbell systems (which may also be called or referred to as adjustable dumbbell assemblies), such as, without limitation, those described and depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 7,077,791 (hereinafter “the '791 Patent”) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,261,678 (hereinafter “the '678 Patent”), which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. As described in more detail in these patents, such selectable weight dumbbell systems allow a user to readily select the weight load of the dumbbell. These selectable weight dumbbell systems also allow the user to place the selectable weight dumbbell in a dumbbell base (which may also be called a support base), turn a selector knob or knobs to engage a desired combination of weights to obtain a desired weight load for the selectable weight dumbbell, and lift the selectable weight dumbbell system out of the support base to perform a desired exercise. The selectable weight dumbbell system will have the desired combination of weights to achieve the desired dumbbell weight load, and the unnecessary weights are left in the base support.

Should the user desire a different dumbbell weight load, the user places the selectable weight dumbbell back on the support base, turns the selector knob or knobs to engage another combination of weights to achieve the desired weight load, and lifts the selectable weight dumbbell off of the support base with the desired weight load. During exercise-type use (i.e., when the selectable weight dumbbell is not in the support base), the selectable weight dumbbell may be configured such that it is difficult or impossible to turn the selector knob to add or remove weights. The orientation feature facilities orienting the weights within the dumbbell base to assist in setting up the weights for selective engagement with a selective weight dumbbell support structure.

FIG. 1 shows a selectable weight dumbbell system 100 with a selectable weight dumbbell 105 received in a dumbbell base 110. The selectable weight dumbbell system 100 may include two sets of five weights 115. The weights 115 may take the form of weight plates or the like. Although each set of weights 115 is shown as having five weights, in some versions of the selectable weight dumbbell system 100 the number of weights 115 per set may be more or less than five weights.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, each set of weights 115 may be positioned towards the end portions of the selectable weight dumbbell 105. Between the end portions, the selectable weight dumbbell 105 may include a handle 120 for the user to grasp when using the selectable weight dumbbell 105. Additionally, the selectable weight dumbbell 105 may include a pair of bridges 125, one or more selector assemblies or mechanisms 130, and a pair of inner supports 135. The handle 120, the bridges 125, the selector assemblies or mechanisms 130, and the inner supports 135 may form a portion of a selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138. A bar 140 (see FIG. 6), may also form a portion of the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138.

The inner supports 135 and the bridges 125 facilitate aligning the weights 115 along the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138 and work in conjunction with the selector mechanisms or assemblies 130 to keep selected weights 115 from disengaging from the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138 during use. The selector mechanisms or assemblies 130 allow the user as described in more detail in the '791 and '678 Patents to selectively couple weights 115 to the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138.

At each end portion, the selectable weight dumbbell 105 may include a selector knob 145, a selector dial or the like that forms a portion of a selector assembly or mechanism 130. As described in more detail in the '791 and '678 Patents, the selector knobs 145 or dials may be rotated by a user to selectively join weights 115 to the selectable weight dumbbell system support structure 138. As described in more detail in the '678 Patent, the inner supports 135 may work in conjunction with the selector mechanisms or assemblies 130 to restrict or prevent rotation of the selector knobs 145 or dials.

In some versions of the selectable weight dumbbell system 100, the two selector knobs 145 or dials may be independently rotatable relative to each other. In such versions, different combinations of weights 115 may be selected at each end portion of the selectable weight dumbbell 105. Such selectable weight dumbbell systems 100 are described, for example, in the '791 and '678 Patents. In other versions of the selectable weight dumbbell system 100, there may be a single selector knob 145 or dial rather than two selector knobs 145 or dials as shown in FIG. 1. In these versions, the single selector knob 145 or dial selects the same combination of weights 115 at both end portions of the selectable weight dumbbell 105 (i.e., the weight load at each end portion will be the same). Such selectable weight dumbbell systems 100 are described, for example, in the '791 Patent. In yet other versions of the selectable weight dumbbell system 100, the two selector knobs 145 or dials may be configured such that they cannot rotate independently of each other. In such versions, rotation of one selector knob 145 or dial will cause the other selector knob 145 or dial to rotate, thus resulting in the same combination of weights 115 being selected at the end portions of the selectable weight dumbbell 105.

FIGS. 2-4 show various views of the selectable weight dumbbell 105 removed from the dumbbell base 110. FIG. 2 shows an example of all weights 115 joined to the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138. When all weights 115 are joined to the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138, the selectable weight dumbbell 105 is at its maximum load. FIG. 3 shows an example of some of the weights 115 joined to the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138. FIG. 4 shows an example of none of the weights 115 joined to the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138. When no weights 115 are joined to the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138, the selectable weight dumbbell 105 is at its minimum load. This minimum load is determined by the weight of the components forming the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138. This minimum weight may be some desired amount, such as, for example, five or ten pounds. In such a situation, the components forming the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138 are selected to result in this desired amount.

With reference to FIG. 2, the dumbbell base 110 may include recessed areas 150 formed at the end portions of the dumbbell base 110 for receiving the weights 115. One or more positioning walls 155 may extend from, or be positioned adjacent, these recessed portions 150. These positioning walls 155 may be used to position the weights 115 at desired locations in the recessed areas 150. These walls 155 may also be used to support the weights 115 in a generally upright position, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 4. As discussed in more detail below, each positioning wall 155 may include a orientation receiving element 185 that forms a portion of an orientation feature or orientation key system. Such an orientation feature or key system may be used to ensure a weight 115 is placed into a desired orientation relative to the dumbbell base 105.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the dumbbell base 110 may include one or more engagement members 165, such as an engagement shoulder, for selective engagement with the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138. As described in more detail in the '678 Patent, these engagement members 165 may be used to unlock the selector assembly 130 and/or to selectively secure or couple the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138 to the dumbbell base 110. As described in more detail in the '678 Patent, such features may enhance the safety of the selectable weight dumbbell system 100 by preventing a selector knob 145 from being inadvertently rotated when the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138 is removed from the dumbbell base 110 and/or by preventing removal of the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138 from the dumbbell base 110 unless the selected weights 115 are properly engaged with the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138.

FIG. 5 shows a weight 115 according to aspects of the present invention. The weight 115 shown in FIG. 5 includes a weight engagement feature 170 and an orientation element 175 or key. The weight engagement feature 170 and the orientation element 175 may take the form of protrusions, tabs or the like extending outward from a sidewall 180 of the weight 115. The weight engagement feature 170 may be positioned above the orientation element 175. As described in the '678 Patent, when a weight 115 is positioned in the dumbbell base 110, such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the weight engagement feature 170 can be used to selectively connect the weight 115 with the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138 using the selector knob 145 or dial. However, if the weight 115 is placed in the support base 110 with the weight engagement feature 170 facing in the wrong direction, it may not be possible to engage the weight 115 with the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138 by turning the selector knob 145.

To help prevent the incorrect placement of the weight 115 in the dumbbell base 110, the orientation element 175 may function as a key of an orientation feature. The orientation element 175 (e.g., a tab or protrusion) may also be considered as a portion of an orientation key. The orientation element 175 is adapted to engage an orientation receiving element of the orientation feature. With reference to FIGS. 2-4, the orientation receiving element 185 may be a groove, a slot or the like defined in a positioning wall 155 of the dumbbell base 110. The orientation receiving element 185 (e.g., a groove, a slot or the like) may also be considered as a portion of the orientation key. Interaction between the orientation element 175 on the weight (e.g., a protrusion or tab) and the orientation receiving element 185 in the positioning wall 155 (e.g., a groove or slot) requires placement of the weight 115 in the dumbbell base 110 in a specific orientation, such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

In operation, once the weight 115 is properly oriented by aligning the orientation element 175 on the weight 115 with the corresponding orientation receiving element 185 on the positioning wall 155, the weight 115 may be slid or moved into a weight receiving space 190 defined by adjacent positioning walls 155 and a floor of the dumbbell base 110. As the weight 115 is moved into the weight receiving space 190 in the proper orientation, the orientation element 175 (e.g., a protrusion or tab) is received in the orientation receiving element 185 (e.g., a groove or slot), thus allowing the weight 115 to be fully received within the weight receiving space 190 as shown, for example, in FIG. 6. If the weight 115 is inserted into the weight receiving space 190 in an improper orientation (i.e., the orientation element 175 and the orientation receiving element 185 do not align), the orientation element 175 will not be received within the orientation receiving element 185, thus inhibiting or otherwise preventing the weight 115 from being fully received in the weight receiving space 190. Therefore, the orientation feature or key helps prevent or stop the user from placing the weight 115 in the dumbbell base 110 in an orientation with the weight engagement feature 170 facing in a direction where the selector assembly 130 cannot be used to select the weight 115 through engagement of the weight engagement feature 170 with a corresponding engagement feature (e.g., a tab or nub) of the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138. In other words, the orientation feature or key compels or forces placement of a weight 115 in the dumbbell base 110 in an orientation with the weight engagement feature 170 positioned relative to the base 110 such that the selector assembly 130 can be used to select the weight 115 for attachment to the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138.

The weight engagement feature 170 and the orientation element 175 may be differ as shown in FIG. 5, or may be similar as shown in FIG. 7. For example and with reference to FIG. 7, the weight engagement feature 170 and the orientation element 175 may be generally similar trapezoidal shaped projections or protrusions that extend from a sidewall 180 or other surface of the weight 115. These projections or protrusions may be formed as described in more detail in the '678 Patent. As also described in the '678 Patent, a lower portion of the weight engagement feature 170 may include a generally flat surface for selective engagement with corresponding engagement features formed on the selector assembly 130 of the selectable weight dumbbell 100.

As another example and with reference to FIG. 5, the weight engagement feature may be a generally U-shaped protrusion or projection extending from a sidewall 180 or other surface of the weight. A lower portion of the protrusion or projection may have a generally flat lower surface for engagement with corresponding engagement features formed on the selector assembly 130 of the selectable weight dumbbell 105. The orientation element 175 may include a generally oval shaped projection or protrusion that extends from the sidewall 180 or other surface of the weight 115. Although shown as oval shaped in FIG. 5, the orientation element 175 may be any shape that can be received within a groove, slot, or other suitable orientation receiving element 185 formed in the positioning wall 155 or another component of the base 110 to interact with the orientation receiving element 185 to properly orient the weight 115 within the dumbbell base 110. The weight engagement feature 170 and the orientation element 175 may be integrally formed or joined to the weight 115 by any suitable casting, molding, forming or joining method.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, the weight engagement feature 170 and the orientation element 175 may be generally aligned vertically. Although shown as vertically aligned, the weight engagement feature 170 and the orientation element 175 could be offset vertically, if desired. Further, some of the weights 115 in a set of weights could have vertically aligned weight engagement features 170 and orientation elements 175 and other weights 115 in the set could have vertically offset weight engagement features 170 and orientation elements 175. Yet further, some of the weights 115 in a set of weights could have similar shaped weight engagement features 170 and orientation elements 175 as shown, for example, in FIG. 7, and other weights 115 in the set could have differently shaped weight engagement features 170 and orientation elements 175 as shown, for example, in FIG. 5.

Although the weight engagement feature 170 and the orientation element 175 are shown as extending from the same sidewall 180 or surface of the weight 115, the orientation element 175 could extend from a different sidewall 180 or surface than the weight engagement feature 170. For example, the weight engagement feature 170 could extend from a first sidewall of the weight, such as the front sidewall shown in FIG. 5, and the orientation element could extend from a second sidewall of the weight, such as the rear sidewall of the weight (rear sidewall not visible in FIG. 5).

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the positioning walls 155 extend generally vertically within the base 110. The orientation receiving element 185 formed in each positioning wall 155 associated with a weight 115 also extends generally vertically. The extension direction of the orientation receiving element 185 depends on the direction the weight 115 is moved relative to the base 110 when the weight 115 is placed in or removed from the base 110. The orientation receiving element 185 could extend at any direction other than vertical to allow the weight to be placed in or removed from the base 110. While the orientation element 175 (e.g., tab or protrusion) has been shown and described as extending from the weight 115 and the orientation receiving element 185 (e.g., groove or slot) as formed in the positioning wall 155, the orientation receiving element 185 could be formed in a surface or sidewall 180 of the weight 115 and the orientation element 175 could extend from the positioning wall 155 or another component or portion of the base 110.

FIGS. 8-11 show various views of a second example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 200 that employs an alternative orientation feature or orientation key, where like numbers are used for similar elements or components. FIG. 8 shows a selectable weight dumbbell 105 received within a dumbbell base 110, and FIG. 9 shows the selectable weight dumbbell 105 removed from the base 110.

Like the first example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 100, the second example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 200 includes a selectable weight dumbbell 105 and a dumbbell base 110 and operates in a similar manner to the first example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 100. Also like the first example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 100, the selectable weight dumbbell 105 of the second example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 200 includes one or more sets of weights 115 and a selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138. The dumbbell base 110 and the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138 for the second example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 200 may be similar to the like components for the first example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 100. For example, the selectable weight dumbbell support structure 138 of the second example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 200 may include a handle 120, two bridges 125, one or more selector assemblies or mechanisms 130, two inner supports 135, and a bar 140, and the dumbbell base for the second example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 200 may include positioning walls 155 and one or more engagement members 165.

The weight 115 for the second example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 200 is similar to the weight 115 for the first example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 100 (e.g., the weight 115 of the second example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 200 includes a weight engagement feature that is similar to the weight engagement feature 175 for the weight 115 of the first example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 100) except the orientation element of the weight 115 for the second example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 200 may be omitted and replaced with an orientation receiving element as described in more detail below.

Like the first example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 100, the second example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 200 includes an orientation feature or key. However, the orientation feature or key for the second example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 200 differs from the orientation feature of key for the first example of a selectable weight dumbbell system 100 as described below. With reference to FIG. 10, the orientation feature or key may include an orientation element 175, such as a protruding shape, extending from the dumbbell base 110 where the perimeter of a lower surface of the weight 115 at least partially engages the dumbbell base 110. For example, orientation elements 175 may be positioned on portions of the floor of the dumbbell base 110 located between adjacent positioning walls 155. A lower periphery of the weight 115 may include a similarly-shaped orientation receiving element 185 (e.g., an indentation, recess, groove or slot) to receive the orientation element 175 extending from the base 110 when the weight 115 is properly oriented. The shapes for the orientation element 175 and the orientation receiving element 185 may be one of many shapes, such as a symmetrical shapes offset from the centerline of the weight 115 and dumbbell base 110 as shown, for example, in FIG. 10, non-symmetrical shapes as shown, for example, in FIG. 11, or any suitable shapes appropriately positioned on the weight 115 and the base 110 such that the weight 115 can only be received within the weight receiving space 190 at a desired orientation. In some embodiments, the orientation element 175 (e.g., the protruding shape) may be positioned on the perimeter of the weight 115 to extend from the periphery of the weight 115 and the orientation receiving element 185 (e.g., the recessed or indented corresponding shape) may be positioned within the floor of the dumbbell base 110.

The protrusion and groove orientation feature or orientation key, as well as the protrusion and indentation orientation feature or orientation key, are both means for orienting weights in the receiving area of the base. Any, all or only one of the weights may have such orientation features or keys.

The orientation feature or key for the selectable weight dumbbell system is not limited to the quantity, shape, and/or orientation elements and receiving elements described and depicted herein. For example, other embodiments of the selectable weight dumbbell system can include for the orientation feature or key more than orientation element (e.g., a tab or protrusion) on the weight adapted to correspondingly engage more than one orientation receiving elements (e.g., slots or grooves) formed in the support base. For example, embodiments of the selectable weight dumbbell system can include two or more orientation elements on one side of the weight that each are received within respective orientation receiving elements formed in a positioning wall. In another scenario, a weight can include two or more orientation elements with orientation elements positioned on opposing sides of the weight.

All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.

In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends” having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end” should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, part, member or the like.

In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A selectable weight dumbbell system comprising:

a base including a plurality of weight receiving spaces;

a dumbbell including a handle and a plurality of selectively removable weights;

each of said plurality of weights removably positionable in one of said plurality of weight receiving spaces; and

each of said plurality of weights and said base forming an orientation key between said weight and said base that compels said weight to be positioned in said one of said plurality of weight receiving spaces in an orientation for selective operative engagement with said handle.

2. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 1, wherein said orientation key includes an orientation element extending from a wall of said weight and an orientation receiving element formed on a wall defining said one of said plurality of weight receiving spaces.

3. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 2, wherein said orientation element comprises a protrusion and said orientation receiving element comprises a groove.

4. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 1, wherein said orientation key includes an orientation element positioned on a floor of said base proximate said one of said plurality of weight receiving spaces and a corresponding orientation element formed on a periphery of said weight.

5. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 4, wherein said orientation element comprises a protrusion and said orientation receiving element comprises a recess.

6. A selectable weight dumbbell system comprising:

a base including a plurality of weight receiving spaces;

a dumbbell including a handle and a plurality of selectively removable weights;

each of said plurality of weights removably positionable in one of said plurality of weight receiving spaces; and

a means for orientating said plurality of weights to compel each of said plurality of weights to be positioned in said one of said plurality of weight receiving spaces in an orientation for selective operative engagement with the handle.

7. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 6, wherein said means for orientating comprises protrusions extending from said plurality of weights and grooves formed in walls of said base.

8. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 6, wherein said means for orientating comprises recesses defined in said plurality of weights and protrusions extending from said base.

9. A selectable weight dumbbell system comprising:

a base including a weight receiving space;

a dumbbell including a handle and a weight selectively operatively engageable with the handle;

the weight removably positionable in the weight receiving space; and

an orientation feature that compels the weight to be received in the weight receiving space in an orientation for selective operative engagement with the handle.

10. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 9, wherein the orientation feature comprises an orientation element extending from a wall of the weight and an orientation receiving element formed in a wall of the base.

11. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 10, wherein the wall defines a boundary of the weight receiving space.

12. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 10, wherein the orientation element comprises a key and the orientation receiving element comprises a groove.

13. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 12, wherein the key comprises a protrusion.

14. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 10, wherein the weight includes a weight engagement feature.

15. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 14, wherein the weight engagement feature vertically aligns with the orientation element.

16. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 14, wherein the weight engagement features extends from the wall of the weight.

17. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 9, wherein the orientation feature comprises an orientation receiving element defined in the weight and an orientation element extending from the base.

18. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 17, wherein the orientation element extends from a floor of the base.

19. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 17, wherein the orientation receiving element comprises a recess and the orientation element comprises a key.

20. The selectable weight dumbbell system of claim 18, wherein said key comprises a protrusion.