Adjustable weight dumbbell

BACKGROUND

A dumbbell is a weight training device that typically includes a cylindrical gripping handle that carries a pair of weight plates at opposite ends. The weight plates have a fixed weight such that different dumbbells have different weights, and typically, dumbbell sets are provided (e.g., discrete weights of 10-100 pounds or more) in order to provide users with varying dumbbell weights. At least some known dumbbells include a gripping handle with carriages at opposite ends, the carriages are configured to selectively attach to weight plates via a locking cartridge so that the user can add or remove weight as required or desired. Improvements to these adjustable weight dumbbells are desired.

The information included in this Introduction, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be bound.

SUMMARY

In an example implementation, an adjustable weight dumbbell includes a handle assembly, a first inner weight, and a second inner weight. The handle assembly includes a handle having a first end and an opposite second end. A first plate is mounted to the first end of the handle. The first plate has a first inner side adjacent to the handle, a first outer side, and a first inner weight mounting structure positioned on the first inner side. A second plate is mounted to the second end of the handle. The second plate has a second inner side adjacent to the handle and facing the first inner side, a second outer side, and a second inner weight mounting structure positioned on the second inner side. The first inner weight is configured to removably couple to the first inner weight mounting structure. The second inner weight is configured to removably couple to the second inner weight mounting structure.

In a another example implementation, an adjustable weight dumbbell includes a handle assembly, a first inner weight, a second inner weight, a plurality of outer weights. The handle assembly includes a handle having a first end and an opposite second end. A first plate is mounted to the first end of the handle. The first plate has a first inner side and a first outer side, a first inner weight bracket disposed on the first inner side, and a first outer weight bracket disposed on the first outer side. A second plate is mounted to the first end of the handle. The second plate has a second inner side facing the first inner side of the first plate and a second outer side, a second inner weight bracket disposed on the second inner side, and a second outer weight bracket disposed on the second outer side. A first inner weight is configured to removably couple to the first inner weight bracket. A second inner weight is configured to removably couple to the second inner weight bracket. The first and second inner weights at least partially surround the handle when coupled to the handle assembly. A plurality of outer weights are configured to removably couple to the first and second outer weight brackets and to each other so as to adjust weight of the adjustable weight dumbbell.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of these examples will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the disclosure and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawing figures, which form a part of this application, are illustrative of described technology and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure as claimed in any manner, which scope shall be based on the claims appended hereto.

The use of cross-hatching in the accompanying figures is generally provided to indicate a surface of a cross-section cut. The use of contour lines, shading, or stippling in the accompanying figures is generally provided indicate surface features, including curved surfaces or changes in depth, to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements, and to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching, contour lines, shading, or stippling conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures.

Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various example embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto.

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary adjustable weight dumbbell supported on a cradle.

FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of a handle assembly of the adjustable weight dumbbell shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts an exploded, isometric view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 depicts a rear elevation view of a left side inner weight of the adjustable weight dumbbell shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 depicts a front elevation view of the left side inner weight shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 depicts an exploded, top, rear isometric view of the left side inner weight shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 depicts a left side elevation view of a left side outer weight of the adjustable weight dumbbell shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 depicts right side elevation view of the left side outer weight shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 depicts an exploded, isometric view of the left side outer weight shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 depicts an isometric view of a cradle of the adjustable weight dumbbell shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 depicts a partially exploded, isometric view of the cradle shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 depicts an isometric view in cross section of a portion of the adjustable weight dumbbell shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the present technology are directed to an adjustable weight dumbbell. The adjustable weight dumbbell has a handle assembly that is configured so that one or more removable weights can be attached thereto and define a total weight for the dumbbell. The handle assembly includes a handle with plates attached at each end. Outer sides of the plates are configured to removable couple to one or more outer weights. The outer weights can also removeably couple to each other so that a plurality of outer weights can stack onto each plate of the handle assembly. Additionally, inner sides of the plates are configured to removably couple to a respective inner weight. The inner weights are lighter than the outer weights and enable a smaller weight increment to be added between larger weight increments of the outer weights of the adjustable weight dumbbell. The inner weights are shaped and sized to avoid interference with the handle during use and to locate a center of mass of the inner weights substantially along a longitudinal axis of the handle. In some example implementations, the plates can be constructed out of two different materials to facilitate manufacturing and attachment of the add-on weights. Furthermore, a cradle can be provided that supports the adjustable weight dumbbell and aid in the addition and removal of the weights. The cradle facilitates expandability of the adjustable weight dumbbell with additional outer weights as required or desired.

Throughout this description, references to orientation (e.g., front (ward), rear (ward), top, bottom, back, right, left, upper, lower, etc.) of the components of the dumbbell relate to their position when supported on the cradle and are used for ease of description and illustration only. No restriction is intended by use of the terms regardless of how the components of the dumbbell are situated on its own. As used herein, the terms “axial” and “longitudinal” refer to directions and orientations, which extend substantially parallel to a centerline of the component or system. Moreover, the terms “radial” and “radially” refer to directions and orientations, which extend substantially perpendicular to the centerline of the component or system. In addition, as used herein, the term “circumferential” and “circumferentially” refer to directions and orientations, which extend arcuately about the centerline of the component or system.

FIG. 1 depicts a isometric view of an exemplary adjustable weight dumbbell 100 supported on a cradle 102. The adjustable weight dumbbell 100 includes a handle assembly 104, a first, left side inner weight 106, a second, right side inner weight 108, and a plurality of outer weights 110a-h. In an example, the handle assembly 104 has a weight of 5 pounds (lbs) (2.27 kg). Each of the inner weights 106, 108 can have a weight of 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg). and can be configured to removably couple to the handle assembly 104 such that weight can be added or removed from the handle assembly 104. In some examples, each of the inner weights 106, 108 may have a weight of 5 lbs (2.27 kg), or the like. Additionally, each of the outer weights 110 can have a weight of 5 lbs (2.27 kg). and can be configured to removably couple to the handle assembly 104 such that weight can be added or removed from the handle assembly 104. In some examples, each of the outer weights 110 may have a weight of 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg), 10 lbs (4.54 kg), or the like. The outer weights 110 can also removably couple to each other so the additional weight can be added or removed from the handle assembly 104 as required or desired. As illustrated, the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 can be configured for a total weight between 5 lbs (2.27 kg) and 50 lbs (22.68 kg) in 5 lbs (2.27 kg) intervals.

In the example, the inner weights 106, 108 are different than the outer weights 110 such that the inner weights 106, 108 cannot be coupled to or used as outer weights and the outer weights 110 cannot be coupled to or used as inner weights. The outer weights 110 have a left and a right configuration so that the outer weights 110 are symmetrical about the handle assembly 104. Similarly, the inner weights 106, 108 have a left and a right configuration and are not identical to one another such that the inner weights 106, 108 are symmetrical about the handle assembly 104.

The cradle 102 can include a cover 112 with two rows of weight indicia. A first row 114 corresponding to only use of the outer weights 110 on the handle assembly 104 and a second row 116 corresponding to use of the inner weights 106, 108 and the outer weights 110 on the handle assembly 104. The cradle 102 may also include one or more spacers 118 so that additional or fewer outer weights 110 can be used. For example, by removing the spacers 118 on each side of the adjustable weight dumbbell 100, two additional outer weights 110 can be added so that a total weight can move up to 60 lbs (27.22 kg). Alternatively, by removing some of the outer weights 110 and adding additional spacers 118, the total weight can be reduced as required or desired. This configuration of the cradle 102 allows for the user to start with fewer outer weights 110 and upgrade with additional outer weights 110 while still maintaining use of the cradle 102 and the handle assembly 104. The cradle 102 also includes first and second end plates 120, 122 that define a cavity 124 that is configured to store the inner weights 106, 108 when not in use.

FIG. 2 depicts a isometric view of the handle assembly 104. FIG. 3 depicts an exploded, isometric view of the handle assembly 104. Referring concurrently to FIGS. 2 and 3, the handle assembly 104 forms the main assembly of the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 (shown in FIG. 1) that the user handles for weight training and that the add-on weights are selectively coupled to. The handle assembly 104 includes a cylindrical handle 126 having a first end 128 and an opposite second end 130 defining a longitudinal axis 132. A first plate 134 is mounted on the first end 128 of the handle 126, for example, with a fastener 136 and a washer 138. A second plate 140 is mounted on the second end 130 of the handle 126, for example, with a similar fastener 136 and washer 138. The handle 126 may include knurling (not shown) on an outer surface thereof so as to increase grip for the user.

In the example implementation shown, the first plate 134 has a first inner side 142 proximate to the first end 128 of the handle 126 and an opposite first outer side 144. The second plate 140 has a second inner side 146 proximate to the second end 130 of the handle 126 and an opposite second outer side 148. The first inner side 142 of the first plate 134 faces toward the second inner side 146 of the second plate 140, while the first outer side 144 of the first plate 134 faces away from the second outer side 148 of the second plate 140. Each of the first inner side 142, the first outer side 144, the second inner side 146, and the second outer side 148 substantially lie within respective parallel planes which are each transverse to′ the longitudinal axis 132. The inner sides 142, 146 of the first and second plates 134, respectively, are configured (as indicated in FIG. 2) to receive and support the inner weights 106, 108 (shown in FIG. 1), while the outer sides 144, 148 of the first and second plates 134, respectively, are configured (as shown in FIG. 2) to receive and support the outer weights 110 (shown in FIG. 1). More specifically, the inner sides 142, 146 each include an inner weight mount 150 to which the inner weights 106, 108 removably couple. Additionally, the outer sides 144, 148 each include an outer weight mount 152 to which the outer weights 110 removably couple. The inner weight mount 150 and the outer weight mount 152 on each of the first and second plates 134, 140 face in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal axis 132.

In the example implementation best understood with reference to FIG. 2, the inner weight mount 150 can be understood as a bracket that projects from each of the inner sides 142, 146. The inner weight mount 150 has a bottom end 154 that is disposed adjacent to the handle 126 and a top end 156 that is spaced radially away from the handle 126 and in a direction toward a top of the handle assembly 104. The bottom end 154 has a width 158 that is longer than a width 160 of the top end 156. Accordingly, the inner weight mount 150 has a trapezoidal shape with a taper direction that is smaller at the top end 156 and larger at the bottom end 154. Accordingly, the inner weights 106, 108 slide into engagement with the inner weight mount 150 from a top side of the handle assembly 104. A portion of the outer perimeter of the inner weight mount 150 forms a dovetail flange 162 for engaging corresponding edges of the inner weights 106, 108. The dovetail flanges 162 are spaced axially apart from the inner sides 142, 146 of the plates 134, 140 so that the inner weights 106, 108 are restricted from axial movement when attached. Between the bottom end 154 and the top end 156, the inner weight mount 150 defines a transverse groove 164 configured to engage with a locking mechanism of the inner weights 106, 108 as described further below.

The inner weight mount 150 can be secured to the first or second plate 134, 140 with one or more fasteners 166 and corresponding binding barrels 168 (e.g., an integral nut and washer). The inner weight mount 150 is disposed on a top side of the handle 126 so that the inner weights 106, 108 can be coupled to the handle assembly 104 from the top side thereof.

A pair of support struts 170 extend between the inner sides 142, 146 of the plates 134, 140. The support struts 170 are parallel to and offset from the axis 132 of the handle 126 and are secured to the plates 134, 140 at each end with a corresponding fastener 172. In the example implementation, the support struts 170 are positioned radially away from the handle 126, near the circumferential edge of the plates 134, 140, and are separated from each other by an arc length 161. In some example implementations, the radial distance of each of the support struts 170 from longitudinal axis 132 of the handle 126 is a same length, and a chord distance between the support struts 170 has a length that is the same length as the radial distance of the support struts 170 from the longitudinal axis 132 such that the handle 126 and the support struts 170 form an equilateral triangle. The support struts 170 are further disposed on an opposite side of the handle 126 from the inner weight mount 150, generally toward a bottom of the handle assembly 104. The support struts 170 increase the structural rigidity of the handle assembly 104, for example, to resist impact forces should the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 one or more outer weights 110 be dropped onto a hard surface from a significant height. In the example implementation, the support struts 170 are discrete from each other with no component spanning therebetween other than the first and second plates 134, 140.

Each of the first and second plates 134, 140 are formed by an inner plate 174 and an outer plate 176 coupled together with a fastener 178 and insert 180 (e.g., a drilled and tapped nut with a unique shape) in addition to the other fasteners described herein. In the example implementation, the insert is generally triangular or wedge-shaped and designed to interface with a wedge-shaped recess 181 formed in the outer plates 176 that prevents rotation of the insert 180. The inner plate 174 may be a stamped metal plate and formed from a different material than the outer plate 176, which may be a molded plastic plate. By using a stamped metal plate as the inner plate 174, weight of the handle assembly 104 can more easily be controlled compared to using a casting process. Additionally, the stamped metal plate has a reduced thickness so that a longitudinal length 182 of the handle 126 can be extended and accommodate the inner weights 106, 108. In the example, the longitudinal length 182 of the handle 126 between the inner sides 142, 146 of the first and second plates 134, 140 can be 130 millimeters or greater.

The outer weight mount 152 is formed integrally on the outer plate 176 as a substantially V-shaped projection from the outer sides 144, 148. The outer weight mount 152 has a top end 184 with a width 186 that is longer than a width 188 of a bottom end 190. In the example, the top end 184 is disposed at the top of the handle assembly 104 and the bottom end 190 is disposed below the handle 126. The taper direction of the outer weight mount 152 is opposite a taper direction of the inner weight mount 150 with the top end 184 larger than the bottom end 190. As such, the handle assembly 104 is inserted from the top into a second chamber 270 (see FIG. 9) of the adjacent outer weights 110d/e in order to couple the adjacent outer weights 110d/e to the first and second plates 134, 140. Stated another way, the outer weights 110d/e slide in an upward direction 191 from a bottom of the handle assembly 104 so as to attach to the first and second plates 134, 140. In contrast, the inner weights 106, 108 slide in an opposite, downward direction 193 from a top of the handle assembly 104 to engage the inner weight mounts 150 on the inner sides 142, 146 of the first and second plates 134, 140, respectively. The inner weights 106, 108 and the outer weights 110 are thus attached to the handle assembly 104 from opposing directions.

In the example, the width 186 of the top end 184 of the outer weight mount 152 is longer than both the bottom and top widths 158, 160 of the inner weight mount 150, while the width 188 of the bottom end 190 of the outer weight mount 152 is shorter than both the bottom and top widths 158, 160 of the inner weight mount 150. As such, a taper angle of the outer weight mount 152 may be less than a taper angle of the inner weight mount 150.

A portion of the outer perimeter of the outer weight mount 152 forms a dovetail flange 192 for engaging corresponding edges of the outer weights 110. The dovetail flange 192 is axially spaced apart from the outer sides 144, 148 of the plates 134, 140. When engaged with the outer weight mount 152, the outer weights 110 are restricted from axial movement by the dovetail flange 192. Between the bottom end 190 and the top end 184, the outer weight mount 152 includes a transverse groove 194 configured to engage with a locking mechanism of the outer weights 110 as described further below.

The outer plate 176 defines the outer weight mount 152 which is configured for sliding engagement with a corresponding outer weight 110. As such, a surface texture of a first area 196 of the outer plate 176 proximate to the outer weight mount 152 may have a close or tight coupling tolerance with the outer weights 110d/e. As such, the first area may be relatively smooth (i.e., has a low coefficient of friction) to provide low friction contact with the outer weights 110d/e. In contrast, a second area 198 of the outer plate 176 away from the outer weight mount 152 may be positioned directly adjacent to the outer weight 110 but without a similar close coupling tolerance. As such, the surface texture of the second area 198 may be rougher, i.e., have a higher coefficient of friction, so as to increase friction and decrease movement of the outer weights 110d/e relative to the first and second plates 134, 140 when coupled thereto. Additionally, the rougher surface texture of the second area 198 can reduce the appearance of wear (e.g., scratches) on the outer surfaces. The surface texture of the first area 196 may be considered smoother relative to the surface texture of the second area 198, while the surface texture of the second area 198 may be considered rougher relative to the surface texture of the first area 196. In one example, surface roughness of the textures of the first and second areas 196, 198 may be quantified by a Ra parameter value, although other parameter values may alternatively or additionally be utilized. In an example implementation, the second area 198 may be greater than 50% of an entire surface area of the outer sides 144, 148, or it may be greater than 60% of the entire surface area of the outer sides 144, 148, or it may be greater than 70% of the entire surface area of the outer sides 144, 148, or more.

Additional views of the handle assembly 104 are shown in corresponding U.S. design patent applications filed 14 Sep. 2023, each entitled “HANDLE FOR ADJUSTABLE WEIGHT DUMBBELL” (attorney docket nos. 2355.10082.00US-D and 2355.10088.00US-D), which are incorporated herein by reference their entireties.

FIG. 4 depicts a left side elevation view of the left side inner weight 106 of the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 (as shown in FIG. 1). FIG. 5 depicts a right side elevation view of the left side inner weight 106. FIG. 6 depicts an exploded, isometric view of the left side inner weight 106. Referring concurrently to FIGS. 4-6, while the left side inner weight 106 is shown and described, it is appreciated that the right side inner weight 108 (shown in FIG. 1) has a substantially similar configuration, merely mirrored about the longitudinal axis. Therefore, the right side inner weight 108 is not described separately herein and the description of the left side inner weight 106 equally applies to the right side inner weight 108. The left side inner weight 106 has a body 200 and a locking mechanism 202 configured to secure the left side inner weight 106 to the handle assembly 104 (shown in FIGS. 2-3) such that the left side inner weight 106 at least partially surrounds the handle 126 (shown in FIG. 2) when coupled to the handle assembly 104.

The body 200 of the left side inner weight 106 is substantially shaped as a disk truncated along a chord and defines a notch 204 within the chord wall 203 shaped and sized to at least partially receive the handle 126 when coupled to the handle assembly 104. The body 200 defines the majority of the mass of the left side inner weight 106 and, when it is coupled to the handle assembly 104, it is disposed at the top side of the handle assembly 104 such that the chord wall 203 seats above the struts 170. To maintain weight balance of the handle assembly 104 equally about the longitudinal axis 132, the form or geometry of the body 200 is disposes a center of mass 206 of the left side inner weight 106 outside of the body 200. In one example, the center of mass 206 is disposed within the notch 204 and within to the handle 126 when the handle 126 extends through the notch 204. In another example, the center of mass 206 may align with the longitudinal axis 132 of the handle assembly 104. In a further example, the center of mass 206 may be offset from the longitudinal axis 132 of the handle assembly 104. In some examples, the body 200 can include one or more recesses 208 or apertures to create the desired weight distribution to define the center of mass 206 with respect to the body within the notch 204, on the longitudinal axis 132, or elsewhere as desired when the left side inner weight 106 is engaged with the inner weight mount 150. The recesses 208 may be defined on a first side 210 or a second side 212 of the body 200, or on both sides.

The first side 210 of the body 200 is configured to face the inner side 142, 146 of the first and second plates 134, 140 (depending upon whether the first side 210 corresponds to the left side inner weight 106 or the right side inner weight 108). The first side 210 of the body 200 defines a mount receiver 214 for coupling to the inner weight mount 150 (shown in FIG. 2). In the example, the mount receiver 214 is defined as a cavity that is shaped and sized to receive the inner weight mount 150. The mount receiver 214 can be integrally or unitarily formed within the weight body 200. The mount receiver 214 also has a dovetail flange 216 that surrounds the perimeter of the cavity and engages with the corresponding dovetail flange 162 of the inner weight mount 150 when the mount receiver 214 slides into engagement with the inner weight mount 150. The shape of the cavity of the mount receiver 214 corresponds to the shape of the inner weight mount 150 and has a similar trapezoidal shape with a shorter width toward a top of the body 200 and a longer width toward a bottom of the body 200. A transverse groove 218 is also defined within the mount receiver 214.

To prevent the left side inner weight 106 from decoupling from the inner weight mount 150, the locking mechanism 202 can be used to restrict any radial sliding movement between the inner weight mount 150 and the mount receiver 214. A chamber 220 is defined on the first side 210 of the body 200 adjacent to the mount receiver 214 and is configured to support the locking mechanism 202. The locking mechanism 202 includes a lever arm 222 and a locking pin 224. The lever arm 222 is pivotably mounted within the chamber 220 via a pivot pin 226. An upper arm portion 228 of the lever arm 222 projects from the body 200 and includes a knob 230. A lower arm portion 232 of the lever arm 222 includes a head 234 that engages with a recess 236 in a sidewall of the locking pin 224. A biasing spring 238 (e.g., a torsion spring) provides a biasing force to the lever arm 222 and toward one or both of a locked position and an unlocked position of the lever arm 222. A cover 240 captures the components of the locking mechanism 202 within the chamber 220 with one or more fasteners 242.

The locking pin 224 is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis 132 (shown in FIG. 2) and is configured to slide into and out of the transverse groove 218 of the mount receiver 214 via operation of the lever arm 222. When the locking pin 224 is disposed within the transverse groove 218 of the mount receiver 214, the locking mechanism 202 is in a locked position. At least a portion of the locking pin 224 axially projects from the transverse groove 218 and is received within the corresponding transverse groove 164 of the inner weight mount 150 to restrict the left side inner weight 106 from being removed from the inner weight mount 150. When the locking mechanism 202 is in an unlocked position, the locking pin 224 is removed from the transverse groove 218 and the inner weight 106 can be slidingly removed from the inner weight mount 150. A distal end 244 of the locking pin 224 can define a tapered nose to facilitate sliding the locking pin 224 into the transverse groove 218 and placing the locking mechanism 202 into the locked position.

In the example, the inner weights 106 can be coupled to the inner sides 142, 146 of the first and second plates 134, 140. the body 200 has a thickness 246 that projects inwardly above the handle 126 parallel to the longitudinal axis 132. The handle 126 can thus be designed with a sufficient length for the user to use the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 as required or desired, with or without the inner weights 106, 108. In one example, when both the first and second inner weights 106, 108 are coupled to the handle assembly 104, a useable length of the handle 126 between the first and second inner weights 106, 108 can be 125 mm or more.

In one example implementation, the thickness 246 of the body 200 defined at the bottom portion 248 of the body 200 that partially surrounds the handle 126 and engages the support struts 170 (shown in FIG. 2) is thicker than other portions of the body 200. For example, a top portion 250 of the second side 212 of the body 200 can define an oblique surface 252 tapering toward the first side 210 of the body 200, such that the body 200 has a reduced thickness at the top portion 250. The oblique surface 252 facilitates providing more room for the user to grasp the handle 126 during use of the adjustable weight dumbbell 100. If the effective length of the handle 126 is too narrow, the user can have a more difficult time using the adjustable weight dumbbell 100. In some example implementations, the oblique surface 252 can include the upper 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, or more of a height of the body 200 above the bottom portion 248.

Additional views of the inner weights 106, 108 are depicted in a corresponding U.S. design patent application filed 14 Sep. 2023 entitled “WEIGHT FOR ADJUSTABLE WEIGHT DUMBBELL” (attorney docket no. 2355.10083.00US-D), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 7 depicts a left side elevation view of the left side outer weight 110a of the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 (shown in FIG. 1). FIG. 8 depicts a right side elevation view of the left side outer weight 110a. FIG. 9 depicts an exploded, isometric view of the left side outer weight 110a. Referring concurrently to FIGS. 7-9, while the left side outer weight 110a is shown and described, the other left side outer weights 110b-d are identical thereto. Further, it is appreciated that the right side outer weights 110e-h (shown in FIG. 1) have a substantially similar configuration to the left side outer weights 110a-d, merely mirrored about the longitudinal axis. Therefore, the right side outer weights 110e-h are not described separately herein and the description of the example left side outer weight 110a equally applies to all the outer weights 110a-h. The outer weight 110a has a body 254 and a locking mechanism 256 configured to secure the outer weight 110a to the handle assembly 104 (shown in FIGS. 2-3) and other outer weights 100b-d.

The body 254 forms the majority of the mass of the outer weight 110a and has a first side 258 and a second side 260. The first side 258 is a substantially planar surface to which an outer weight mount 262 is coupled to via fasteners 166 and binding barrels 168. The outer weight mount 262 functions the same as the outer weight mount 152 of the first and second plates 134, 140 (shown in FIG. 2) of the handle assembly 104 and includes a dovetail flange 264 and a transverse groove 266 so that another outer weight can be removably coupled to the first side 258 as required or desired.

The second side 260 of the body 254 defines a first chamber 268 shaped and sized to at least partially receive the locking mechanism 256 and a second chamber 270 shaped and sized to at least partially receive an outer weight receiver 272. In the example, the outer weight receiver 272 is defined with a cavity that is shaped and sized to receive the outer weight mount 262 of another outer weight 110b-d or the plates of the handle assembly 104. The outer weight receiver 272 is coupled to the body 254 and the outer weight mount 262 with the fasteners 166 and binding barrels 168. In one example, the outer weight receiver 272 and the outer weight mount 262 are formed from the same material (e.g., plastic) and of a different material than the body 254 (e.g., metal). The outer weight receiver 272 also has a corresponding dovetail flange 274 that surrounds the perimeter of the cavity and engages either the corresponding dovetail flange 264 of the outer weight mount 262 of another outer weight 110b-d or the dovetail flange 192 of the outer weight mounts 152 of the handle assembly 104 when the outer weight receiver 272 slides into engagement therewith. The shape of the cavity of the outer weight receiver 272 corresponds to the shape of the outer weight mounts 152, 262 and has a similar V-shape with a shorter width toward a bottom of the body 254 and a longer width toward a top of the body 254. A transverse groove 276 is also defined within the outer weight receiver 272.

To prevent the outer weight 110a from decoupling from another outer weight 110b or the outer weight mount 152 of the handle assembly 104, the locking mechanism 256 is used to restrict potential radial sliding movement therebetween. The locking mechanism 256 includes a housing 278a, 278b that couples to the body 254 via fasteners 280 and binding barrels 282. The housing 278a, 278b supports a lever arm 284 and a locking pin 286. The lever arm 284 is pivotably mounted within the housing 278 via a pivot pin 288. An upper arm portion 290 of the lever arm 284 projects from the housing 278 and includes a knob 292 that is accessible external to the body 254. A lower arm portion 294 of the lever arm 284 includes a head 296 that engages with a recess 298 in a sidewall of the locking pin 286. A biasing spring 300 (e.g., a torsion spring) provides a biasing force to the lever arm 284 and toward one or both of a locked position and an unlocked position of the lever arm 284.

The locking pin 286 is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis 132 (shown in FIG. 2) and is configured to slide into and out of the transverse groove 276 of the outer weight receiver 272 via operation of the lever arm 284. When the locking pin 286 is disposed within the transverse groove 276 of the outer weight receiver 272, the locking mechanism 256 is in a locked position At least a portion of the locking pin 286 axially projects from the transverse groove 276 and is received within the corresponding transverse groove 266 of the other outer weight 110b or the corresponding transverse groove 194 of the handle assembly 104 to restrict the outer weight 110a from being removed therefrom. A distal end 302 of the locking pin 286 can define a tapered nose so as to facilitate sliding the locking pin 286 into the transverse grooves 194, 266 and placing the locking mechanism 256 into the locked position. The body 254 of the outer weight 110a has a thickness 303 that is smaller than the thickness 246 (shown in FIG. 6) of the inner weights 106, 108. The body 200 (shown in FIG. 6) of the inner weights 106, 108 also has a different shape than the body 254 of the outer weight 110a such that they are not interchangeable.

Configurations of the outer weights 110a-h and the locking mechanism 256 are further described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,588,520, 8,075,458, 10,583,318, and 10,843,028, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

FIG. 10 depicts an isometric view of the cradle 102 of the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 (shown in FIG. 1). FIG. 11 depicts a partial exploded, isometric view of the cradle 102. Referring concurrently to FIGS. 10 and 11, the cradle 102 is configured to support the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 for storage and when not in use. Additionally, the cradle 102 supports the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 such that the inner weights 106, 108 and outer weights 110 can easily be coupled to and detached from the handle assembly 104 (all shown in FIG. 1) and as described herein. Accordingly, when the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 is in use and removed from the cradle 102, the cradle 102 is configured to support the inner weights 106, 108 and outer weights 110 that are not in use and in an efficient position for reattaching as required or desired.

The cradle 102 is elongated along the longitudinal axis 132 (shown in FIG. 2) and terminates at first and second end plates 120, 122. Two elongated supports 304, 306 extend between the first and second end plates 120, 122 and are configured to receive and support the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 on top. In other examples, the pair of elongated supports 304, 306 may be a single elongated support component that facilitates supporting the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 and as described herein. Two intermediate members 308, 310 extend between the supports 304, 306 and are disposed between the first and second end plates 120, 122. The top surfaces of the intermediate members 308, 310 each define a recessed ledge 311 configured to receive and support the first and second plates 134, 140 (shown in FIG. 1) of the handle assembly 104. The ledges 311 restrict the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 from sliding along the supports 304, 306.

The end plates 120, 122 further define cavities 124 for receipt and storage of the inner weights 106, 108 when not in use. The cavities 124 can further be defined by an interior projection 312 that is shaped and sized to correspond to the notch 204 of the inner weights 106, 108 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). An inner side of the each of the end plates 120, 122 defines a V-shaped receiver 314 having a dovetail flange 316. The receiver 314 is configured to receive a bottom portion of the outer weight mount 262 (shown in FIG. 7) of the outer weight 110a/h so that the outer weight 110a/h is supported on the cradle 102. The outer weight 110a/h does not lock to the receiver 314 with the locking mechanism; rather, the outer weight mount 262 can slide in an out of engagement as required or desired and in the vertical direction. The receiver 314 is configured to support the outer weight 110a/h in an upright position so that when one or more of the outer weights 110a-h are not in use, they maintain an orientation to easily receive the outer weights 110a-h that are in use and attach/detach as required or desired.

In the example implementation, a width of the cradle 102 between the end plates 120, 122 facilitates supporting five outer weights 110 on both the left and right side of the intermediate members 308, 310. Some users may not require or desire all of the outer weight options. As such, one or more spacers 118 are included that couple to the first and second end plates 120, 122 so that the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 is supported on the cradle 102 with less than five left and right outer weights 110. The spacer 118 includes a spacer mount 318 that is a V-shaped axial projection with a dovetail flange 320 that can couple with the corresponding receiver 314 on the end plates 120, 122. On the opposite side from the spacer mount 318, the spacer 118 defines a spacer receiver 322 that is a V-shaped cavity with a perimeter lip defining an edge recess 324 configured to receive a bottom portion of the outer weight mount 262 of an outer weight 110. Depending upon the number of outer weights 110 included with the adjustable weight dumbbell 100, multiple spacers 118 can be used at each end of the cradle 102 to support the adjustable weight dumbbell 100. The spacers 118 can also engage with one another via the mount 318 and receiver 322. As such, the spacer 118 enables the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 to be supported on the cradle 102 even if the outer weights 110 do not reach the end plates 120, 122. As the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 is expanded with additional outer weights 110, the spacers 118 can be removed. The spacers 118 have a thickness 326 that matches the thickness 303 (shown in FIG. 9) of the outer weights 110 so that the positioning of the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 on the cradle 102 can be maintained no matter how many outer weights 110 are utilized.

The intermediate members 308, 310 may also include the weight indicia 114, 116 corresponding to the handle assembly 104 weight alone and with use of the inner weights 106, 108. Opposing ends 328, 330 of the spacers 118 are configured to mount over the covers 112 disposed between the end plate 120, 122 and the intermediate members 308, 310. The opposing ends 328, 330 may define recesses that elastically fit over the covers 112, e.g., by leveraging flexibility of a molded plastic form of the spacers 118. This allows the spacers 118 to cover the weight indicia 114, 116 that corresponds to the outer weight 110 being replaced.

The cradle 102 is symmetrical about a mid-plane and relative to the longitudinal axis 132. As such, the cradle 102 can support the adjustable weight dumbbell 100 in two different longitudinal directions. Additional views of the cradle 102 are shown in a corresponding U.S. design patent applications filed 14 Sep. 2024, entitled “CRADLE FOR ADJUSTABLE WEIGHT DUMBBELL” and “SPACER FOR ADJUSTABLE WEIGHT DUMBBELL CRADLE” (attorney docket nos. 2355.10084.00US-D and 2355.10089.00US-D), which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIG. 12 depicts a partial, cross-sectional, isometric view of the adjustable weight dumbbell 100. Certain components are described above and are not necessarily described further with respect to FIG. 12. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the first plate 134 of the handle assembly 104 is coupled to the first inner weight 106 and one outer weight 110. The inner weight mount 150 extends from the inner side 142 of the first plate 134 and is disposed directly above of the handle 126. The outer perimeter of the inner weight mount 150 has the dovetail flange 162 that receives the corresponding dovetail flange 216 of the mount receiver 214 formed within the body 200 of the inner weight 106. This engagement between the inner weight 106 and the handle assembly 104 prevents the inner weight 106 from axially sliding away from the inner side 142. To prevent the inner weight 106 from being removed from the inner weight mount 150, the locking mechanism 202 is moved toward a locked position such that the locking pin 224 is transversely moved into the transverse grooves 164, 218 formed within the inner weight mount 150 and the mount receiver 214.

The oblique surface 252 of the inner weight 106 tapers toward the outer weight 110. As described above, the inner weight 106 is inserted onto the handle assembly 104 in a downward vertical direction. As such, the bottom of the body 200 of the inner weight 106 is disposed directly above the support struts 170 and spaced apart therefrom. In contrast, the bottom of the handle assembly 104 is placed vertically downward onto the outer weight 110 because of the configuration of the mounts.

The outer weight mount 152 projects outwardly from the outer side 144 of the first plate 134. The dovetail flange 192 of the outer weight mount 152 engages with the corresponding dovetail flange 274 of the outer weight receiver 272 to prevent the outer weight 110 from axially sliding away from the outer side 144. To prevent the outer weight 110 from being removed from the outer weight mount 152, the locking mechanism 256 (shown in FIG. 9) is moved toward a locked position such that the locking pin 286 (shown in FIG. 9) is transversely moved into the transverse grooves 194, 276 formed within the outer weight mount 152 and the outer weight receiver 272. The first side 258 of the outer weight 110 is then used to removably couple another outer weight to the handle assembly 104 as required or desired.

In one example form as disclosed herein, an adjustable weight dumbbell includes a handle assembly, a first inner weight, and a second inner weight. The handle assembly further includes a handle having a first end and an opposite second end; a first plate mounted to the first end of the handle; and a second plate mounted to the second end of the handle. The first plate can have a first inner side adjacent to the handle, a first outer side, and a first inner weight mounting structure positioned on the first inner side. The second plate can have a second inner side adjacent to the handle and facing the first inner side, a second outer side, and a second inner weight mounting structure positioned on the second inner side. The first inner weight can be configured to removably couple to the first inner weight mounting structure. The second inner weight can be configured to removably couple to the second inner weight mounting structure.

In another example form, the adjustable weight dumbbell can further include a first outer weight mounting structure positioned on the first outer side of the first plate; a second outer weight mounting structure positioned on the second outer side of the second plate; one or more first outer weights each configured to removably couple to the first outer weight mounting structure; and one or more second outer weights each configured to removably couple to the second outer weight mounting structure.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, each of the first outer weights can be configured to removably attach to another adjacent one of the first outer weights.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, each of the second outer weights can be configured to removably attach to another adjacent one of the second outer weights.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, a first weight of either of the first inner weight or the second inner weight can be different than a second weight of any of the one or more first outer weights or of the one or more second outer weights.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, the first weight can be less than the second weight.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, the first and second inner weight mounting structures can each include a bracket mounted to and extending from the first or second plate, respectively. The bracket can define a dovetail flange about at least a portion of a perimeter of the bracket. The first and second inner weights can each have a body that defines a notch corresponding in form to the bracket. An edge of the body defining the notch can define a corresponding dovetail flange correlated to the dovetail flange of the bracket for engagement with the bracket.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, the first and second inner weight mounting structures can each comprise a first bracket. The first bracket can have a top end of a first width and a bottom end of a second width longer than the first width. The first and second outer weight mounting structures can each comprise a second bracket. The second bracket can have a top end of a third length and a bottom end of a fourth length shorter than the third length. A first taper direction of the first and second inner weight mounting structures from the top end to the bottom end of the first bracket can be in an opposite direction from a second taper direction of the first and second outer weight mounting structures from the top end to the bottom end of the second bracket.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, the first and second inner weight mounting structures can each comprise a locking structure configured to selectively engage with and disengage with the first inner weight mounting structure and the second inner weight mounting structure, respectively.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, a first area of the first outer side of the first plate adjacent to the first outer weight mounting structure can have a first surface texture with a first friction coefficient. A second area of the first outer side of the first plate spaced apart from the first outer weight mounting structure can have a second surface texture with a second friction coefficient. The first friction coefficient can be lower than the second friction coefficient.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, the first and second inner weights can each have a body that defines a notch shaped and sized to at least partially receive the handle when coupled to the first and second inner weight mounting structures, respectively.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, a center of mass of each of the first and second inner weights can be disposed within the notch.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, the center of mass of each of the first and second inner weights can be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the handle when the first and second inner weights are coupled to the first and second inner weight mounting structures, respectively.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, the first and second inner weights can each have a body that defines an oblique surface at a top end of the first and second inner weights, respectively.

In a further example form as disclosed herein, an adjustable weight dumbbell can include a handle assembly, a first inner weight, a second inner weight, and a plurality of inner weights. The handle assembly can further include a handle having a first end and an opposite second end, a first plate mounted to the first end of the handle, and a second plate mounted to the second end of the handle. The first plate can have a first inner side and a first outer side, a first inner weight bracket disposed on the first inner side, and a first outer weight bracket disposed on the first outer side. The second plate can have a second inner side facing the first inner side of the first plate and a second outer side, a second inner weight bracket disposed on the second inner side, and a second outer weight bracket disposed on the second outer side. A first inner weight can be configured to removably couple to the first inner weight bracket. A second inner weight can be configured to removably couple to the second inner weight bracket. The first and second inner weights can at least partially surround the handle when coupled to the handle assembly. A plurality of outer weights can be configured to removably couple to the first and second outer weight brackets and to each other so as to adjust weight of the adjustable weight dumbbell.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, the first and second inner sides can be formed from a different material than the first and second outer sides.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, the first and second inner weights can slidingly engage with the first and second inner weight brackets along a first direction, and the plurality of outer weights can slidingly engage with the first and second outer weight brackets along a second direction.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, each of the first and second inner weights can have a center of gravity disposed outside of a body of the first and second inner weights.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, the first inner weight can be a mirror form of the second inner weight.

In another example form of the adjustable weight dumbbell, each of the first and second inner weights can have a locking mechanism configured to engage and disengage with the first and second inner weight brackets, respectively.

All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the structures disclosed herein, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of such structures. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Moreover, one having skill in the art will understand the degree to which terms such as “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” convey in light of the measurement techniques utilized herein. To the extent such terms may not be clearly defined or understood by one having skill in the art, the term “about” shall mean plus or minus ten percent.

As used herein, including in the claims, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination. Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (for example, a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of”) indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, a list of “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC, or A and B and C.

It will be clear that the systems and methods described herein are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. The terms “example” and “exemplary,” when used in this description, mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” Those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and systems within this specification may be implemented in many manners and as such is not to be limited by the foregoing examples. In this regard, any number of the features of the different examples described herein may be combined into one single example and alternate examples having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible.

While various examples have been described for purposes of this disclosure, various changes and modifications may be made which are well within the scope contemplated by the present disclosure. Numerous other changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in the spirit of the disclosure.

Adjustable weight dumbbell

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