ADJUSTMENT PIN FOR EXERCISE DEVICE

BACKGROUND

Exercise devices, such as weight machines and resistance training equipment, are widely used by individuals seeking to improve their physical fitness and strength. These devices often incorporate various adjustable components to accommodate different user preferences and exercise routines. One such adjustable component is an adjustment pin or a retention pin which is often employed to secure and/or adjust the position of arms, handles, grips, weights, attachments, or other components on the exercise device.

Adjustment pins typically have a feature such as a handle or knob to enable the user to securely grasp the pin in order to insert, remove, or otherwise manipulate the pin. Adjustment pins having knobs are typically joined to the knob through a threaded connection, for example, at an end of the adjustment pin. In some situations, however, use and/or manipulation of the pin by the user may result in the threaded connection of the knob becoming loose or disconnected. This can lead to the knob becoming damaged or lost, and in some situations can result in the adjustment pin remaining in a component of the exercise device with no way for the user to remove the pin. Thus, improved methods for attaching a knob to an adjustment pin such that it does not easily become unthreaded and/or disconnected may be advantageous.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments, an adjustment pin for an exercise device includes a knob, a bushing, and a fastener, the fastener connects the bushing to the knob such that the knob is configured to rotate with respect to the bushing. The adjustment pin further includes a cylindrical body connected to the bushing.

In other embodiments, an adjustment pin for an exercise device includes a knob having a female knob connection at a distal end of the knob. The knob has internal threads accessible via the female knob connection. The adjustment pin includes a bushing having a male bushing connection at a proximal end of the bushing and a female bushing connection at a distal end of the bushing. The male bushing connection is configured to at least partially insert into the female knob connection. The bushing has a rotation interface at the male bushing connection. The adjustment pin further includes a fastener having a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion. The fastener is configured to connect the knob to the bushing by engaging the internal threads of the knob through the rotation interface of the bushing. The non-threaded portion engages the rotation interface of the bushing such that the knob is configured to rotate with respect to the bushing. The adjustment pin further includes a cylindrical body configured to connect to the bushing at the female bushing connection.

In yet other embodiments, a method of manufacturing an adjustment pin of an exercise device includes inserting a bushing into a female connection of a knob. The knob has internal threads accessible via the female connection. The method further includes inserting a fastener through a rotation interface of the bushing. The method further includes threading the fastener into the internal threads of the knob to rotatably connect the bushing to the knob. The method further includes, after connecting the bushing and the fastener to the knob, fixing a cylindrical body to the bushing to rotatably connect the knob to the cylindrical body, wherein fixing the cylindrical body to the bushing covers the fastener.

In still further embodiments, a method of using an adjustment pin of an exercise device includes inserting a cylindrical body of the adjustment pin into an exercise component of the exercise device. The method further includes, based on inserting the cylindrical body, fixing a movement of the exercise component with respect to the exercise device. The method further includes rotating a knob of the adjustment pin, wherein the knob is connected to the cylindrical body, and wherein rotating the knob does not disconnect or loosen the knob from the cylindrical body.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such embodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such embodiments as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific implementations thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For better understanding, the like elements have been designated by like reference numbers throughout the various accompanying figures. While some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that the drawings depict some example implementations, the implementations will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a conventional adjustment pin;

FIG. 2-1 is an example implementation of an adjustment pin;

FIG. 2-2 is an example implementation of an adjustment pin;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an adjustment pin, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an adjustment pin, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5-1 is a side cross-section view of an adjustment pin, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5-2 is a side cross-section view of an adjustment pin, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5-3 is a side cross-section view of an adjustment pin, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6-1 is a side cross-section view of an adjustment pin, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6-2 is a side cross-section view of an adjustment pin, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6-3 is a side cross-section view of an adjustment pin, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an adjustment pin, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7-1 is a side view of an adjustment pin, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7-2 is a side view of an adjustment pin, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram for a method or a series of acts for manufacturing an adjustment pin, according at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram for a method or a series of acts for using an adjustment pin, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure generally relates to adjustment pins for exercise devices. Adjustment pins may be implemented in connection with an exercise device to secure and/or support one or more components of the exercise device, such as an arm or a weight stack. Typically, an adjustment pin includes a cylindrical body for engaging with and supporting a component of an exercise device, and a knob connected to the cylindrical body to facilitate a user inserting and/or removing the adjustment pin. In some situations, the knob is connected to the cylindrical body by a threaded connection, and may be prone to loosening and/or disconnecting from the cylindrical body. For example, a user may manipulate the adjustment pin which may incidentally rotate the adjustment pin and/or the knob and may loosen and/or unscrew the knob from the cylindrical body. The knob may become lost or damaged, and use of the adjustment pin and/or the exercise device may be cumbersome, difficult or dangerous without the knob.

In some embodiments, an adjustment pin according to the present disclosure includes a bushing in addition to a knob and a cylindrical body. The knob may be connected to the bushing with a fastener. The fastener may interface with the bushing such that the fastener may rotate within the bushing. In this way, the knob may be rotatably connected to the bushing, or the knob and bushing may be permitted to rotate with respect to each other. The cylindrical body may be fixed to the bushing such that the knob may also rotate with respect to the cylindrical body. In this way, the knob can be rotated, for example, without rotating the rest of the adjustment pin, and without unscrewing or loosening the knob from the cylindrical body.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a typical adjustment pin 100. FIGS. 2-1 and 2-2 are illustrations of example implementations 210-1 and 210-2 respectively of the adjustment pin 100 being used in connection with an exercise device.

Typically, the adjustment pin 100 may include a cylindrical body 102. The cylindrical body 102 may extend in a longitudinal direction and/or along a longitudinal axis of the adjustment pin 100. The cylindrical body 102 may generally be smooth and/or have a uniform diameter (e.g., along at least a portion of the cylindrical body 102). This may facilitate the cylindrical body 102 being easily inserted and/or removed from a portion or component of an exercise device. The cylindrical body 102 may be made of metal (such as steel or aluminum) or of another durable construction such that it can support and/or secure one or more components of the exercise device.

The adjustment pin 100 may typically include a handle or knob 104. The knob 104 may be connected to an end of the cylindrical body 102. The knob 104 may be securely connected to the cylindrical body 102 such that a user may grasp (e.g., grip) the knob 104 in order to manipulate the adjustment pin 100. For example, the knob 104 may facilitate inserting and/or removing the cylindrical body 102 to/from a component of the exercise device. For example, the adjustment pin 100 may typically interface and/or engage with a bracket, arm, weight stack, or other component of the exercise device in order to retain a position, fix a movement, support a weight, or otherwise secure or support a component of the exercise device. As shown in FIG. 2-1, the adjustment pin 100 may insert and/or engage with a weight stack of an exercise device, for example, to load and/or adjust and/or support an amount of weight for a specific exercise routine (e.g., to engage and support one or more weights of the weight stack). As shown in FIG. 2-2, the adjustment pin 100 may insert and/or engage with an arm and/or a bracket of an exercise device in order to secure and/or support the arm at a specific position and to facilitate adjusting the arm to one or more additional positions. In this way, the adjustment pin 100 may be a retention pin, loading pin, weight pin or the like to facilitate one or more functions and/or adjustments of an exercise device. The knob 104 may enable and/or facilitate a user of an exercise device to implement the adjustment pin 100 in this manner.

In some situations, the knob 104 may typically be connected to the cylindrical body 102 through a threaded connection. For example, the knob 104 may include a male threaded component that may thread into a female threaded component of the cylindrical body 102. In another example, the knob 104 may include a female threaded component which may accept and/or receive a male threaded component of the cylindrical body 102. In this way, the knob 104 and the cylindrical body 102 may typically be connected by threading the two components together.

In some situations, the knob 104 may become (or may have a tendency to become) loosened and/or disconnected from the cylindrical body 102 due to the threaded nature of the connection. For example, use of the adjustment pin 100, (e.g., direct manipulation of the adjustment pin 100 by a user, or use of an exercise device implementing the adjustment pin 100) may cause the knob 104 and/or the cylindrical body 102 to become loose. In some situations, a user may rotate the knob 104 with respect to the cylindrical body, either intentionally or incidentally. For example, the user may try and remove the knob 104 from the cylindrical body 102. In another example, a user inserting and/or removing the adjustment pin 100 may cause the knob 104 to rotate with respect to the cylindrical body 102. In this way, the knob 104 may become loosened or even disconnected from cylindrical body 102 by the threaded connection being rotated or loosened.

Removal of and/or disconnecting the knob 104 from the cylindrical body 102 may result in the knob 104 becoming misplaced, lost, or damaged. This may cause the adjustment pin 100 to become cumbersome, difficult, or even dangerous to use. For example, a user may attempt to insert and/or remove the adjustment pin 100 to/from an exercise device without the knob 104. Such a use without the knob 104 may make it difficult, inconvenient, and/or cumbersome to use the adjustment pin 100. For example, the adjustment pin 100 may be inserted and/or connected to an exercise device, and without the knob 104, there may be no way to remove the adjustment pin 100 to adjust one or more features of the exercise device. In some situations, use of the adjustment pin 100 without the knob 104 may make it difficult for (or may prevent) the adjustment pin 100 to be correctly positioned, connected, or seated in the exercise device. This may present the risk that the exercise device malfunctions and/or functions in a dangerous way. For example, a weight stack or an arm of the exercise device may become unsecure. Thus, use of the adjustment pin 100 without the knob 104 may be undesirable, and may even risk damage to the user, the exercise device, or both. Accordingly, an adjustment pin 100 that prevents the knob 104 from being removed (e.g., unthreaded) either incidentally or intentionally by a user may be advantageous.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an adjustment pin 300, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The adjustment pin 300 includes a cylindrical body 302, a knob 304, and a bushing 306. The adjustment pin 300 may include one or more features of the adjustment pin 100 described above in connection with FIGS. 1, 2-1, and 2-2. The adjustment pin 300 may perform or may facilitate one or more of the functions described above in connection with the adjustment pin 100 of FIG. 1. For example, the adjustment pin 300 may be implemented in connection with an exercise device to secure and/or support one or more components of the exercise device. The adjustment pin 300 may facilitate the adjustment of one or more components of the exercise device.

As just mentioned, the adjustment pin 300 includes a cylindrical body 302. The cylindrical body 302 may be substantially cylindrical and/or may have a substantially round or circular cross-section. The cylindrical body 302 may extend longitudinally and/or may extend along a longitudinal axis of the adjustment pin 300. The cylindrical body 302 may have a substantially uniform diameter along at least a portion of its length. The cylindrical body 302 may be any other (e.g., elongate) shape and/or may have a cross-section of any other shape. For example, the cylindrical body 302 may have a square, rectangular, triangular, oval-shaped, polygonal, or any other shaped cross-section. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 302 is non-uniform, along its length. For example, the cylindrical body 302 may be substantially cylindrical (e.g., have a circular cross-section) along a portion of its length, and may be substantially prismatic (e.g., have a square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, etc., cross-section) along another portion of its length. In another example, the cylindrical body 302 may have a circular cross-section of one diameter along one portion of its length, and may have a circular cross-section of another diameter along another portion of its length.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 302 has one or more features to help aid or guide the insertion of the adjustment pin 300 into a component of an exercise device. For example, a longitudinal end of the cylindrical body 302 may be sloped, rounded, or tapered, or may exhibit a reduced diameter or smaller shape. In this way, the adjustment pin may be more easily implemented by a user.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 302 is substantially smooth along at least a portion of its length. The smooth surface may facilitate inserting and/or removing the cylindrical body to/from an exercise device. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 302 includes one or more surfaces that are not smooth. For example, a portion of the cylindrical body 302 may be rough, knurled, ribbed, or any other non-smooth feature (and combinations thereof). This may facilitate the adjustment pin 300 resisting movement with respect to one or more components of an exercise device.

In some embodiments, (as will be discussed herein in detail in connection with FIGS. 7, 7-1 and 7-2) the cylindrical body 302 includes one or more stops or limiting features. For example, the cylindrical body 302 may include one or more geometries or structures that may be a stop to prevent the adjustment pin 300 from being inserted and/or removed from an exercise device past a certain point. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 302 includes a spring retainer. The spring retainer may facilitate retaining a spring on or with respect to the adjustment pin 100, for example, to retain the adjustment pin 300 in a component of an exercise device. In some embodiments, the stop and the spring retainer are at least partially the same structure or geometry, that is, the same structure and/or geometry may at least partially form or function as the stop and the spring retainer.

The cylindrical body 302 may be made of a durable material. For example, as discussed above, the adjustment pin 300 (more specifically the cylindrical body 302) may be implemented to secure and/or support one or more components of an exercise device. The cylindrical body 302 may be made of a metal such as steel or aluminum. The cylindrical body 302 may be made of a polymer.

As mentioned above, the adjustment pin 300 includes a knob 304. The knob 304 may be connected to the cylindrical body 302 (indirectly as will be described herein) and may extend or protrude (e.g., away) from the cylindrical body 302. The knob 304 may be formed or may be of such a shape so as to enable a user to grasp, grip, grab, hold, or otherwise manipulate the adjustment pin 300. The knob 304 may be a handle, pull, arm, or any other component or feature for facilitating a user grasping and/or gripping the adjustment pin 300.

The knob 304 may be connected to the cylindrical body 302 through an indirect connection. As mentioned above, the adjustment pin 300 includes a bushing 306. The bushing 306 may be connected to both the cylindrical body 302 and the knob 304. The bushing 306 may be positioned (at least partially) between the cylindrical body 302 and the knob 304. The bushing 306 may be securely connected and/or fixed to the cylindrical body, and may be rotatably connected to the knob 304. For example, the knob 304 may rotate with respect to the bushing 306 and/or the cylindrical body 302. In this way, when rotated (either intentionally or incidentally), the knob 304 may not unscrew or unthread from the bushing 306 and/or the cylindrical body 302. This may prevent the knob 304 from being loosened and/or disconnected from the cylindrical body 302 and in this way may prevent the knob 304 from becoming damaged, lost, or the adjustment pin 300 becoming inoperable.

The knob 304 may be rotatably connected to the bushing 306 and/or the cylindrical body 302 (e.g., indirectly), but may be fixed and/or securely connected, for example, in a longitudinal and/or transvers direction. For example, the knob 304 may be permitted to rotate with respect to the bushing 306, but when pushed or pulled (e.g., by a user), the knob 304 may effectively push and/or pull the adjustment pin (e.g., along a longitudinal axis). Similarly, force may be exerted on the knob 304 in a transverse and/or lateral direction, and the adjustment pin 300 may similarly be moved transversely and/or laterally. In other words, the knob 304 may be fixed with respect to one or more of the 3-dimentional directions, but may be rotatable around an axis of one or more of the 3-dimentional direction. In this way, the adjustment pin 300 may function and/or may exhibit one or more of the features of, for example, a conventional adjustment pin, but may include a rotating knob 304 in order that the knob 304 does not become loosened and/or disconnected (e.g., unscrewed) when the knob 304 is rotated.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an adjustment pin 400, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The adjustment pin 400 includes a cylindrical body 402, a knob 404, a bushing 406, and a fastener 408. As discussed herein, the cylindrical body 402 may be a retention pin or loading pin for securing and/or supporting one or more components of an exercise device. The bushing 406 may be securely connected and/or fixed to the cylindrical body 402, and may rotatably connect to the knob 404. In this way, the knob 404 may facilitate pushing and/or pulling the adjustment pin 400, and the knob 404 may rotate with respect to the bushing 406 and/or the cylindrical body 402, for example, without unscrewing when rotated.

As mentioned above, the adjustment pin 400 may include a fastener 408. The fastener 408 may facilitate connecting the bushing 406 with the knob 404, and may facilitate the connection being a rotatable connection. The fastener 408 may be a screw, bolt, stud, rivet, brad, rod, any other connector for rotatably connecting the knob 404 to the bushing 406, and combinations thereof.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fastener 408 is a screw. The fastener 408 may be a shoulder screw. The fastener 408 may include a threaded portion 410. The threaded portion 410 of the fastener 408 may interface and/or engage with threads of the knob 404. For example, the knob 404 may include internal threads within a body of the knob 404. The internal threads may be accessible at an outer surface of the knob 404. The internal threads may be located in or may be accessible via a cavity (e.g., the female knob connection 522 as described below in connection with FIG. 5-1) of the knob 404. The fastener may thread, screw, and/or tighten into the threads of the knob 404. For example, the fastener 408 may insert into and/or connect to the threads of the knob 404 from a distal end 420 toward an opposite proximal end 416 of the knob 404 (e.g., via access through a cavity in the knob). In this way, the fastener 408 may connect to and be secured to the knob 404 by a threaded connection.

It should be understood that the fastener 408 having the threaded portion 410 is just one example of a means for fixing and/or connecting the fastener 408 to the knob 404, and that the fastener 408 is not limited to only threading into the knob 404 and/or connecting to the knob 404 with a threaded connection. In other words, the fastener 408 may connect to the knob 404 by one or more features and/or means in addition to, or in place of, a threaded connection. For example, the fastener 408 may be pressed into the knob 404. The fastener 408 may be glued, bonded, or otherwise adhered to the knob 404. The fastener 408 may be mechanically connected to the knob such as with a set screw, retention pin, circlip, or any other means for connecting the fastener to the knob 404. In this way, the fastener 408 may be connected to the knob 404 by any suitable means consistent with achieving the rotatable connection of the knob 404 with respect to the bushing 406.

In some embodiments, the fastener 408 inserts and or (e.g., partially) passes through the bushing 406. For example, the bushing 406 may include an inner bore 414 such that the fastener 408 may insert and at least partially pass through the bushing 406 through the inner bore 414 (e.g., when the bushing 406 is interfacing with the knob 404 and/or when assembling the adjustment pin 400). Some or all of the inner bore 414 may be substantially cylindrical and/or may have a substantially circular or round cross-section. Some or all of the inner bore 414 may be any other shape such as rectangular, square, triangular, polygonal, or any other shape. The shape and/or form of one or more portions of the inner bore 414 may be substantially the same or complimentary to the cylindrical body 402, as discussed herein.

In some embodiments, one or more portions of the inner bore 414 have a reduced diameter, for example at a proximal end 416 (e.g., user-facing side) of the bushing 406. The reduced diameter of the inner bore 414 may prevent the fastener 408 from inserting and/or passing entirely through the bushing 406. For example, a head 418 of the fastener 408 may be larger than the reduced diameter of the inner bore 414 such that the fastener 408 may only insert through the bushing 406 up to the head 418. In this way, the fastener 408 may insert into and partially through the bushing 406 and may connect and/or thread to the knob 404, and the interface of the head 418 with the reduced diameter of the inner bore 414 may retain the bushing to the knob 404. For example, the bushing 406 may not directly connect to the knob 404, but may be connected by virtue of the fastener 408. The connection in this way may fix the bushing 406 and the knob 404 with respect to translational movement, but may allow the knob 404 to rotate with respect to the bushing 406 (e.g., via a rotation interface of the bushing 406 and/or the fastener 408 as discussed below). In this way, the knob 404 and the bushing 406 may be connected and/or assembled by inserting the fastener 408 through the bushing 406 at and/or from the distal end 420 of the bushing 406 and/or adjustment pin 400, and by connecting and/or threading the fastener 408 to the knob 404 from the distal end 420 (e.g., tightening toward the proximal end 416).

In some embodiments, the fastener includes a non-threaded portion 412. The non-threaded portion 412 may be substantially cylindrical and substantially smooth. The non-threaded portion 412 may not insert into and/or thread into threads of the knob 404. The non-threaded portion 412 may extend from or out of the threads of the knob 404. The non-threaded portion 412 may extend and/or insert into (e.g., when assembled) the bushing 406. The non-threaded portion 412 may be positioned and/or may interface with the reduced diameter of the inner bore 414 of the bushing 406. For example, the non-threaded portion 412 may have a diameter that is substantially the same and/or substantially complimentary with the reduced diameter of the inner bore 414. As discussed above, the bushing 406 may not directly connect to the knob 404, but may be connected via the fastener 408 connecting to the knob 404 and retaining the bushing 406 with respect to the knob 404. The non-threaded portion 412 may interface with the reduced diameter (e.g., rotation interface) of the inner bore 414. For example, the reduced diameter of the inner bore 414 and the non-threaded portion 412 may be slidable mating surfaces, and may permit relative (e.g., rotational) movement of the surfaces. In this way, the reduced diameter of the inner bore 414 may be a rotation interface of the bushing 406, and the bushing 406 may rotate with respect to the fastener 408 based on the engagement of the rotation interface and the non-threaded portion 412. This may also facilitate the bushing rotating with respect to the knob 404 (and vice versa).

As mentioned above, the adjustment pin 400 includes a cylindrical body 402. The cylindrical body 402 may connect to the bushing 406, for example, at the inner bore 414. The cylindrical body 402 may insert, at least partially, into the inner bore 414, and may be connected and/or fixed to the bushing 406. For example, as will be discussed herein in detail, the cylindrical body 402 may be threaded, pressed, bonded, or any other suitable method for connecting the cylindrical body 402 to the bushing 406. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 402 has a shape and/or a cross-section that is substantially the same or complimentary to a shape or cross-section of the inner bore 414. For example, the cylindrical body 402 may have a square or rectangular shape (e.g., at the proximal end 416) and may mate or fit with a square or rectangular shape of the inner bore 414. The cylindrical body 402 may be connected to the bushing 406 such that the bushing 406 and the cylindrical body 402 are fixed (relatively) with respect to all directions and/or modes or movement (e.g., translational and rotational movement). In this way, the cylindrical body 402 may be fixed to the bushing 406, but may rotate with respect to the knob 404. Thus, rotation of the knob 404 may not rotate the cylindrical body 402.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 402 is inserted into and/or connected to the bushing above or on top of the head 418 of the fastener 408. The cylindrical body 402 may partially or completely cover (when assembled with the bushing 406) the head 418 and/or the fastener 408. For example, the fastener 408 may be inserted into the bushing 406 and/or connected to the knob 404 before the cylindrical body 402. After assembling the knob 404, the bushing 406, and the fastener 408, the cylindrical body may be inserted and/or connected to the bushing 406. In this way, the cylindrical body 402 may cover the fastener 408 and may block and/or prevent access to the fastener 408. The fastener 408 may be covered by the cylindrical body 402 such that the fastener 408 may not be tightened or loosened without uncovering the fastener 408 by removing the cylindrical body 402 from the bushing 406. Covering the fastener 408 with the cylindrical body 402 in this way may prevent the fastener 408 from being loosened, such as by a user, or through intentional or incidental contact with the head 418 of the fastener 408.

In this way, the knob 404, the bushing 406, the fastener 408, and the cylindrical body 402 may be assembled together such that the knob 404 and the bushing 406 are fixed with respect to translational movement, but not with respect to relative rotation. This may prevent the knob 404 from becoming loosened, unscrewed, unthreaded, or disconnected from the bushing 406 and/or cylindrical body 402. For example, because the knob 404 is free to rotate with respect to the bushing 406, rotating the knob 404 will not function to unscrew and/or loosen the fastener 408 from the threads of the knob 404. This may prevent a user, for example, from intentionally or incidentally unscrewing and removing the knob 404 from the adjustment pin 400. This may reduce the risk of a user losing the knob 404, damaging the adjustment pin 400, or implementing (or attempting to implement) a deficient adjustment pin in connection with an exercise device (and combinations thereof). In this way, injury to the user, damage and/or misuse of an exercise device, and cumbersome use of the adjustment pin 400 may be avoided by ensuring that the knob 404 remains connected to the adjustment pin 400.

FIGS. 5-1 is a side cross-sectional view of an adjustment pin 500-1, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As discussed herein, the adjustment pin 500-1 may include a cylindrical body 502, a bushing 506-1 and a knob 504-1. The bushing 506-1 may connect to the knob 504-1 via a fastener 508. For example, the fastener 508 may connect to the knob 504-1 through the bushing 506-1. The bushing 506-1 may have a rotation interface 546 such that the fastener 508 does not connect (e.g., thread) to the bushing 506-1, and such that the bushing 506-1 may rotate with respect to the fastener 508 (and vice versa). In this way, the knob 504-1 may be rotatably connected to the bushing 506-1. The cylindrical body 502 may be connected to the bushing 506-1 such that the knob 504-1 may also rotate with respect to the cylindrical body 502.

In some embodiments, the bushing 506-1 inserts, at least partially, into the knob 504-1. For example, the knob 504-1 may include a cavity or opening that defines a female knob connection 522. The bushing 506-1 may include a protrusion that defines a male bushing connection 524. The male bushing connection 524 may insert into the female knob connection 522. For example, a diameter of the male bushing connection 524 may be substantially the same or complimentary to the diameter of the female knob connection 522. In this way, the male bushing connection 524 may fit snugly in the cavity defining the female knob connection 522.

As described herein, the knob 504-1 may be connected to the bushing 506-1 via the fastener 508 such that the knob 504-1 may rotate with respect to the bushing 506-1 (e.g., without unscrewing the fastener 508). In some embodiments, the male bushing connection 524 and the female knob connection 522 include slidable mating surfaces such that the male bushing connection 524 may rotate against or within the female knob connection 522 when inserted. In this way, the female knob connection 522 may function as a sleeve in which the male bushing connection 524 rotates. In some embodiments, a lubricant (e.g., grease) is applied to the interface (e.g., mating surfaces) between the female knob connection 522 and the male bushing connection 524. This may facilitate rotation of the knob 504-1 with respect to the bushing 506-1. The male bushing connection 524 inserting into and rotatable within the female knob connection 522 in this way may provide strength and/or stability to the adjustment pin 500-1, and more specifically to the interface and/or connection between the knob 504-1 and the bushing 506-1.

FIGS. 5-2 is a side cross-sectional view of an adjustment pin 500-2, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As discussed herein, the adjustment pin 500-2 may include a cylindrical body 502, a bushing 506-2 and a knob 504-2. The bushing 506-2 may connect to the knob 504-2 via a fastener 508. For example, the fastener 508 may connect to the knob 504-2 through the bushing 506-2. The bushing 506-2 may have a rotation interface 546 such that the fastener 508 does not connect (e.g., thread) to the bushing 506-2, and such that the bushing 506-2 may rotate with respect to the fastener 508 (and vice versa). In this way, the knob 504-2 may be rotatably connected to the bushing 506-2. The cylindrical body 502 may be connected to the bushing 506-2 such that the knob 504-2 may also rotate with respect to the cylindrical body 502.

In some embodiments, the knob 504-2 inserts, at least partially, into the bushing 506-2. For example, the bushing 506-2 may include a cavity or opening that defines a female bushing connection 526. The female bushing connection 526 may be part of an internal bore of the bushing, such as that described herein in connection with FIG. 4. For example, the female bushing connection 526 may be a portion of the internal bore that has a different diameter than one or more other portions of the internal bore. The female bushing connection 526 may have the same diameter as one or more other portions of the internal bore. The knob 504-2 may include a protrusion that defines a male knob connection 528. The male knob connection 528 may insert into the female bushing connection 526. For example, a diameter of the male knob connection 528 may be substantially the same or complimentary to the diameter of the female bushing connection 526. In this way, the male knob connection 528 may fit snugly in the cavity defining the female bushing connection 526.

As described herein, the knob 504-2 bay be connected to the bushing 506-2 via the fastener 508 such that the knob 504-2 may rotate with respect to the bushing 506-2 (e.g., without unscrewing the fastener 508). In some embodiments, the male knob connection 528 and the female bushing connection 526 include slidable mating surfaces such that the male knob connection 528 may rotate against or within the female bushing connection 526 when inserted. In this way, the female bushing connection 526 may function as a sleeve in which the male knob connection 528 rotates. In some embodiments, a lubricant (e.g., grease) is applied to the interface (e.g., mating surfaces) between the female bushing connection 526 and the male knob connection 528. This may facilitate the rotation of the knob 504-2 with respect to the bushing 506-2. The male knob connection 528 inserting into and rotatable within the female bushing connection 526 in this way may provide strength and/or stability to the adjustment pin 500-2, and more specifically to the interface and/or connection between the knob 504-2 and the bushing 506-2.

FIGS. 5-3 is a side cross-sectional view of an adjustment pin 500-3, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As discussed herein, the adjustment pin 500-3 may include a cylindrical body 502, a bushing 506-3 and a knob 504-3. The bushing 506-3 may connect to the knob 504-3 via a fastener 508. For example, the fastener 508 may connect to the knob 504-3 through the bushing 506-3. The bushing 506-3 may have a rotation interface 546 such that the fastener 508 does not connect (e.g., thread) to the bushing 506-3, and such that the bushing 506-3 may rotate with respect to the fastener 508 (and vice versa). In this way, the knob 504-3 may be rotatably connected to the bushing 506-3. The cylindrical body 502 may be connected to the bushing 506-3 such that the knob 504-3 may also rotate with respect to the cylindrical body 502.

In some embodiments, the knob 504-3 and the bushing 506-3 do not insert into each other as described above in connection with FIGS. 5-1 and 5-2. For example, neither the knob 504-3 nor the bushing 506-3 may include a male or female connection for mating with the other component. In some embodiments, the knob 504-3 and the bushing 506-3 interface and/or engage with a flat interface, such as that shown in FIG. 5-3. The knob 504-3 and the bushing 506-3 may each include a slidable mating surface 530 on an (e.g., flat) end, and the slidable mating surfaces 530 may interface by abutting against each other. As described herein, the knob 504-3 and the bushing 506-3 may be joined or connected via the fastener 508. The fastener 508 may tighten the knob 504-3 and the bushing 506-3 together such that the slidable mating surfaces 530 are joined together snugly. The slidable mating surface 530 may allow for relative rotation between the knob 504-3 and the bushing 506-3 such that the connection between the knob 504-3 and the bushing 506-3 may rotate by virtue of the rotating interface of the fastener 508 with the bushing 506-3 and also the slidable nature of the slidable mating surfaces 530. In some embodiments, a lubricant (e.g., grease) is applied to the interface of the slidable mating surface 530 to facilitate the rotation of the knob 504-3 with respect to the bushing 506-2. The knob 504-3 and the bushing 506-3 abutting and interfacing in this way may simplify the design, manufacture, and/or assembly of the adjustment pin 500-3.

FIG. 6-1 is a side cross-section view of an adjustment pin 600-1, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The adjustment pin 600-1 may include a bushing 606-1 and a cylindrical body 602-1. While only these components are shown, it should be understood that the adjustment pin 600-1 may additionally include one or more of the components of the various adjustment pins described herein. Additionally, the bushing 606-1 may be, or may include one or more of the features of, one or more of the various bushings described herein. FIG. 6-1 is accordingly intended to be illustrative of an embodiment of the connection between the bushing 606-1 and the cylindrical body 602-1.

As described herein, the cylindrical body 602-1 may be connected and/or fixed to the bushing 606-1, and the bushing 606-1 may be rotatably connected to a knob. In this way the cylindrical body 602-1 may be (e.g., indirectly) rotatably connected to the knob. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 602-1 inserts, at least partially, into the bushing 606-1 to form the connection. For example, the bushing may include a female bushing connection 632-1. The female bushing connection 632-1 may be located at a distal end 620 of the bushing 606-1 (e.g., opposite a proximal end 616).

The female bushing connection 632-1 may be a part of an inner bore of the bushing 606-1, such as that described above in connection with FIG. 4. For example, the female bushing connection 632-1 may be a portion of the internal bore of the bushing 606-1 that has a different size and/or shape and/or diameter than one or more other portions of the internal bore. The female bushing connection 632-1 may have the same size and/or shape and/or diameter as one or more other portions of the internal bore. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cylindrical body 602-1 has a size and/or shape and/or diameter that is substantially the same and/or complimentary to the size and/or shape and/or diameter of the female bushing connection 632-1. In this way, the cylindrical body 602-1 may insert into and fit snugly and/or tightly into the female bushing connection 632-1.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 602-1 inserts and connects to the female bushing connector 632-1 with a press fit, friction fit, or interference fit. For example, the female bushing connection 632-1 and the cylindrical body 602-1 may be substantially the same size, and the cylindrical body 602-1 may be forced or pressed into the bushing 606-1 to form a secure connection.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 602-1 inserts and connects to the female bushing connection 632-1 with a shrink fit. For example, the cylindrical body 602-1 may be slightly larger (e.g., in diameter, shape, etc.) than the female bushing connection 632-1. The cylindrical body 602-1 may be cooled and/or the female bushing connection 632-1 may be heated in order that the size of the cylindrical body 602-1 may shrink and/or the size of the female bushing connection 632-1 may expand. The cylindrical body 602-1 may then be inserted into the female bushing connection 632-1, and when the component(s) return to an ambient temperature, the connection may form a solid, secure joint due to thermal expansion/retraction. In this way, the cylindrical body 602-1 may be inserted into and fixed to the bushing 606-1.

FIG. 6-2 is a side cross-section view of an adjustment pin 600-2, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The adjustment pin 600-2 may include a bushing 606-2 and a cylindrical body 602-2. While only these components are shown, it should be understood that the adjustment pin 600-2 may additionally include one or more of the components of the various adjustment pins described herein. Additionally, the bushing 606-2 may be, or may include one or more of the features of, one or more of the various bushings described herein. FIG. 6-2 is accordingly intended to be illustrative of an embodiment of the connection between the bushing 606-2 and the cylindrical body 602-2.

As described herein, the cylindrical body 602-2 may be connected and/or fixed to the bushing 606-2, and the bushing 606-2 may be rotatably connected to a knob. In this way the cylindrical body 602-2 may be (e.g., indirectly) rotatably connected to the knob. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 602-2 inserts, at least partially, into the bushing 606-2 to form the connection. For example, the bushing may include a female bushing connection 632-2. The female bushing connection 632-2 may be located at a distal end 620 of the bushing 606-2.

As described above in connection with FIG. 6-1, the female bushing connection 632-2 may be a part of an inner bore of the bushing 606-2. The cylindrical body 602-1 may insert into and fit snugly and/or tightly into the female bushing connector 632-2.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 602-1 inserts and connects to the female bushing connector 632-2 with a threaded connection. For example, at least a portion of the female bushing connection 632-2 may include internal threads. Some or all of the cylindrical body 602-2 may include external threads. For example, the cylindrical body 602-2 may include threads at a proximal end 616, at an opposite distal end 620, or throughout an entirety of the cylindrical body 602-2. In another example, the cylindrical body 602-2 does not have threads at the distal end 620. The cylindrical body 602-2 may thread into and tighten against the bushing 606-2 via the internal threads of the female bushing connection 632-2. In some embodiments, the bushing 606-2 includes one or more tighteners 634 to facilitate tightening the threaded connection. For example, the tighteners 634 may be positioned at or along at least a portion of an outer surface of the bushing 606-2 such that a tool may grasp the bushing 606-2 and gain purchase to tighten the threaded connection. The tighteners 634 may be a generally hexagon shape of the outer surface of the bushing, or may include one or more flat surfaces (e.g., recessed into a round or other shape of the outer surface of the bushing) such that an open or box-end wrench, socket wrench, pliers, or any other suitable tool may grasp the bushing in order to tighten the threaded connection. In this way, the cylindrical body 602-2 may be threaded and tightened into the female bushing connection 632-2 to securely connect and/or fix the cylindrical body 602-2 to the bushing 606-2. It should be noted that the rotational nature of the connection of the knob to the bushing 606-2 (via a fastener which enables relative rotation), in addition to preventing a threaded connection of the knob with the bushing 606-2 (via the fastener) from becoming loosened and/or unscrewed will similarly prevent the threaded connection just described between the cylindrical body 602-2 and the bushing 606-2 from becoming loosened and/or unscrewed. Indeed, the knob is able to rotate freely with respect to the bushing 606-2, and consequently, the cylindrical body 602-2 and thus, such rotation of the knob will not function to loosen or unscrew the threaded connection between the cylindrical body 602-2 and the bushing 606-2.

FIG. 6-3 is a side cross-section view of an adjustment pin 600-3, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The adjustment pin 600-3 may include a bushing 606-3 and a cylindrical body 602-3. While only these components are shown, it should be understood that the adjustment pin 600-3 may additionally include one or more of the components of the various adjustment pins described herein. Additionally, the bushing 606-3 may be, or may include one or more of the features of, one or more of the various bushings described herein. FIG. 6-3 is accordingly intended to be illustrative of an embodiment of the connection between the bushing 606-3 and the cylindrical body 602-3.

As described herein, the cylindrical body 602-3 may be connected and/or fixed to the bushing 606-3, and the bushing 606-3 may be rotatably connected to a knob. In this way the cylindrical body 602-3 may be (e.g., indirectly) rotatably connected to the knob. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 602-3 inserts, at least partially, into the bushing 606-3 to form the connection. For example, the bushing may include a female bushing connection 632-3. The female bushing connection 632-3 may be located at a distal end 620 of the bushing 606-3.

As described above in connection with FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2, the female bushing connection 632-3 may be a part of an inner bore of the bushing 606-3. The cylindrical body 602-3 may insert into and fit snugly and/or tightly into the female bushing connection 632-3.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 602-3 inserts and connects to the female bushing connection 632-3 with a bonded connection. For example, an adhesive, glue, bonder, cement, resin, epoxy, or any other suitable bonding material (and combinations thereof) may be applied to one or more surfaces of the cylindrical body 602-3 and/or the female bushing connection 632-3 in order to bond the cylindrical body 602-3 to the female bushing connection 632-3. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 602-3 is chemically bonded to the bushing 606-3. For example, the cylindrical body 602-3 may be welded, brazed, sintered, melted, soldered, or any other form of metal-to-metal bonding with or without a filler metal. In this way, the cylindrical body 602-3 may be bonded and/or may form a bonded connection with the female bushing connection 632-3 to securely connect and/or fix the cylindrical body 602-2 to the bushing 606-3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an adjustment pin 700, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As discussed herein, the adjustment pin 700 may include a cylindrical body 702, and a bushing 706 rotatably connected to a knob 704 via a fastener. The cylindrical body 702 may be connected to the bushing 706 such that the knob 704 may rotate with respect to the bushing 706 and the cylindrical body 702.

As discussed herein, at least a portion of the cylindrical body 702 may be substantially smooth. At least a portion of the cylindrical body 702 may have a uniform size and/or shape and/or diameter. The uniform and/or smooth nature of the cylindrical body 702 may facilitate inserting and/or removing the adjustment pin 700 to/from an exercise device.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 702 includes a stop 736. The stop 736 may limit how far the adjustment pin 700 may be inserted and/or removed from a component of an exercise device. For example, the stop 736 may include one or more structures extending from the surface of the cylindrical body in order to limit the longitudinal movement of the adjustment pin 700. The stop 736 may be a portion of the cylindrical body 702 that has a greater diameter, a larger size or cross-section, or a different shape than one or more other portions of the cylindrical body 702 (and combinations thereof). In some embodiments, the adjustment pin 700, and more specifically the cylindrical body 702, interfaces and/or inserts into, for example, a hole or opening in a component of an exercise device (such as that shown in FIGS. 2-1 and 2-2). The stop 736 may be configured such that it cannot pass through the hole or opening due to the different size and/or shape and/or diameter. In this way, the stop 736 may prevent the adjustment pin 700 from being inserted too far, or from being removed from, a component of the exercise device.

In some embodiments, the adjustment pin 700 includes a spring 740. The spring 740 may be a helical or coil spring, and may be positioned over and/or around the cylindrical body 702. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 702 includes a spring retainer 738. The spring retainer 738 may retain the spring 740 on the cylindrical body 702. For example, the spring retainer 738 may be positioned along the cylindrical body 702 and may be spaced apart from the bushing 706 (or more specifically a connection of the cylindrical body 702 with the bushing 706). The spring 740 may be positioned between the bushing 706 and the spring retainer 738 and in this way may be retained on the adjustment pin 700. In some embodiments, the spring retainer 738 is at least partially the same structure and/or feature as the stop 736.

The spring 740 and the spring retainer 738 may function to maintain the adjustment pin 700 engaged and/or disengaged from a component of an exercise device. For example, a user may actuate the adjustment pin 700 (e.g., by pressing or pulling the knob), thus compressing the spring 740. As shown in FIGS. 7-1 and 7-2, in some embodiments, the adjustment pin 700 is positioned in (e.g., inserted in a hole 744 or opening of) a component 742 of an exercise device, such as a bracket, arm, weight stack, etc. The adjustment pin 700 may be positioned and/or inserted into the hole 744 such that the component 742 is positioned between the bushing 706 and the spring retainer 738 (and/or the stop 736). In this way, the adjustment pin 700 may be permanently (or semi-permanently) inserted in or connected to the component 742 (and the exercise device).

The spring 740 may be configured to press or bias the adjustment pin 700 in a distal direction 720 or in a proximal direction 716 (e.g., with respect to the component 742 positioned between the bushing 706 and the spring retainer 738). For example, as shown in FIG. 7-1, the spring 740 may be positioned between the component 742 and the bushing 706. In this way, the spring 740 may press against the component 742 and bias the adjustment pin 700 in the proximal direction 716. In another example, as shown in FIG. 7-2, the spring 740 may be positioned between the component 742 and the spring retainer 738. In this way, the spring 740 may press against the component 742 and bias the adjustment pin 700 in the distal direction 720. Biasing the adjustment pin 700 in this way may cause the adjustment pin 700 to remain engaged or disengaged from, for example, an additional component of the exercise device. For example, a portion of the cylindrical body 702 may interface with an additional component to engage and/or disengage a function (e.g., and adjustment) of the exercise device and the adjustment pin 700 may be manipulated (e.g., by pushing or pulling the knob 704) to actuate and engagement/disengagement of the adjustment pin 700. In this way, the adjustment pin 700 may remain in and/or connected to an exercise device and may include the spring 740 in order to facilitate an actuation of the adjustment pin 700 with respect to a function and/or adjustment of the exercise device.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram for a method 800 or a series of acts for manufacturing an adjustment pin as described herein, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. While FIG. 8 illustrates acts according to one embodiment, alternative embodiments may omit, add to, reorder, or modify any of the acts shown in FIG. 8.

In some embodiments, the method 800 includes an act 810 of inserting a bushing into a female connection of a knob, wherein the knob has internal threads accessible via the female connection. Lubricant or grease may be applied to the interface of (e.g., between) the bushing and the female connection of the knob to facilitate rotation of the knob with respect to the bushing.

In some embodiments, the method 800 includes an act 820 of inserting a fastener through a rotation interface of the bushing.

In some embodiments, the method 800 includes an act 830 of threading the fastener into the internal threads of the knob to rotatably connect the bushing to the knob.

In some embodiments, the method 800 includes an act 840 of fixing a cylindrical body to the bushing to rotatably connect the knob to the cylindrical body after connecting the bushing and fastener to the knob. Fixing the cylindrical body to the bushing may cover the fastener. The adjustment pin may be implemented in an exercise device by inserting the cylindrical body into a component of the exercise device.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram for a method 900 or a series of acts for using an adjustment pin as described herein, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. While FIG. 9 illustrates acts according to one embodiment, alternative embodiments may omit, add to, reorder, or modify any of the acts shown in FIG. 9.

In some embodiments, the method 900 includes an act 910 of inserting a cylindrical body of the adjustment pin into an exercise component of the exercise device. In some embodiments, a weight of the exercise component and/or a force exerted on the exercise component may be supported by the cylindrical body based on inserting the cylindrical body into the exercise component.

In some embodiments, the method 900 includes an act 920 of fixing a movement of the exercise component with respect to the exercise device. Fixing the movement may be based on inserting the cylindrical body into the exercise component.

In some embodiments, the method 900 includes an act 930 of rotating a knob of the adjustment pin with respect to the cylindrical body. The knob is connected to the cylindrical body and rotating the knob does not disconnect or loosen the knob from the cylindrical body. In some embodiments, the knob is connected to the cylindrical body via a bushing. For example, rotating the knob may rotate the bushing with respect to the cylindrical body in conjunction with rotating the knob. In some embodiments, the knob is rotationally fixed to the bushing.

In some embodiments, the method 900 may further include performing an exercise routing with the exercise device. The exercise routing may involve or may be associated with the exercise component.

In some embodiments, the method 900 may further include removing the adjustment pin at least partially from the exercise component by engaging with the knob.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Typically, an adjustment pin may include a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body may extend in a longitudinal direction and/or along a longitudinal axis of the adjustment pin. The cylindrical body may generally be smooth and/or have a uniform diameter (e.g., along at least a portion of the cylindrical body). This may facilitate the cylindrical body being easily inserted and/or removed from a portion or component of an exercise device. The cylindrical body may be made of metal (such as steel or aluminum) or of another durable construction such that it can support and/or secure one or more components of the exercise device.

The adjustment pin may typically include a handle or knob. The knob may be connected to an end of the cylindrical body. The knob may be securely connected to the cylindrical body such that a user may grasp (e.g., grip) the knob in order to manipulate the adjustment pin. For example, the knob may facilitate inserting and/or removing the cylindrical body to/from a component of the exercise device. For example, the adjustment pin may typically interface and/or engage with a bracket, arm, weight stack, or other component of the exercise device in order to retain a position, fix a movement, support a weight, or otherwise secure or support a component of the exercise device. The adjustment pin may insert and/or engage with a weight stack of an exercise device, for example, to load and/or adjust and/or support an amount of weight for a specific exercise routine (e.g., to engage and support one or more weights of the weight stack). The adjustment pin may insert and/or engage with an arm and/or a bracket of an exercise device in order to secure and/or support the arm at a specific position and to facilitate adjusting the arm to one or more additional positions. In this way, the adjustment pin may be a retention pin, loading pin, weight pin or the like to facilitate one or more functions and/or adjustments of an exercise device. The knob may enable and/or facilitate a user of an exercise device to implement the adjustment pin in this manner.

In some situations, the knob may typically be connected to the cylindrical body through a threaded connection. For example, the knob may include a male threaded component that may thread into a female threaded component of the cylindrical body. In another example, the knob may include a female threaded component which may accept and/or receive a male threaded component of the cylindrical body. In this way, the knob and the cylindrical body may typically be connected by threading the two components together.

In some situations, the knob may become (or may have a tendency to become) loosened and/or disconnected from the cylindrical body due to the threaded nature of the connection. For example, use of the adjustment pin, (e.g., direct manipulation of the adjustment pin by a user, or use of an exercise device implementing the adjustment pin) may cause the knob and/or the cylindrical body to become loose. In some situations, a user may rotate the knob with respect to the cylindrical body, either intentionally or incidentally. For example, the user may try and remove the knob from the cylindrical body. In another example, a user inserting and/or removing the adjustment pin may cause the knob to rotate with respect to the cylindrical body. In this way, the knob may become loosened or even disconnected from cylindrical body by the threaded connection being rotated or loosened.

Removal of and/or disconnecting the knob from the cylindrical body may result in the knob becoming misplaced, lost, or damaged. This may cause the adjustment pin to become cumbersome, difficult, or even dangerous to use. For example, a user may attempt to insert and/or remove the adjustment pin to/from an exercise device without the knob. Such a use without the knob may make it difficult, inconvenient, and/or cumbersome to use the adjustment pin. For example, the adjustment pin may be inserted and/or connected to an exercise device, and without the knob, there may be no way to remove the adjustment pin to adjust one or more features of the exercise device. In some situations, use of the adjustment pin without the knob may make it difficult for (or may prevent) the adjustment pin to be correctly positioned, connected, or seated in the exercise device. This may present the risk that the exercise device malfunctions and/or functions in a dangerous way. For example, a weight stack or an arm of the exercise device may become unsecure. Thus, use of the adjustment pin without the knob may be undesirable, and may even risk damage to the user, the exercise device, or both. Accordingly, an adjustment pin that prevents the knob from being removed (e.g., unthreaded) either incidentally or intentionally by a user may be advantageous.

In some embodiments, an adjustment pin includes a cylindrical body, a knob, and a bushing. The adjustment pin may include one or more features of the adjustment pin described above. The adjustment pin may perform or may facilitate one or more of the functions described above. For example, the adjustment pin may be implemented in connection with an exercise device to secure and/or support one or more components of the exercise device. The adjustment pin may facilitate the adjustment of one or more components of the exercise device.

As just mentioned, the adjustment pin includes a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body may be substantially cylindrical and/or may have a substantially round or circular cross-section. The cylindrical body may extend longitudinally and/or may extend along a longitudinal axis of the adjustment pin. The cylindrical body may have a substantially uniform diameter along at least a portion of its length. The cylindrical body may be any other (e.g., elongate) shape and/or may have a cross-section of any other shape. For example, the cylindrical body may have a square, rectangular, triangular, oval-shaped, polygonal, or any other shaped cross-section. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body is non-uniform, along its length. For example, the cylindrical body may be substantially cylindrical (e.g., have a circular cross-section) along a portion of its length, and may be substantially prismatic (e.g., have a square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, etc., cross-section) along another portion of its length. In another example, the cylindrical body may have a circular cross-section of one diameter along one portion of its length, and may have a circular cross-section of another diameter along another portion of its length.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body has one or more features to help aid or guide the insertion of the adjustment pin into a component of an exercise device. For example, a longitudinal end of the cylindrical body may be sloped, rounded, or tapered, or may exhibit a reduced diameter or smaller shape. In this way, the adjustment pin may be more easily implemented by a user.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body is substantially smooth along at least a portion of its length. The smooth surface may facilitate inserting and/or removing the cylindrical body to/from an exercise device. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body includes one or more surfaces that are not smooth. For example, a portion of the cylindrical body may be rough, knurled, ribbed, or any other non-smooth feature (and combinations thereof). This may facilitate the adjustment pin resisting movement with respect to one or more components of an exercise device.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body includes one or more stops or limiting features. For example, the cylindrical body may include one or more geometries or structures that may be a stop to prevent the adjustment pin from being inserted and/or removed from an exercise device past a certain point. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body includes a spring retainer. The spring retainer may facilitate retaining a spring on or with respect to the adjustment pin, for example, to retain the adjustment pin in a component of an exercise device. In some embodiments, the stop and the spring retainer are at least partially the same structure or geometry, that is, the same structure and/or geometry may at least partially form or function as the stop and the spring retainer.

The cylindrical body may be made of a durable material. For example, as discussed above, the adjustment pin (more specifically the cylindrical body) may be implemented to secure and/or support one or more components of an exercise device. The cylindrical body may be made of a metal such as steel or aluminum. The cylindrical body may be made of a polymer.

As mentioned above, the adjustment pin includes a knob. The knob may be connected to the cylindrical body (indirectly as will be described herein) and may extend or protrude (e.g., away) from the cylindrical body. The knob may be formed or may be of such a shape so as to enable a user to grasp, grip, grab, hold, or otherwise manipulate the adjustment pin. The knob may be a handle, pull, arm, or any other component or feature for facilitating a user grasping and/or gripping the adjustment pin.

The knob may be connected to the cylindrical body through an indirect connection. As mentioned above, the adjustment pin includes a bushing. The bushing may be connected to both the cylindrical body and the knob. The bushing may be positioned (at least partially) between the cylindrical body and the knob. The bushing may be securely connected and/or fixed to the cylindrical body, and may be rotatably connected to the knob. For example, the knob may rotate with respect to the bushing and/or the cylindrical body. In this way, when rotated (either intentionally or incidentally), the knob may not unscrew or unthread from the bushing and/or the cylindrical body. This may prevent the knob from being loosened and/or disconnected from the cylindrical body and in this way may prevent the knob from becoming damaged, lost, or the adjustment pin becoming inoperable.

The knob may be rotatably connected to the bushing and/or the cylindrical body (e.g., indirectly), but may be fixed and/or securely connected, for example, in a longitudinal and/or transvers direction. For example, the knob may be permitted to rotate with respect to the bushing, but when pushed or pulled (e.g., by a user), the knob may effectively push and/or pull the adjustment pin (e.g., along a longitudinal axis). Similarly, force may be exerted on the knob in a transverse and/or lateral direction, and the adjustment pin may similarly be moved transversely and/or laterally. In other words, the knob may be fixed with respect to one or more of the 3-dimentional directions, but may be rotatable around an axis of one or more of the 3-dimentional direction. In this way, the adjustment pin may function and/or may exhibit one or more of the features of, for example, a conventional adjustment pin, but may include a rotating knob in order that the knob does not become loosened and/or disconnected (e.g., unscrewed) when the knob is rotated.

In some embodiments, an adjustment pin includes a cylindrical body, a knob, a bushing, and a fastener. As discussed herein, the cylindrical body may be a retention pin or loading pin for securing and/or supporting one or more components of an exercise device. The bushing may be securely connected and/or fixed to the cylindrical body, and may rotatably connect to the knob. In this way, the knob may facilitate pushing and/or pulling the adjustment pin, and the knob may rotate with respect to the bushing and/or the cylindrical body, for example, without unscrewing when rotated.

As mentioned above, the adjustment pin may include a fastener. The fastener may facilitate connecting the bushing with the knob, and may facilitate the connection being a rotatable connection. The fastener may be a screw, bolt, stud, rivet, brad, rod, any other connector for rotatably connecting the knob to the bushing, and combinations thereof.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fastener is a screw. The fastener may be a shoulder screw. The fastener may include a threaded portion. The threaded portion of the fastener may interface and/or engage with threads of the knob. For example, the knob may include internal threads within a body of the knob. The internal threads may be accessible at an outer surface of the knob. The internal threads may be located in or may be accessible via a cavity (e.g., the female knob connection as described below) of the knob. The fastener may thread, screw, and/or tighten into the threads of the knob. For example, the fastener may insert into and/or connect to the threads of the knob from a distal end toward an opposite proximal end of the knob (e.g., via access through a cavity in the knob). In this way, the fastener may connect to and be secured to the knob by a threaded connection.

It should be understood that the fastener having the threaded portion is just one example of a means for fixing and/or connecting the fastener to the knob, and that the fastener is not limited to only threading into the knob and/or connecting to the knob with a threaded connection. In other words, the fastener may connect to the knob by one or more features and/or means in addition to, or in place of, a threaded connection. For example, the fastener may be pressed into the knob. The fastener may be glued, bonded, or otherwise adhered to the knob. The fastener may be mechanically connected to the knob such as with a set screw, retention pin, circlip, or any other means for connecting the fastener to the knob. In this way, the fastener may be connected to the knob by any suitable means consistent with achieving the rotatable connection of the knob with respect to the bushing.

In some embodiments, the fastener inserts and or (e.g., partially) passes through the bushing. For example, the bushing may include an inner bore such that the fastener may insert and at least partially pass through the bushing through the inner bore (e.g., when the bushing is interfacing with the knob and/or when assembling the adjustment pin). Some or all of the inner bore may be substantially cylindrical and/or may have a substantially circular or round cross-section. Some or all of the inner bore may be any other shape such as rectangular, square, triangular, polygonal, or any other shape. The shape and/or form of one or more portions of the inner bore may be substantially the same or complimentary to the cylindrical body, as discussed herein.

In some embodiments, one or more portions of the inner bore have a reduced diameter, for example at a proximal end (e.g., user-facing side) of the bushing. The reduced diameter of the inner bore may prevent the fastener from inserting and/or passing entirely through the bushing. For example, a head of the fastener may be larger than the reduced diameter of the inner bore such that the fastener may only insert through the bushing up to the head. In this way, the fastener may insert into and partially through the bushing and may connect and/or thread to the knob, and the interface of the head with the reduced diameter of the inner bore may retain the bushing to the knob. For example, the bushing may not directly connect to the knob, but may be connected by virtue of the fastener. The connection in this way may fix the bushing and the knob with respect to translational movement, but may allow the knob to rotate with respect to the bushing (e.g., via a rotation interface of the bushing and/or the fastener as discussed below). In this way, the knob and the bushing may be connected and/or assembled by inserting the fastener through the bushing at and/or from the distal end of the bushing and/or adjustment pin, and by connecting and/or threading the fastener to the knob from the distal end (e.g., tightening toward the proximal end).

In some embodiments, the fastener includes a non-threaded portion. The non-threaded portion may be substantially cylindrical and substantially smooth. The non-threaded portion may not insert into and/or thread into threads of the knob. The non-threaded portion may extend from or out of the threads of the knob. The non-threaded portion may extend and/or insert into (e.g., when assembled) the bushing. The non-threaded portion may be positioned and/or may interface with the reduced diameter of the inner bore of the bushing. For example, the non-threaded portion may have a diameter that is substantially the same and/or substantially complimentary with the reduced diameter of the inner bore. As discussed above, the bushing may not directly connect to the knob, but may be connected via the fastener connecting to the knob and retaining the bushing with respect to the knob. The non-threaded portion may interface with the reduced diameter (e.g., rotation interface) of the inner bore. For example, the reduced diameter of the inner bore and the non-threaded portion may be slidable mating surfaces, and may permit relative (e.g., rotational) movement of the surfaces. In this way, the reduced diameter of the inner bore may be a rotation interface of the bushing, and the bushing may rotate with respect to the fastener based on the engagement of the rotation interface and the non-threaded portion. This may also facilitate the bushing rotating with respect to the knob (and vice versa).

As mentioned above, the adjustment pin includes a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body may connect to the bushing, for example, at the inner bore. The cylindrical body may insert, at least partially, into the inner bore, and may be connected and/or fixed to the bushing. For example, as will be discussed herein in detail, the cylindrical body may be threaded, pressed, bonded, or any other suitable method for connecting the cylindrical body to the bushing. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body has a shape and/or a cross-section that is substantially the same or complimentary to a shape or cross-section of the inner bore. For example, the cylindrical body may have a square or rectangular shape (e.g., at the proximal end) and may mate or fit with a square or rectangular shape of the inner bore. The cylindrical body may be connected to the bushing such that the bushing and the cylindrical body are fixed (relatively) with respect to all directions and/or modes or movement (e.g., translational and rotational movement). In this way, the cylindrical body may be fixed to the bushing, but may rotate with respect to the knob. Thus, rotation of the knob may not rotate the cylindrical body.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body is inserted into and/or connected to the bushing above or on top of the head of the fastener. The cylindrical body may partially or completely cover (when assembled with the bushing) the head and/or the fastener. For example, the fastener may be inserted into the bushing and/or connected to the knob before the cylindrical body. After assembling the knob, the bushing, and the fastener, the cylindrical body may be inserted and/or connected to the bushing. In this way, the cylindrical body may cover the fastener and may block and/or prevent access to the fastener. The fastener may be covered by the cylindrical body such that the fastener may not be tightened or loosened without uncovering the fastener by removing the cylindrical body from the bushing. Covering the fastener with the cylindrical body in this way may prevent the fastener from being loosened, such as by a user, or through intentional or incidental contact with the head of the fastener.

In this way, the knob, the bushing, the fastener, and the cylindrical body may be assembled together such that the knob and the bushing are fixed with respect to translational movement, but not with respect to relative rotation. This may prevent the knob from becoming loosened, unscrewed, unthreaded, or disconnected from the bushing and/or cylindrical body. For example, because the knob is free to rotate with respect to the bushing, rotating the knob will not function to unscrew and/or loosen the fastener from the threads of the knob. This may prevent a user, for example, from intentionally or incidentally unscrewing and removing the knob from the adjustment pin. This may reduce the risk of a user losing the knob, damaging the adjustment pin, or implementing (or attempting to implement) a deficient adjustment pin in connection with an exercise device (and combinations thereof). In this way, injury to the user, damage and/or misuse of an exercise device, and cumbersome use of the adjustment pin may be avoided by ensuring that the knob remains connected to the adjustment pin.

In some embodiments, an adjustment pin may include a cylindrical body, a bushing and a knob. The bushing may connect to the knob via a fastener. For example, the fastener may connect to the knob through the bushing. The bushing may have a rotation interface such that the fastener does not connect (e.g., thread) to the bushing, and such that the bushing may rotate with respect to the fastener (and vice versa). In this way, the knob may be rotatably connected to the bushing. The cylindrical body may be connected to the bushing such that the knob may also rotate with respect to the cylindrical body.

In some embodiments, the bushing inserts, at least partially, into the knob. For example, the knob may include a cavity or opening that defines a female knob connection. The bushing may include a protrusion that defines a male bushing connection. The male bushing connection may insert into the female knob connection. For example, a diameter of the male bushing connection may be substantially the same or complimentary to the diameter of the female knob connection. In this way, the male bushing connection may fit snugly in the cavity defining the female knob connection.

As described herein, the knob may be connected to the bushing via the fastener such that the knob may rotate with respect to the bushing (e.g., without unscrewing the fastener). In some embodiments, the male bushing connection and the female knob connection include slidable mating surfaces such that the male bushing connection may rotate against or within the female knob connection when inserted. In this way, the female knob connection may function as a sleeve in which the male bushing connection rotates. In some embodiments, a lubricant (e.g., grease) is applied to the interface (e.g., mating surfaces) between the female knob connection and the male bushing connection. This may facilitate rotation of the knob with respect to the bushing. The male bushing connection inserting into and rotatable within the female knob connection in this way may provide strength and/or stability to the adjustment pin, and more specifically to the interface and/or connection between the knob and the bushing.

In some embodiments, the knob inserts, at least partially, into the bushing. For example, the bushing may include a cavity or opening that defines a female bushing connection. The female bushing connection may be part of an internal bore of the bushing, such as that described above. For example, the female bushing connection may be a portion of the internal bore that has a different diameter than one or more other portions of the internal bore. The female bushing connection may have the same diameter as one or more other portions of the internal bore. The knob may include a protrusion that defines a male knob connection. The male knob connection may insert into the female bushing connection. For example, a diameter of the male knob connection may be substantially the same or complimentary to the diameter of the female bushing connection. In this way, the male knob connection may fit snugly in the cavity defining the female bushing connection.

As described herein, the knob bay be connected to the bushing via the fastener such that the knob may rotate with respect to the bushing (e.g., without unscrewing the fastener). In some embodiments, the male knob connection and the female bushing connection include slidable mating surfaces such that the male knob connection may rotate against or within the female bushing connection when inserted. In this way, the female bushing connection may function as a sleeve in which the male knob connection rotates. In some embodiments, a lubricant (e.g., grease) is applied to the interface (e.g., mating surfaces) between the female bushing connection and the male knob connection. This may facilitate the rotation of the knob with respect to the bushing. The male knob connection inserting into and rotatable within the female bushing connection in this way may provide strength and/or stability to the adjustment pin, and more specifically to the interface and/or connection between the knob and the bushing.

In some embodiments, the knob and the bushing do not insert into each other as described above. For example, neither the knob nor the bushing may include a male or female connection for mating with the other component. In some embodiments, the knob and the bushing interface and/or engage with a flat interface. The knob and the bushing may cach include a slidable mating surface on an (e.g., flat) end, and the slidable mating surfaces may interface by abutting against each other. As described herein, the knob and the bushing may be joined or connected via the fastener. The fastener may tighten the knob and the bushing together such that the slidable mating surfaces are joined together snugly. The slidable mating surface may allow for relative rotation between the knob and the bushing such that the connection between the knob and the bushing may rotate by virtue of the rotating interface of the fastener with the bushing and also the slidable nature of the slidable mating surfaces. In some embodiments, a lubricant (e.g., grease) is applied to the interface of the slidable mating surface to facilitate the rotation of the knob with respect to the bushing. The knob and the bushing abutting and interfacing in this way may simplify the design, manufacture, and/or assembly of the adjustment pin.

In some embodiments, an adjustment pin may include a bushing and a cylindrical body. It should be understood that the adjustment pin may additionally include one or more of the components of the various adjustment pins described herein. Additionally, the bushing may be, or may include one or more of the features of, one or more of the various bushings described herein.

As described herein, the cylindrical body may be connected and/or fixed to the bushing, and the bushing may be rotatably connected to a knob. In this way the cylindrical body may be (e.g., indirectly) rotatably connected to the knob. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body inserts, at least partially, into the bushing to form the connection. For example, the bushing may include a female bushing connection. The female bushing connection may be located at a distal end of the bushing (e.g., opposite a proximal end).

The female bushing connection may be a part of an inner bore of the bushing, such as that described above. For example, the female bushing connection may be a portion of the internal bore of the bushing that has a different size and/or shape and/or diameter than one or more other portions of the internal bore. The female bushing connection may have the same size and/or shape and/or diameter as one or more other portions of the internal bore. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cylindrical body has a size and/or shape and/or diameter that is substantially the same and/or complimentary to the size and/or shape and/or diameter of the female bushing connection. In this way, the cylindrical body may insert into and fit snugly and/or tightly into the female bushing connection.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body inserts and connects to the female bushing connector with a press fit, friction fit, or interference fit. For example, the female bushing connection and the cylindrical body may be substantially the same size, and the cylindrical body may be forced or pressed into the bushing to form a secure connection.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body inserts and connects to the female bushing connection with a shrink fit. For example, the cylindrical body may be slightly larger (e.g., in diameter, shape, etc.) than the female bushing connection. The cylindrical body may be cooled and/or the female bushing connection may be heated in order that the size of the cylindrical body may shrink and/or the size of the female bushing connection may expand. The cylindrical body may then be inserted into the female bushing connection, and when the component(s) return to an ambient temperature, the connection may form a solid, secure joint due to thermal expansion/retraction. In this way, the cylindrical body may be inserted into and fixed to the bushing.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body inserts and connects to the female bushing connector with a threaded connection. For example, at least a portion of the female bushing connection may include internal threads. Some or all of the cylindrical body may include external threads. For example, the cylindrical body may include threads at a proximal end, at an opposite distal end, or throughout an entirety of the cylindrical body. In another example, the cylindrical body does not have threads at the distal end. The cylindrical body may thread into and tighten against the bushing via the internal threads of the female bushing connection. In some embodiments, the bushing includes one or more tighteners to facilitate tightening the threaded connection. For example, the tighteners may be positioned at or along at least a portion of an outer surface of the bushing such that a tool may grasp the bushing and gain purchase to tighten the threaded connection. The tighteners may be a generally hexagon shape of the outer surface of the bushing, or may include one or more flat surfaces (e.g., recessed into a round or other shape of the outer surface of the bushing) such that an open or box-end wrench, socket wrench, pliers, or any other suitable tool may grasp the bushing in order to tighten the threaded connection. In this way, the cylindrical body may be threaded and tightened into the female bushing connection to securely connect and/or fix the cylindrical body to the bushing. It should be noted that the rotational nature of the connection of the knob to the bushing (via a fastener which enables relative rotation), in addition to preventing a threaded connection of the knob with the bushing (via the fastener) from becoming loosened and/or unscrewed will similarly prevent the threaded connection just described between the cylindrical body and the bushing from becoming loosened and/or unscrewed. Indeed, the knob is able to rotate freely with respect to the bushing, and consequently, the cylindrical body and thus, such rotation of the knob will not function to loosen or unscrew the threaded connection between the cylindrical body and the bushing.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body inserts and connects to the female bushing connection with a bonded connection. For example, an adhesive, glue, bonder, cement, resin, epoxy, or any other suitable bonding material (and combinations thereof) may be applied to one or more surfaces of the cylindrical body and/or the female bushing connection in order to bond the cylindrical body to the female bushing connection. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body is chemically bonded to the bushing. For example, the cylindrical body may be welded, brazed, sintered, melted, soldered, or any other form of metal-to-metal bonding with or without a filler metal. In this way, the cylindrical body may be bonded and/or may form a bonded connection with the female bushing connection to securely connect and/or fix the cylindrical body to the bushing.

In some embodiments, an adjustment pin may include a cylindrical body, and a bushing rotatably connected to a knob via a fastener. The cylindrical body may be connected to the bushing such that the knob may rotate with respect to the bushing and the cylindrical body.

As discussed herein, at least a portion of the cylindrical body may be substantially smooth. At least a portion of the cylindrical body may have a uniform size and/or shape and/or diameter. The uniform and/or smooth nature of the cylindrical body may facilitate inserting and/or removing the adjustment pin to/from an exercise device.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical body includes a stop. The stop may limit how far the adjustment pin may be inserted and/or removed from a component of an exercise device. For example, the stop may include one or more structures extending from the surface of the cylindrical body in order to limit the longitudinal movement of the adjustment pin. The stop may be a portion of the cylindrical body that has a greater diameter, a larger size or cross-section, or a different shape than one or more other portions of the cylindrical body (and combinations thereof). In some embodiments, the adjustment pin, and more specifically the cylindrical body, interfaces and/or inserts into, for example, a hole or opening in a component of an exercise device. The stop may be configured such that it cannot pass through the hole or opening due to the different size and/or shape and/or diameter. In this way, the stop may prevent the adjustment pin from being inserted too far, or from being removed from, a component of the exercise device.

In some embodiments, the adjustment pin includes a spring. The spring may be a helical or coil spring, and may be positioned over and/or around the cylindrical body. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body includes a spring retainer. The spring retainer may retain the spring on the cylindrical body. For example, the spring retainer may be positioned along the cylindrical body and may be spaced apart from the bushing (or more specifically a connection of the cylindrical body with the bushing). The spring may be positioned between the bushing and the spring retainer and in this way may be retained on the adjustment pin. In some embodiments, the spring retainer is at least partially the same structure and/or feature as the stop.

The spring and the spring retainer may function to maintain the adjustment pin engaged and/or disengaged from a component of an exercise device. For example, a user may actuate the adjustment pin (e.g., by pressing or pulling the knob), thus compressing the spring. In some embodiments, the adjustment pin is positioned in (e.g., inserted in a hole or opening of) a component of an exercise device, such as a bracket, arm, weight stack, etc. The adjustment pin may be positioned and/or inserted into the hole such that the component is positioned between the bushing and the spring retainer (and/or the stop). In this way, the adjustment pin may be permanently (or semi-permanently) inserted in or connected to the component (and the exercise device).

The spring may be configured to press or bias the adjustment pin in a distal direction or in a proximal direction (e.g., with respect to the component positioned between the bushing and the spring retainer). For example, the spring may be positioned between the component and the bushing. In this way, the spring may press against the component and bias the adjustment pin in the proximal direction. In another example, the spring may be positioned between the component and the spring retainer. In this way, the spring may press against the component and bias the adjustment pin in the distal direction. Biasing the adjustment pin in this way may cause the adjustment pin to remain engaged or disengaged from, for example, an additional component of the exercise device. For example, a portion of the cylindrical body may interface with an additional component to engage and/or disengage a function (e.g., and adjustment) of the exercise device and the adjustment pin may be manipulated (e.g., by pushing or pulling the knob) to actuate and engagement/disengagement of the adjustment pin. In this way, the adjustment pin may remain in and/or connected to an exercise device and may include the spring in order to facilitate an actuation of the adjustment pin with respect to a function and/or adjustment of the exercise device.

In some embodiments, a method or a series of acts for manufacturing an adjustment pin as described herein includes an act of inserting a bushing into a female connection of a knob, wherein the knob has internal threads accessible via the female connection. Lubricant or grease may be applied to the interface of (e.g., between) the bushing and the female connection of the knob to facilitate rotation of the knob with respect to the bushing.

In some embodiments, the method includes an act of inserting a fastener through a rotation interface of the bushing.

In some embodiments, the method includes an act of threading the fastener into the internal threads of the knob to rotatably connect the bushing to the knob.

In some embodiments, the method includes an act of fixing a cylindrical body to the bushing to rotatably connect the knob to the cylindrical body after connecting the bushing and fastener to the knob. Fixing the cylindrical body to the bushing may cover the fastener. The adjustment pin may be implemented in an exercise device by inserting the cylindrical body into a component of the exercise device.

In some embodiments, a method or a series of acts for using an adjustment pin of an exercise device includes an act of inserting a cylindrical body of the adjustment pin into an exercise component of the exercise device. In some embodiments, a weight of the exercise component and/or a force exerted on the exercise component may be supported by the cylindrical body based on inserting the cylindrical body into the exercise component.

In some embodiments, the method includes an act of fixing a movement of the exercise component with respect to the exercise device. Fixing the movement may be based on inserting the cylindrical body into the exercise component.

In some embodiments, the method includes an act of rotating a knob of the adjustment pin with respect to the cylindrical body. The knob is connected to the cylindrical body and rotating the knob does not disconnect or loosen the knob from the cylindrical body. In some embodiments, the knob is connected to the cylindrical body via a bushing. For example, rotating the knob may rotate the bushing with respect to the cylindrical body in conjunction with rotating the knob. In some embodiments, the knob is rotationally fixed to the bushing.

In some embodiments, the method may further include performing an exercise routing with the exercise device. The exercise routing may involve or may be associated with the exercise component.

In some embodiments, the method may further include removing the adjustment pin at least partially from the exercise component by engaging with the knob.

The following are non-limiting examples of various permutations of the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure.

- A1. An adjustment pin for an exercise device, comprising:
  - a knob;
  - a bushing;
  - a fastener, wherein the fastener connects the bushing to the knob such that the knob is configured to rotate with respect to the bushing; and
  - a cylindrical body connected to the bushing.
- A2. The adjustment pin of A1, wherein the fastener connects to the knob from a distal end of the knob toward a proximal end of the knob.
- A3. The adjustment pin of claim A1 or A2, wherein the bushing inserts at least partially into the knob.
- A4. The adjustment pin of any of A1-A3, wherein the fastener connects to the knob through the bushing.
- A5. The adjustment pin of any of claims 1-4, wherein the fastener threads into the knob but not the bushing.
- A6. The adjustment pin of any of A1-A5, wherein the cylindrical body is connected to the bushing via a press fit.
- A7. The adjustment pin of any of A1-A6, wherein the cylindrical body is connected to the bushing via a threaded connection.
- A8. The adjustment pin of any of A1-A7, wherein the bushing includes a tightener for tightening the threaded connection with the cylindrical body.
- A9. The adjustment pin of any of A1-A8, wherein the cylindrical body is a retention pin.
- A10. The adjustment pin of any of A1-A9, wherein the cylindrical body is configured to engage and support one or more arms of the exercise device.
- A11. The adjustment pin of any of A1-A10, wherein the cylindrical body is configured to engage and support one or more weights of a weight stack.
- A12. The adjustment pin of any of A1-A11, wherein the knob is a handle configured to be gripped by a user to manipulate the adjustment pin with respect to a component of the exercise device.
- A13. The adjustment pin of any of A1-A12, wherein the cylindrical body does not have threads on a distal end opposite from a connection of the cylindrical body with the bushing.
- A14. The adjustment pin of any of A1-A13, wherein the cylindrical body is made of metal.
- B1. An adjustment pin for an exercise device, comprising:
  - a knob having a female knob connection at a distal end of the knob, wherein the knob has internal threads accessible via the female knob connection;
  - a bushing having a male bushing connection at a proximal end of the bushing and a female bushing connection at a distal end of the bushing, wherein the male bushing connection is configured to at least partially insert into the female knob connection, and wherein the bushing has a rotation interface at the male bushing connection;
  - a fastener having a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion, wherein the fastener is configured to connect the knob to the bushing by engaging the internal threads of the knob through the rotation interface of the bushing; wherein the non-threaded portion engages the rotation interface of the bushing such that the knob is configured to rotate with respect to the bushing; and
  - a cylindrical body configured to connect to the bushing at the female bushing connection with a press fit.
- B2. The adjustment pin of B1, wherein the fastener is a shoulder screw.
- B3. The adjustment pin of B1 or B2, wherein the cylindrical body includes a spring retainer.
- C1. A method of manufacturing an adjustment pin of an exercise device, comprising:
  - inserting a bushing into a female connection of a knob, wherein the knob has internal threads accessible via the female connection;
  - inserting a fastener through a rotation interface of the bushing;
  - threading the fastener into the internal threads of the knob to rotatably connect the bushing to the knob; and
  - after connecting the bushing and fastener to the knob, fixing a cylindrical body to the bushing to rotatably connect the knob to the cylindrical body, wherein fixing of the cylindrical body to the bushing covers the fastener.
- C2. The method of C1, further comprising applying lubricant between the bushing and the female connection of the knob to facilitate rotation of the knob with respect to the bushing.
- C3. The method of C1 or C2, further comprising inserting the cylindrical body into a component of the exercise device.
- D1. A method of using an adjustment pin of an exercise device, comprising:
  - inserting a cylindrical body of the adjustment pin into an exercise component of the exercise device;
  - based on inserting the cylindrical body, fixing a movement of the exercise component with respect to the exercise device;
  - rotating a knob of the adjustment pin with respect to the cylindrical body, wherein the knob is connected to the cylindrical body, and wherein rotating the knob does not disconnect or loosen the knob from the cylindrical body.
- D2. The method of D1, wherein the knob is connected to the cylindrical body via a bushing, and wherein rotating the knob further includes rotating the bushing with respect to the cylindrical body in conjunction with rotating the knob.
- D3. The method of D1 or D2, wherein the knob is rotationally fixed to the knob.
- D4. The method of any of claims D1-D3, further comprising performing an exercise routine with the exercise device.
- D5. The method of claim D4, wherein the exercise routine is associated with the exercise component.
- D6. The method of any of claims D1-D5, wherein inserting the cylindrical body includes supporting a weight of the exercise component and/or a force exerted on the exercise component.
- D7. The method of any of claims D1-D6, further including removing the adjustment pin at least partially from the exercise component by engaging with the knob.

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. These described embodiments are examples of the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual embodiment may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous embodiment-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one embodiment to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. For example, any element described in relation to an embodiment herein may be combinable with any element of any other embodiment described herein. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are “about” or “approximately” the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable manufacturing or production process, and may include values that are within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a stated value.

A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of the present disclosure that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions, including functional “means-plus-function” clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner, and equivalent structures that provide the same function. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means-plus-function or other functional claiming for any claim except for those in which the words ‘means for’ appear together with an associated function. Each addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments that falls within the meaning and scope of the claims is to be embraced by the claims.

The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of a stated amount. Further, it should be understood that any directions or reference frames in the preceding description are merely relative directions or movements. For example, any references to “up” and “down” or “above” or “below” are merely descriptive of the relative position or movement of the related elements.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

ADJUSTMENT PIN FOR EXERCISE DEVICE

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)