Weight selection methods and apparatus

Abstract

An exercise dumbbell includes a handle member and weight plates maintained in spaced relationship at opposite ends thereof. Knobs on the handle member have contoured bearing surfaces that bear against respective selector members to alternatively hold the selector members in weight engaging positions and disengaged positions.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

With reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise dumbbell constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectioned end view of the dumbbell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a weight selector that is part of the dumbbell shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an end view of a knob that is part of the dumbbell shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partially sectioned end view of certain parts of an alternative embodiment dumbbell constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an end view of a knob that is among the parts shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 a is a top view of other parts shown in FIG. 5, including three weight plates and a selector for the smallest weight plate;

FIG. 7 b is another top view of the parts shown in FIG. 5, showing the selector moved to an engagement position relative to the smallest weight plate;

FIG. 8 a is a top view of other parts shown in FIG. 5, including three weight plates and a selector for the middle weight plate;

FIG. 8 b is another top view of the parts shown in FIG. 5, showing the selector moved to an engagement position relative to the middle weight plate;

FIG. 9 a is a top view of other parts shown in FIG. 5, including three weight plates and a selector for the largest weight plate; and

FIG. 9 b is another top view of the parts shown in FIG. 5, showing the selector moved to an engagement position relative to the largest weight plate.

Claims

1. An exercise dumbbell, comprising: a handle member having a handle that defines a longitudinal axis, a first weight supporting section disposed at a first end of the handle, and a second weight supporting section disposed at an opposite, second end of the handle;first weights sized and configured to occupy the first weight supporting section;second weights sized and configured to occupy the second weight supporting section;a weight selector movably mounted on the handle member for movement parallel to the longitudinal axis between a first position, underlying one of the first weights, and a second position, free to move upward relative to said one of the first weights; anda knob rotatably mounted on the handle member for rotation about a knob axis that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein a contoured bearing surface on the knob bears against the weight selector to alternatively hold the weight selector in the first position and the second position as a function of orientation of the knob relative to the handle member.

2. The exercise dumbbell of claim 1, further comprising a second weight selector movably mounted on the handle member for movement parallel to the longitudinal axis between a first position, underlying a second one of the first weights, and a second position, free to move upward relative to said second one of the first weights, wherein a second contoured bearing surface on the knob bears against the second weight selector to alternatively hold the second weight selector in its first position and its second position as a function of orientation of the knob relative to the handle member.

3. The exercise dumbbell of claim 2, wherein each said contoured bearing surface is concentrically arranged relative to the longitudinal axis.

4. The exercise dumbbell of claim 2, wherein the knob rotates from a first orientation, wherein each said weight selector occupies a respective said second position, to a second orientation, wherein only said one of the first weights is engaged, to a third orientation, wherein only said second one of the first weights is engaged, to a fourth orientation, wherein each said weight selector occupies a respective said first position.

5. The exercise dumbbell of claim 1, further comprising a spring configured and arranged to press the weight selector against the contoured surface on the knob.

6. The exercise dumbbell of claim 1, wherein a weight engaging tab on the weight selector is configured and arranged to occupy an upwardly opening slot in another of the first weights when in the second position.

7. The exercise dumbbell of claim 1, further comprising a separate means for selectively securing the other first weights to the handle member in response to rotation of the knob.

8. An exercise device, comprising: a weight lifting member;weights sized and configured to align with the weight lifting member;a weight selector movably mounted on the weight lifting member for movement between a first position, underlying one of the weights, and a second position, free to move upward relative to said one of the weights; anda knob rotatably mounted on the weight lifting member for rotation about a knob axis, wherein a contoured bearing surface on the knob bears against the weight selector to alternatively hold the weight selector in the first position and the second position as a function of orientation of the knob relative to the weight lifting member.

9. The exercise device of claim 8, further comprising a second weight selector movably mounted on the weight lifting member for movement between a first position, underlying a second one of the weights, and a second position, free to move upward relative to said second one of the weights, wherein a second contoured bearing surface on the knob bears against the second weight selector to alternatively hold the second weight selector in its first position and its second position as a function of orientation of the knob relative to the weight lifting member.

10. The exercise dumbbell of claim 9, wherein each said contoured bearing surface is concentrically arranged relative to the knob axis.

11. The exercise dumbbell of claim 9, wherein the knob rotates from a first orientation, wherein each said weight selector occupies a respective said second position, to a second orientation, wherein only said one of the weights is engaged, to a third orientation, wherein only said second one of the weights is engaged, to a fourth orientation, wherein each said weight selector occupies a respective said first position.

12. The exercise dumbbell of claim 8, further comprising a spring configured and arranged to press the weight selector against the contoured surface on the knob.

13. The exercise dumbbell of claim 8, wherein a weight engaging tab on the weight selector is configured and arranged to occupy an upwardly opening slot in another of the weights when in the second position.

14. The exercise dumbbell of claim 8, further comprising a separate means for selectively securing the other weights to the handle member in response to rotation of the knob.

15. A method of adjusting resistance to exercise, comprising the steps of: providing a lifting member having at least one weight holder;providing weights sized and configured to occupy the at least one weight holder;mounting a weight selector on the lifting member for movement along a path between a first position, underlying one of the weights, and a second position, free to move upward relative to said one of the weights; andmounting a knob on the handle member for rotation about an axis extending parallel to the path, and in such a manner that a contoured bearing surface on the knob bears against the weight selector in a manner that alternatively holds the weight selector in the first position and the second position as a function of orientation of the knob relative to the handle member.