Weight selection method and apparatus
DCFirst Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of selectively adjusting weight to be moved in connection with exercise activity, comprising the steps of:
- providing a base;
providing weights;
positioning the weights on the base; and
providing a weight selector assembly for movement to and from a rest position relative to the base, and operable to select a desired number of the weights only when occupying the rest position, wherein the weight selector assembly is provided with a button that is accessible via an opening, and with a weight selector member that is operatively connected to the button, and the base is provided with a member that engages the button when the weight selector assembly occupies the rest position, and gravitational force acting upon the weight selector assembly is sufficient to overcome a downward bias force acting upon the button, thereby moving the button upward relative to the weight selector assembly and freeing the weight selector member for movement to select the desired number of weights.
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Abstract
Weights are selectively engaged by a weight selector assembly for movement during exercise activity. The weights are engaged by a selector member which is operable only when the weight selector assembly is docked relative to a weight supporting base.
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Citations
39 Claims
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1. A method of selectively adjusting weight to be moved in connection with exercise activity, comprising the steps of:
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providing a base;
providing weights;
positioning the weights on the base; and
providing a weight selector assembly for movement to and from a rest position relative to the base, and operable to select a desired number of the weights only when occupying the rest position, wherein the weight selector assembly is provided with a button that is accessible via an opening, and with a weight selector member that is operatively connected to the button, and the base is provided with a member that engages the button when the weight selector assembly occupies the rest position, and gravitational force acting upon the weight selector assembly is sufficient to overcome a downward bias force acting upon the button, thereby moving the button upward relative to the weight selector assembly and freeing the weight selector member for movement to select the desired number of weights. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of selectively adjusting weight to be moved in connection with exercise activity, comprising the steps of:
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providing a base;
providing weights;
positioning the weights on the base; and
providing a weight selector assembly for movement to and from a rest position relative to the base, and for operable to select a desired number of the weights only when occupying the rest position, wherein the weights are positioned in opposite first and second sets with a space defined therebetween to receive the weight selector assembly between the sets. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of selectively adjusting weight to be moved in connection with exercise activity, comprising the steps of:
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providing a base;
providing weights;
positioning the weights relative to the base;
providing a selector assembly configured to selectively support the weights for exercise activity, and including (a) a movable selector member having a bearing surface, and (b) a latch having a recess that aligns with the bearing surface when the selector assembly occupies a docked position relative to the base and the weights, and a shoulder that is biased to engage the bearing surface upon removal of the selector assembly from the docked position;
moving the selector assembly into the docked position, whereby the recess on the latch aligns with the bearing surface on the selector member, thereby releasing the selector member for operational movement;
operating the selector member to secure desired weights to the selector assembly for removal from the base; and
removing the selector assembly from the docked position, whereby the shoulder on the latch engages the bearing surface on the selector member, thereby automatically locking the selector member against operational movement. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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22. A method of selectively adjusting weight to be moved in connection with exercise activity, comprising the steps of:
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providing a base;
providing weights;
positioning the weights relative to the base;
providing a selector assembly configured to selectively support the weights for exercise activity, and including (a) a movable selector member having a hole formed therein, and (b) a latch having a peg that is biased to remain inside the hole when the selector assembly is removed from a docked position relative to the base and the weights, and that remains free of the hole when the selector assembly occupies the docked position;
moving the selector assembly into the docked position, whereby the peg on the latch vacates the hole in the selector member, thereby releasing the selector member for operational movement;
operating the selector member to adjust which said weights are connected to the selector assembly for removal from the base; and
removing the selector assembly from the docked position, whereby the peg on the latch enters the hole in the selector member, thereby automatically locking the selector member against operational movement. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
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26. An exercise apparatus, comprising:
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a base;
weights supported by the base;
a selector assembly movable into alignment with the base, wherein the selector assembly includes a selector rod that is selectively rotatable into engagement with desired weights; and
a means for preventing rotation of the selector rod relative to the desired weights when the selector assembly is removed from the base, wherein the means includes a latch having a shoulder and a recess which are alternatively movable into a position adjacent the rod. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. An exercise apparatus, comprising:
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a base;
weights supported by the base;
a selector assembly movable into alignment with the base, wherein the selector assembly includes a selector rod that is selectively slidable into engagement with desired weights; and
a means for preventing sliding of the selector rod relative to the desired weights when the selector assembly is removed from the base, wherein the means includes a spring-biased latch which is biased toward a latched position, wherein the latch interferes with sliding of the rod. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. An exercise dumbbell, comprising:
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a plurality of weights;
a handle assembly including a handle, a selector member that is movable relative to the handle to secure desired weights to the handle assembly, and a latch that is biased toward a locked position that blocks operation of the selector member; and
a base configured to support the weights in first and second sets with a space defined therebetween to accommodate the handle, wherein an upwardly extending member on the base cooperates with gravity acting upon the handle assembly to move the latch out of its locked position when the handle assembly occupies a rest position on the base, thereby releasing the selector member for movement relative to the handle. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39)
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Specification