Selector weight plate

Abstract

The selector weight plate includes a weight, preferably made from a metal, and a elastometric cover that completely encases the weight, which is designed to be used on standard stationary selector weightlifting machines. The weight is equipped with a central vertical aperture, for receiving the center post of the weighting machine, and two offset vertical apertures for receiving the guide rails provided on the weightlifting machine. The weight also has a pair horizontal apertures used to receive a selector pin that locks a series of selector weight plates in place. The elastometric cover is included through the vertical apertures and is provided to help prevent the deterioration of the metal weight and to help prevent loud noises that occur when successive weight plates strike one another during the course of a exercise routine.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 566,874, filed Apr. 28, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to weightlifting equipment, and more specifically to a selector weight plate for use with weightlifting machines that require a selector weight stack. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Weightlifting has become an extremely common form of physical exercise. Weightlifters have many options when it comes to choosing which equipment is best suited to perform their exercises. Most weightlifting centers provide stationary weightlifting machines, as well as free weights. Stationary weightlifting machines are usually in the form of selector machines that operate using a weight stack that is made up of steel plates, allowing the user to select a weight amount to perform a specific exercise. These plates are selected using ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The weight is equipped with a central vertical aperture, for receiving the center post of the weighting machine, and two offset vertical apertures for receiving the guide rails provided on the weightlifting machine. The weight also has a pair horizontal apertures used to receive a selector pin that locks a series of selector weight plates in place. The elastometric cover is included through the vertical apertures and is provided to help prevent the deterioration of the metal weight and to help prevent loud noises that occur when successive weight plates strike one another during the course of a exercise routine.

[0010] To assist in the easy interlocking of successive plates, the cover may be equipped with protrusions around the vertical apertures along the top side of the plates and mating indentions around the vertical apertures along the bottom side of the plates.

[0011] Also, the portion of the cover that encases the bottom side of the weight may be further equipped with a means to help prevent successive plates from becoming stuck to one another due to lubricant than may have leaked from off of the guide rails. One such means is to provide the cover with a series of channels along the bottom side. Another such means is to provide the bottom side of the cover with a series of raised surfaces, preferably in a honeycomb pattern. Either such means prevents the flat surfaces of successive plates from fully contacting one another, thereby preventing the plates from suctioning and sticking to one another.

Problems solved by technology

Over time, these plates begin to chip, fade, rust, and become aesthetically unpleasing.

Also, these plates make a tremendous amount of noise as an exercise is conducted and the plates bang against one another.

Additionally, the flattened nature of these plates make them susceptible to becoming stuck to one another as lubricant applied to the guide rods on the weightlifting machine leaks onto the surface of the plates.

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