Weight assembly and method of manufacture

Abstract

A weight assembly is provided having a handle securely attached to first and second weight heads. More particularly, each weight head includes a side wall and an end wall that together define the bore for receiving an end of the handle via press-fit. The side wall includes an outer portion disposed at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the bore and an intermediate portion disposed between the outer portion and the end wall. The end portions of the handle have a diameter that is greater than that of the gripping portion of the handle. The bore and the handle ends are cooperatively sized to enable a secure press-fit. First and second weld seams are disposed about the handle in contact with the corresponding outer portion of the side wall of each weight head. More particularly, the weld seams are substantially confined to a recess defined between the corresponding outer portion of the side wall of each weight head and the corresponding end portion of the handle. Moreover, the upper portion of each weight head is configured to facilitate a secure weld between the weight head and the handle, while minimizing damage to the components to include heat-affected zones on the handle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to weight assemblies such as dumbbells and barbells and, more particularly, to such weight assemblies having a handle welded to two heads of fixed weight. [0002] In weightlifting, weight assemblies of various configurations are commonly used. For example, dumbbells and barbells both include an elongated handle extending between two weights. In dumbbells, the handle is sized to accommodate one hand, whereas, in barbells, the handle is sized to accommodate both hands, spaced apart from each other. [0003] Of the various configurations of weight assemblies, dumbbells and barbells are two of the most common and versatile. As such, they are typically in high demand at weightlifting facilities. Thus, it is common for such facilities to provide a number of dumbbells and barbells configured at different weights, e.g., ranging from five pounds to 200 pounds. To that end, sets of barbells and sets of dumbbells are avail...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The invention resides in a weight assembly having a handle securely attached to first and second weight heads. More particularly, each weight head includes a side wall and an end wall that together define a bore for receiving an end of the handle via press-fit. The side wall includes an outer portion disposed at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the bore and an intermediate portion disposed between the outer portion and the end wall. First and second weld seams are disposed about the handle in contact with the corresponding outer portion of the side wall of each weight head such that the weld is spaced apart from the gripping portion of the handle. The end portions of the handle have a diameter that is greater than that of the gripping portion of the handle. The bore and the handle ends are cooperatively sized to enable a secure press-fit. Moreover, the upper portion of each weight head is configured to facilitate a secure weld between the weight head and the handle, while minimizing damage to the components to include heat-affected zones on the handle.

Problems solved by technology

Although generally effective, shortfalls exist.

Such heat-affected zones can substantially diminish the strength of the handle.

Over time, cracks can occur in the handle.

These cracks can exacerbate after extended use, which can result in total failure of the connection between the handle and the weight.

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