Adjustable weight lifting device

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustable weight lifting device (21) comprising a tube (31), a housing (57), a graduated ring (95) and one or more pinions or cogwheels (103). The housing (57) is provided at an end of the tube (31) and has an axial inner portion and an axial outer portion, the one or more pinions or cogwheels (103) are mounted on an inner surface (99) of the graduated ring (95) for rotation about one or more corresponding radially extending axes (105), each radially extending axis (105) being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the graduated ring (95) and each pinion or cogwheel (103) engaging an axial inner portion face gear (91) and an axial outer portion face gear (93) of the housing (57).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 202080002693.1, filed on May 28, 2020, entitled "Adjustable Weightlifting Device".

[0002] Background Art and Invention Content

[0003] This invention relates to an adjustable weightlifting device.

[0004] The inventors’ U.S. Patents 8,206,274, 8,529,415, 8,715,143, 8,784,283, 8,932,188, 9,452,312, 9,566,465, 9,616,271, 9,669,252, 9,889,331, 9,974,994, 10,232,214 and U.S. Patent Application 15 / 861,069 disclose features of adjustable weightlifting devices and are incorporated herein by reference. A common feature of these adjustable weightlifting devices is that the handle assembly is situated within a support, and that a pin can extend from the handle assembly to lock the weight pan to the handle assembly or retract from the weight pan to unlock it from the handle assembly when one part of the handle assembly rotates relative to another part of the handle assembly.

[0005] It has been found that an improvement is needed in the way the weight pans are attached to the handle assembly in such adjustable weightlifting devices. Furthermore, it is desired to allow a larger number of weight pans to be attached to the handle assembly. It has also been found that a simple and inexpensive technique is needed to indicate the weight held on the handle assembly, and also to allow for indication of the weight held on the handle assembly even when the rotating portion of the handle has rotated more than 360 degrees.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, the adjustable lifting device includes a tube, a pin, and one or more drive knobs; the pin is movably disposed inside the tube and includes an external thread; the one or more drive knobs extend radially inward relative to the inner wall of the tube and engage the external thread; wherein the external thread includes at least one portion having a first helical angle and at least one portion having a second helical angle smaller than the first helical angle.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, an adjustable lifting device includes a tube, a housing, a graduated ring, and one or more gears or inserts; the housing has an axially inner portion and an axially outer portion, the axially inner portion being non-rotatably attached to the tube at a first end of the tube, the axially outer portion being rotatable relative to the axially inner portion, the axially inner portion including an axially inner face gear facing the axially outer portion and the axially outer portion having an axially outer face gear facing the axially inner portion; the graduated ring includes an inner surface and an outer surface provided with markings; the one or more gears or inserts include radially extending axes, each radially extending axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the graduated ring, and each gear or insert meshes with the axially inner face gear and the axially outer face gear.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the adjustable lifting device includes a tube, a cylindrical member, a first housing, and a second housing; the cylindrical member is disposed in the tube, the tube and the cylindrical member are rotatable relative to each other and axially fixed relative to each other; the first housing has an axially inner portion and an axially outer portion, the axially inner portion of the first housing being non-rotatably attached to the tube at a first end, and the axially outer portion of the first housing being non-rotatably attached to the cylindrical member at a first end; the second housing has an axially inner portion and an axially outer portion, the axially inner portion of the second housing being non-rotatably attached to the tube at a second end, and the axially outer portion of the second housing being non-rotatably attached to the cylindrical member at a second end. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The features and advantages of the present invention will be well understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals indicate similar elements and wherein: Figure 1 A perspective view of an adjustable weightlifting device according to one aspect of the present invention; Figures 2A to 2D An exploded perspective view of an adjustable weightlifting device according to one aspect of the present invention; Figure 3 A perspective view of a portion of the handle assembly of an adjustable weightlifting device according to one aspect of the invention; Figure 4A and Figure 4B A side sectional view of a portion of the handle assembly of an adjustable lifting device according to one aspect of the invention shows the attachment of a cylindrical member. Figure 5A This is an end view of the axial inner portion of the handle assembly housing of an adjustable lifting device according to one aspect of the invention. Figure 5B For partial exploded perspective view, and Figure 5C This is a side sectional view; Figure 5D A partial exploded perspective view of a portion of a handle assembly including a strike plate of an adjustable weightlifting device according to one aspect of the invention. Figure 5E A partial exploded perspective view of a portion of a handle assembly including a graduated ring for an adjustable weightlifting device according to one aspect of the invention; Figure 5F A partial exploded perspective view of a portion of a handle assembly comprising an axially inner portion and an axially outer portion of an adjustable lifting device according to one aspect of the invention, and Figure 5G For assembly view; Figure 5H A partially exploded side sectional view of a portion of the handle assembly of an adjustable weightlifting device according to one aspect of the invention, comprising a strike plate assembly, and Figure 5I This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly. Figure 5J A partial exploded perspective view of a portion of a handle assembly including handle weights in an adjustable weightlifting device according to one aspect of the invention, and Figure 5K For assembly view; Figures 6A to 6C An end perspective view of the axial outer portion of the housing of an adjustable lifting device including a transverse pin assembly according to one aspect of the present invention; Figures 7A to 7B This is an end perspective view of the axial outer portion of the housing of an adjustable lifting device including a stop assembly according to one aspect of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0010] The adjustable lifting device 21 according to the present preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1 The lifting device 21 shown is a dumbbell; however, the lifting device may alternatively be a device such as a barbell. The lifting device 21 includes a handle assembly 23, a plurality of weight pans 25 removably attached to the handle assembly, a pair of butterfly weight pans 27 removably attached to the handle assembly, and a support 29 in which the weight pans, butterfly weight pans, and handle assembly are adapted to be supported.

[0011] like Figures 2A to 2DAs seen, the handle assembly 23 includes a tube 31, which serves as a handle for user gripping. The outer surface of the tube 31 is typically knurled to improve grip. A first pin 33 is movably disposed within the tube 31 and includes an external thread 35. A second pin 37 is also movably disposed within the tube 31 and includes an external thread 39. The first pin 33 has a first hand portion and the second pin 37 has a second hand portion opposite to the first hand portion. As shown, the first pin 33 has a left-hand thread 35 and the second pin 37 has a right-hand thread 39. The external threads 35 and 39 may each include at least one portion 35' and 39' having a first helix angle, and at least one portion 35" and 39" having a second helix angle smaller than the first helix angle. Typically, there will be multiple such portions with different helix angles, wherein a threaded portion with one helix angle is repeated along the length of the external thread by another threaded portion having another helix angle.

[0012] The first pin 33 and the second pin 37 each have a recess 41 along at least a majority of their length. A cylindrical member 45 is disposed in the recess 41 of the first pin 33 and the second pin 37. The first pin 33 and the second pin 37 are generally semicircular along a majority of their outer length, and the recess 41 is also generally semicircular and is formed in the respective flat surfaces 47 and 49 of the first pin and the second pin, respectively. The cylindrical member 45 is generally circular or any other suitable shape, and generally matches the shape of the recess 41.

[0013] One or more drive knobs 51 (e.g., Figure 2B The drive knobs 51 extend radially inward relative to the inner wall of the tube 31 and engage external threads 35 and 39. Preferably, four drive knobs 51 are provided for engaging external threads 35 on the first pin 33, and four drive knobs are provided for engaging external threads 39 on the second pin 37. The drive knobs 51 can be attached to the tube 31 and can extend through holes 53 provided in the tube 31.

[0014] like Figure 3 As can be seen, when rotation of the first pin 33 and the second pin 37 is prevented and the tube 31, having a drive knob 51 (engaged in the external threads 35 and 39 of the first and second pins), rotates (e.g., as indicated by arrow R), this will cause the first and second pins to move axially in their relative directions and axially inward (as indicated by arrow I) or outward relative to the tube and the drive knob, depending on the direction of rotation of the tube. See, for example... Figure 2BWhen the drive knob 51 will have a generally circular cross-section over most of its length, the end of the drive knob (which will be received in the external threads 35 and 39) may be provided with a more elongated shape 51' that can be aligned with the threads (in which the end will be received). The elongated shape 51' may be oriented at a specific angle relative to the raised head 51" of the drive knob to facilitate the orientation of the elongated shape.

[0015] For example Figures 4A to 4B As seen, the handle assembly 23 also includes a first housing 57 and a second housing 63; the first housing 57 has an axially inner portion 59 and an axially outer portion 61, the axially inner portion 59 of the first housing 57 being non-rotatably attached to the tube 31 at the first end 31' of the tube, and the axially outer portion 61 of the first housing 57 being non-rotatably attached to the cylindrical member 45 at the first end 45' of the cylindrical member; the second housing 63 has an axially inner portion 65 and an axially outer portion 67, the axially inner portion 65 of the second housing 63 being non-rotatably attached to the tube at the second end 31' of the tube, and the axially outer portion 67 of the second housing 63 being non-rotatably attached to the cylindrical member at the second end 45' of the cylindrical member. The respective axially inner portions 59 and 65 of the first housing 57 and the second housing 63 are rotatable relative to the respective axially outer portions 61 and 67 of the first housing and the second housing 63.

[0016] For example Figures 5A to 5F As seen, a cam knob 69 is provided as part of each of the axially inner portions 59 and 65. The cam knob 69 may be attached to and rotatable with the axially inner portion 59 or 65 (and is at least partially disposed within the axially outer portion 61 or 67, as referenced for example...). Figures 5F to 5I As seen, such as by forming the cam knob as an integral part of the axially inner portion (such as part of a molded plastic part). The axially outer portions 61 and 67 can also be molded plastic parts. The cam knob 69 has an outer surface 71, which is located at a first distance D1 from the axial center of the tube 31. Figure 5A ) and the second distance D2 from the axial center of the pipe ( Figure 5A The distance changes between the first and second distances, and the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0017] like Figures 5A to 5C As can be seen, by attaching the drive knob 51 to the hole 53 of the tube ( Figure 2A and Figure 5C The hole 54 is located in the cylindrical portion 56 of the axially inner part (through which the end of the tube extends). Figure 5CIn the tube 31, the axially inner portions 59 and 65 are non-rotatably fixed. A cam knob 69 is positioned on the drive knob such that the drive knob is located below the inner surface 73 of the cam knob, corresponding to the portion of the outer surface 71 located at a greater distance D2 from the axial center of the tube. The cam knob 69 may have a hole 75 through which the drive knob 51 passes to secure the drive knob in the hole 53 of the tube 31. A drive knob bracket 77 has a recess 79 for receiving the raised head 51" of the drive knob 51. Figures 5B to 5C ) can be shaped into space 81 (e.g., Figure 5B (It is formed in the cylindrical portion 56 and the inner surface 73 of the cam knob 69) to form a tight fit to facilitate holding the drive knob 51 and the elongated end of the drive knob (which is positioned to slide along the threads 35 and 39) in the correct angular position.

[0018] For example, refer to Figures 5F to 5I As seen, the axially outer portions 61 and 67 of the first housing 57 and the second housing 63 each include a circular cylindrical tubular portion 83 having an axially inwardly facing end 85, the axially inwardly facing end 85 being adjacent to an axially outwardly facing flange 87 on the axially inner portions 59 and 65 and surrounding the circular cylindrical portion 89 of the axially inner portion.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, each axially inner portion 59 and 65 includes a radially inwardly facing axially inner portion face gear 91 with an outwardly facing flange 87. The axially outer portions 51 and 67 each have an axially outer portion face gear 93 that extends radially inwardly from the tubular portion 83 and faces the corresponding axially inner portion face gear 91 on the respective axially inner portion 59 and 65. Figure 5H and Figures 6A to 6C ).

[0020] For example Figure 5E and Figure 5F As seen, a scale ring 95, including an inner surface 99 and an outer surface provided with markings 97, may be disposed around the circular cylindrical portion 89 of the axial inner portions 59 and 65 and (as shown) Figure 5H (As seen) can be disposed within the circular cylindrical tubular portion 83. Marking 97 typically indicates the number of weights, including the weights of the handle assembly 23 plus any weight pans 25 and / or butterfly weight pans attached to the handle. Opening 101 (e.g., Figure 5F and Figure 5G A circular cylindrical tubular portion 83 is provided in the axially outer portions 61 and 67, such that one of the markings 97 corresponding to the number of weights is visible through the opening.

[0021] For example Figure 5E and Figure 5FAs seen, one or more gears or interlocking gears 103 are mounted on the inner surface 99 of the scale ring for rotation about one or more corresponding radially extending axes 105, each radially extending axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the scale ring 95. The axis 105 may be in the form of a shaft (as shown), or alternatively, the interlocking gear may be free-floating. The circular cylindrical tubular portion 83 of the axially outer portion 61 or 67 is fitted onto the circular cylindrical portion 89 of the scale ring 95 and the axially inner portion 59 or 65, and each gear or interlocking gear 103 meshes with the axially inner portion face gear 91 and the axially outer portion face gear 93. Due to this transmission arrangement, rotation of the axially inner portions 59 and 65 relative to the axially outer portions 61 and 67 by a first angle causes the scale ring 95 to rotate by a second angle, which is smaller than the first angle. Therefore, the tube 31 can rotate more than 360 degrees before the scale ring rotates through 360 degrees. This configuration facilitates the indication of the number of weights fixed to the handle assembly 23, which arises from the rotation of the axially inner portions 59 and 65 relative to the first pin 33 and the second pin 37, causing the pins to extend from the tube (caused by the tube and the axially inner portion through a rotation of more than 360 degrees). It will be observed that the scale ring 95 in the first housing 57 may have markings 97 (markings 97 are provided in a direction opposite to the scale ring in the second housing 63), and if provided, the plus (+) and minus (-) markings on the first housing will be reversed relative to such markings on the second housing.

[0022] For example Figure 5H and Figure 5I As seen, support plate 107 is fitted inside each of the axially outer portions 61 and 67 and generally abuts the axially outer surface 109 of the wall of the axially outer portion, and the axially inner surface of the wall in turn generally abuts the first end 31' and the second end 31" of pipe 31. Support plate 107 has a hole 111 provided therein for receiving one of the first pin 33 and the second pin 37. Hole 111 is generally semi-circular, as is the length of most of the first pin 33 and the second pin 37.

[0023] like Figures 4A to 4B As shown, to fix the axially outer portions 61 and 67 relative to the tube 31, the cylindrical member 45 is provided with a notch 113, which is preferably located on opposite sides of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member 45 extends through the tube 31 and is positioned relative to the support plate 107 in each of the axially outer portions 61 and 67, such that the notch 113 receives the edge of the support plate and thereby prevents axial movement of the axially outer portions relative to the tube and the axially inner portions 59 and 65 fixed to the tube.

[0024] like Figure 5DAs seen, a disc-shaped strike plate 115, having multiple holes 117 (provided at equal angles around the radius of the disc) and a central hole 119 (which corresponds to the shape of the outer surface 71 of the cam knob 69, allowing the strike plate to be securely mounted on the cam knob), can abut against the surface 121 of the axially inner portions 59 and 65. Figure 5A ) settings. For example Figure 5H and Figure 5I As seen, to provide the striking plate assembly, the axially outer portions 61 and 67 may be provided with tubular portions 123, wherein the ball 125, piston 127, and spring 129 can be placed and held in place by the support plate 107. The ball 125 pushes the striking plate 115 by the piston 127 and spring 129, and is received in the hole 117 of the striking plate when the tube 31 and the axially inner portions 59 and 65 have been rotated relative to the axially outer portions 61 and 67, the cylindrical member 45, the first pin 33, and the second pin 37 such that the first pin and the second pin are in a specific position corresponding to the mark 97 on the scale ring 95 (and corresponding to the number of weight pans 25 and butterfly weight pans 27 held on the handle assembly 23).

[0025] Handle assembly 23 also includes handle weight 131, which is attached to each of the axially outer portions 61 and 67, such as Figure 5J and Figure 5K As seen, the handle weight 131 can be fixed to the axially outer portions 61 and 67 by screws 133, which are received in the hole 134 of the handle weight and the hole 135 of the axially outer portion.

[0026] The handle weight 131 will typically include, at least on its axially outward surface 137, a top-convex dovetail joint member 139 (at the top of the handle weight) and a bottom-concave dovetail joint member 141 (at the bottom of the handle weight). For example... Figure 2CSeen, each of the weight pans 25 may include a top concave dovetail joint member 143 (at the top of the weight pan 25 facing inwards to the side 145) and a bottom concave dovetail joint member 147 (at the bottom of the weight pan facing outwards to the side 149), as well as a bottom convex dovetail joint member 151 (at the bottom of the weight pan facing inwards to the side) and a top convex dovetail joint member 153 (at the top of the weight pan facing outwards to the side). Typically, any bottom convex dovetail joint member 151 is adapted to be received in any bottom concave dovetail joint member 149, and any top convex dovetail joint member 153 is adapted to be received in any top concave dovetail joint member 143. Furthermore, typically, each bottom convex dovetail member 151 of any weight pan is adapted to be received in the bottom concave dovetail connector member 141 of the handle weight 131, and each top convex dovetail connector member 139 of the handle weight is adapted to be received in any top concave dovetail connector member 143 of any weight pan 25. The connection of the dovetail connector members prevents axial movement of the weight pans 25 relative to each other, and axial movement of the weight pans relative to the handle weight 131. It should be understood that the references to convex and concave dovetail connector members may be reversed, and other connector structures besides dovetail connectors may be provided, but similarly adapted to prevent axial movement of the weight pans 25 relative to each other.

[0027] like Figures 6A to 6C As seen, the transverse pin assembly may include one or more transverse pins 155; the one or more transverse pins 155 may be spring-mounted inside the axially outer portions 61 and 67 such that they are relative to the hole 157 in the axially outer portion ( Figure 6A The disc is radially movable outward and inward to connect and disconnect the disc-shaped weight pan to the handle assembly 23. Typically, two transverse pins 155 are provided inside each axially outer portion 61 and 67 on opposite sides of each axially outer portion, such that they are adapted to move outward and inward in opposite directions. The radially inner end 159 of each transverse pin 155 presses against the outer surface 71 of the cam knob 69 via a spring 161 (e.g., ...). Figures 5A to 5C (Transverse pin 155 not shown). When the cam knob 69 is rotated, the radially inner end 159 of the transverse pin 155 abuts against a larger distance D2 from the axial center of the tube 31. Figure 5A When the cam knob is partially on the outer surface 71, the transverse pin moves radially outward against the spring force, disengaging from the corresponding hole 157 in the axial outer portion 61 or 67, such that the radially outer end 163 of the transverse pin extends through the outer surface of the radially outer portion 61 or 67 and is at the maximum radial distance from the axial center of the tube. When the radially inner end 159 of the transverse pin 155 abuts at a first distance D1 from the axial center of the tube 31... Figure 5AWhen the outer surface of the cam knob is part of the cam knob, the radial outer end 163 of the transverse pin retracts radially inward from the outer surface of the axial outer portion 61 or 67 under the force of the spring 161.

[0028] For example Figure 2D As seen, each butterfly-shaped weight pan 27 has a recess 165 extending radially inward from the periphery of the butterfly-shaped weight pan, wherein the axially outer portion 61 or 67 of the first housing 57 or the second housing 63 is adapted to be received in the recess 165 (e.g., Figure 1 (As seen). When the transverse pin 155 retracts radially inward from the axially outer portion, the butterfly weight pan 27 is radially movable relative to the axially outer portion 61 or 67, i.e., the handle assembly 23 can be raised away from the butterfly weight pan and away from the recess 165 in the butterfly weight pan. Each butterfly weight pan 27 includes a radially extending opening 167, which corresponds in number to the transverse pin 155 on each of the housings 57 and 63. When the transverse pin moves radially away from the hole 157, the radially extending opening 167 is arranged to receive the corresponding one of the transverse pins 155, such that radial and axial movement of the butterfly weight pan 27 relative to the axially outer portions 61 and 67 is prevented.

[0029] After the first pin 33 and the second pin 37 are rotated relative to the tube 31 such that one or more drive knobs 51 have moved along portions 35' and 39' of the external threads 35 and 39 having a first (larger) helix angle and are positioned at a point where the external threads transition to a second (smaller) helix angle, the cam knob 69 is rotated to a position such that one or more transverse pins 155 retract radially inward from the axially outer portion (i.e., the transverse pins are pushed inward by the spring 161 against the minimum diameter D1 portion of the outer surface 73 of the cam knob).

[0030] After the first pin 33 and the second pin 37 are rotated relative to the tube 31 such that one or more drive knobs 51 have moved along portions 35" and 39" of the external threads 35 and 39 having a second (smaller) helical angle and are positioned at the point where the external threads transition to the first (larger) helical angle, one or more transverse pins 155 move radially away from one or more corresponding holes 157 against the force of the spring 161, i.e., the transverse pins are pushed outward by the portion of the maximum diameter D2 of the outer surface of the cam knob 69.

[0031] By providing a first or innermost weight pan 25 configured adjacent to each handle weight, the weight pan 25 is attached to the handle assembly 23 such that the first weight pan matches the dovetail joint member in the handle weight and prevents axial movement of the first weight pan relative to the handle weight. For example... Figure 2CAs seen, each weight pan 25 has an axially extending hole 169 extending through it; when the weight pan is positioned relative to the handle weight (as described, the dovetail joint matches), the hole 169 is intended to be axially aligned with the hole 171 in the handle weight 131 and with the central axis of the tube 31. When positioned in the innermost axial position, the axially outer ends 173 of the first pin 33 and the second pin 37 extend through the axially outer ends 175 of the axially outer portions 61 and 67 (…). Figure 3 ) Axial distance d1 ( Figure 2A (less than the thickness of the handle weight 131), and the distance d2 is usually set axially inward from the outer surface 137 of the handle weight, which usually has the same axial thickness as the other weight pans 25.

[0032] The distance d1 is typically equal to the axial length of the larger helix angle portion 35' or 39' of the thread 35 or 39. The distance d2 is typically equal to the axial length of the smaller helix angle portion 35" or 39" of the thread 35 or 39. Currently preferred, d1 is greater than half the thickness of the handle weight 131 or the weight pan 25. The sum of distances d1 and d2 will typically be equal to the thickness of the handle weight 131 or the weight pan 25. When the axially outer ends 173 of the first pin 33 and the second pin 37 are in their innermost axial position, the transverse pin 155 is retracted inside the axially outer portions 61 and 67 and the weight pan 25 or the butterfly weight pan 27 is not attached to the handle assembly 23.

[0033] When the axially outer portions 61 and 67 of the first pin 33 and the second pin 37 are rotated relative to the axially inner portions 59 and 65 and the tube 31, causing one or more drive knobs 51 to move along portions 35" and 39" of the external threads 35 and 39 having a second (smaller) helix angle (e.g., axially inward relative to the axially outer end 173 of the pin, causing the pin to extend further axially outward from the tube) and positioned at the point where the external threads transition to the first (larger) helix angle, the transverse pin 155 moves radially away from the corresponding hole 157 against the force of the spring 161, i.e., the transverse pin is pushed outward by the maximum diameter D2 portion of the outer surface of the cam knob 69 and the transverse pin is received in the radially extending opening 167 of the butterfly weight pan 27 (thus preventing axial and radial movement of the butterfly weight pan relative to the handle assembly 23). In this position, the axially outer ends 173 of the first pin 33 and the second pin 37 have moved a distance d2 from their axially innermost position. Figure 2AThe tube 31 passes through the hole 171 and is generally flush with the axial outer surface 137 of the handle weight 131. It should be understood that references to the rotation of the axial outer portions 61 and 67, including the first pin 33 and the second pin 37, relative to the axial inner portions 59 and 65 and the tube 31 simply mean that there is relative movement between the axial outer portions and the axial inner portions. Typically, when the handle assembly 23 is seated in the bracket 29, the user rotates the axial inner portions 59 and 65 and the tube 31 relative to the axial outer portions 61 and 67, the weight pan 25, the butterfly weight pan 27, and the bracket 29.

[0034] When the axially outer portions 61 and 67, including the first pin 33 and the second pin 37, are continuously rotated relative to the axially inner portions 59 and 65 and the tube 31, the pins are received in the hole 169 of the first weight pan 25 adjacent to the handle weight 131, and the axially outer end 173 of the pin extends a distance d1 into the hole due to the movement of the drive knob 51 along portions 35' and 39" of the external threads 35 and 39 having the maximum helix angle. When the pins 33 and 37 are received in the hole 169 of the first weight pan, radial movement of the first weight pan relative to the housings 57 and 63 is prevented. This is because axial movement of the first weight pan 25 is prevented through the first weight pan and the handle. The matching dovetail joint on weight 131 prevents the first weight pan from being secured to the handle assembly 23. In this position, the transverse pin 155 retracts radially inward relative to the axially outer portions 61 and 67, and the butterfly weight 27 is released from the handle assembly 23. By causing the axially outer ends 173 of pins 33 and 37 to extend a larger distance d1 into the hole 169 of the first weight pan 25, pins 33 and 37 better prevent radial movement of the first weight pan relative to the handle assembly 23 compared to a case where the external threads have a constant helix angle and the distances d1 and d2 are equal, such that the distance d1 is half the thickness of the weight pan rather than more than half the thickness of the weight pan.

[0035] When the axially outer portions 61 and 67, including the first pin 33 and the second pin 37, are continuously rotated relative to the axially inner portions 59 and 65 and the tube 31, causing one or more drive knobs 51 to move along other portions 35" and 39" of the external threads 35 and 39 having a second (smaller) helix angle and positioned at the point where the external threads transition to the first (larger) helix angle, the transverse pin 155 moves radially away from the corresponding hole 157 against the force of the spring 161. That is, the transverse pin is pushed outward by the maximum diameter D2 portion of the outer surface of the cam knob 69 and is received in the radially extending opening 167 of the butterfly weight pan 27 (thus preventing axial and radial movement of the butterfly weight pan relative to the handle assembly 23 again). At the same time, axial and radial movement of the first weight pan 25 relative to the handle assembly is also prevented.

[0036] When the axially outer portions 61 and 67, including the first pin 33 and the second pin 37, are continuously rotated relative to the axially inner portions 59 and 65 and the tube 31, the pins are received in the hole 169 of the next innermost weight pan 25 adjacent to and radially outward from the first weight pan, and the axially outer end 173 of the pin extends a distance d1 into the hole of the next innermost weight pan due to the movement of the drive knob 51 along the other portions 35' and 39" of the external threads 35 and 39 having the maximum helix angle. When pin 3 When 3 and 37 are received in the hole 169 of the next innermost weight pan 25, radial movement of the next innermost weight pan relative to the housings 57 and 63 is prevented. Because axial movement of the next innermost weight pan 25 is prevented by the matching dovetail joints on the next innermost weight pan and the first weight pan, the next innermost weight pan is secured to the handle assembly 23. In this position, the transverse pin 155 retracts radially inward again relative to the axially outer portions 61 and 67, and the butterfly weight 27 is released from the handle assembly 23.

[0037] By continuously rotating the axially outer portions 61 and 67, including the first pin 33 and the second pin 37, relative to the axially inner portions 59 and 65 and the tube 31, causing the axially outer ends 173 of the pins to extend further and further axially outward, other weight pans 25 can be attached to the handle assembly 23 in the manner described. Additionally, a butterfly weight pan 27 can optionally be attached to and released from the handle assembly 23 in the manner described. Typically, the butterfly weight pan 27 will have a weight equal to half the weight of the weight pan, such that by rotating the axially outer portions 61 and 67, including the first pin 33 and the second pin 37, relative to the axially inner portions 59 and 65 and the tube 31, the incremental addition of weight can be equal to the weight of the butterfly weight pan.

[0038] By providing external threads 35 and 39 on the first pin 33 and the second pin 37 (each having at least one portion 35' and 39' with a first helix angle and at least one portion 35" and 39" with a second helix angle smaller than the first helix angle), it is possible to advance the pins in a desired manner. Specifically, when the user rotates the axially inner portions 59 and 65 of the tube 31 and the first housing 57 and the second housing 63 relative to the axially outer portions 61 and 67 through an angle, the first pin 33 and the second pin 37 will extend or retract relative to the tube 31 by a smaller amount d2 than the distance d1 (at which point the drive knob engages the portion 35' and 39' of the thread with the larger first helix angle) (at which point the drive knob 51 engages the portion 35" and 39" of the thread with the smaller second helix angle). In the currently preferred embodiment, d1 is approximately 70% of the thickness of the weight pan 25, and d2 is approximately 30% of the thickness of the weight pan.

[0039] When the handle assembly 23 is located in the bracket 29, the outer shell support portion 179 of the bracket ( Figure 2D The protrusion 177 on the ) Figure 2D ) received in the axially outer portion of the opening 181 ( Figure 7A In this configuration, the axially inner portions 59 and 65 of the first housing 57 and the second housing 63 are typically rotatable only relative to the axially outer portions 61 and 67. The stop assembly may include a stop member 183 and a spring 185 mounted in the axially outer portions 61 and 67, such as... Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown. Spring 185 pushes the stop member 183 radially outward. The stop member 183 is radially movable only between the walls 187 in the axially outer portions 61 and 67. When the handle assembly 23 is not seated in the bracket such that the protrusion 177 is received in the opening 181, spring 185 pushes the stop member 183 radially outward such that a portion of the stop member (not shown) is received in the recessed region 189 of the axially inner portions 59 and 65 (e.g., Figures 5A to 5B This locks the axial inner portion relative to the axial outer portions 61 and 67. When the handle assembly 23 is seated in the bracket such that the protrusion 177 is received in the opening 181, the protrusion pushes the stop member 183 radially outward against the force of the spring 185, causing a portion of the stop member to be removed from the recessed area 189 of the axial inner portions 59 and 65, thereby allowing rotation of the axial inner portion relative to the axial outer portions 61 and 67.

[0040] For example Figure 1 and Figure 2D As seen, the support 29 also includes a butterfly weight pan support portion 191, which is arranged to support the butterfly weight pan 27 such that it supports the axial inner surface 193 adjacent to the handle weight 131. Figure 2C And when the handle assembly 23 is seated in the support, it is properly positioned to receive the transverse pin 155 in the radially extending opening 167 of the butterfly weight pan.

[0041] The support 29 also includes a weight pan support portion 195, which is arranged to support the weight pan 25 such that the innermost axially extending weight pan is adjacent to the outermost axially extending surface 137 of the handle weight, and the outermost axially extending weight pan is adjacent to the outermost axially extending frame portion 197 of the support. The outermost axially extending frame portion 197 may include a convex or concave dovetail or other suitable connector member 199 to mate with a corresponding concave or convex connector member on the outermost axially extending bottom of the weight pan 25. The outermost axially extending frame portion 197 may be connected via a longitudinal frame portion 201 on which the weight pan 25 can rest.

[0042] The joint components 139, 141, 143, 147, 161, 163, and 199 can be integrally formed with the weight pan 25, the handle weight 131, and the axial outer frame portion 195; however, as for example... Figures 2A to 2D It has been found that, at least with respect to the weight pan and the handle weight, it is convenient to provide a recess 203 in the peripheral surface of the weight pan and the handle weight and to attach the connector 205 to the recess with a suitable fastener (such as a pin, bolt, screw, etc.) 207.

[0043] The connector component 205 may have a convex connector component 209 on one side and a concave connector component 211 on the opposite side, and may be used on the top or bottom of the weight pan 25 and the handle weight 131. The convex connector component 209 and the concave connector component 211 may be provided with a wedge shape to facilitate the introduction of the convex connector component on one weight pan 25 or handle weight 131 into the concave connector component on another weight pan or handle weight. It will be observed that some connector components 205 may be distinguished from other connector components by the introduction of a specific form of cover 213 into the concave connector component. Furthermore, the convex connector component may be omitted on the axially outer surface of the outermost weight pan 25 and on the axially inner surface of the handle weight 131, such as by providing different shapes to the cover 213 and / or connector component 205. The joint member 199 on the axial outer frame portion 195 is shown to be integrally formed with the axial outer frame portion; however, it may also be provided by mounting the joint member 205 in a recess of the axial outer frame portion.

[0044] In this application, the use of terms such as “including” is open-ended and intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising”, and does not exclude the presence of other structures, materials, or actions. Similarly, while the use of terms such as “can” or “may” is intended to be open-ended and to reflect that a structure, material, or action is not essential, the use of such terms is not intended to reflect that a structure, material, or action is essential.

[0045] They are so determined to the extent that their structure, materials, or movements are currently considered essential.

[0046] Although the invention has been shown and described according to preferred embodiments, it should be understood that variations and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention as interpreted in the claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable lifting device (21), comprising: Tube (31); The adjustable weightlifting device is characterized in that it includes: A cylindrical member (45) is disposed in the tube (31), the tube (31) and the cylindrical member (45) are rotatable relative to each other and axially fixed relative to each other; A first housing (57) having an axially inner portion and an axially outer portion, the axially inner portion being non-rotatably attached to the first end (31') of the tube (31), and the axially outer portion being non-rotatably attached to the first end (45') of the cylindrical member (45). A second housing having an axially inner portion and an axially outer portion, the axially inner portion being non-rotatably attached to the second end (31") of the tube (31), and the axially outer portion being non-rotatably attached to the second end (45") of the cylindrical member (45), and One or more gears (103) are mounted on the inner surface (99) of the scale ring (95) for rotation about one or more corresponding radially extending axes (105).

2. The adjustable lifting device (21) according to claim 1, comprising a first pin (33) and a second pin (37), the first pin (33) and the second pin (37) being axially and rotatably movable relative to the tube (31), the cylindrical member (45) being disposed in the axially extending recess of both the first pin (33) and the second pin (37).

3. The adjustable lifting device (21) according to claim 2, wherein the second pin (37) is movably disposed inside the tube (31), the external thread of the first pin (33) has a first hand thread and the second pin (37) includes an external thread, the external thread of the second pin (37) has a second hand thread opposite to the first hand thread, and one or more drive knobs (51) extend radially inward relative to the inner wall of the tube (31) and engage the external thread of the second pin (37).

4. The adjustable lifting device (21) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first pin (33) and the second pin (37) each have a recess along at least a majority length of each of the first pin (33) and the second pin (37).

5. The adjustable lifting device (21) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axially inner portions of the first and second housings are rotatable relative to the axially outer portions of the first and second housings.

6. The adjustable lifting device (21) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each radially extending axis (105) is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the scale ring (95), and each gear (103) meshes with the axial inner face gear (91) and the axial outer face gear (93).

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