Adjustable Weight Lifting Device

Abstract

To provide an adjustable weight lifting device.SOLUTION: An adjustable weight lifting device includes: a tube 31; a cylindrical member 45 disposed inside the tube 31, the tube 31 and the cylindrical member 45 being mutually rotatable and fixed in an axial direction to each other; a first housing 57 which has an axial direction inside part 59 unrotatably fitted to the tube 31 at a first end 31' of the tube 31 and an axial direction outside part 61 unrotatably fitted to the cylindrical member 45 at a first end 45' of the cylindrical member 45; and a second housing 63 which has an axial direction inner part 65 unrotatably fitted to the tube 31 at a second end 31" of the tube 31 and an axial direction outer part 67 unrotatably fitted to the cylindrical member 45 at a second end 45" of the cylindrical member 45.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4B

Description

Content of disclosure

[0001] [Background and Overview] The present invention relates to an adjustable weight lifting device.

[0002] My U.S. Patent Nos. 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 No. 15 / 861,069 show features of adjustable weight lifting devices and are incorporated by reference. A common feature of these adjustable weight lifting devices is that when the handle assembly is placed on the rack and one part of the handle assembly is rotated relative to another part of the handle assembly, a pin may extend from the handle assembly to lock the weight disc to the handle assembly, or the pin may retract from the weight disc to unlock the weight disc from the handle assembly.

[0003] It has been discovered that it would be desirable to improve the manner in which weight discs are secured to the handle assemblies in such adjustable weight lifting devices. It would further be desirable to be able to secure a greater number of weight discs to the handle assemblies. It has further been discovered that it would be desirable to provide a simple, inexpensive technique for indicating how much weight is held on the handle assembly, and further to enable an indication of how much weight is held on the handle assembly even if the rotating portion of the handle is rotated more than 360 degrees.

[0004] According to an aspect of the invention, an adjustable weight lifting device includes a tube, a pin movably disposed inside the tube and including an external thread, and one or more drive knobs extending radially inward relative to an inner wall of the tube and engaging the external thread, the external thread including at least one portion having a first helical angle and at least one portion having a second helical angle, the second helical angle being less than the first helical angle.

[0005] According to another aspect of the invention, an adjustable weight lifting device includes a housing having a tube, an axially inner portion non-rotatably attached to the tube at a first end of the tube, and an axially outer portion rotatable relative to the axially inner portion, the axially inner portion including an axially inner portion face gear facing the axially outer portion, the axially outer portion having an axially outer portion face gear facing the axially inner portion, an indexing ring including outer and inner surfaces with indicia, and one or more gears or cogwheels mounted on an inner surface of the indexing ring for rotation about one or more corresponding radially extending axes, each radially extending axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the indexing ring, each gear or cogwheel meshing with the axially inner portion face gear and the axially outer portion face gear.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an adjustable weight lifting device includes a tube, a cylindrical member disposed within the tube, the tube and the cylindrical member being rotatable relative to one another and axially fixed relative to one another, a first housing having an axially inner portion non-rotatably attached to the tube at a first end of the tube and an axially outer portion non-rotatably attached to the cylindrical member at the first end of the cylindrical member, and a second housing having an axially inner portion non-rotatably attached to the tube at a second end of the tube and an axially outer portion non-rotatably attached to the cylindrical member at the second end of the cylindrical member.

[0007] The features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention; [Figure 2a] 1 is an exploded perspective view of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2b] 1 is an exploded perspective view of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2c] 1 is an exploded perspective view of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2d] 1 is an exploded perspective view of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a handle assembly of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a handle assembly of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention showing attachment of a cylindrical member. [Figure 4B] 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a handle assembly of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention showing attachment of a cylindrical member. [Figure 5A] 1 is an end view of an axially inner portion of a handle assembly housing of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5B] 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of an axially inner portion of a handle assembly housing of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 5C] 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an axially inner portion of a handle assembly housing of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 5D] 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a portion of a handle assembly including a click plate of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 5E] 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a portion of a handle assembly including an index ring of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 5F] 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a portion of a handle assembly including an axially inner portion and an axially outer portion of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5G] 1 is an assembly view of a portion of a handle assembly including an axially inner portion and an axially outer portion of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 5H] 1 is a partially exploded cross-sectional side view of a portion of a handle assembly including components of a click plate assembly of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 5I] 1 is an assembled cross-sectional view of a portion of a handle assembly including components of a click plate assembly of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 5J] 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a portion of a handle assembly including a handle weight of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5K] 1 is an assembly view of a portion of a handle assembly including a handle weight of an adjustable weight lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 6A] 1 is a perspective end view of an axially outer portion of a housing of an adjustable weight lifting device including a lateral pin assembly according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6B] 1 is a perspective end view of an axially outer portion of a housing of an adjustable weight lifting device including a lateral pin assembly according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6C] 1 is a perspective end view of an axially outer portion of a housing of an adjustable weight lifting device including a lateral pin assembly according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7A] 1 is a perspective end view of an axially outer portion of a housing of an adjustable weight lifting device including a stop assembly according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 7B]1 is a perspective end view of an axially outer portion of a housing of an adjustable weight lifting device including a stop assembly according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0009] Detailed Description An adjustable weight lifting device 21 in accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The weight lifting device 21 shown is a dumbbell, although the weight lifting device may alternatively be a barbell-like device. Weight lifting device 21 includes a handle assembly 23, a plurality of weight discs 25 removably attachable to the handle assembly, a pair of butterfly weight discs 27 removably attachable to the handle assembly, and a rack 29 configured to support the weight discs, butterfly weight discs, and handle assembly.

[0010] As shown in Figures 2a-d, the handle assembly 23 includes a tube 31 intended to be grasped as a handle by a user. The outer surface of the tube 31 is typically knurled for improved grip. A first pin 33 is movably disposed inside the tube 31 and includes male threads 35. A second pin 37 is also movably disposed inside the tube 31 and includes male threads 39. The first pin 33 has a first hand and the second pin 37 has a second hand opposite the first hand. As shown, the first pin 33 has left hand threads 35 and the second pin 37 has right hand threads 39. The male threads 35 and 39 can 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, the second helix angle being less than the first helix angle. Typically there will be several such sections with different helix angles, with one threaded section with one helix angle followed by another threaded section with the other helix angle, repeated along the length of the male thread.

[0011] The first pin 33 and the second pin 37 each have a recess 41 along at least a majority of the length of the first pin and the second pin, respectively. A cylindrical member 45 is disposed within the recess 41 of the first pin 33 and the second pin 37. The first pin 33 and the second pin 37 are typically semicircular along a majority of their external lengths, and the recess 41 is also typically semicircular and is formed in flat surfaces 47 and 49 of the first pin and the second pin, respectively. The cylindrical member 45 is typically circular or of any other suitable shape, typically matching the shape of the recess 41.

[0012] One or more drive knobs 51 (e.g., FIG. 2b) extend radially inwardly relative to the inner wall of the tube 31 and engage the external threads 35 and 39. Preferably, four drive knobs 51 are provided to engage the external threads 35 of the first pin 33 and four drive knobs are provided to engage the external threads 39 of the second pin 37. The drive knobs 51 may be attached to the tube 31 and may extend through holes 53 provided in the tube 31.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3, when the first and second pins 33 and 37 are prevented from rotating and the tube 31 with the drive knob 51 engaged with the external threads 35 and 39 of the first and second pins is rotated (e.g., as shown by arrow R), the first and second pins are caused to move axially in opposite directions relative to each other, and axially inward (as shown by arrow I) or outward relative to the tube and drive knob, depending on the direction of rotation of the tube. For example, with reference to FIG. 2b, the drive knobs 51 are generally circular in cross section over most of their length, but the ends of the drive knob that are received within the external threads 35 and 39 may include a more elongated shape 51' that may be aligned with the threads in which they are received. The elongated shape 51' may be oriented at a particular angle relative to the raised head 51" of the drive knob to facilitate orientation of the elongated shape.

[0014] As can be seen, for example, in FIGS. 4A-4B, the handle assembly 23 further includes a first housing 57 having an axially inner portion 59 non-rotatably attached to the tube 31 at the tube first end 31' and an axially outer portion 61 non-rotatably attached to the cylindrical member 45 at the cylindrical member first end 45', and a second housing 63 having an axially inner portion 65 non-rotatably attached to the tube at the tube second end 31" and an axially outer portion 67 non-rotatably attached to the cylindrical member at the cylindrical member second end 45". The axially inner portions 59 and 65 of the first housing 57 and second housing 63, respectively, are rotatable relative to the axially outer portions 61 and 67 of the first housing and second housing, respectively.

[0015] As can be seen, for example, in Figures 5A-5F, 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, for example, by forming the cam knob as an integral part of the axially inner portion, such as part of a molded plastic part (and disposed at least partially inside the axially outer portion 61 or 67, as can be seen with reference to Figures 5F-5I). The axially outer portions 61 and 67 may also be molded plastic parts. The cam knob 69 has an outer surface 71 that varies between a first distance D1 (Figure 5A) from the axial center of the tube 31 and a second distance D2 (Figure 5A) from the axial center of the tube, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[0016] As can be seen in Figures 5A-5C, the axially inner portions 59 and 65 can be non-rotatably fixed to the tube 31 by mounting the drive knob 51 in a bore 53 in the tube (Figures 2a and 5C) and in a bore 54 in the cylindrical portion 56 of the axially inner portion through which the end of the tube extends (Figure 5C). The cam knob 69 is positioned above the drive knob such that the drive knob is disposed below an inner surface 73 of the cam knob that corresponds to a portion of the outer surface 71 that is a greater distance D2 from the axial center of the tube. The cam knob 69 can have a bore 75 through which the drive knob 51 can pass to secure the drive knob in the bore 53 of the tube 31. Drive knob bracket 77 (FIGS. 5B-5C) having a recess 79 for receiving raised head 51″ of drive knob 51 may be shaped to form an interference fit within space 81 (e.g., FIG. 5B) formed between cylindrical portion 56 and inner surface 73 of cam knob 69 to facilitate holding drive knob 51 in the correct angular position with the elongated end of the drive knob positioned to slide along threads 35 and 39.

[0017] As can be seen, for example, with reference to Figures 5F-5I, the axially outer portions 61 and 67 of the first housing 57 and the second housing 63 each include an annular cylindrical tubular portion 83 having an axially inward end 85 that abuts an axially outward flange 87 on the axially inner portions 59 and 65 and surrounds an annular cylindrical portion 89 of the axially inner portion.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, each axially inner portion 59 and 65 includes an axially inner portion face gear 91 radially inward of the outward flange 87. Each axially outer portion 51 and 67 has an axially outer portion face gear 93 (FIGS. 5H and 6A-6C) radially inward of the tubular portion 83 and opposite the respective axially inner portion face gear 91 on each axially inner portion 59 and 65.

[0019] For example, as seen in Figures 5E and 5F, an index ring 95 including outer and inner surfaces 99 with indicia 97 may be disposed about the annular cylindrical portion 89 of the axial inner portions 59 and 65 and inside the annular cylindrical tubular portion 83 (as seen in Figure 5H). The indicia 97 typically corresponds to an amount of weight, including the weight of the handle assembly 23 as well as any weight disks 25 and / or butterfly weight disks attached to the handle. An opening 101 (e.g., Figures 5F and 5G) is provided in the annular cylindrical tubular portion 83 of the axial outer portions 61 and 67 through which one of the indicia 97 corresponding to the amount of weight can be seen.

[0020] As can be seen, for example, in Figures 5E and 5F, one or more gears or cogs 103 are mounted on the inner surface 99 of the indexing ring for rotation about one or more corresponding radially extending axes 105, each radially extending axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the indexing ring 95. The axes 105 may be in the form of a shaft as shown, or alternatively, the cogs may be free-floating. The annular cylindrical tubular portion 83 of the axially outer portion 61 or 67 fits over the indexing ring 95 and the annular cylindrical portion 89 of the axially inner portion 59 or 65, and each gear or cogwheel 103 meshes with the axially inner portion face gear 91 and the axially outer portion face gear 93. As a result of this gearing arrangement, when the axially inner portions 59 and 65 rotate relative to the axially outer portions 61 and 67 through a first angle, the indexing ring 95 rotates through a second angle that is less than the first angle. Thus, the tube 31 can rotate more than 360° before the index ring rotates through 360°. This configuration facilitates indication of the amount of weight secured to the handle assembly 23 by rotation of the tube 31 and axial inner portions 59 and 61 relative to the first and second pins 33 and 37 such that the pins extend from the tubes, caused by rotation of the tube and axial inner portion more than 360°. It will be appreciated that the index ring 95 in the first housing 57 may have indicia 97 oriented in the opposite direction to the index ring in the second housing 63, and if provided, the plus (+) and minus (-) indicia on the first housing will be reversed relative to such indicia on the second housing.

[0021] For example, as can be seen in Figures 5H and 5I, a support plate 107 fits inside each of the axially outer portions 61 and 67 and typically abuts an axially outer surface 109 of the wall of the axially outer portion and an axially inner surface of that wall, which in turn typically abuts the first and second ends 31' and 31" of the tube 31. The support plate 107 is provided with a hole 111 for receiving one of the first and second pins 33 and 37. The hole 111 is typically semicircular, as is the majority of the length of the first and second pins 33 and 37, respectively.

[0022] 4A-B, cylindrical member 45 includes notches 113, preferably on either side of the cylindrical member, for securing axially outer portions 61 and 67 to tube 31. Cylindrical member 45 extends through tube 31 and is positioned against support plates 107 for each of axially outer portions 61 and 67, with notches 113 receiving edges of the support plates, thereby preventing the axially outer portions from moving axially relative to the tube and axially inner portions 59 and 65 secured thereto.

[0023] As can be seen in Figure 5D, click plate 115, in the form of a disk with a number of holes 117 spaced at equal angles around the radius of the disk and a central hole 119 shaped to correspond to the outer surface 71 of cam knob 69, allowing the click plate to fit securely onto the cam knob, can be disposed against a surface 121 (Figure 5A) of axially inner portions 59 and 65. As can be seen in Figures 5H and 5I, to provide a click plate assembly, axially outer portions 61 and 67 can include a tubular portion 123 within which ball 125, piston 127 and spring 129 can be located and held in place by support plate 107. The ball 125 is urged against the click plate 115 by the piston 127 and spring 129 and received in the hole 117 in the click plate when the tube 31 and axial inner portions 59 and 65 are rotated relative to the axial outer portions 61 and 67, the cylindrical member 45, and the first and second pins 33 and 37, and the first and second pins come to a specific position corresponding to the markings 97 on the index ring 95 (and corresponding to how many weight discs 25 and butterfly weight discs 27 are held on the handle assembly 23).

[0024] The handle assembly 23 further includes a handle weight 131 attached to each of the axially outer portions 61 and 67, as seen in Figures 5J and 5K. The handle weight 131 may be secured to the axially outer portions 61 and 67 by a screw 133 received in a hole 134 in the handle weight and a hole 135 in the axially outer portion.

[0025] The handle weight 131 typically includes an upper male dovetail coupling member 139 at an upper portion of the handle weight, and a lower female dovetail coupling member 141 at a lower portion of the handle weight, at least on the axially outer surface 137. For example, as seen in FIG. 2c, the weight disks 25 may each include an upper female dovetail coupling member 143 at an upper portion of the axially inward side 145 of the weight disk 25, a lower female dovetail coupling member 147 at a lower portion of the axially outward side 149 of the weight disk, a lower male dovetail coupling member 151 at a lower portion of the axially inward side of the weight disk, and an upper male dovetail coupling member 153 at an upper portion of the axially outward side of the weight disk. Typically, any lower male dovetail coupling member 151 is configured to be received in any lower female dovetail coupling member 149, and any upper male dovetail coupling member 153 is configured to be received in any upper female dovetail coupling member 143. Furthermore, typically, each lower male dovetail member 151 of any weight disk is configured to be received in a female lower female dovetail coupling member 141 of the handle weight 131, and each upper male dovetail coupling member 139 of the handle weight is configured to be received in an upper female dovetail coupling member 143 of any weight disk 25. The connection of the dovetail coupling members prevents axial movement of the weight disks 25 relative to each other, and axial movement of the weight disks relative to the handle weight 131. It will be understood that the references to male and female dovetail coupling members may be reversed, and coupling structures other than dovetail couplings may be provided that are similarly configured to prevent axial movement of the weight disks 25 relative to each other.

[0026] As can be seen in Figures 6A-6C, the lateral pin assembly may include one or more lateral pins 155 that may be spring-loaded inside the axial outer portions 61 and 67 and that may move radially outward and inward relative to holes 157 (Figure 6A) in the axial outer portions to connect and separate the butterfly weight disks to the handle assembly 23. Typically, two lateral pins 155 are provided inside each axial outer portion 61 and 67, on either side of each axial outer portion, that are configured to move outward and inward in opposite directions, respectively. A radially inner end 159 of each lateral pin 155 is biased by a spring 161 against the outer surface 71 of the cam knob 69 (e.g., Figures 5A-5C, which do not show the lateral pins 155). When the cam knob 69 is rotated so that the radially inner end 159 of the transverse pin 155 abuts a portion of the cam knob's outer surface 71 at a greater distance D2 (FIG. 5A) from the axial center of the tube 31, the transverse pin is moved radially outward against the spring force from the corresponding hole 157 of the axial outer portion 61 or 67, and the radially outer end 163 of the transverse pin extends past the outer surface of the axial outer portion 61 or 67 at a maximum radial distance from the axial center of the tube. When the radially inner end 159 of the transverse pin 155 abuts a portion of the cam knob's outer surface that is a first distance D1 (FIG. 5A) from the axial center of the tube 31, the radially outer end 163 of the transverse pin is retracted radially inward of the outer surface of the axial outer portion 61 or 67 under the force of the spring 161.

[0027] For example, as can be seen in FIG. 2d, each butterfly weight disk 27 has a recess 165 extending radially inward from a periphery of the butterfly weight disk and configured to receive an axially outer portion 61 or 67 of the first housing 57 or second housing 63 (as can be seen, for example, in FIG. 1) therein. The butterfly weight disk 27 can move radially relative to the axially outer portion 61 or 67 when the lateral pins 155 are retracted radially inward of the axially outer portion, i.e., the handle assembly 23 can be lifted away from the butterfly weight disk and out of the butterfly weight disk recess 165. Each butterfly weight disk 27 includes radially extending openings 167 corresponding in number to the lateral pins 155 of each housing 57 and 63. The radially extending openings 167 are positioned to receive a corresponding one of the lateral pins 155 when the lateral pins are moved radially out of the holes 157 such that radial and axial movement of the butterfly weight disk 27 relative to the axial outer portions 61 and 67 is prevented.

[0028] After one or more drive knobs 51 are moved along portions 35' and 39' of the male threads 35 and 39 having a first (larger) helix angle and the first pin 33 and second pin 37 are rotated relative to the tube 31 so that they are located at the point where the male thread transitions to a second (smaller) helix angle, the cam knob 69 is rotated to a position where one or more lateral pins 155 are retracted radially inward of the axially outer portion, i.e., the lateral pins are biased inward by spring 161 against the minimum diameter D1 portion of the outer surface 73 of the cam knob.

[0029] After one or more drive knobs 51 are moved along portions 35" and 39" of the male threads 35 and 39 having the second (smaller) helix angle and the first pin 33 and second pin 37 are rotated relative to the tube 31 so that they are positioned at the point where the male thread transitions to the first (larger) helix angle, one or more lateral pins 155 move radially out of one or more corresponding holes 157 against the force of the springs 161, i.e., the lateral pins are biased outward by the maximum diameter D2 portion of the outer surface of the cam knob 69.

[0030] The weight disks 25 are attached to the handle assembly 23 by providing a first or innermost of the weight disks 25 disposed adjacent each handle weight 131, with the dovetail joint members of the first weight disk and the hand weight interlocking to prevent axial movement of the first weight disk relative to the hand weight. As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 2c, each weight disk 25 has a hole 169 extending axially therethrough which is intended to be axially aligned with a hole 171 in the handle weight 131 and with the central axis of the tube 31 when the weight disk is disposed against the hand weight with the dovetail joint interlocked as described above. When positioned in their axially innermost position, the axially outer ends 173 of the first pin 33 and the second pin 37 extend beyond the axially outer ends 175 (FIG. 3) of the axially outer portions 61 and 67 by an axial distance d1 (FIG. 2a) that is less than the thickness of the handle weight 131, and are typically positioned axially inward of the outer surface 137 of the handle weight by a distance d2, which is typically of the same axial thickness as the other weight disks 25.

[0031] 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. It is presently preferred that d1 be greater than one-half the thickness of the handle weight 131 or weight disk 25. The sum of the distances d1 and d2 is typically equal to the thickness of the handle weight 131 or weight disk 25. When the axially outer ends 173 of the first and second pins 33 and 37 are in their axially innermost positions, the lateral pins 155 are recessed inwardly of the axially outer portions 61 and 67, and neither the weight disk 25 nor the butterfly weight disk 27 is attached to the handle assembly 23.

[0032] When one or more drive knobs 51 are moved along the portions 35″ and 39″ of the male threads 35 and 39 having the second (smaller) helix angle (e.g., axially inward relative to the axially outer ends 173 of the pins so that the pins are extended further axially outward from the tube) and the axially outer portions 61 and 67 including the first and second pins 33 and 37 are rotated relative to the axially inner portions 59 and 65 and the tube 31 so as to be located at the point where the male threads transition to the first (larger) helix angle, the lateral pins 155 are moved radially out of the corresponding holes 157 against the force of the springs 161, i.e., the lateral pins are urged outward by the maximum diameter D2 portion of the outer surface of the cam knobs 69, and the lateral pins are received in the radially extending openings 167 of the butterfly weight disks 27, preventing the butterfly weight disks from moving axially and radially relative to the handle assembly 23. In this position, the axially outer ends 173 of the first and second pins 33, 37 have been moved a distance d2 (FIG. 2a) from their axially innermost position through the holes 171 and are typically flush with the axially outer surface 137 of the handle weight 131. It will be appreciated that references to rotation of the axially outer portions 61 and 67, including the first and second pins 33, 37, relative to the axially inner portions 59 and 65 and the tube 31 simply mean that there is relative movement between the axially outer and axially inner portions. Typically, when the handle assembly 23 is located in the rack 29, the user rotates the axially inner portions 59 and 65 and the tube 31 relative to the axially outer portions 61 and 67, the weight disk 25, the butterfly weight disk 27, and the rack 29.

[0033] As the axially outer portions 61 and 67, including the first and second pins 33 and 37, continue to rotate relative to the axially inner portions 59 and 65 and the tube 31, the pins are received in the holes 169 of the first weight disk 25 adjacent the handle weight 131, and the axially outer ends 173 of the pins extend a distance d1 into the holes as a result of the drive knob 51 being moved along the portions 35' and 39" of the male threads 35 and 39 having the maximum helix angle. Once the pins 33 and 37 are received in the holes 169 of the first weight disk, radial movement of the first weight disk relative to the housings 57 and 63 is prevented. The first weight disk 25 is then rotated relative to the housings 57 and 63 by engaging the dovetail joints on the first weight disk and the handle weight 131. and prevents axial movement, so that the first weight disk is secured to the handle assembly 23. In this position, the transverse pins 155 are retracted radially inward relative to the axial outer portions 61 and 67, and the butterfly weight 27 is released from the handle assembly 23. By extending the axial outer ends 173 of the pins 33 and 37 a greater distance d1 into the holes 169 of the first weight disk 25, the pins 33 and 37 are better able to prevent radial movement of the first weight disk relative to the handle assembly 23 than if the male threads had a constant helix angle, and the distances d1 and d2 are equal such that the distance d1 is one-half the thickness of the weight disk, not more than one-half the thickness of the weight disk.

[0034] As the one or more drive knobs 51 are moved along the further portions 35″ and 39″ of the male threads 35 and 39 having the second (smaller) helix angle and continue to rotate the axially outer portions 61 and 67 including the first and second pins 33 and 37 relative to the axially inner portions 59 and 65 and the tube 31 so as to be disposed at the point where the male threads transition to the first (larger) helix angle, the lateral pins 155 are moved radially out of the corresponding holes 157 against the force of the springs 161, i.e., the lateral pins are urged outward by the maximum diameter D2 portion of the outer surface of the cam knobs 69, and the lateral pins are received in the radially extending openings 167 of the butterfly weight disks 27, again preventing the butterfly weight disks from moving axially and radially relative to the handle assembly 23. At the same time, the first weight disk 25 is also prevented from moving axially and radially relative to the handle assembly.

[0035] As the axially outer portions 61 and 67, including the first and second pins 33 and 37, continue to rotate relative to the axially inner portions 59 and 65 and the tube 31, the pins are received in the holes 169 of the next innermost weight disk 25 adjacent and axially outboard of the first weight disk, and the axially outer ends 173 of the pins extend a distance d1 into the holes of the next innermost weight disk as a result of the drive knob 51 being moved along the further portions 35' and 39" of the male threads 35 and 39 having the maximum helix angle. The pins 33 and 37 are then received in the holes 169 of the next innermost weight disk 25 adjacent and axially outboard of the first weight disk, and the axially outer ends 173 of the pins extend a distance d1 into the holes of the next innermost weight disk as a result of the drive knob 51 being moved along the further portions 35' and 39" of the male threads 35 and 39 having the maximum helix angle. Once received in bore 169 of housing 25, radial movement of the next innermost weight disk 25 relative to housings 57 and 63 is prevented. The next innermost weight disk 25 is prevented from axial movement by mating dovetail joints on the next innermost weight disk and the first weight disk such that the next innermost weight disk is secured to handle assembly 23. In this position, lateral pins 155 are again retracted radially inward relative to axial outer portions 61 and 67 and butterfly weight 27 is released from handle assembly 23.

[0036] By continuing to rotate the axially outer portions 61 and 67 including the first and second pins 33 and 37 relative to the axially inner portions 59 and 65 and the tube 31 such that the axially outer ends 173 of the pins extend increasingly axially outward, additional weight discs 25 may be attached to the handle assembly 23 in the manner as described. Additionally, the butterfly weight disc 27 may alternatively be attached to and released from the handle assembly 23 in the manner as described. Typically, the butterfly weight disc 27 has a weight that is one-half the weight of the weight disc, and by rotating the axially outer portions 61 and 67 including the first and second pins 33 and 37 relative to the axially inner portions 59 and 65 and the tube 31, incremental additions of weight may be made in amounts equal to the weight of the butterfly weight disc.

[0037] By providing male threads 35 and 39 on first and second pins 33 and 37, respectively, with 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 less than the first helix angle, the pins can be advanced in a desired manner. In particular, when a user rotates tube 31 and axially inner portions 59 and 65 of first and second housings 57 and 63 through an angle relative to axially outer portions 61 and 67, first and second pins 33 and 37 extend or retract relative to tube 31 by an amount d2 when drive knob 51 engages portion 35" and 39" of threads 35 and 39 having the smaller second helix angle, which is less than the distance d1 when drive knob 51 engages portion 35' and 39' of threads having the larger first helix angle. In a currently preferred embodiment, d1 is approximately 70% of the thickness of weight disc 25, and d2 is approximately 30% of the thickness of the weight disc.

[0038] The axially inner portions 59 and 65 of the first housing 57 and the second housing 63 are normally only rotatable relative to the axially outer portions 61 and 67 when the handle assembly 23 is located in the rack 29, and a protrusion 177 (FIG. 2d) on a housing support portion 179 (FIG. 2d) of the rack is received in an opening 181 (FIG. 7A) in the axially outer portions. A stop assembly may include a stop member 183 and a spring 185 mounted in the axially outer portions 61 and 67, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The spring 185 biases the stop member 183 radially outward. The stop member 183 is only radially movable between walls 187 of the axially outer portions 61 and 67. When the handle assembly 23 is not positioned in the rack such that the protrusions 177 are received in the openings 181, the springs 185 bias the stop members 183 radially outwardly and a portion of the stop members (not shown) is received in a recessed area 189 (e.g., FIGS. 5A-5B ) in the axial inner portions 59 and 65, thereby locking the axial inner portions relative to the axial outer portions 61 and 67. When the handle assembly 23 is positioned in the rack such that the protrusions 177 are received in the openings 181, the protrusions bias the stop members 183 radially outwardly against the force of the springs 185 and a portion of the stop members is removed from the recessed area 189 in the axial inner portions 59 and 65, allowing the axial inner portions to rotate relative to the axial outer portions 61 and 67.

[0039] As can be seen, for example, in Figures 1 and 2d, the rack 29 also includes a butterfly weight disk support portion 191 arranged to support the butterfly weight disk 27 such that, when the handle assembly 23 is positioned within the rack, the butterfly weight disk is adjacent an axially inner side surface 193 (Figure 2c) of the handle weight 131 and is suitably positioned to receive the lateral pin 155 in the radially extending opening 167 of the butterfly weight disk.

[0040] The rack 29 also includes weight disk support portions 195 arranged to support the weight disks 25, with the axially innermost of the weight disks adjacent the axially outer surface 137 of the handle weight and the axially outermost of the weight disks adjacent the axially outer frame portion 197 of the rack. The axially outer frame portion 197 may include a male or female dovetail or other suitable coupling member 199 for mating with a corresponding female or male coupling member on the axially outer lower portion of the axially outermost of the weight disks 25. The axially outer frame portion 197 may be connected via a longitudinal frame portion 201 upon which the weight disks 25 may rest.

[0041] The coupling members 139, 141, 143, 147, 161, 163, 199 may be formed integrally with the weight disc 25, the handle weight 131 and the axially outer frame portion 195, although, as can be seen, for example, in Figures 2a-2d, it has been found convenient, at least with respect to the weight disc and the handle weight, to provide recesses 203 in the peripheral surfaces of the weight disc and the handle weight and to attach the coupling components 205 to the recesses by suitable fasteners 207 such as pins, bolts, screws or the like.

[0042] The coupling components 205 may have a male coupling component 209 on one side and a female coupling component 211 on the other side and may be used on the top or bottom of the weight disks 25 and handle weights 131. The male coupling component 209 and the female coupling component 211 may have a wedge shape to facilitate the introduction of the male coupling component on one weight disk 25 or handle weight 131 into the female coupling component on the other weight disk or handle weight. It will be observed that one coupling component 205 may be differentiated from another by introducing a particular form of cover 213 into the female coupling component. Furthermore, the male coupling members may be omitted on the axially outer surface of the outermost weight disk 25 and the axially inner surface of the handle weight 131, such as by providing various shapes of covers 213 and / or coupling components 205. Although the coupling member 199 on the axially outer frame portion 195 is shown as being integrally formed with the axially outer frame portion, it may also be provided by installing a coupling component 205 in a recess in the axially outer frame portion.

[0043] In this application, the use of terms such as "including" is intended to be open-ended and have the same meaning as terms such as "comprising" and not to exclude the presence of other structures, materials, or acts. Similarly, the use of terms such as "can" or "may" is intended to be open-ended and to reflect that a structure, material, or act is not essential, but the absence of such terms does not imply that a structure, material, or act is essential. To the extent that structures, materials, or acts are currently believed to be essential, they are identified as such.

[0044] While the invention has been illustrated and described in accordance with a preferred embodiment, it will be recognized that variations and changes can be made therein without departing from the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0045] [Embodiment] (1) An adjustable weight lifting device (21), A tube (31); a pin (33) movably disposed inside the tube (31) and including an external thread (35); one or more drive knobs (51) extending radially inwardly relative to the inner wall of the tube (31) and engaging the male threads; Including, The adjustable weight lifting device (21), wherein the male thread (35) includes at least one portion (35') having a first helix angle and at least one portion (35") having a second helix angle, the second helix angle being less than the first helix angle. (2) The adjustable weight lifting device (21) of embodiment 1, further comprising a second pin (37) movably disposed inside the tube (31), the male threads (35) of the first pin (33) having a first hand, the second pin (37) having a male threads (39) having a second hand opposite to the first hand, and one or more drive knobs (51) extending radially inward relative to the inner wall of the tube (31) and engaging with the male threads (39) of the second pin (37). (3) the first pin (33) and the second pin (37) each have a recess (41) along at least a majority of the length of the first pin (33) and the second pin (37), respectively; The adjustable weight lifting device (21) of embodiment 2, characterized in that the device further includes a cylindrical member (45) disposed within the recesses (41) of both the first pin (33) and the second pin (37). (4) a first housing (57) having an axially inner portion (59) non-rotatably attached to the tube (31) at a first end (31') of the tube (31) and an axially outer portion (61) non-rotatably attached to the cylindrical member (45) at a first end (45') of the cylindrical member (45); a second housing (63) having an axially inner portion (65) non-rotatably attached to the tube (31) at the second end (31") of the tube (31) and an axially outer portion (67) non-rotatably attached to the cylindrical member (45) at the second end (45") of the cylindrical member (45); Further comprising: An adjustable weight lifting device (21) as described in embodiment 3, wherein the axially inner portions (59, 65) of the first and second housings (59, 63) are rotatable relative to the axially outer portions (61, 67) of the first and second housings (59, 63). (5) a housing (57) having an axially inner portion (59) non-rotatably attached to the tube (31) at a first end (31') of the tube (31) and an axially outer portion (61) rotatable relative to the axially inner portion (59); a cam knob (69) having an outer surface (71) that varies between a first distance (D1) from an axial center of the tube (31) and a second distance (D2) from the axial center of the tube (31), the second distance (D2) being greater than the first distance (D1), the cam knob (69) being attached to and rotatable with the axial inner portion (59) and disposed at least partially inside the axial outer portion (61); one or more lateral pins (155) spring-mounted inside the axially outer portion (61) and biased against the cam knob (69), the one or more lateral pins (155) being configured to move radially against a spring force from one or more corresponding holes (157) in the axially outer portion (61) when they contact a portion of the outer surface (71) of the cam knob (69) at the second distance (D2) and to retract radially inward of the axially outer portion (61) under the spring force when they contact a portion of the outer surface (71) of the cam knob (69) at the first distance (D1); a butterfly-weight disk (27) having a recess (165) extending radially inward from a periphery of the butterfly-weight disk (27) within which the axially outer portion (61) is received and configured to be radially movable relative to the housing (57) when the one or more lateral pins (155) are retracted radially inward of the axially outer portion (61), the butterfly-weight disk (27) including one or more radially extending openings (167) positioned to receive the one or more lateral pins (155) when the one or more lateral pins (155) are moved radially out of the one or more corresponding holes (157) such that radial and axial movement of the butterfly-weight disk (27) relative to the axially outer portion (61) is prevented; 2. The adjustable weight lifting device (21) of claim 1, comprising:

[0046] (6) The adjustable weight lifting device (21) of claim 5, wherein when the one or more drive knobs (51) are moved axially inward relative to the axially outer end (173) of the pin (33) along a portion (35') of the male thread (35) having the first helix angle and the pin (33) is rotated relative to the tube (31) so as to be located at a point where the male thread (35) transitions to the second helix angle, the one or more lateral pins (155) retract radially inward of the axially outer portion (61) and away from the radially extending openings of the butterfly weight disk (27). (7) The adjustable weight lifting device (21) of claim 6, wherein when the one or more drive knobs (51) are moved axially inward relative to the axially outer end (173) of the pin (33) along the portion (35") of the male threads (35) having the second helix angle and the pin (33) is rotated relative to the tube (31) so as to be located at a point where the male threads (35) transition to the first helix angle, the one or more lateral pins (155) move radially out of the one or more corresponding holes into the radially extending openings of the butterfly weight disk (27). (8) The adjustable weight lifting device (21) of embodiment 7, further comprising a first weight disk (25) having a hole (169) extending axially therethrough and mountable to an axially outer end (175) of the axially outer portion (61), wherein the pin (33) is capable of moving axially relative to the tube (31) and the housing (57) as the tube (31) rotates relative to the axially outer portion (61) of the housing (57), and the pin (33) is received in the hole (169) of the first weight disk (25) to prevent the first weight disk (25) from moving radially relative to the housing (57). (9) The adjustable weight lifting device (21) of embodiment 8, characterized in that an axially outer end (173) of the pin (33) enters the hole (169) of the first weight disk (25) only after the pin (33) has rotated relative to the tube (31), and the one or more drive knobs (51) begin to move axially inward relative to the axially outer end (173) of the pin (33) along one of the at least one portions (35') of the male thread (35) having the first helix angle. (10) The adjustable weight lifting device (21) of claim 9, characterized in that after the pin (33) is rotated relative to the tube (31) such that the one or more drive knobs (51) are moved axially inwardly relative to the axially outer end (173) of the pin (33) along the one of the at least one portion (35') of the male thread (35) having the first helix angle and along the one of the at least one portion (35") of the male thread (35) having the second helix angle, the axially outer end of the pin (33) is flush with the axially outer end of the hole (169) of the first weight disk (25).

[0047] (11) An adjustable weight lifting device (21) as described in embodiment 8, wherein the first weight disk (25) is attachable to the axially outer end (175) of the axially outer portion (61) via a handle weight (131) attached directly to the axially outer portion (61). (12) The adjustable weight lifting device (21) of embodiment 8, further comprising means (209, 211) for preventing the first weight disc (25) from moving axially relative to the axially outer portion (61). (13) The adjustable weight lifting device (21) of embodiment 12, wherein the means for preventing the first weight disc (25) from moving axially relative to the axially outer portion (61) includes tongue and groove joints (209, 211). (14) The adjustable weight lifting device (21) of embodiment 13, further comprising a second weight disk (25) configured to be positioned adjacent to the first weight disk (25), the second weight disk (25) having a tongue-and-groove (209, 211) component configured to mate with a tongue-and-groove (209, 211) mating component on the first weight disk (25) to prevent the second weight disk (25) from moving axially relative to the first weight disk (25), and the pin (33) is configured to move axially and is receivable in a hole (169) in the second weight disk (25) such that radial movement of the second weight disk (25) relative to the first weight disk (25) is prevented. (15) The adjustable weight lifting device (21) of claim 1, wherein the drive knob (51) is pivotally attached to the tube (31) and includes a radially inward end (51') having an elongated shape (51') to be received in the male threads, and the drive knob is configured to pivot relative to the tube (31) to align the elongated shape (51') with the at least one portion (35') having the first helix angle and to pivot relative to the tube (31) to align the elongated shape (51') with the at least one portion (35") having the second helix angle.

[0048] (16) An adjustable weight lifting device (21), comprising: A tube (31); a housing (57) having an axially inner portion (59) non-rotatably attached to the tube (31) at a first end (31') of the tube (31) and an axially outer portion (61) rotatable relative to the axially inner portion (59), the axially inner portion (59) including an axially inner portion face gear (91) facing the axially outer portion (61), the axially outer portion (61) having an axially outer portion face gear (93) facing the axially inner portion (59); an index ring (95) including an outer surface with indicia (97) and an inner surface (99); Including, The adjustable weight lifting device (21), comprising one or more gears or cogwheels (103) mounted on the inner surface (99) of the indexing 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 indexing ring (95), and each gear or cogwheel (103) meshing with the axially inner partial face gear (91) and the axially outer partial face gear (93). (17) The adjustable weight lifting device (21) of embodiment 16, wherein the one or more gears or cogwheels (103), the axially inner portion face gear (91), and the axially outer portion face gear (93) are sized and positioned such that rotation of the axially inner portion (59) and the axially outer portion (61) relative to one another through a first angle causes the index ring (95) to rotate through a second angle that is less than the first angle. (18) An adjustable weight lifting device (21), comprising: A tube (31), said adjustable weight lifting device comprising: a cylindrical member (45) disposed within the tube (31), the tube (31) and the cylindrical member (45) being rotatable relative to one another and axially fixed relative to one another; a first housing (57) having an axially inner portion (59) non-rotatably attached to the tube (31) at a first end (31') of the tube (31) and an axially outer portion (61) non-rotatably attached to the cylindrical member (45) at a first end (45') of the cylindrical member (45); a second housing (63) having an axially inner portion (65) non-rotatably attached to the tube (31) at the second end (31") of the tube (31) and an axially outer portion (67) non-rotatably attached to the cylindrical member (45) at the second end (45") of the cylindrical member (45); An adjustable weight lifting device (21), comprising: (19) The adjustable weight lifting device (21) of embodiment 18, 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), and the cylindrical member (45) being disposed in axially extending recesses (41) in both the first pin (33) and the second pin (37).

Claims

[Claim 1] An adjustable weight lifting device (21), A tube (31), said adjustable weight lifting device comprising: a cylindrical member (45) disposed within the tube (31), the tube (31) and the cylindrical member (45) being rotatable relative to each other and axially fixed relative to each other; a first housing (57) having an axially inner portion (59) non-rotatably attached to the tube (31) at a first end (31') of the tube (31) and an axially outer portion (61) non-rotatably attached to the cylindrical member (45) at a first end (45') of the cylindrical member (45); a second housing (63) having an axially inner portion (65) non-rotatably attached to the tube (31) at the second end (31″) of the tube (31) and an axially outer portion (67) non-rotatably attached to the cylindrical member (45) at the second end (45″) of the cylindrical member (45); Including, 1. An adjustable weight lifting device (21), 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), and the cylindrical member (45) being disposed in axially extending recesses (41) in both the first pin (33) and the second pin (37).

Images