CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/387,298 titled â€œAdjustable Dumbbell Systemâ€ filed on Jun. 7, 2002, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/400,244 titled â€œAdjustable Dumbbell Systemâ€ filed on Jul. 31, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/400,894 titled â€œAdjustable Dumbbell Systemâ€ filed on Aug. 1, 2002, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Design application No. 29/164,826 titled â€œAdjustable Dumbbellâ€ filed on Jul. 31, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. D540,405. U.S. Design application No. 29/164,931 titled â€œAdjustable Dumbbell Support Baseâ€ filed on July 31, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No D508,628, and U.S. Design application No. 29/164,972 titled â€œAdjustable Dumbbellâ€ filed on Aug. 1, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. D540,894 , are each hereby incorporated herein by reference. U.S. application. Ser. No. 10/127,049 filed on Apr. 18, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,077,791, is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an adjustable dumbbell system, and more specifically to an adjustable dumbbell system that allows a user to adjust the weight of the dumbbell utilizing rotating collars, and that secures the dumbbell in the base until the proper weight selection has been made.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dumbbells are widely used exercise devices for providing resistance training in a wide variety of exercises such as bicep curls, bench presses, shoulder presses, triceps extensions, and the like. Due to the number of exercises that may be performed with dumbbells, users often need many different dumbbells, each with different weights, to perform an exercise routine. Traditional dumbbells are somewhat inconvenient to use because each time one desires to change the weight of the dumbbell, the user either has to select a heavier dumbbell, or disassemble the dumbbell he is using and change the weight. A single adjustable dumbbell allows a user to perform a varied exercise routine without requiring a large number of different weight dumbbells.

In response to these issues, dumbbells have been designed that allow the weight to be changed on a single dumbbell. These dumbbells typically have more complicated structures that allow the weight load to be selected, and also typically have a relatively large weight differential between weight settings. Where the weight differential is reasonable, the total weight lifted is often relatively low, requiring the use of a second set of heavier adjustable dumbbells for a more heavy workout.

Further, some existing variable weight dumbbells are noisy due to the fact that the weights are sometimes loosely attached to the handle, and thus the weights are able to bang against one another, causing noise and scratching the weights themselves.

What is needed is an adjustable weight dumbbell that is easy to use, securely holds the weights to the bar, and allows more weight options on a single bar.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein addresses these issues. The inventive dumbbell has variable weight capabilities, with a locking mechanism to help keep the weights from being rotating with respect to the handle during use, thus helping avoid inadvertent disengagement. The invention also includes an automatic release of the locking mechanism when the dumbbell is set down on a support surface or in a specially designed base structure. The instant invention also includes a unique layered weight plate structure that provides for precisely-weighted plates, and coated weight plates to avoid undesirable noise and damage to the surface of the weights. Further, the instant invention includes a weight selector knob having an indicator strip assembled therein.

In one embodiment, the invention described herein includes a dumbbell having a handle with a grip and at least one end, an inner plate mounted on the handle adjacent the grip, in a fixed rotational orientation, a support plate rotationally mounted on the handle adjacent the inner plate, at least one collar rotationally mounted on the handle adjacent the support plate, and rotationally fixed with the support plate, a selector knob rotationally mounted on the handle adjacent the at least one collar, and rotationally fixed with the collar, a weight plate removably mounted on the handle adjacent the at least one collar, and a means for selectively securing the support plate to the inner plate to resist the rotation of the support plate, collar and selector knob with respect to the inner plate and handle.

Additionally, the means for selectively securing includes a recess formed in the inner plate; a locking device positioned in the recess and engageable with the support plate to engage the support plate to rotationally fix the support plate on the handle.

Further, the support plate can define at least one aperture; and the locking device in the inner plate is selectively received in the aperture to rotationally fix the support plate on the handle.

The locking device can be a post member that moves from a first position being positioned in the recess and disengaged from the support plate to a second position at least partially extending from the recess to engage the support plate.

The means for disengaging the locking device includes a base for receiving the dumbbell; an engagement shoulder on the base for at least partial insertion into the recess in the inner plate; and wherein the engagement shoulder causes the locking device to retract from the support plate when the dumbbell is received in the base and the engagement shoulder is received in the recess.

Additionally, the instant invention includes a dumbbell with plates being made of several sheets of metal bonded together, such as by rivets, to create a weight plate that is economical to use, as well as manufacture. Principally, the weight plate for use on the dumbbell includes a main body having an opening formed through a central portion thereof, the main body including a plurality of plate members bound together to achieve the desired weight value for the weight plate; and the main body at least partially over molded with a coating of a plastic or more particularly a material with thermoplastic characteristics. The weight plate can have a main body including at least one plate having a smaller peripheral size than the main body, and the at least one plate is a plurality of plates having a smaller peripheral size than the main body, and being bound to a common side of the main body at symmetrical or asymmetrical locations.

Other features, utilities and advantages of various embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1

is an isometric view of an adjustable dumbbell, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2

is an isometric view of a support base, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3

is an isometric view of an inner support, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4

is a section view of the inner support of

FIG. 3

taken along line 4-4;

FIG. 5

is an isometric view an inner disc, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6

is a front view of a handle, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7

is a front view of the adjustable dumbbell of

FIG. 1

, with the weight plates removed;

FIG. 8

is an isometric view of a collar, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the isometric view illustrating the outer face of the collar;

FIG. 9

is an isometric view of the collar of

FIG. 8

, the isometric view illustrating the inner face of the collar;

FIG. 10

is a front view of a weight, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11

is a section view of the weight plate of

FIG. 10

taken along line 11-11;

FIG. 12

is a front view of one implementation of a collar, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13

is a front view of a second implementation of a collar, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14

is a front view of a third implementation of a collar, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15

is a front view of a fourth implementation of a collar, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16

is a front view of one implementation of a selector knob, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17

is a partial front section view of the handle, the inner support and the inner disc with the locking mechanism in the engaged position;

FIG. 18

is a partial front section view illustrating the locking mechanism in the unengaged position;

FIG. 19

is a representative front section view of a portion of the handle and the inner support;

FIG. 20

a is an isometric view of a locking pin, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20

b is a front view of the locking pin of

FIG. 20

c is a side view of the locking pin of

FIG. 20

d is a rear view of the locking pin of

FIG. 20

e is a top view of the locking pin of

FIG. 20

FIG. 21

a is an isometric view of a plunger, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21

b is a side view of the plunger of

FIG. 21

c is a front view of the plunger of

FIG. 21

d is a top view of the plunger of

FIG. 21

FIG. 22

is an isometric view of one implementation of an adjustable dumbbell in engagement with one implementation of a support base;

FIG. 23

is a partial isometric view of one implementation of an adjustable dumbbell, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24

is a section view of one implementation of an adjustable dumbbell in engagement with one implementation of a support base;

FIG. 25

is an isometric view of one implementation of a support base;

FIG. 26

is a section view of one implementation of an adjustable dumbbell in engagement with one implementation of a support base;

FIG. 27

is a partial section view primarily showing one implementation of an inner support and an inner disc, with the locking pin not engaged with the inner disc;

FIG. 28

is a section view of one implementation of an adjustable dumbbell removed from one implementation of a support base;

FIG. 29

is a partial section view primarily showing one implementation of the inner support and the inner disc with the locking pin in partial engagement with the inner disc;

FIG. 30

is an isometric view of a locking pin, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31

a is a second isometric view of the locking pin of

FIG. 30

;

FIG. 31

b is a front view of the locking pin of

FIG. 31

c is a side view of the locking pin of

FIG. 31

d is a rear view of the locking pin of

FIG. 31

e is a top view of the locking pin of

FIG. 31

FIG. 32

is an isometric view of a plunger, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33

a is a second isometric view of the plunger illustrated in

FIG. 32

;

FIG. 33

b is a front view of the plunger of

FIG. 33

c is a side view of the plunger of

FIG. 33

d is a top view of the plunger of

FIG. 33

FIG. 34

is a section view of an alternative implementation of a base support, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35

is an exploded isometric view of the base support structure shown in

FIG. 34

;

FIG. 36

is a section view of an alternative implementation of a base support, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 37

is an exploded isometric view of the base support structure shown in

FIG. 36

;

FIG. 38

is an isometric view of a base support structure of

FIG. 36

;

FIG. 39

is a section view of a base structure of and an adjustable dumbbell engaged therewith, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 40

is an exploded isometric view of a selector knob, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 41

is an isometric view of the assembled selector knob of

FIG. 40

, showing the outer face of the selector knob;

FIG. 42

is an isometric view of an assembled selector knob of

FIG. 40

, illustrating the inner face of the selector knob;

FIG. 43

is an isometric view of a number strip, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 44

is an isometric view of the number strip of

FIG. 43

, the selector strip being formed into a generally circular structure;

FIG. 45

is an isometric view of one implementation of a handle, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 46

is a front section view of the handle of

FIG. 45

;

FIG. 47

is an isometric view of an inner support, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the view illustrating the inner surface of the inner support;

FIG. 48

is an isometric view of the inner support of

FIG. 47

, the view illustrating the outer surface of the inner support;

FIG. 49

is an isometric view of a weight plate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 50

is an exploded isometric view of the weight plate of

FIG. 49

;

FIG. 51

is an isometric view of a weight plate with an over molded coating thereon, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 52

is an isometric section view of one implementation of a weight plate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 53

is an isometric section view of an alternative weight plate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 54

is an isometric section view of an alternative embodiment of a weight plate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 55

is an isometric view of one implementation of an adjustable dumbbell in engagement with one implementation of a support base, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 56

is an isometric view of the adjustable dumbbell and support base of

FIG. 55

, with the dumbbell in engagement with all of the weight plates; and

FIG. 57

is an isometric view of the dumbbell and support base of

FIG. 55

, with the dumbbell removed from the support base and in engagement with less than all of the weight plates.

FIGS. 58

a and 58b show an alternative embodiment of the rotational control structure between the support disc and the inner disc, to keep the inner disc from rotating with respect to the handle when the dumbbell is in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An adjustable dumbbell system of the present invention provides an adjustable dumbbell 10 that allows a user to easily select the weight of the dumbbell. The adjustable dumbbell system of the present invention allows the user to place the adjustable dumbbell in a support base 12, turn a selector knob 14 or knobs to engage a desired combination of weights 16, and lift the adjustable dumbbell out of the base support to perform a desired exercise. The adjustable dumbbell will have the desired combination of weights, and the unnecessary weights are left in the base support. Should the user desire a different dumbbell weight, the user places the adjustable dumbbell back in the support base, turns the selector knob to engage the desired weight, and lifts the adjustable dumbbell off of the support base with the desired weight. During exercise-type use, i.e., when the adjustable dumbbell is not in the support base, the adjustable dumbbell is configured such that it is difficult or impossible to turn the selector knob to add or remove weights.

The adjustable dumbbell system includes an adjustable dumbbell 10, such as shown in

FIG. 1

, and a support base 12, such as shown in

FIG. 2

. As shown in

FIGS. 1 and 7

, the adjustable dumbbell 10 includes a handle 18, a pair of inner supports 20, a pair of inner discs 22, a plurality of weights 16 separated by a plurality of collars 24, and a pair of outer selector knobs 14. The adjustable dumbbell 10 includes two end regions that, except as where otherwise described, are generally identical. Thus, when reference is made to one or more parts on one side of the adjustable dumbbell or base, it is to be understood that corresponding or similar part(s) are disposed on the other side or end region of the adjustable dumbbell or base. The inner support is mounted on the handle adjacent to a central grip portion 26 of the handle. As described in more detail below, the inner support does not rotate with respect to the handle. The inner disc is mounted on the handle immediately distal, or outside, of the inner support 20. The plurality of collars are positioned on the handle and extend distally along the handle 18 from the inner disc. The collars are interlocked together (i.e., with the adjacent collars), and with the inner disc 22, such that the collars and the inner disc rotate together about the handle. The outer selector knob 14 is positioned on the handle at the outer end of the outermost of the adjacent collars 24. The outer selector knob is also interlocked with the adjacent collar so that as the outer selector knob is rotated, the outer selector knob also rotates the collars and the inner disc around the handle. The plurality of weights 16 are spaced between adjacent collars and are selectively engaged by the collars depending upon the orientation of the outer selector knob 14, as is described in more detail below.

The support base 12, shown in

FIGS. 2

, 24, 25, 26, and others, receives the dumbbell 10, when not in use, and allows a user to adjust the weight of the dumbbell, as well as to hold the weights that are not attached to the dumbbell. Before using the dumbbell 10, the user first determines the weight to be lifted and sets the respective selector knob 14 at each end of the dumbbell 10 while the dumbbell is in the support base 12. The selector knobs cause a pair or combination of pairs of weight plates 16 to be retained on the handle 18. The user then lifts the dumbbell out of the base. Any weight not retained with the adjustable dumbbell is left in the base. As shown in

FIGS. 2 and 25

, the support base includes a bottom wall 28, a plurality of positioning walls 30, and a pair of plungers 32. The bottom wall supports the adjustable dumbbell and the weights. The positioning walls 30 ensure that the adjustable dumbbell is properly aligned when it is inserted into the support base. Further, the positioning walls hold the weights upright and in the proper location relative to the adjustable dumbbell so that the adjustable dumbbell may be easily inserted into and removed from the support base. The positioning walls 30 are spaced so as to fit between adjacent weights 16 when the dumbbell 10 rests in the support base 12, and to keep any weight not attached to the dumbbell upright when the dumbbell is removed from the support base. The plungers extend upwardly from the support base. Each plunger is positioned to extend into a cavity formed in the inner support 20 of the adjustable dumbbell when the dumbbell is placed in the support base. The plungers 32 deactivate a locking device, as described further below, to allow selection of different weights when the adjustable dumbbell is in the support base.

Referring to

FIGS. 3 and 4

, the dumbbell inner support 20 includes a spring-loaded pin 34 locking mechanism that prevents the inner disc 22, the collars 24, and the outer selector knobs 14 from rotating with respect to the handle. When the dumbbell 10 is placed in the support base 12, the plunger 32 retracts the spring-loaded pin locking mechanism so that the outer selector knob can be turned, which in turn rotates the collars and the inner disc, to adjust the weight of the adjustable dumbbell. Thus, the weight of the adjustable dumbbell can be adjusted by turning the pair of outer selector knobs 14 to selectively engage or disengage the plurality of weights 16 (on the same respective end of the handle as the knob) with the plurality of collars 24 when the dumbbell 10 is seated in the support base 12.

Further, the adjustable dumbbell cannot, in most instances, be removed from the support base unless the weights 16 are fully engaged or disengaged by the collars. As described in more detail below and referring to

FIGS. 5 and 23

, the dumbbell includes a plurality of teeth 36 on the inner surface of inner disc 22 that can engage a protrusion 38 of the plunger 32 when the weights are not fully engaged or disengaged by the collars. The teeth extend generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the disc, from the outer rim thereof. The teeth are spaced apart sufficiently to allow the protrusion to pass through when the collars are fully engaged, and to interfere with the movement of the protrusion when the collars are not fully engaged. Note that the holes 40, 42 for receiving the spring-loaded pin 34 and a ball detent 44 are positioned in line with the space between adjacent teeth. However, the holes 40, 42 could be anywhere on the disc 22 as long as they cooperate with the spring-loaded pin as described. When the weights 16 are not fully engaged by the collars, the teeth 36 engage the protrusion 38 of the plunger 32 and prevent the plunger from exiting the cavity of the inner support 20, thus preventing the dumbbell 10 from being removed from the support base 11. When the collars, inner disc and knob are properly aligned in rotation on the dumbbell, the dumbbell can be removed from the support base, and the spring-loaded pin locking mechanism re-engages the inner disc and prevents the inner disc, the collars 24, and the outer selector knob 14 from rotating with respect to the handle 18 and the inner support. Thus, when out of the base, the weights 16 are locked into place and the outer selector knob cannot be turned to select a different combination of weights.

Thus, when the dumbbell 10 is set into the base 12, the plunger 32 engages the spring-loaded pin 34 to disengage it from the inner disc 22. The selector knob 14 can then be rotated to rotate the collars 24 to select the desired weight. The ball detents 44 help the user tell when he or she is at a secure rotation location and not between locations for selecting weight plates 16. The knob also has markers to indicate that the desired weight has been selected. This is described in greater detail below. In between weight selection locations, the teeth 36 on the inner disc 22 are engaged with the protrusion 38 of the plunger, thus keeping the inner disc, and the dumbbell, in the base. When the knob is properly indexed, the protrusion passes between the teeth and allows the dumbbell to be removed from the base. As the dumbbell is removed from the base, the plunger disengages the spring-loaded pin 34 and allows the pin to be biased into the matching hole on the inner disc 22 to keep the inner disc from rotating relative to the support plate 20 and the dumbbell 10. This also keeps the collars 24 and selector knob 14 from turning since they are both keyed to the rotation of the inner disc 22. Thus, when the dumbbell is removed from the base 12, the selector knob cannot be rotated to change the weight selection and cause the weight plates 16 on the dumbbell to become dislodged.

As shown in

FIG. 6

, the handle 18 of adjustable dumbbell 10 includes a central grip portion 26 and a pair of end portions 46, one on either end of the grip portion. The grip portion of the handle is preferably machined and provides a comfortable, ergonomic, and non-slip surface allowing a user to securely grip the adjustable dumbbell. The grip portion further includes a pair of flanges 48 adjacent to the end portions. The flanges extend beyond the outer periphery 50 of the end portions and provide a support surface 52 for the inner support 20. The end portions 46 also include keys 54 that extend beyond the outer periphery of the end portions. The keys extend radially from the handle's longitudinal center line, and extend a ways along the length to fit into a key way in the support plate 20 in order to keep the support plate from rotating on the handle 18. As used herein, the terms inner and proximal refer to a direction toward the central grip portion 26 of the handle, and the terms outer and distal refer to a direction toward the terminal ends 56 of the end portions 46 of the handle.

The handle is generally symmetrical about the midpoint of the central grip portion. The central grip portion is slightly bulged to provide a comfortable and ergonomic surface to grasp. As such, extending distally from the center of the grip portion 26, the handle 18 has a generally decreasing radius. The radius of the handle begins increasing at the flange 48 until the support surface 52 where the handle has a step decrease in the radius. This step decrease in radius extends around the handle except for one section, which forms the key 54. Distal of the key, the handle has a generally constant radius until the terminal end 56 of the handle. The area distal the key is adapted to engage cooperating apertures in the inner disc 22 the collars 24, and the outer selector knob 14 allowing those elements to slide onto the end portions.

As shown in

FIG. 3

, the inner support 20 defines a generally centrally-formed aperture, such as an inner opening 58, for receiving an end portion of the handle 18. Each support plate is seated on one end portion 46 of the handle adjacent to the flange 48 of the central grip portion 26. The aperture of the inner support further includes a keyway 60 that receives the key 54 from the end portion of the handle and prevents the inner support from rotating with respect to the handle. Alternatively, the handle may include a keyway for receiving a key mounted on the inner support place. The inner support 20 also includes a peripheral channel 62 in the outer surface 64 of the inner support. Any other means of anchoring the inner support to the handle known in the art may be used. The inner support, for example, may be anchored to the handle through the use of pins 66 as shown in

FIG. 19

. The housing of the inner support plate 20 is preferably constructed of a nylon-glass reinforced material, although it may be constructed of any other suitable material, such as metal or the like.

As discussed above, the inner support includes the spring-loaded ball or ball detent 44 and the spring-loaded pin 34 that are biased to extend from within the inner support beyond the outer surface 64 of the inner support.

FIG. 4

shows a cross-sectional view of the inner support 20 showing the spring-loaded ball 44 and the spring-loaded pin 34 generally biased to an outer position and extending partially through holes 68 and 70, respectively, in the outer surface 64 of the inner support. The inner support further includes a cavity 72 and a cover plate 74. The spring-loaded pin is housed within the cavity of the inner support and is generally biased to extend from the cavity through the hole 70. The cover plate is removably attached with the inner surface 78 of the inner support, and provides access to the spring-loaded pin 34 in the cavity, and further provides a surface for the spring to engage and bias the spring-loaded pin outwardly from the outer surface.

Referring still to

FIG. 4

, the spring-loaded pin 34 is housed within the cavity 72 between the cover plate 74 and the outer surface 64 of the inner support 20. The spring of the spring-loaded pin is seated against the cover plate. The pin 80 (shown separately in

FIGS. 20A-20E

) includes knob 82 that extends into the spring coil 84. The spring generally biases the pin 80 toward the hole 70 in the outer surface such that, absent any counteracting forces, the pin extends through the hole 70 for engagement of one of the apertures 40 of the inner disc 22.

Referring still to

FIG. 4

, the spring-loaded ball 44 is housed within a separate cavity 86 of the inner support 20 directly above the cavity 72. The spring 88 of the spring-loaded ball is seated against the inner surface of the cavity 86. The ball 89 is in engagement with the other end of the spring and is thus generally biased toward the hole. As such, the ball 44 is adapted to engage one of the detent recesses 42 of the inner disc 22. The ball is retained by the inner disc. During assembly, i.e., before the inner disc may hold the ball in place, the ball is held by grease used to lubricate the ball detent.

As introduced above,

FIG. 5

shows a isometric view of the inner surface 90 of the inner disc 22. The inner disc includes teeth 36, apertures 40, detent recesses 42, and a generally centrally located inner opening 92 for receiving the handle 18. The teeth, apertures, and detent recesses are arranged concentrically on the inner disc. The teeth are arranged around the perimeter 94 of the inner disc 30 and extend generally 90 degrees inwardly from the perimeter edge of the inner disc. The detent recesses are spaced radially inwardly from the apertures. The apertures and the detent recesses are angularly aligned with each other and are angularly offset from the teeth when the selector knob 14 is properly oriented to select the desired weight. This allows the protrusion 38 to pass between the teeth 32 and let the dumbbell 10 be removed from the base 12. When assembled, the teeth of the inner disc 22 extend into the peripheral channel 62 of the inner support 20 (see

FIG. 23

). As described above, the inner disc is interlocked to the collars 24 and the outer selector knob 14. When the dumbbell is received in the base, as the weight of the dumbbell is being selected by rotating the outer selector knob, the inner disc is rotated about the handle 18 with respect to the inner support 20, which is fixed with respect to the handle. The spring-loaded ball 44 engages the detent recesses 42 to indicate the rotational position of the inner disc 22 to allow the user to clearly identify when the outer selector knob has been turned one full setting as described in more detail below. When removed from the base, the spring-loaded pin 34 of the inner support engages the corresponding aperture 40 to lock the inner support 20 to the inner disc 22 so that the outer selector knob 14, the collars 24, and the inner disc cannot rotate with respect to the inner support and the handle 18.

FIG. 7

shows a cross-sectional view of the adjustable dumbbell 10 taken along the longitudinal centerline of the handle 18 without any weights 16 attached to the handle. As shown in

FIG. 7

, the plurality of collars 24 and the outer selector knob 14 are mounted on both of the end portions 46 of the handle and are arranged distally from the inner support 20 and the inner disc 22. The inner disc, each of the collars, and the outer selector knob are interlocked and rotatably mounted on the end portion of the handle. Thus, by turning the outer selector knob 14, each of the collars 24 and the inner disc 22 are rotated together around the end portion 46 of the handle 18. As described above, however, the inner support remains stationary with respect to the handle, and the teeth 36 of the inner disc rotate within the peripheral channel 62 of the inner support.

FIG. 8

shows an isometric view of the inner surface of one of the collars 24. The collar includes one or more peripheral flanges 96, inner opening 98, extension sleeve 100, and a plurality of insert tabs 102. As described in more detail below, the one or more peripheral flanges either engage and lift a weight 16 from the support base 12, or do not engage a weight plate and allow it to remain in the support base depending upon the orientation of the collar. The inner opening and extension sleeve receive the end portion 46 of the handle 18 and allow for the collar 24 to rotate with respect to the handle. The extension sleeve extends from the inner surface 104 of the collar and allows for separation between the individual collars to form a space between adjacent collars to receive the weights 16. The extension sleeve 100 defines a terminal face 106. The insert tabs 102 extend axially inward from the terminal face of the extension sleeve, preferably from the outer periphery of the terminal face, for engagement with the outer surface of an adjacent collar or the inner disc 22 as described in more detail below.

FIG. 9

shows a isometric view of the outer surface of one collars 24. As shown in

FIG. 9

, the outer surface 108 of the collar includes a plurality of indentations to receive the inserts 102 of an adjacent collar. The inserts and the indentations 110 are keyed so that the collars can only be interconnected in one orientation. In the embodiment shown in

FIGS. 8 and 9

, for example, the insert 102a and corresponding indentation 110a are wider than the inserts 102b and 102c and indentations 110b and 110c so that the collars can only be connected in a particular orientation. In one particular embodiment, for example, the individual collars may be keyed such that the collars may only be assembled in one particular order along the dumbbell handle 18 in addition to being assembled in only one particular orientation with respect to one another.

FIG. 10

shows a front view of a weight 16 for the adjustable dumbbell 10. Overall, the weight has a generally round shape. The weight further forms a channel 112 for receiving the extension sleeve 100 of the collars 24. The channel terminates at its inner end at semi-circular arc 114 having a constant radius R. The channel also has a constant width W equal to the diameter D of the semi-circular arc. The channel allows the extension sleeve of the collar to turn within the channel and to only move the weight incidentally through friction. At its outer end, the channel 112 necks out towards the periphery 116 of the weight 16 for receiving a stabilizing bar 118 (also referred to as bridge) (shown in

FIGS. 7 and 22

). The stabilizing bar extends across the upper portion of the channels of the weights to secure the weights and prevent the weights from rotating with the collars 24 during weight selection. As shown in

FIGS. 1 and 7

, the weights 16 extend above the height of the collars so that the bar does not interfere with the rotation of the collars. The bar can be attached at one end to the inner support 20 and/or to the handle 18 so that the bar does not rotate with the inner disc 22 or the collars. On the opposite end, the bar 118 extends into a peripheral groove 120 of the outer selector knob 14 (shown in

FIG. 7

). As the outer selector knob 14 rotates, the bar 118 is positioned within the peripheral groove 120 without rotating.

Still referring to

FIG. 10

, an engagement tab 122 extends from the outer surface of the weight 16 to engage a particular peripheral flange 96 of one of the collars 24. The particular peripheral flange is determined by the desired weight to be lifted by the dumbbell 10.

FIG. 11

further shows a cross-sectional view of the weight shown in

FIG. 10

taken along section line A-A. As shown in

FIG. 11

, the tab extends from the front surface 124 of the weight for engagement with the peripheral flanges of the collars.

The peripheral flanges 96 of the collars 24 are clocked to the tabs 122 of the weights 16, i.e., there is a known defined rotational relationship between the peripheral flanges and tabs. A certain orientation of the outer selector knob 14 will engage none, one, or more particular peripheral flanges to the tabs of the weights to allow the user to select a predefined amount of weight.

The number of incremental weight selections available on the dumbbell 10 can be varied by varying the minimum width of the peripheral flanges 96 or by varying the circumference available for the peripheral flanges. For example, if the minimum width of the peripheral flanges is decreased, the number of peripheral flanges that may be placed around a constant circumference may be increased, thus increasing the number of incremental weight selections that may be made. Alternatively, by increasing the radius of the peripheral flange 96 from the center of the collar 24, the circumference available for positioning flanges is increased and the number of constant width peripheral flanges that may be placed around the circumference of the collar is increased, thus increasing the potential number of incremental weight selections that may be made. Although the peripheral flanges are preferably located along the periphery of the collar 24 so that the circumference available to position the peripheral flanges 96 is maximized, the flanges may be located either at the periphery of the collar or may be located any distance away from the periphery of the collar towards the center of the collar. In this embodiment, for example, the collar can have an outer diameter of 84 mm and a radius from the center of the collar to the peripheral flange of 32.5 mm.

Referring again to the weight plate 16 shown in

FIGS. 10 and 11

, in one embodiment, for example, the tab 122 has a width 125 of about 13 mm and height 126 of about 9.5 mm. With this weight plate, the minimum spacing between the peripheral flanges 96 of the collars 24 is at least 14 mm to allow the tab 38 to slide through the spacing when the weight is not selected.

FIG. 12

shows a front view of a first selection collar 24a located adjacent the inner disc 22 on the end portion 46 of the handle 18. As shown in

FIG. 12

, the first selection collar includes one flange 96a extending around a portion of the periphery of the first selection collar. In the particular embodiment described above wherein the collars 24 have an outer diameter of 84 mm and a radius from the center to the peripheral flange 96 of 32.5 mm, for example, the peripheral flange may extend around the periphery of the first selection collar 24a for an angle Î± of approximately 192 degrees. The extension sleeve 100 of the first selection collar is seated within the channel 112 of the first weight 16a of the adjustable dumbbell 10 (see

FIG. 1

). As the outer selector knob 14 is rotated, the peripheral flange 96a rotates around the end portion 46 of the handle 18. If the first weight 16a is selected by the user, the peripheral flange is positioned under the tab 122 of the first weight. Thus, when the adjustable dumbbell is lifted out of the support base 12, the peripheral flange 96a of the first selection collar 24a engages the tab 122 of the first weight 16a and lifts the first weight out of the support base. If the first weight 16a is not selected, however, the peripheral flange 96a of the first selection collar 24a is not under the tab 122 of the first weight. As the adjustable dumbbell 10 is lifted out of the support base 12, the first weight remains in the support base, supported by the positioning walls 30 of the support base.

FIG. 13

shows a front view of a second selection collar 24b located on the end portion 46 of the handle 18 immediately distal of the first selection collar 24a. As shown in

FIG. 13

, the second selection collar includes one flange 96b extending around a portion of the periphery of the second selection collar. In the particular embodiment described above wherein the collars 24 have an outer diameter of 84 mm and a radius from the center to the peripheral flange 96 of 32.5 mm, for example, the flange may extend around a periphery of the second selection collar 24b for an angle Î² of approximately 96 degrees. The extension sleeve 100 of the second selection collar is seated within the channel 112 of the second weight 16b and is interlocked with the first selection collar 24a so that the collars turn together. As the outer selector knob 14 is rotated, the peripheral flange 96b rotates around the end portion 46 of the handle 18. If the second weight 16b is selected by the user, the peripheral flange 96b is positioned under the tab 122 of the second weight 16b . Thus, when the adjustable dumbbell 10 is lifted out of the support base 12, the peripheral flange 96b of the second selection collar 24b engages the tab 122 of the second weight 16b and lifts the second weight out of the support base. If the second weight is not selected, however, the peripheral flange of the second selection collar is not under the tab of the second weight and the outer end portion of the handle passes out of the channel 112 without lifting the second weight out of the support base. As the adjustable dumbbell is lifted out of the support base 12, the second weight 16b remains in the support base, supported by the positioning walls 30 of the support base.

FIG. 14

shows a front view of a third selection collar 24c located on the end portion 46 of the handle 18 immediately distal of the second selection collar 24b. As shown in

FIG. 14

, the third selection collar includes three flanges 96c, 96d, and 96e extending around a portion of the periphery of the third selection collar 24c. In the particular embodiment described above wherein the collars 24 have an outer diameter of 84 mm and a radius from the center to the peripheral flange 96 of 32.5 mm, for example, the flanges 96c, 96d, and 96e may extend around a periphery of the third selection collar 24c for angles Î³, Î´, and Îµ of approximately 72, 48, and 72 degrees, respectively. The extension sleeve 100 of the third selection collar 24c is seated within the channel 112 of the third weight 16c of the adjustable dumbbell 10 and is interlocked to the second selection collar 24b. As the outer selector knob 14 is rotated, the three peripheral flanges 96c, 96d, and 96e rotate around the end portion of the handle. If the third weight 16c is selected by the user, one of the peripheral flanges 96c, 96d, and 96e is positioned under the tab 122 of the third weight 16c. Thus, when the adjustable dumbbell is lifted out of the support base 12, one of the peripheral flanges 96c, 96d, and 96e of the third selection collar 24c engages the tab 122 of the third weight 16c and lifts the third weight out of the support base. If the third weight is not selected, however, none of the peripheral flanges 96c, 96d, and 96e of the third selection collar 24c is under the tab 122 of the third weight 16c and the outer end portion 46 of the handle 18 passes out of the channel 112 without lifting the third weight out of the support base 12. As the adjustable dumbbell 10 is lifted out of the support base, the third weight 16c remains in the support base, supported by the positioning walls 30 of the support base.

FIG. 15

shows a front view of a fourth selection collar 24d located on the end portion 46 of the handle 18 immediately distal of the third selection collar 24c. As shown in

FIG. 15

, the fourth selection collar includes five flanges 96f, 96g, 96h, 96i, and 96j extending around a portion of the periphery of the fourth selection collar 24d. In the particular embodiment described above wherein the collars 24 have an outer diameter of 84 mm and a radius from the center to the peripheral flange 96 of 32.5 mm, for example, the flanges 96f, 96g, 96h, 96i, and 96j may extend around a periphery of the fourth selection collar 24d for angles Î¶, Î·, Î¸, Îº, and Î» of approximately 48, 24, 24, 48, and 48 degrees, respectively. The extension sleeve 100 of the fourth selection collar 24d is seated within the channel 112 of the fourth weight 16d of the adjustable dumbbell 10 and is interlocked with the third selection collar 24c. As the outer selector knob 14 is rotated, the five peripheral flanges 96f, 96g, 96h, 96i, and 96j rotate around the end portion 46 of the handle 18 If the fourth weight 16d is selected by the user, one of the peripheral flanges 96f, 96g, 96h, 96i, and 96j is positioned under the tab 122 of the fourth weight 16d. Thus, when the adjustable dumbbell 10 is lifted out of the support base 12, one of the peripheral flanges 96f, 96g, 96h, 96i, and 96j of the fourth selection collar 24d engages the tab 122 of the fourth weight 16d and lifts the fourth weight out of the support base. If the fourth weight is not selected, however, none of the peripheral flanges 96f, 96g, 96h, 96i, and 96j of the fourth selection collar is under the tab 122 of the fourth weight and the outer end portion 46 of the handle passes out of the channel 112 without lifting the fourth weight out of the support base 12. As the adjustable dumbbell is lifted out of the support base, the fourth weight 16d remains in the support base, supported by the positioning walls 30 of the support base.

FIG. 16

shows a front view of the outer selector knob 14 located at the distal end of the end portion 46 of the handle 18 immediately distal of the fourth selection collar 24d. As shown in

FIG. 16

, the outer selector knob includes five flanges 96k, 96l, 96m, 96n, and 96o extending around a portion of the periphery of the outer selector knob. In the particular embodiment described above wherein the collars 24 have an outer diameter of 84 mm and a radius from the center to the peripheral flange 96 of 32.5 mm, for example, the flanges 96k, 96l, 96m, 96n, and 96o may extend around a periphery of the outer selector knob 14 for angles Î¼, Î½, o, Ï , and Î© of approximately 24, 24, 24, 24, and 24 degrees, respectively. The extension sleeve 100 of the outer selector knob is seated within the channel 112 of the fifth weight 16e of the adjustable dumbbell 10 and is interlocked with the fourth selection collar 24d. As the outer selector knob 14 is rotated, the five peripheral flanges 96k, 96l, 96m, 96n, and 96o rotate around the end portion 46 of the handle 18. If the fifth weight 16e is selected by the user, one of the peripheral flanges 96k, 96l, 96m, 96n, and 96o is positioned under the tab 122 of the fifth weight. Thus, when the adjustable dumbbell is lifted out of the support base 12, one of the peripheral flanges 96k, 96l, 96m, 96n, and 96o of the outer selector knob engages the tab 122 of the fifth weight and lifts the fifth weight out of the support base. If the fifth weight 16e is not selected, however, none of the peripheral flanges 96k, 96l, 96m, 96n, and 96o of the outer selector knob is under the tab 122 of the fifth weight 16e and the outer end portion 46 of the handle 18 passes out of the channel 112 without lifting the fifth weight out of the support base 12. As the adjustable dumbbell 10 is lifted out of the support base, the fifth weight remains in the support base, supported by the positioning walls 30 of the support base.

If the selection collars 24 shown in

FIGS. 12-16

are used on each side of the dumbbell 10, the outer selector knob 14 has to be turned in the same direction, e.g., clockwise, to select the same weight setting on both sides. This requires turning one outer selector knob toward the user and the other outer selector knob away from the user. If desired, however, one skilled in the art would readily appreciate that mirror image collars could be used on opposite ends of the adjustable dumbbell so that the outer selector knobs are both turned toward the user or are both turned away from the user in order to select the same weight setting on both ends.

As described above, the adjustable dumbbell 10 includes the spring-loaded pin 34 locking mechanism to secure the weights 16 in place when the pin is engaged with the inner disc 22, and to allow the weight of the dumbbell to be adjusted when the pin is disengaged from the inner disc.

FIG. 17

shows a partial cross-section view of the adjustable dumbbell with the spring-loaded pin locking mechanism engaged in one of the apertures 40 of the inner disc and wherein the spring-loaded ball 44 is seated within one of the detent recesses 42 of the inner disc. When the spring-loaded pin is engaged as shown in

FIG. 17

, the spring-loaded pin locks the inner disc by engaging one of the plurality of apertures of the inner disc and prevents the inner disc from rotating. Since the inner disc 22 is interlocked with the collars 24 and the outer selector knob 14, the spring-loaded pin 34 secures each weight 16 by preventing the peripheral flanges 96 of the collars 24 from rotating with respect to the tabs 122 of the weights. In some implementations, the spring-loaded pin in combination with the stabilizing bar 118 (see

FIG. 7

) ensures that the weights are secured to the adjustable dumbbell 10 and stabilized during use and selection. The receiving hole 40 is positioned on the inner disc 22 so that the pin is oriented with the particular hole only when the collars 24 are fully engaged with the desired weight plates 16. The pin will only lock with the inner plate when the collars and weight plates are properly oriented.

FIG. 18

shows a cross-sectional view of the adjustable dumbbell 10 with the spring-loaded pin 34 locking mechanism disengaged from the inner disc 22 and wherein the outer selector knob 14 is between settings, i.e., the spring-loaded ball 44 is not seated in a detent recess 42 of the inner disc. Since the spring-loaded pin is disengaged from the inner disc, the inner disc is free to rotate with respect to the inner support 20 and, thus, the outer selector knob may be rotated to adjust the weight of the dumbbell. As shown in

FIGS. 2 and 18

, the plunger 32 extends upwardly from the bottom wall to engage the bottom of the pin structure. The plunger includes an upper sloped cam surface 130 and the protrusion 38 that extends from the plunger 32 outwardly towards the end of the support base 12. The plunger is positioned on the support base such that the protrusion extends into the cavity 72 of the inner support 20 when the adjustable dumbbell 10 is placed onto the support base. As shown in

FIG. 18

, the upper sloped cam surface of the plunger contacts the downwardly angled surface 132 of the spring-loaded pin 34 inside the cavity of the inner support. As the adjustable dumbbell is lowered onto the support base, the upper sloped cam surface 130 of the plu