U.S. patent application number 14/245147 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-07 for dumbbell glide apparatus with weight adjusting key.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ping Liu. Invention is credited to Ping Liu.
Application Number | 20140221175 14/245147 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47262126 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140221175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liu; Ping |
August 7, 2014 |
DUMBBELL GLIDE APPARATUS WITH WEIGHT ADJUSTING KEY
Abstract
A dumbbell apparatus which is adapted with a series of weight
plates, the number of which can be safely and reliably adjusted
with a single simple motion. The apparatus comprises a cradle for
storing and deploying the apparatus, weight plates, and a handle
apparatus which has two spline bolts which support the weight
plates and are used to simultaneously be adjusted by means of an
adjusting pin which moves the spline members together through a
motion transmitting gear. The apparatus may be further enhance with
permanent weights and gripping options.
Inventors: |
Liu; Ping; (Taiyuan,
CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Liu; Ping |
Taiyuan |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
47262126 |
Appl. No.: |
14/245147 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13151261 |
Jun 1, 2011 |
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14245147 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/075 20130101;
A63B 21/00065 20130101; A63B 21/0726 20130101; A63B 21/0728
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/107 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/075 20060101
A63B021/075 |
Claims
1. A dumbbell bar assembly that connects to a desired number of
weight plates to be lifted by said user by positioning of a single
adjusting pin, comprising: a plurality of weight plates each with a
slot for connection to said dumbbell bar assembly; one or more base
members for positioning said plurality of weight plates relative to
said dumbbell bar assembly; two spline bolt bodies one at each end
of said dumbbell assembly engaging said slots of said weight plates
for connecting said weight plates to said dumbbell bar assembly;
wherein said number of weights engaged by both said spline bolt
bodies is controlled by said position of a single adjusting pin for
adjusting said weight to be lifted by said user.
2. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 1, wherein: Said weight
plates have a parallel slot that is narrower near a periphery and
an arc slot that is wider near a center of said weight plates.
3. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 1, wherein: Said spline bolt
bodies have a bulge portion that passes through said parallel slot
of said weight plates but engages said arc slot of said weight
plates.
4. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 1, wherein: said spline bolt
bodies have teeth that mesh with said teeth of a positioning
gear.
5. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 2, wherein: said spline bolt
bodies have teeth that mesh with said teeth of a positioning
gear.
6. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 3, wherein: said spline bolt
bodies have teeth that mesh with said teeth of a positioning
gear.
7. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 4, further comprising: An
adjusting plate that holds said adjusting pin in fixed positions
corresponding to said desired number of weight plates.
8. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 5, further comprising: An
adjusting plate that holds said adjusting pin in fixed positions
corresponding to said desired number of weight plates.
9. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 6, further comprising: An
adjusting plate that holds said adjusting pin in fixed positions
corresponding to said desired number of weight plates.
10. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 7, further comprising: A
spring loaded cap on said adjusting pin engaging said adjusting
plate at said fixed position.
11. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 8, further comprising: A
spring loaded cap on said adjusting pin engaging said adjusting
plate at said fixed position.
12. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 9, further comprising: A
spring loaded cap on said adjusting pin engaging said adjusting
plate at said fixed position.
13. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 10, wherein: Said adjusting
plate is marked with said weight of said dumbbell bar assembly
corresponding to each position of said adjusting pin.
14. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 11, wherein: Said adjusting
plate is marked with said weight of said dumbbell bar assembly
corresponding to each position of said adjusting pin.
15. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 12, wherein: Said adjusting
plate is marked with said weight of said dumbbell bar assembly
corresponding to each position of said adjusting pin.
16. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 13, further comprising:
Said dumbbell bar assembly is coated with a material to enhance
gripping by said user.
17. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 14, further comprising:
Said dumbbell bar assembly is coated with a material to enhance
gripping by said user.
18. Said dumbbell bar assembly of claim 15, further comprising:
Said dumbbell bar assembly is coated with a material to enhance
gripping by said user.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to exercise and fitness devices, in
particular apparatus for light weightlifting, such as dumbbells,
further including those which are adapted for adjustable
weights.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The dumbbell is a very popular exercise and fitness device.
It affords both effective and varied fitness training Such is
normally used for light weight lifting with a single arm although
they are also deployed in pairs so that both arms may be exercised
simultaneously. As the type of exercises which may be involved with
dumbbell workouts are varied, it is helpful to have the ability to
quickly switch from one weight to another in order to make the most
use of the time available for exercise. One way this can be done
would be to have a number of dumbbells of varying weights, but this
is expensive and creates a storage problem. A means of permitting
switching from one weight to another without substantial storage
problems is to use weight adjustable dumbbells.
[0003] Generally speaking, weight adjustable dumbbells comprise a
dumbbell handle which is adapted at both ends to receive one or
more weight plates and such may further comprise means of locking
and fastening the weight plates into position for safe use. There
are many kinds of weight adjustable dumbbells in the market.
[0004] For example, reference is made to US200405969A1. This
apparatus teaches a device in which it is necessary to set the
adjusting mechanism in both ends of the dumbbell handle separately
in order that the bolt fixes relative weight plates. It is not
convenient and requires additional time to set a certain weight
because two separate actions are required.
[0005] Reference is also made to US20070184945A, which avoids the
above mentioned defects by adopting theory of sinistral and dextral
threading. The bolts in the ends of the dumbbell can be moved by
dialing the turntable, so that the bolt fixes certain plates of the
desired weights. However, because the threading on the thread rod
is a continuous line, the weight location is not precise. Precise
location of this kind of dumbbell requires adding positioning
mechanisms which are complex and expensive.
[0006] There are numerous dumbbell variations in the market but
none of them allow simultaneous setting of precise and balanced
weights. Such would offer a distinct advantage. What is not
provided in the prior art is an adjustable weight dumbbell which
permits and facilitates rapid and efficient adjustment of the
weight plates and also results in a balanced and safe way to change
weights with dumbbell apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The inventor has overcome the shortcomings of the prior art
by providing a weight adjustable dumbbell of simple structure,
which is simple to use, safe, and reliable. The inventor has done
this by providing a weight adjustable dumbbell which is comprised
of a dumbbell handle assembly, a number of pieces of weight plates
and a weight plate base. The dumbbell handle assembly is comprised
of a handle member, two handle brackets, two spline bolt bodies, a
positioning gear, an adjusting key and a positioning plate. There
are adjustable slots and bolt slots in the handle member. A series
of adjustable slots are on top of one side of the handle member on
one side and bolt slots are on two sides of the handle member.
There are slide slots on top of one handle bracket and guide slots
on two sides of the handle member. Two handle brackets are fixed on
two ends of the handle member respectively.
[0008] Two spline bolt bodies are inserted at both ends of the
handle member and engage each other by means of the gear within the
handle member. A positioning plate is fixed on the sliding slot of
one handle bracket in one of several discrete adjustment positions,
corresponding to the number of weight plates. An adjustable key may
be passed though a narrow slot of the the positioning plate and may
be fixed on the threaded hole of the spline bolt body. There is an
angled gap in each weight plate and a rectangle slot under the
angled gap for holding the handle bar assembly. The angled gap and
the elongated and rectangle slot under it make a Y shaped slot. In
the elongated and rectangle slot, there is an arc slot for holding
the spine bolt body. A number of cradling slots are also opened on
the weight plate base.
[0009] An axle hole is in the above mentioned handle member. The
gear is positioned on the axle though the hole is turns about the
axle and is fixed in position by a pin. The gear meshes with teeth
on the interior of each spline member. Weight plates are positioned
on two ends of the above mentioned handle member ibn this base,
which is adapted with cradles for each. A cover board is fixed by a
screw on the slide slot of one of the above mentioned handle
brackets.
[0010] The above mentioned adjustable handle is comprised of an
adjusting pin, a retaining spring and a positioning base. The
adjusting pin is fixed in the threading hole of an adjusting spine
bolt body by the positioning base, retaining spring, locating slot
in the positioning plate, slide slot and adjustable slot in the
handle bracket. This permits the two spline bodies to be
simultaneously and precisely moved in and out with the same
movement. There may be a weight indication label on the above
mentioned positioning plate. A handle cover is fixed on the above
mentioned positioning base.
[0011] It is then, an object of the present invention to provide a
weight adjustable dumbbell which has an adjusting handle which
further allows the user to simply and easily choose an equal amount
of weight plates on both ends of the handle bar assembly
simultaneously.
[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
weight adjustable dumbbell with a weight indication label on the
positioning plate which makes weight selection simple and easy.
[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
handle and positioning plate of the weight adjustable dumbbell with
a self-lock function, so that the spline bolt body will not move
randomly. Thus the weight plates are fixed on the handle bar
assembly safely, which allows safe and reliable applying and
lifting.
[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
the two spline bolt bodies of the weight adjustable dumbbell which
can work together though the gear and conduct physically equivalent
elongation or shortening.
[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such a dumbbell apparatus which is enhanced for gripping by scoring
a gripping surface or by providing an alternative material for the
gripping surface in order to provide comfort or safety.
[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such an adjustable dumbbell apparatus which may be tailored for use
with a variety of weight quantities.
[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such a dumbbell apparatus which is amenable to a variety of
manufacturing methods.
[0018] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following description in which the preferred
embodiments have been set forth in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention
reference will be made to the series of figures and drawings
briefly described below.
[0020] FIG. 1 is an oblique view of the apparatus as it is
assembled for use.
[0021] FIG. 2 depicts the apparatus with the major components
separated in relative position so that all major components may be
seen.
[0022] FIG. 3 depicts the entire apparatus with each piece
separated and in relative position.
[0023] FIGS. 4-1 through 4-3 are several cutaway views of the
dumbbell bar assembly, including FIG. 4-1 which is an oblique side
cutaway view, FIG. 4-2 which is a front view with the left bracket
member being cutaway, and FIG. 4-3 which is a top cutaway view.
[0024] FIGS. 5-1 through 5-4 are drawings which depict various key
features of the adjustment of the dumbbell bar assembly. These
include FIG. 5-1 which is a front view of the dumbbell bar assembly
with the left bracket member cut out and which shows the adjustment
pen and a first position. FIG. 5-2 depicts a view of the weight
plate which demonstrates how it is received by the spline members,
FIG. 5-3 depicts the adjusting key in a first position and FIG. 5-4
depicts the adjustment pin in a second position.
[0025] FIGS. 6-1 through 6-3 depicts various views of the apparatus
including FIG. 6-1, the front view in which a single weight plate
is selected, 6-2 which is the left side cross-section view while
choosing one piece of weight plate and FIG. 6-3 the top
cross-section view while choosing one piece of weight plate.
[0026] FIGS. 7-1 through 7-3 is the schematic drawing of the work
theory of the utility model. Including FIG. 7-1, which is the front
view while choosing four pieces of weight plates, FIG. 7-2 the left
side cross-section view while choosing four pieces of weight
plates, and FIG. 7-3 which is the front cross-section view while
choosing four pieces of weight plates,
[0027] While certain drawings have been provided in order to teach
the principles and operation of the present invention, it should be
understood that, in the detailed description which follows,
reference may be made to components or apparatus which are not
included in the drawings. Such components and apparatus should be
considered as part of the description, even if not included in such
a drawing. Likewise, the drawings may include an element,
structure, or mechanism which is not described in the textual
description of the invention which follows. The invention and
description should also be understood to include such a mechanism,
component, or element which is depicted in the drawing but not
specifically described.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will
be described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it will be
understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that
embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention defined in the
appended claims.
[0029] While the following description will seek to improve
understanding of the invention by describing the various components
and elements, it should be considered that certain apparatus may be
sufficiently and adequately explained by the accompanying drawings,
which are fully incorporated herein, and not require further
description. All such apparatus should be considered as part of the
specification of the invention for all purposes.
[0030] First referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, it can be seen that
the weight adjustable dumbbell according to the preferred
embodiment of the present invention is comprised of dumbbell bar
assembly (20), weight plates (30) and base member (40) as its major
components. FIG. 1 depicts the apparatus in its standard condition
while FIG. 2 depicts the major components apart from one another so
that their critical features may be seen. Dumbbell bar assembly
(20) houses the critical moving parts of the invention and of the
weight adjusting function. The cradle apparatus (40) provides means
for both storage and deployment of the entire apparatus.
[0031] Each weight plate (30) has a Y shaped slot (31) which is
comprised of upper angled gap (32), elongated and rectangular slot
(33) and an arc slot (34). The arc slot (34) is to allow the weight
plate (30) two be received by the dumbbell bar assembly (20) and be
held into place as will be more fully described herein. The
elongated and rectangular slot (33) is to hold the dumbbell bar
assembly (20), the angle gap (32) is to guide the dumbbell bar
assembly (20) to drop into the elongated and rectangular slot (33).
Base member (40) is to hold and position the weight plates (30).
The amount of slots (41) is the same as the amount of weight plates
(30). The base member (40) is also for the support of the dumbbell
bar assembly (20).
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3, the dumbbell bar assembly (20) is
comprised primarily of handle member (21), handle brackets (22),
adjusted spline bolt body (23), adjusting spline bolt body (24),
positioning gear (73), positioning plate (11), adjusting pin (29),
cover board (25) and. weight body (30). Handle brackets (22) are
attached to both ends of the handle member (21). By providing a
scored surface (61) on the grip portion (62) in the middle of the
handle member (21) the grip portion (62) may be adapted to
facilitate a more secure grip by the user. On the handle member
(21) opposite from the positioning plate (26) is a cover plate
(25). The handle brackets (22) are also adapted with guiding slots
(81) which are useful in keeping the weight plates (30) aligned.
Finally, the handle brackets may be further adapted with equal
weights (83) on either end which would be permanent to provide
stability in use or simply to provide a desired weight
resistance.
[0033] The handle member (21) is further adapted with a hole (71)
which may receive an axle pin (72) which further may serve as the
axle to a positioning gear (73). The positioning gear (73) though
the hole (23) is fixed in the handle member (21) by an axle pin
(72). Spline bolts bodies (23, 24) are inserted at both ends of the
handle member (21) and engage with each other by means of the
positioning gear (73). There is a threaded hole (78) in one end of
the adjusting spline bolt body (24). After the adjusting spline
bolt body (24) is inserted into handle member (20) totally, the
positioning pin (29) will locate in the threading hole (26) of the
adjusting spline bolt body (24) through the slide slot (28) of
handle bracket (22) and adjusting slot (60) (see FIG. 4) of handle
member (21), thus limiting the moving of spline bolt body (24) to
the functioned scope.
[0034] Cover board (21) is fixed on handle bracket (22) by screw
(28). The positioning plate (11) is fixed on the handle bracket
(20) by positioning pin (29). The adjusting pin (29) is fixed in
the threading hole (80) of spline bolt body (24) by the positioning
base (81), fixing spring (82), positioning plate (11), slide slot
(27) and adjusting slot (13) (see FIG. 4) The handle cover (FIG.
5-4) fastens on positioning base (5.1). A weight body (83) is fixed
on each end of the handle member (21) through threading (99).
[0035] The structures of the adjusting spline bolt body (24) and
the adjusted spline bolt body (23) are crucial to the operation of
this invention. They are identical except for the receiving
threaded hole (78) in the adjusting spline bolt body (24) which is
adapted to receive the threaded positioning screw portion (48) of
the adjusting pin (29).
[0036] Lengths (91, 92) of each spline bolt body (23, 24) have a
full circumference, moreover there are bulged portions (93, 94) of
each full circumference lengths (91, 92) which are adapted to slide
within the arc slot (34) of each weight plate (30). This
relationship will allow the simultaneous in and out movement of
each spline body (23, 24) to cause the bulged portions (93, 94) of
each of the full circumference lengths (91, 92) of each spline
member (23, 24) to fit within the desired arc slot (34) of each
weight plate (30) for lifting with the dumbbell (10).
[0037] Each spline bolt member (23, 24) also has a cutaway lengths
(95, 96) with a half cutaway circumference. The arced portions
(101, 102) of each cutaway circumference placed together fit snugly
within the handle member (21). The cutaway lengths (95, 96) are
adapted with the meshed teeth (97) which are adapted to
mechanically communicate with the positioning gear member (73)
which is sandwiched between them. In this way, the inward or
outward movement of the adjusting spline member (24) with the
adjusting pin (29) will be matched by an equal and opposite inward
or outward movement of the adjusting spline member (23).
[0038] In this manner, the bulged portions (93, 94) of each spline
member (23, 24) will fit within the arc slots (34) of the desired
weight plates (30), starting with the plates (30) positioned
closest to the handle member (21) and cause them to be "selected"
for use in a desired exercise.
[0039] It is now useful to describe how the user can simply and
easily make the required adjustments. Such is done by means of the
positioning base (50) and the positioning pin (29). Making
reference to FIG. 5-1, it can be seen that one of the handle plates
(11) is adapted with a series of positioning holes (12) which are
interconnected with a narrow channel (17).
[0040] The adjusting pin (29) attached to the adjusting spline
member (23) is adapted to pass through this channel (17). As the
adjusting pin (29) is moved from in to out, or vice versa, the
above described interaction of the spline members (23, 24) through
the interior gear (73) cause the bulged portions (93, 94) of each
spline members (23, 24) to "select" the desired numbers of weight
plates (30).
[0041] In order to facilitate the selections the free end (41) of
the adjusting pin (29) is fitted with a retaining head (47) which
will receive a spring loaded cap member (42). The spring loaded cap
member further comprises an inverted cone member (43) which is, at
its narrow end (44), adapted with a hole (45) through which the
adjusting pin (29) will snugly fit within the adjusting pin
(29).
[0042] The adjusting pin (29) is adapted with an exterior threaded
portion (48) which may be received by the interior threaded portion
(46) of adjusting spline number (24), a retaining head (47) on the
other end of the adjusting pin (29), is of sufficient length to be
threaded into the adjusting spline member (24) and through the
channel (17) a sufficient distance to allow the operation of a
spring loaded cap member (42).
[0043] Accordingly, the adjusting pin (29) may be passed first
through a coil spring (49), next through the cone member (43) wide
end (48) first, next through the channel (17) and then its exterior
threads (46) may be screwed into the interior threads (103) of the
adjusting spline member (24).
[0044] The head (47) is of adequate diameter to hold the coil
spring (49) so that it may provide tension as the cap member (42)
is pulled up towards the head (47). The cap member (42) is also
adapted to fit snugly with any desired one of the positioning holes
(12-16). When the cap member (42) is pulled up, the adjusting pin
(29) may be moved.
[0045] Each of the positioning holes (12-16) is adapted to move the
spline members (23, 24) to select a desired member of weight
plates. The tensions of the coil spring (49) will cause the
adjusting spline member (24) to remain locked in the desired
positions to "select" the correct number of weight plates (30).
[0046] It should be noted that the scored gripping surface (62)
could be eliminated or enhanced by providing some other gripping
surface, such as rubber, plastic, vinyl, cloth, wool, or synthetic
fabric. Such substitution could have the effect of making the
apparatus easier and more comfortable to use although it would make
the manufacture slightly more difficult. The point here is that it
is quite possible that there are variations to the preferred
embodiment which might provide one or more additional features to
the apparatus which are still in keeping with the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
[0047] It should also be noted that the spline members (23, 24)
have been described as generally cylindrical in structure along
their length and that the bulging portions (95, 96) have been
referred to as arced so that they may fit in the arc slot (34) of
the weight plate delegated and rectangular slot (34). It is also
possible that the spline members could be made with another
cross-sectional shape, such as an oblong or polygon as long as such
cross-sectional shape would permit the application of such features
as the snug fit within the handle member (21), a bolting surface to
fit within the arc slot (34) of the weight plate rectangular and
delegated slot (34) and the provision of a flat surface with teeth
along the flat surface of the cutaway portions (95, 96) of each
spline member (23, 24). It is possible that selection of such a
cross-sectional shape would facilitate easier manufacture without
sacrificing the user-friendly quality of the apparatus.
[0048] It should further be noted that the bulging portions (93,
94) need not be arced and that the arc slot (31) of the rectangular
and slot (34) could be replaced with a widget shape, a square
shape, or any other geometric configuration which would permit
secure geometric communication between such bulging surface and the
receiving portion of the rectangular and delegated slot on each
weight plate.
[0049] Further modification and variation can be made to the
disclosed embodiments without departing from the subject and spirit
of the invention as defined in the following claims. All such
modifications and variations, as included within the scope of these
claims, are meant to be considered part of the invention as
described.
* * * * *