CN114712776B

CN114712776B - Adjustable dumbbell system

Info

Publication number: CN114712776B
Application number: CN202210009937.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 盖伦·埃尔坎布雷克; 迈克尔·奥尔森
Original assignee: Ancon Clark Ltd
Current assignee: Ancon Clark Ltd
Priority date: 2021-01-05
Filing date: 2022-01-05
Publication date: 2024-03-19
Anticipated expiration: 2042-01-05
Also published as: TW202233279A; CN114712776A; US20220212052A1; TWI802203B

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjustable dumbbell system that includes weight plates that are selectively connectable to handles. The unselected weight plates are secured to the bracket. To secure the unselected weight plates to the bracket, a latch in the bracket is inserted into an engagement surface recess in the weight plate. The unselected weight plates are actuated individually based on which weight plates are selected and connected to the handle.

Description

Adjustable dumbbell system

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority and benefit from U.S. provisional patent application No.63/134,036 filed on 1-5 of 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background

Background and related art

Muscle training may involve a user moving weights, commonly referred to as dumbbells, in a particular motion to strengthen body muscles. Different muscle groups may be exercised with different amounts of weight. In fact, the same muscle group may be exercised with different amounts of weight. The fixed dumbbell has a fixed dosing. A set of stationary dumbbells can be expensive and may require a large amount of storage space. The adjustable dumbbell allows a user to add or remove weight plates to the handle to customize the weight of the dumbbell. This may save money for the user by requiring a smaller number of weight pieces to be purchased, and may save space for the user by requiring less storage space.

Disclosure of Invention

In some embodiments, a system for securing an adjustable dumbbell includes a handle. The plate adjustment mechanism is configured to selectively connect a selected weight plate of the plurality of weight plates to the handle. Each weight plate includes a recess. A bracket is configured to receive the plurality of weight plates, the bracket including a latch. The retention mechanism is configured to selectively engage the latch with the notch of the unselected weight plate. The handle adjustment mechanism is mechanically coupled to the bracket adjustment mechanism.

In other embodiments, a system for securing an adjustable dumbbell includes a handle. A plurality of weight plates are removably connected to the handle. Each weight plate includes a recess. The bracket includes a plurality of weight plate receiving portions. Each weight plate receiving portion is configured to receive each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates. The plurality of latches are configured to be selectively inserted into the notches. The plurality of latches are actuated individually.

In still other embodiments, a method for securing an adjustable dumbbell includes positioning a dumbbell handle in a cradle. The dumbbell handle is selectively connected to selected ones of the plurality of weight plates. The unselected weight plates are secured to the bracket based on the selected weight plates.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments. The features and advantages of the embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such embodiments as set forth hereinafter.

Drawings

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific implementations of the disclosure which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For a better understanding, like elements are indicated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures. Although some of the drawings may be schematically or exaggeratedly represented, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that the drawings depict some example implementations, the implementations will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1-1 through 1-5 are side views of an adjustable dumbbell system in accordance with at least one embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of an adjustable dumbbell system according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a representation of a stent according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a representation of a weight plate according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5-1 is a representation of an adjustable dumbbell system in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5-2 is a perspective view of a retention mechanism according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a representation of a plate adjustment mechanism according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a representation of a retention mechanism according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a representation of another retention mechanism according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a representation of yet another retaining mechanism in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a representation of a method for securing a dumbbell in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 11-1 through 11-4 are representations of an adjustable dumbbell assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a representation of an adjustable dumbbell system in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

fig. 13 is a representation of a method for using an adjustable dumbbell system in accordance with at least one embodiment of this disclosure.

Detailed Description

The adjustable dumbbell allows a user to exercise with a selected weight within the weight range while reducing the need for individual dumbbells for a series of weights within the same weight range. The adjustable dumbbell includes a handle or other support bar, which can then have one or more weight plates that are selectively connected to the support bar. To add weight to the adjustable dumbbell, the user need only attach or attach additional weight plates to the handle until the desired weight is achieved. In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may be a hand weight. An example of an adjustable dumbbell is shown in U.S. patent No 9,795,822, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, the handle may be sized such that the spacing between the two sets of weight plates is sufficiently wide for a single hand. In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may be a long bar, such as a bar for deep squats, crouches, and the like. The elongate rods may have a width between sets of weight plates sufficient for widely spaced hands (e.g., separated by more than a shoulder length). In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may be a counterweight for a weight lifting machine. In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may have a single set of weight plates, such as for kettlebells.

In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may include a plate adjustment mechanism that connects selected weight plates to the adjustable dumbbell until a desired weight is reached. Regardless of how the selected weight plates are connected to the handle, the user may not always connect all weight plates to the handle at the same time. Thus, when the user removes the handle from the bracket, one or more unselected weight plates may remain in place in the bracket. These unselected weight plates may fall off the bracket. In at least one embodiment, the unselected weight plates that fall off the brackets may become a safety hazard and may fall onto the user, remain on the floor, trip over, or present another safety hazard. Further, in at least one embodiment, unselected weight plates that fall off of the bracket may be misplaced. For example, unselected weight plates may be stolen, lost, placed in the wrong plate, or otherwise misplaced.

To prevent the unselected weight plates from falling off the bracket, the bracket may include a retaining mechanism. The retention mechanism may secure the unselected weight plates to the bracket while allowing the selected weight plates to be removed from the bracket when attached to the handle. In this way, the unselected weight plates do not fall out and thus do not pose a safety hazard or misplacement. Fixing the unselected weight plates to the bracket may further improve the user's exercise experience by eliminating the need for the user to consciously track the unselected weight plates.

Fig. 1-1 is a side view representation of an adjustable dumbbell system 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The adjustable dumbbell system 100 includes a handle 102 and a plurality of weight plates 104. Weight plate 104 may be selectively secured to handle 102. The weight plate 104 and the handle 102 are disposed in a cradle 106. The weight plate 104 includes a recess 108. A latch 110 inserted into the recess 108 may selectively secure the weight plate 104 to the bracket 106. In this way, when the handle 102 is removed, the weight plate secured to the bracket 106 may remain in the bracket 106, and the weight plate connected to the handle 102 may be removed from the bracket along with the handle 102.

Fig. 1-2 are representations of the adjustable dumbbell system 100 of fig. 1-1 with the handle 102 removed from the rack 106. In the position shown, a plurality of selected weight plates 104-1 are attached or connected to the handle 102. Thus, when the handle 102 is removed from the bracket 106, the selected weight plate 104-1 is removed from the bracket 106 along with the handle 102. Thus, by selecting the selected weight plate 104-1, the user can customize the amount of weight attached to the handle 102.

When the handle 102 and the selected weight plate 104-1 are removed from the bracket 106, the unselected weight plate 104-2 remains in the bracket 106. The unselected weight plates 104-2 are secured to the bracket 106 by a latch 110 that is inserted into the recess 108. By securing the unselected weight plates 104-2 to the bracket 106, the unselected weight plates 104-2 do not fall off the bracket and thus the chance of misplacement or safety hazards may be reduced.

It can be seen that only the unselected weight plate 104-2 is secured to the bracket 106. In addition, the unselected weight plates 104-2 are secured to the bracket 106 before the handle 102 is removed with the selected weight plate 104-1. Thus, the unselected weight plates 104-2 are individually and selectively secured to the bracket 106, and the unselected weight plates 104-2 are individually and selectively unsecured to the bracket 106.

FIGS. 1-3 and 1-4 are other side views of the adjustable dumbbell system 100 of FIGS. 1-1. In the illustrated embodiment, the outermost weight plate 104-2 is the unselected weight plate 104-2, and the handle 102 is disposed in the bracket 106. The latch 110 is inserted into the recess 108 of the unselected weight plate 104-2. In fig. 1-4, the handle 102 and attached selected weight plate 104-1 have been removed from the bracket 106. The unselected weight plates 104-2 remain secured to the bracket 106.

Fig. 1-5 are top views of the adjustable dumbbell system 100 of fig. 1-1. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 106 includes a plurality of latches 110. In practice, the bracket 106 includes a latch 110 for each weight plate (collectively 104). In the illustrated embodiment, each weight plate 104 includes latches 110 on both sides of the weight plate 104. The inclusion of latches 110 on both sides of the weight plate 104 may provide a more secure connection between the weight plate 104 and the bracket 106.

The bracket 106 includes a weight selection input 112. To operate the adjustable dumbbell system 100, the user need only input the desired weight into the weight selection input, and a plate adjustment mechanism (not shown) connects the selected weight plate 104-1 to the handle 102, and a retaining mechanism secures the unselected weight plate 104-2 to the bracket 106.

The weight selection input 112 may be any type of input. In some embodiments, weight selection input 112 may be a manual input. For example, weight selection input 112 may include one or more buttons. The buttons may represent one or more total weights of the dumbbell when weight plate 104 is connected to handle 102. For example, the weight selection button may be 20 pounds and the adjustable dumbbell system 100 may connect an appropriate number of weight plates 104 to the handle 102 to produce a total dumbbell dosage of 20 pounds. In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell system 100 may connect the same number of weights to both sides of the handle 102 to ensure that the dumbbell is balanced. In some embodiments, weight selection input 112 may include a plurality of weight selection buttons that may correspond to each available combination of weight plates 104. In this manner, a user may simply select a desired dosage, and the adjustable dumbbell system 100 may automatically connect weight plates 104 in the appropriate combination to achieve the selected dosage.

In some embodiments, weight selection input 112 may allow a user to select a particular combination of weight plates 104. For example, weight selection input 112 may include a plurality of buttons, each button associated with a single weight plate 104. When a button is pressed, an associated weight plate 104 may be connected to the handle 102. This may provide the user with control over the selection and combination of the individual weight plates 104 connected to the handle 102.

In some embodiments, weight selection input 112 may include one or more physical buttons that are pressed into the cradle or otherwise physically moved when pressed. In some implementations, the weight selection input 112 can include one or more touch-sensitive buttons. For example, the weight selection input 112 may include a touch screen. In some embodiments, the touch screen may include other workout information, such as a currently selected weight, a number of groups performed under the selected weight, calories burned, current workout, and the like.

In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell system 100 may include a communication device. The communication device may communicate with an external computing device. The external computing device may transmit exercise information to the adjustable dumbbell system 100. For example, an external computing device may transmit a set weight to the adjustable dumbbell system 100. The adjustable dumbbell system 100 may then connect the appropriate weight plate 104 to the handle 102 to reach the set weight. In some embodiments, the external computing device may communicate which weight plates 104 are connected to the handle 102 to reach the set weight.

In some embodiments, the external computing device may include an exercise program. The exercise program may include one or more exercises, such as bending, pushing, etc., performed using the adjustable dumbbell system 100. The exercise may include an associated exercise weight. When a particular exercise is desired, the external computing device may provide exercise weights to the adjustable dumbbell system 100. The adjustable dumbbell system 100 may then attach the appropriate weight plate 104 to the handle 102 such that the dumbbell is set to exercise weights.

In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell system 100 may include one or more sensors to determine when the handle 102 is connected to the rack 106. The communication device may communicate the presence of the handle 102 in the cradle 106 to an external computing device. In some implementations, the external computing device may track whether the handle 102 is connected to the bracket 106.

In some embodiments, the external computing device may change the exercise weight based on input from the user. For example, a user may set an exercise weight on an external computing device, which may then transmit the exercise weight to the adjustable dumbbell system 100, and the adjustable dumbbell system 100 may attach the appropriate weight plate 104 to the handle 102. In some embodiments, the external computing device may transmit the exercise weight to the adjustable dumbbell system 100 upon determining that the handle 102 is located in the rack 106. In some embodiments, the external computing device may transmit the exercise weight to the adjustable dumbbell system 100 when the handle 102 is not connected to the rack 106. The adjustable dumbbell system 100 may then set the dumbbell as an exercise weight when the handles 102 are connected to the rack 106.

In some implementations, the workout plan may include an ordered list of workouts to be performed in order. In some embodiments, the exercise may include different exercise weights. In performing an exercise program, adjustable dumbbell system 100 may set a dumbbell as a first exercise weight by connecting weight plate 104 to handle 102 to set the dumbbell as an exercise weight. In some embodiments, when the handle 102 is removed from the stand, the adjustable dumbbell system 100 and/or the external computing device may determine that a first exercise is being performed. When handle 102 is returned to rack 106, adjustable dumbbell system 100 and/or the external computing device may advance to the next exercise by setting adjustable dumbbell system 100 to the next exercise weight.

In some embodiments, the external computing device may transmit the entire exercise program to the adjustable dumbbell system 100, and the adjustable dumbbell system 100 may execute the exercise program. In some embodiments, an external computing device may be in communication with the adjustable dumbbell system 100, and the external computing device may provide instructions to the adjustable dumbbell system 100 for each exercise in the exercise program.

In some embodiments, weight selection input 112 may include any other type of user input. For example, the weight selection input 112 may include a voice control. For example, weight selection input 112 may include a microphone and voice recognition software. The voice recognition software may be optimized to receive specific weight related commands. For example, in some embodiments, the user may say "set dumbbell to 20 pounds". The weight selection input 112 may receive the words through a microphone and process the words using voice recognition software. Weight selection input 112 may then set the dumbbell to the appropriate weight, 20 pounds in this example. In some embodiments, the input word may include any amount of weight. In some embodiments, the input word may include "set dumbbell to maximum weight" and the adjustable dumbbell system 100 may connect all weight plates 104 to the handle 102. In some embodiments, the input word may include any word that the speech recognition software may recognize as setting a weight.

As described above, each weight plate 104 may be individually secured to the bracket 106 prior to removal of the handle 102 from the bracket 106. Thus, each of the plurality of latches 110 is actuated individually. In this manner, the unselected weight plates 104-2 may be secured to the bracket 106 even if the selected weight plate 104-1 impacts and pushes against the unselected weight plate 104-2 when removed.

Fig. 2 is a representation of an adjustable dumbbell system 200 in accordance with at least one embodiment of this disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket includes a plurality of first latches 210-1 and second latches 210-2. The plurality of first latches 210-1 may be individually actuated to secure one or more of the weight plates 204 to the bracket 206. The second latch 210-2 may be actuated to secure all of the weight plates 204 to the bracket 206. This may allow a user to input a selected counterweight into counterweight selection input 212 and remove handle 202 and the selected counterweight. When the use of the adjustable dumbbell system 200 is completed, the user may enter weight 0, or may indicate a locking input, whereupon a second latch 210-2 engages each weight plate 204 to secure all weight plates 204 to the rack. This may increase the stability and/or safety of the adjustable dumbbell system 200 during periods of non-use or transportation. In addition, this may help prevent some or all of the adjustable dumbbell system 200 from becoming a safety hazard.

Fig. 3 is a representation of an embodiment of a cradle 306 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The bracket 306 includes a plurality of weight plate receiving portions 314. Each weight plate receiving portion is configured to receive a weight plate (e.g., weight plate 104 of fig. 1-1). The illustrated weight plate receiving portion is a recess in the bracket 306 that aligns the weight plate relative to the bracket 306 and facilitates orienting the weight plate relative to the bracket 306. A latch (collectively 310) is shown in or at an edge of each weight plate receiver 314. The latch 310 is configured to secure the weight plate to the bracket 306 in the weight plate receiver 314.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first plurality of latches 310-1 are located on a first side of the weight plate receiving portion 314 and the second plurality of latches 310-2 are located on a second side of the weight plate receiving portion 314. The inclusion of latches 310 on both sides of the weight plate receiving portion 314 may enable a simplified retention mechanism or allow the retention mechanism to have more control over which weight plate is selected and not selected.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a weight plate 404 and a retaining mechanism 416 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The weight plate 404 includes a handle space 418 in a top surface 420 into which a handle (e.g., the handle 102 of fig. 1-1) may be inserted. The weight plate 404 also includes a notch 408 in a lateral face (collectively 422). In the illustrated embodiment, the weight plate 404 includes the notch 408 in both the first and second lateral sides 422-1, 422-2.

The notch 408 includes a notch engagement angle 424, the notch engagement angle 424 being an angle measured clockwise between the notch engagement surface 426 and the second lateral face 422. In some embodiments, the notch engagement angle 424 may include any one of 45 °, 60 °, 75 °, 80 °, 85 °, 90 °, 95 °, 100 °, 105 °, 120 °, 135 °, or any value therebetween, within a range having an upper limit, a lower limit, or both. For example, the notch engagement angle 424 may be greater than 45 °. In another example, the notch engagement angle 424 may be less than 135 °. In still other examples, the notch engagement angle 424 may be any value in a range between 45 ° and 135 °. A notch engagement angle 424 approaching 90 deg. may provide the greatest force to secure the weight plate to the bracket. In some embodiments, a notch engagement angle 424 of less than 135 ° may be critical to providing sufficient force to secure the weight plate to the bracket.

The latch 410 includes a tab 428 that extends into the recess 408. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 428 has a triangular cross-sectional shape. The tab 428 has a latch engagement surface 430 that engages the notch engagement surface 426. In the illustrated embodiment, the notch engagement surface 426 has the same shape as the latch engagement surface. In this way, the bearing surface between the latch engagement surface 430 and the notch engagement surface 426 is maximized. Because the protrusion 428 is inserted into the recess 408, the protrusion 428 contacts the recess at the recess engagement surface 426 when a removal force is applied to the weight plate 404. Interference between the notch 408 and the protrusion 428 secures the weight plate 404 to the bracket.

The protrusion includes a latch engagement angle 432, the latch engagement angle 423 being an angle measured clockwise between the latch engagement surface 430 and a line 433 parallel to the first lateral face 422-1. In some embodiments, the latch engagement angle 432 may include any one of 45 °, 60 °, 75 °, 80 °, 85 °, 90 °, 95 °, 100 °, 105 °, 120 °, 135 °, or any value therebetween, within a range having an upper limit, a lower limit, or both. For example, the latch engagement angle 432 may be greater than 45 °. In another example, the latch engagement angle 432 may be less than 135 °. In still other examples, the latch engagement angle 432 may be any value in a range between 45 ° and 135 °. A latch engagement angle 432 approaching 90 ° may provide the greatest force to secure the weight plate to the bracket. In some embodiments, a latch engagement angle 432 between 75 ° and 105 ° may be critical to providing sufficient force to secure the weight plate to the bracket.

In some embodiments, the latch engagement angle 432 and the notch engagement angle 424 are complementary. In other words, the latch engagement angle 432 and the notch engagement angle 424 add up to 180 °. Complementary latch engagement angles 432 and recess engagement angles 424 may enhance the bearing surface between the latch engagement surface and the recess engagement surface. This may increase the force securing the weight plate to the bracket. In some embodiments, the latch engagement angle 432 and the notch engagement angle 424 are not complementary and may add up to an angle greater than or less than 180 °.

The latch 410 includes a latch arm 434 extending from the protrusion 428. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch arm 434 rotates about a pivot 436. The retention mechanism 416 includes a latch cam shaft 438, the latch cam shaft 438 including a protrusion 439. As the latch cam shaft 438 rotates, the boss 439 pushes the lower portion 440 of the latch arm 434. When the boss 439 pushes the lower portion 440, the latch arm 434 rotates about the pivot 436, and the upper portion 442 of the latch arm 434 rotates toward the notch 408 (counterclockwise in the illustrated view). This may insert the tab 428 into the recess 408. As the latch cam shaft 438 rotates further, the boss rotates away from the lower portion 440, and a resilient member (not shown) may force the arm latch 434 to rotate about the pivot 436 (clockwise in the illustrated view). This may move the upper portion 442 and the protrusion 428 away from the notch 408, thereby unseating the weight plate 404 from the bracket and allowing the weight plate 404 to be removed.

Fig. 5-1 is a top-down representation of an adjustable dumbbell system 500 in accordance with at least one embodiment of this disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable dumbbell system 500 includes a first dumbbell 501-1 and a second dumbbell 501-2. To change the weight of the first dumbbell 501-1 and the second dumbbell 501-2, the adjustable dumbbell system 500 includes a plate adjustment mechanism 544. The plate adjustment mechanism 544 includes a plate cam gear 545 that is connected to a plate cam shaft (not shown). The plate main gear 546 rotates the plate cam gear which rotates the plate cam shaft to selectively select the weight plate (collectively referred to as 504) for connection to the handle (collectively referred to as 502-1). The plate main gear 546 is connected to the main shaft 547.

The retention mechanism 516 includes a latch cam gear 548 that is coupled to a latch cam shaft (not shown). Latch main gear 549 rotates latch cam gear 548, latch cam gear 548 rotates the latch cam shaft to selectively insert latch 510 into a recess (not shown) of weight plate 504. The latch main gear 549 is driven by the main shaft 547. In this way, the plate adjustment mechanism 544 and the retention mechanism 516 are mechanically coupled. In other words, the plate adjustment mechanism 544 and the retention mechanism 516 are connected by a geared connection. For example, as the spindle 547 rotates, the plate cam shaft may be oriented to select one or more weight plates 504 to connect to the handle 502. The latch cam shaft may be oriented to simultaneously latch the unselected weight plates 504 to the bracket 506. The user may select a desired weight of the first dumbbell 501-1 and the second dumbbell 501-2 using the weight selection input 512 and may rotate the main shaft 547 until the desired weight is attached to the handle 502.

Fig. 5-2 is a perspective view of the retaining mechanism 516 of fig. 5-1. The spindle 547 includes a plate main gear and a latch main gear 549. The latch main gear 549 rotates the latch cam gear 548, and the latch cam gear 548 rotates the latch cam shaft 538. The boss 539 on the latch cam shaft 538 may then engage the latch to secure the weight plate to the bracket.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an adjustable dumbbell 600 in accordance with at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The adjustable dumbbell 600 includes a handle 602 and a weight plate hanger 650. The weight plate hanger 650 includes two weight plate connectors 652 configured to attach the weight plate 604 to the weight plate hanger 650. The weight plate connector 652 may be inserted into the weight plate support 654 to attach the weight plate 604 to the weight plate hanger 650. The plate protrusion 656 may protrude from the bracket 606. In the upper position (i.e., the illustrated position), the plate protrusions 656 may pull the weight plate connector 652 from the weight plate support 654, thereby removing the weight plate 604 from the weight plate hanger 650.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an adjustable dumbbell 700 in accordance with at least one embodiment of this disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch tab 768 protrudes from the weight plate receiving portion 714 in the bracket 706. The latch tab 768 extends into the weight plate cavity 770 in the bottom surface 772 of the weight plate 704. The latch tab 768 includes two latch members 774 located at the top end 771 of the latch tab 768. The latch member 774 is configured to be inserted into the recess 708 in the weight plate cavity 770. In the upper position of the latch tab 768, the cavity member 773 in the weight plate cavity 770 may push the latch member 774 into the recess 708 in the weight plate cavity 770, thereby securing the weight plate 704 to the bracket 706. In the lower position, the latch member 774 may not be removed from the recess 708 and the weight plate 704 may not be secured to the bracket 706.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a retaining mechanism 816 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch tab 868 extends upwardly from a bracket receiver in the bracket. The weight plate 804 includes a notch 808 in a base surface 875 of the weight plate 804. The latch tab 868 can move laterally (e.g., perpendicular to the base surface 875). In the engaged position shown, the latch tab 868 is inserted into the notch 808, thereby securing the weight plate 804 to the bracket.

The plate tab 856 may extend into the weight plate cavity 870 to selectively connect the weight plate 804 to a handle (as described with reference to fig. 6). Both the plate tab 856 and the latch tab 868 can be moved by the same combined cam shaft 876. This may simplify the adjustable dumbbell system by using only a single camshaft.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an adjustable dumbbell assembly 900 in accordance with at least one embodiment of this disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, weight plate 904 includes a weight plate cavity 970. The weight plate latch 978 may extend out of the weight plate cavity 970 and through the body of the weight plate 904. The bracket 906 includes a weight plate receiving portion 914. The bracket tab 980 may protrude from the weight plate receiving portion 914. In the upper position shown, the bracket tab may push the weight plate latch 978 laterally such that the outer end 982 of the weight plate latch 978 extends beyond the lateral face 922. The outer end 982 of the weight plate latch 978 may extend into the bracket recess 984. In this way, the weight plate 904 may be secured to the bracket 906.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of a method 1086 for securing an adjustable dumbbell in accordance with at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The method 1086 includes positioning a dumbbell handle in a cradle at 1088. At 1090, a dumbbell handle may be selectively connected to one or more selected weight plates of the plurality of weight plates. At 1092, one or more unselected weight plates may be secured to the bracket based on which weight plates are selected to be attached to the dumbbell handle. Fixing the unselected weight plates to the bracket may include inserting a latch on the bracket into a recess in the unselected weight plates.

Fig. 11-1 is a perspective view of an adjustable dumbbell assembly 1100 in accordance with at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The bracket 1106 supports a plurality of weight plates 1104 and handles 1102. The handle 1102 includes a plate adjustment mechanism that selectively connects the weight plate 1104 to the handle 1102. The plate adjustment mechanism is driven by a motor below the bracket 1106.

Fig. 11-2 is another perspective view of the adjustable dumbbell assembly 1100 of fig. 11-1. A motor 1193 below the bracket 1106 may control the plate adjustment mechanism. The motor 1193 rotates a first gear shaft (not shown) and a second gear shaft 1194-2. The first gear shaft and the second gear shaft 1194-2 are connected by a plate gear belt 1195. Thus, the first and second gear shafts 1194-2 may rotate at the same speed.

Fig. 11-3 is a top view of the bracket 1106 of fig. 11-1 including a plate adjustment mechanism 1144 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The plate adjustment mechanism includes a first gear shaft 1194-1 and a second gear shaft 1194-2. The first gear shaft 1194-1 and the second gear shaft 1194-2 are driven by a motor 1193 shown in fig. 11-2. The first pinion 1196-1 is connected to a first gear shaft 1194-1 and the second pinion 1196-2 is connected to a second gear shaft 1194-2. The first pinion 1196-1 drives a first rack gear 1197-1 on a first plate extension rod 1198-1 and the second pinion 1196-2 drives a second rack gear 1197-2 on a second plate extension rod 1198-2.

The first plate extension pole 1198-1 and the second plate extension pole 1198-2 extend into a series of voids in the weight plate 1104 shown in fig. 11-1. The extension of first plate extension pole 1198-1 and second plate extension pole 1198-2 determines the number of weight plates 1104 that are connected to handle 1102. In this manner, by rotating the first gear shaft 1194-1 and the second gear shaft 1194-2, the weight plate 1104 may be selected.

Fig. 11-4 are cross-sectional views of the adjustable dumbbell assembly 1100 of fig. 11-1 in accordance with at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The adjustable dumbbell assembly 1100 includes a plate adjustment mechanism 1144 located in the handle 1102 and a retaining mechanism 1116 in the holder 1106. The plate adjustment mechanism 1144 and the holding mechanism 1116 are driven by the same mechanism. Specifically, the first gear shaft 1194-1 drives the first plate extension rod 1198-1 and the first retaining extension rod 1199-1, and the second plate gear shaft 1194-2 drives the second plate extension rod 1198-2 and the second retaining extension rod 1199-2. Thus, the plate adjustment mechanism 1144 may be mechanically coupled to the retaining mechanism 1116. In other words, when the plate adjustment mechanism 1144 connects the weight plates 1104 to the handle 1102, the retaining mechanism 1116 may secure one or more of the unselected weight plates 1104 to the bracket 1106 in conjunction with the same operation of the motor 1193.

The bracket 1106 includes a retaining mechanism groove 1103. As first gear shaft 1194-1 rotates, a first retaining pinion (not shown) on first gear shaft 1194-1 may be engaged with a first retaining rack and pinion on first retaining extension rod 1199-1. This may result in the first retention extension pole 1199-1 extending into the retention mechanism slot 1103, where it may engage one or more latches. The one or more latches may engage one or more of the unselected weight plates 1104, thereby securing the one or more unselected weight plates to the bracket. Similarly, as the second gear shaft 1194-2 rotates, the second retaining pinion 1105-2 on the second gear shaft 1194-2 may be engaged with the second retaining rack gear on the second retaining extension rod 1199-2. This may result in the second retention extension pole 1199-2 extending into the retention mechanism slot 1103, where it may engage one or more latches. The one or more latches may engage one or more of the unselected weight plates 1104, thereby securing the one or more unselected weight plates to the bracket.

In some embodiments, each of the weight plates 1104 may be connected to each other by interlocking connectors 1107. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the interlocking connection may allow the weight plates 1104 to separate from one another using an upward force, but may prevent separation from one another using a downward force or a longitudinal force (e.g., parallel to the handle 1102). In some embodiments, the interlocking connector 1107 may be a dovetail connector. In some embodiments, the interlocking connector 1107 may be any type of interlocking connector.

The interlocking connectors 1107 may help to maintain all of the unselected weight plates 1104 oriented in the same orientation. In this way, the handle 1102 and the selected weight plate 1104 may be removed from the bracket 1106 and all the unselected weight plates 1104 may remain upright in the bracket 1106. This may allow the handle 1102 and the selected weight plate 1104 to be easily reinserted into the bracket 1106 without having to align the unselected weight plates in the bracket 1106.

In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism 1116 may include retaining tabs 1109 at either end of the stent 1106. The retaining tab 1109 may extend into the end weight plate 1111. The end weight plate 1111 may be connected to another weight plate 1104 by an interlocking connection 1107. Thus, when handle 1102 is removed, end weight plate 1111 may remain fixed to bracket 1106 and the remaining unselected weight plates 1104 may remain oriented relative to end weight plate 1111 via interlocking connection 1107. Thus, the end weight plate 1111 may be the only weight plate fixed to the bracket 1106, and the remaining weight plates 1104 may remain upright based on the interlocking connection 1107 to the end weight plate 1111.

In some embodiments, the retaining tab 1109 may be rigidly attached to the bracket 1106. For example, the retaining tab 1109 may have a height and/or position relative to the bracket 1106 that does not change based on actuation of the plate adjustment mechanism 1144. In some embodiments, the retaining tab 1109 may be actuated. For example, the retaining tab 1109 may have an adjustable height and may extend into the end weight plate 1111 only when the retaining mechanism 1116 is activated by the retaining tab 1109. In other examples, the end weight plate 1111 may be secured to the bracket 1106 using latches on lateral faces of the end weight plate 1111 or any other mechanism described herein.

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of an adjustable dumbbell control system 1223 in accordance with at least one embodiment of this disclosure. An adjustable dumbbell control system 1223 may be used to control any of the adjustable dumbbells and associated hardware discussed herein. For example, the adjustable dumbbell control system 1223 may be used to control the adjustable dumbbell system 100 of fig. 1, the adjustable dumbbell system 200 of fig. 2, the rack 306 of fig. 3, the retention mechanism 416 of fig. 4, the adjustable dumbbell systems 500 of fig. 5-1 and 5-2, the adjustable dumbbell 600 of fig. 6, the adjustable dumbbell 700 of fig. 7, the retention mechanism 816 of fig. 8, the adjustable dumbbell assembly 900 of fig. 9, the adjustable dumbbell assemblies 1100 of fig. 11-1 to 11-4, and combinations thereof. An adjustable dumbbell control system 1223 may be used to perform the method 1086 of fig. 10.

The adjustable dumbbell control system 1223 includes the adjustable dumbbell system 1200. The adjustable dumbbell system 1200 may include a weight controller 1213. The weight controller 1213 may be configured to attach the weight plate to the handle based on setting the weight. The weight controller 1213 may receive a set weight from the weight selection input 1215. The user may input the set weights to the weight selection input 1215, and based on the set weight set input into the weight selection input, the weight controller 1213 may attach an appropriate number of plates to the handle to set the adjustable dumbbell to the set weights. In this way, by using the weight selection input 1215, the user can have increased control over his or her exercise. This may improve the exercise experience.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the weight controller 1213 may connect the weight plate to the handle using any of the structures, mechanisms, actuators, or other devices discussed herein. For example, the weight controller 1213 may activate one or more latches to secure a selected weight plate to the handle. In some examples, the weight controller 1213 may activate one or more latches to secure the unselected weight plates to the bracket. In some embodiments, based on setting the weights, the weight controller 1213 may identify the combination of weight plates attached to the handle. The weight controller 1213 may then connect the identified combination of weight plates to the handle using any of the mechanisms discussed herein. In some embodiments, the weight controller 1213 may connect unselected or identified weight plates to the bracket to reduce the risk of loss or injury due to loose weight plates.

In some embodiments, weight selection input 1215 may use any type of input to receive a set weight. For example, the user may input the set weight into the weight selection input 1215 with a verbal command. For example, the user may express a command in language, such as "set weight to 15 lbs". A microphone on the voice recognition input 1217 may receive the verbal command and voice recognition software may process the verbal command to determine the set weight. After processing the verbal command, the voice recognition input 1217 may communicate the set weights to the weight controller 1213.

In some implementations, the weight selection input 1215 can receive a set weight from a remote computing device 1219. The remote computing device 1219 may transmit the set weights at the weight selection input 1215 to a communication device, which may then send the set weights to the weight controller 1213. The weight controller 1213 may then attach the appropriate weight plate to the handle to reach the set weight.

In some embodiments, weight selection input 1215 may receive a set weight from one or more buttons 1221 on a rack or otherwise connected to adjustable dumbbell system 1200. The button 1221 may include a particular set weight, a particular weight plate to connect to the handle, weight increments, activities related to setting weights, any other button input, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, adjustable dumbbell system 1200 may also include a display 1225. Display 1225 may include exercise information associated with the adjustable dumbbell. For example, the display 1225 may provide information to the user regarding: set weights, weight plates attached to handles, exercises to be performed, previous and/or pending exercises, set weights associated with one or more exercises, exercise timers, rest timers, calorie burn values, any other exercise information, and combinations thereof.

In some implementations, the display 1225 may include one or more elements of the weight selection input 1215. For example, the display 1225 may include one or more buttons 1221. In some implementations, the display 1225 may be a touch-sensitive display, and the button 1221 may be a designated portion of the touch-sensitive display. In some implementations, the display 1225 may provide instructions to a user to provide verbal commands to the adjustable display system 1200. In some implementations, the display 1225 may provide information received from the remote computing device 1217.

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of a method 1327 for securing an adjustable dumbbell in accordance with at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Method 1327 may be performed by adjustable dumbbell control system 1223 of fig. 12.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, method 1327 may include receiving a set weight from a weight selection input at 1329. For example, the weight selection input may include a voice recognition input, and the set weight may be input using a verbal command from the user. In some examples, the set weight may be entered using a button, may be received from a remote computing device, or may be entered using any other input mechanism.

At 1331, based on the received/input set weights, one or more weight plates may be selectively connected to the handle to set the adjustable dumbbell as set weights. In some embodiments, the weight controller may identify which weight plates are to be connected to the handle to reach the set weight, and may provide instructions to the adjustment mechanism to connect the weight plates to the handle. At 1335, any unselected weight plates may be connected to the bracket. The unselected weight plates may be weight plates that are not connected to the handle. In some embodiments, the weight controller may identify an unselected weight plate.

Industrial applicability

The adjustable dumbbell allows a user to exercise using a selected weight within a weight range while reducing the need for individual dumbbells for a series of weights within the same weight range. The adjustable dumbbell includes a handle or other support bar, which can then have one or more weight plates that are selectively connected to the support bar. To add weight to the adjustable dumbbell, the user need only connect or attach additional weight plates to the handle until the desired weight is reached. In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may be a hand weight. For example, the handle may be sized such that the spacing between the two sets of weight plates is sufficiently wide for a single hand. In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may be a long bar, such as a bar for deep squats, crouches, and the like. The elongate rods may have a width between the sets of weight plates sufficient for widely spaced hands (e.g., separated by more than a shoulder length). In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may be a weight for a weight lifting machine. In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may have a single set of weight plates, such as for kettlebells.

In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may include a plate adjustment mechanism that connects selected weight plates to the adjustable dumbbell until a desired weight is achieved. Regardless of how the selected weight plates are connected to the handle, the user may not always connect all weight plates to the handle at the same time. Thus, when a user removes the handle from the bracket, one or more unselected weight plates may remain in place in the bracket. These unselected weight plates may fall off the bracket. In at least one embodiment, the unselected weight plates that fall off the brackets may become a safety hazard and may fall onto the user, remain on the floor, trip over, or present another safety hazard. Further, in at least one embodiment, unselected weight plates that fall off of the bracket may be misplaced. For example, unselected weight plates may be stolen, lost, placed in the wrong plate, or otherwise misplaced.

To prevent the unselected weight plates from falling off the bracket, the bracket may include a retaining mechanism. The retention mechanism may secure the unselected weight plates to the bracket while allowing the selected weight plates to be removed from the bracket when attached to the handle. In this way, the unselected weight plates may not fall out and thus may not pose a safety hazard or be misplaced. Fixing the unselected weight plates to the bracket may further improve the user's exercise experience by eliminating the need for the user to consciously track the unselected weight plates.

The plate adjustment mechanism may be located anywhere in the adjustable dumbbell system. In some embodiments, the plate adjustment mechanism may be located in the handle of the adjustable dumbbell. The dials or gears on the outer edge of the adjustable dumbbell can be rotated by a handle that includes a plurality of plate adjustment cams. The plate adjustment cam may selectively insert a pin into a recess of the weight plate to select the weight plate to be attached or connected to the handle.

In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may be positioned in a rack and the plate adjustment mechanism may be located in the rack. The plate adjustment mechanism may include a protrusion in the bracket that extends into the cavity of the weight plate. The protrusion may have an adjustable height. In the upper position, the protrusion may push a latch located on a support member connected to the handle inward away from a recess in the cavity of the weight plate. This will separate the weight plate from the handle. In the lower position, the protrusion may not contact the latch, and the latch may be forced into a recess in the cavity of the weight plate by the resilient member.

The bracket may include a retention mechanism that includes one or more latches. Each latch may be located on the bracket and selectively inserted into a recess on the weight plate. By inserting the latch into the recess, the retention mechanism may secure the unselected weight plates to the bracket. In some embodiments, each weight plate may be associated with a latch. The retention mechanism may selectively secure the latch to an associated weight plate when the adjustable dumbbell is placed in the rack. In this way, an unselected weight plate may be secured to the bracket prior to removing the adjustable dumbbell with the selected weight plate attached to the handle from the bracket. In at least one embodiment, securing the unselected weight plates to the bracket prior to the adjustable dumbbell being removed may assist in the unselected weight plates falling off the bracket when the adjustable dumbbell is removed. For example, the unselected weight plates may be secured to the bracket despite the impact, pushing, or friction forces on the unselected weight plates generated by the handle and/or the selected weight plates during removal of the handle and the selected weight plates.

In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell may include a plurality of weight plates on both ends of the handle. In this way, the user can grasp the handle and move the weight while holding the handle. In some embodiments, equal weights may be attached to either end of the handle. In some embodiments, unequal weights may be attached to the handle. In other words, the first end of the handle may have a larger weight secured thereto than the second end of the handle. This may result from more weight plates being attached to the first end of the handle. In some embodiments, the retention mechanism may secure more unselected weight plates to the second end of the bracket than the first end of the bracket to match an unbalanced adjustable dumbbell.

In some embodiments, the retention mechanism may include a single latch that secures multiple weight plates to the bracket. For example, a single latch may include a rod that extends the entire length of the adjustable dumbbell. In some examples, a single latch may secure some, but not all, of the weight plates to the bracket. In some embodiments, a single latch may secure two, three, four, five, six, or more weight plates to the bracket. In some embodiments, a single adjustable dumbbell may include separate latches for each weight plate and long bar latches that may secure multiple weight plates to the rack. This can increase the stability of the connection between the weight plate and the bracket and can prevent the weight plate from dislocating and becoming a safety hazard.

In some embodiments, the weight plate is shaped like a plate. The plate has a length, a width and a depth. In some embodiments, the length and width may be substantially the same, such as square, circular, or other equilateral polygons. In some embodiments, the length and width may be different, such as rectangular, oval, or other polygonal or non-polygonal structures. The length and width may be greater than the depth of the weight plate. Thus, the weight plate may represent a plate, disc, or other planar structure. The depth may be the smallest dimension between any two faces of the weight plate.

The weight plate may include two base faces and at least one outer face extending along an outer circumference of the weight plate. In some embodiments, the depth may be the smallest measure between two edges of the outer face. The base face may have any cross-sectional shape including circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, polygonal with any side, non-polygonal, or other cross-sectional shape. The outer face may include one or more faces depending on the number of edges of the cross-sectional shape. For example, the outer face may include an upper face, a base face opposite the upper face, and first and second lateral faces transverse to the upper and base faces, the first lateral face being opposite the second lateral face.

Each weight plate includes a recess. The recess may be located at any position on the weight plate. In some embodiments, the notch may be located on the first base face or the second base face. In some embodiments, the recess may be located on the exterior face, such as on the first lateral face, the second lateral face, both the first lateral face and the second lateral face, the top face, the shelf face, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the recess is a recess, cavity, or void in a face of the weight plate. In some embodiments, the recess may be located within a cavity in the weight plate.

The recess may have any number of edges including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more sides. The edges of the recess may have any shape including curved edges, straight edges or a combination of curved and straight edges. Thus, the recess may have any shape, including hemispherical, cylindrical, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other shape.

In some embodiments, the latch of the retention mechanism includes a protrusion that extends into the recess. In some embodiments, the protrusion may be triangular, pyramid-shaped, hemispherical, cylindrical, conical, or any other shape that may be inserted into the recess.

In some embodiments, the latch engagement surface of the latch has a shape complementary to the recess engagement surface of the recess. For example, the latch engagement surface may be flat and at a latch engagement angle. The notch engagement surface may similarly be flat and have a notch engagement angle. When activated, the notch may engage the notch at the notch engagement surface and most or all of the latch engagement surface may be in contact with most or all of the notch engagement surface. This may increase the bearing area, which may help to increase resistance to the removal and/or disconnection of unselected weight plates.

In some embodiments, the latch engagement angle may include any one of or any value in between 45 °, 60 °, 75 °, 80 °, 85 °, 90 °, 95 °, 100 °, 105 °, 120 °, 135 ° within a range having an upper limit, a lower limit, or both when measured counter-clockwise with respect to the lateral face. For example, the latch engagement angle may be greater than 45 °. In another example, the latch engagement angle may be less than 135 °. In other examples, the latch engagement angle may be any value in a range between 45 ° and 135 °. A latch engagement angle approaching 90 ° may provide the greatest force to secure the weight plate to the bracket. In some embodiments, a latch engagement angle greater than 45 ° may be critical to providing sufficient force to secure the weight plate to the bracket.

In some embodiments, the notch engagement angle may include any one of or any value in between 45 °, 60 °, 75 °, 80 °, 85 °, 90 °, 95 °, 100 °, 105 °, 120 °, 135 ° within a range having an upper limit, a lower limit, or both when measured counterclockwise relative to the lateral face. For example, the notch engagement angle may be greater than 45 °. In another example, the notch engagement angle may be less than 135 °. In other examples, the notch engagement angle may be any value within a range between 45 ° and 135 °. A notch engagement angle approaching 90 ° may provide the greatest force to secure the weight plate to the bracket. In some embodiments, a notch engagement angle of less than 135 ° may be critical to providing sufficient force to secure the weight plate to the bracket.

In some embodiments, the latch engagement angle and the notch engagement angle are complementary. In other words, the latch engagement angle and the notch engagement angle add up to 180 °. Complementary latch engagement angles and notch engagement angles may enhance the bearing surface between the latch engagement surface and the notch engagement surface. This may increase the force securing the weight plate to the bracket. In some embodiments, the latch engagement angle and the notch engagement angle are not complementary and may add up to an angle greater than or less than 180 °.

In some embodiments, the latch has a cross-sectional shape that complements the notch. Thus, when actuated, the latch may be inserted into the recess and provide resistance to prevent removal of an unselected weight plate from the bracket. In some embodiments, the latch has a cross-sectional shape that does not complement the notch.

In some embodiments, the latch may be located on one side of the adjustable dumbbell. In this way, the latch may be configured to connect to a recess located on a lateral or top surface of the weight plate. In some embodiments, the latches on the adjustable dumbbell side may directly engage the top surface, rather than the notches in the top surface, to secure the weight plate to the bracket. This may allow the retention system to secure the weight plate to the bracket. Further, the retention system on the adjustable dumbbell side may allow a user to visually confirm that the latch is engaged with the weight plate.

In some embodiments, the latch may be located below the adjustable dumbbell. In this way, the latch may be configured to be inserted into a cavity in the bracket surface of the weight plate and engage a recess located in the cavity. This may allow the weight plate to be secured to the bracket and may prevent user intervention with the retention mechanism.

In some embodiments, a retaining mechanism in the bracket may exert a force on the latch to insert and remove the latch from the recess. For example, the retaining mechanism may include a retaining cam shaft that includes a plurality of lobes. The protrusions may be longitudinally spaced along the retention axis and aligned with the latch arms on the latch. The projection on the latch can move relative to the recess when the projection pushes the latch arm. Each latch may include a resilient member that urges the latch in a direction opposite (e.g., toward or away from the recess) that the protrusion urges the latch arm. The resilient member may include a coil spring, a torsion spring, a wave spring, a resilient foam, a resiliently deformable material, any other resilient member, and combinations of the foregoing.

In some embodiments, the tab can move into the notch when a tab on the retaining cam shaft pushes the latch arm. In some embodiments, the tab can move away from the notch when a tab on the retaining cam shaft pushes the latch arm. In some embodiments, the latch arm may include a pivot. The latch arm can rotate about the pivot when the tab on the retaining cam shaft pushes the latch arm. Thus, with the retention cam shaft on the dumbbell side of the latch, the tab can move into the notch as the tab pushes the latch arm. With the cam shaft held across the latch opposite the dumbbell, the tab can move away from the notch as the tab pushes the latch arm.

In some embodiments, the latch may translate (e.g., not rotate, move laterally toward/away from) the weight plate. Thus, with the retention cam shaft on the dumbbell side of the latch, the tab can move away from the notch as the boss pushes the latch. With the camshaft held across the latch opposite the dumbbell, the protrusion moves toward the recess as the boss pushes the latch.

In some embodiments, the latch may be located below the bracket surface of the weight plate. When the adjustable dumbbell is placed on the bracket, the latches may protrude into cavities in the bracket surface of the weight plate. The latch may comprise two rotary latch members. In the upper latch position, a cavity member in the cavity may push the rotary latch member into a recess in the cavity, thereby securing the weight plate to the bracket. In the latch lower position, the rotary latch member may not contact the cavity member and the rotary latch member will not be inserted into the recess, allowing the weight plate to be removed from the bracket. In some embodiments, the retention cam shaft may be located below the latch. A tab on the retaining cam shaft may push the latch to the upper position.

In some embodiments, the weight plate may include a base face recess in the recess of the base face. The latch may extend upwardly into a cavity in the weight plate. The latch may be moved laterally (e.g., vertically toward and away from the base surface recess) until the latch engages the base surface recess. In this way, the latch may be moved horizontally to secure the weight plate to the bracket.

In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism may move the latch toward or away from the notch, and may include any retaining mechanism, including camshafts, solenoids, linear motors, piezoelectric materials, other linear motion devices, and combinations of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the retention mechanism may include a tab located on a cam shaft that selectively and individually engages or actuates the latch. In some embodiments, the cam shaft may actuate a single latch at a time. In some embodiments, the cam shaft may actuate more than one latch at a time. In some embodiments, the cam shaft may actuate all latches simultaneously. In some embodiments, the cam shaft may include multiple lobes on the same circumference, and the cam shaft may actuate the latch at different rotational positions. In this way, the camshaft may actuate different combinations of latches depending on the combination of selected and unselected weight plates. In some embodiments, multiple latches may use the same camshaft. In some embodiments, all latches may use the same camshaft. In some embodiments, multiple camshafts may actuate multiple latches. In some embodiments, each latch may be located on the same side of the weight plate. In some embodiments, at least one latch may be located on a first side of the weight plate and at least one latch may be located on a second side of the weight plate.

In some embodiments, as described above, the weight plate may be selected and attached to the handle using plate protrusions extending from the plate receiving portion into cavities in the weight plate. Further, as described above, the latch may protrude from the board receiving portion. Thus, each weight plate may have two protrusions extending into the weight plate. In some embodiments, the plate protrusion and the latch may extend into the same cavity in the weight plate. In some embodiments, the plate protrusion and latch may extend into different cavities in the weight plate. In some embodiments, the plate tab and the latch may be actuated by the same retaining mechanism. For example, the plate tab and the latch may be actuated using the same camshaft, with a lobe on the camshaft configured to actuate both the plate tab and the latch. In some embodiments, the plate tab and the latch may be actuated by different retaining mechanisms. For example, the plate protrusion may be actuated by a plate cam shaft and the latch may be actuated by a latch cam shaft.

In some embodiments, the weight plate may include a plate latch, and the bracket may include a bracket recess. The protrusion may extend upwardly from the plate receiving portion and into a cavity in the weight plate. In the upper position, the tab may push the one or more panel latches laterally outward. The one or more plate latches may extend into the bracket recess. Thus, when the adjustable dumbbell is removed, the unselected weight plates may be secured to the brackets with the plate latches inserted into the bracket recesses. In some embodiments, the retention mechanism may be located below the latch and move the latch between the upper and lower positions. In some embodiments, the weight plate may include both plate latches and recesses, and the bracket may include latches and bracket recesses. This may provide additional strength to the contact between the weight plate and the bracket, thereby providing additional protection against the weight plate falling off the bracket.

In some embodiments, each latch of the plurality of latches may have an associated retention mechanism. This may allow for many different combinations of engagement latches and thus weight plates secured to the bracket. This may increase the versatility of the adjustable dumbbell, which may improve the user experience. In some embodiments, multiple latches may use the same retention mechanism. This can simplify the bracket assembly, and thus can improve reliability and reduce manufacturing costs.

In some embodiments, the plate adjustment mechanism may be mechanically coupled to the retaining mechanism. In this way, when a selected weight plate is connected to the handle or bar support, the unselected weight plates may be automatically secured to the bracket. For example, an adjustable dumbbell may include at least two weight plates. The user may select a desired weight for the adjustable dumbbell through a weight selection input on a bracket, dumbbell, handle, or other location. The user may cause the plate adjustment mechanism to select the first weight and connect the first weight to the handle. The retaining mechanism may be mechanically activated using the plate adjustment mechanism, which may secure the unselected weight plates to the bracket. In at least one embodiment, mechanically connecting the plate adjustment mechanism to the retention mechanism may simplify the use of the adjustable dumbbell by allowing a user to concentrate on selecting and using a desired weight plate without concern for securing or potential safety hazards to the unselected weight plates.

In some embodiments, the plate adjustment mechanism may include a combination cam shaft to connect the weight plate to the handle, and the retention mechanism uses the same combination cam shaft to engage the latch in the recess of the weight plate to secure the weight plate to the handle. In some embodiments, the plate adjustment mechanism may include a plate cam shaft in the handle of the adjustable dumbbell. The plate cam shaft may be rotated by a plate gear on the main shaft. A latch cam shaft may selectively engage the latch with the weight plate. The latch cam shaft may be rotated by the latch gear. In some embodiments, the latch gear may be located on the same spindle as the plate gear. In some embodiments, the latch gear may be located on a countershaft that is connected to the main shaft by a gear connection. Furthermore, this may help prevent the unselected weight plates from being erroneously fixed to the bracket. Still further, this may help prevent the false failure to secure an unselected weight plate, which may then be misplaced or become a safety hazard.

In some embodiments, the rack may include a plurality of weight plate receptacles, a plate adjustment mechanism, and a retention mechanism sufficient to operate a single adjustable dumbbell. In some embodiments, the rack may include a plurality of weight plate receptacles, a plurality of plate adjustment mechanisms, and a plurality of retention mechanisms sufficient to operate a single adjustable dumbbell. In some embodiments, the plate adjustment mechanism and the retaining mechanism for multiple adjustable dumbbells may be operated by the same driving force, such as a spindle. This may simplify the dumbbell adjustment process for the user. Furthermore, this may help prevent the unselected weight plates from being erroneously fixed to the bracket. Still further, this may help prevent the false failure to secure an unselected weight plate, which may then be misplaced or become a safety hazard.

In some embodiments, a method for securing an adjustable dumbbell includes positioning a dumbbell handle in a holder. The dumbbell handle may be selectively connected to one or more selected weight plates of the plurality of weight plates. One or more unselected weight plates may be secured to the bracket based on which weight plates are selected to be attached to the dumbbell handle. Fixing the unselected weight plates to the bracket may include inserting a latch on the bracket into a recess in the unselected weight plates. Securing the unselected weight plates to the bracket may further include inserting a protrusion into a cavity in the unselected weight plates, the protrusion including a latch connected to a recess in the cavity.

The method may further include selecting a selected weight plate and identifying an unselected weight plate as any weight plate of the plurality of weight plates that is not the selected weight plate. In other words, the total number of weight plates may be divided into selected weight plates that are connected or attached to the dumbbell handle and unselected weight plates that are secured to the brackets.

In some embodiments, the adjustable dumbbell can include a rack and pinion plate adjustment mechanism. The motor may be located in a bracket and the shaft may extend through the bracket and be connected to the gearbox. The gearbox may comprise a pinion gear. The handle may be hollow and include an extension arm. The rack gear (e.g., a linear gear) may be located inside the hollow handle. The rack gear may be connected to the pinion gear. The rack gear may extend the extension arm as the pinion rotates. Each weight plate may include a void through which the extension arm may extend. The extension length of the extension arm may determine the number of weight plates selected and, thus, the total weight of the adjustable dumbbell. The motor may also be connected to a holding mechanism that includes a rack and pinion in the bracket that can extend the latch arm. The latch arm may engage/disengage the latch with a notch on the weight plate corresponding to the selected weight plate and the unselected weight plate. Thus, the plate adjustment mechanism and the holding mechanism may be connected by a gear connection.

In some embodiments, the bracket supports a plurality of weight plates and handles. The handle includes a plate adjustment mechanism that selectively connects the weight plate to the handle. The plate adjustment mechanism is driven by a motor below the bracket.

The motor below the bracket can control the board adjusting mechanism. The motor rotates the first gear shaft and the second gear shaft. The first gear shaft and the second gear shaft are connected through a plate gear belt. Thus, the first gear shaft and the second gear shaft can rotate at the same speed.

The plate adjustment mechanism includes a first gear shaft and a second gear shaft. The first gear shaft and the second gear shaft are driven by a motor. The first pinion is connected to the first gear shaft and the second pinion is connected to the second gear shaft. The first pinion drives a first rack gear on the first plate extension bar and the second pinion drives a second rack gear on the second plate extension bar.

The first plate extension rod and the second plate extension rod extend into a series of voids in the weight plate. The extension length of the first plate extension rod and the second plate extension rod determines the number of weight plates connected to the handle. In this way, by rotating the first gear shaft and the second gear shaft, the weight plate can be selected.

The adjustable dumbbell assembly includes a plate adjustment mechanism located in the handle and a retaining mechanism in the bracket. The plate adjustment mechanism and the holding mechanism are driven by the same mechanism. Specifically, the first gear shaft drives the first plate extension rod and the first holding extension rod, and the second plate gear shaft drives the second plate extension rod and the second holding extension rod. Thus, the plate adjustment mechanism may be mechanically coupled to the retaining mechanism. In other words, when the plate adjustment mechanism connects the weight plates to the handle, the retention mechanism may secure one or more of the unselected weight plates to the bracket in conjunction with the same operation of the motor.

The bracket includes a retaining mechanism slot. When the first gear shaft rotates, a first retaining pinion (not shown) on the first gear shaft may be engaged with a first retaining rack and pinion on the first retaining extension rod. This may allow the first retention extension bar to extend into the retention mechanism slot where it may engage one or more latches. The one or more latches may engage one or more of the unselected weight plates, thereby securing the one or more unselected weight plates to the bracket. Similarly, as the second gear shaft rotates, a second retaining pinion on the second gear shaft may engage a second retaining rack gear on the second retaining extension rod. This may allow the second retention extension bar to extend into the retention mechanism slot where it may engage one or more latches. The one or more latches may engage one or more of the unselected weight plates, thereby securing the one or more unselected weight plates to the bracket.

In some embodiments, each of the weight plates may be connected to each other by an interlocking connection. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the interlocking connection may allow the weight plates to separate from each other with an upward force, but may prevent separation from each other with a downward force or a longitudinal force (e.g., a force parallel to the handle). In some embodiments, the interlocking connection may be a dovetail connection. In some embodiments, the interlocking connector may be any type of interlocking connector.

The interlocking connection may help to keep all of the unselected weight plates oriented in the same orientation. In this way, the handle and selected weight plates may be removed from the bracket and all of the unselected weight plates may remain upright in the bracket. This may allow the handle and selected weight plates to be easily reinserted into the bracket without having to align the unselected weight plates in the bracket.

In some embodiments, the retention mechanism may include retention tabs at either end of the bracket. The retention tab may extend into the end weight plate. The end weight plates may be connected to other weight plates by interlocking connectors. Thus, when the handle is removed, the end weight plates may remain fixed to the bracket, and the remaining unselected weight plates may remain oriented relative to the end weight plates via the interlocking connection. Thus, the end weight plate may be the only weight plate secured to the bracket, and the remaining weight plates may remain upright based on interlocking connections with the end weight plate.

In some embodiments, the retention tab may be rigidly attached to the bracket. For example, the retaining tab may have a height and/or position relative to the bracket that does not change based on actuation of the plate adjustment mechanism. In some embodiments, the retention tab may be actuated. For example, the retention tab may have an adjustable height and may extend into the end weight plate only when the retention mechanism activates the retention tab. In other examples, the end weight plate may be secured to the bracket using latches on lateral faces of the end weight plate or any other mechanism described herein.

The following are parts of the present disclosure:

A1. a system for securing an adjustable dumbbell, comprising:

a handle;

a plate adjustment mechanism configured to selectively connect a selected weight plate of a plurality of weight plates to the handle, each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates including an engagement surface;

a bracket configured to receive the plurality of weight plates, the bracket comprising a latch; and

a retaining mechanism configured to selectively engage the latch with the engagement surface of an unselected weight plate of the plurality of weight plates, wherein the plate adjustment mechanism is mechanically connected to the retaining mechanism.

A2. The system of part A1, wherein the plate adjustment mechanism is located in the bracket.

A3. The system of part A1 or part A2, wherein the retention mechanism inserts a protrusion on the latch into a recess having the engagement surface.

A4. The system of any of sections A1-A3, wherein the plate adjustment mechanism is connected to the retention mechanism by a gear connection.

A5. The system of part A4, wherein the plate adjustment mechanism comprises a plate cam shaft and the retention mechanism comprises a latch cam shaft, and wherein the plate cam shaft and the latch cam shaft are driven by a spindle.

A6. The system of any of sections A1-A5, wherein the retention mechanism comprises a motor configured to move the latch into and out of engagement with the engagement surface.

A7. The system of part A6, wherein the motor is controlled by an exercise program.

A8. The system of part A6 or A7, wherein the exercise controller actuates the retention mechanism based on user input.

A9. The system of part A8, wherein the user input is received at a computing device.

A10. The system of part A9, wherein the user input comprises a voice command received by a voice recognition module.

A11. The system of part A9 or a10, wherein the user input comprises input implemented with one or more buttons.

A12. The system of any of sections A7-a 11, wherein the exercise program is received or controlled by a remote computing device.

A13. The system of any of sections A7-a 12, wherein the selected weights are displayed on a display.

A14. The system of any of sections A1-a 13, wherein the retention mechanism comprises a plurality of latches configured to be selectively inserted into the engagement surface.

A15. The system of part a14, wherein the bracket comprises a plurality of weight plate receptacles, and each weight plate receptacle comprises a latch of the plurality of latches.

A16. The system of part a15, further comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from the weight plate receiver, and wherein each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates includes a cavity into which a protrusion of the plurality of protrusions extends.

A17. The system of part a16, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions comprises a latch of the plurality of latches, and wherein the cavity comprises the recess.

A18. The system of any of sections a 14-a 17, wherein the recess is located on an exterior face of each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates.

A19. The system of part a18, wherein the recess is located on a lateral face of each of the plurality of weight plates.

A20. The system of part a19, wherein the recess is a first recess and each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates includes a second recess.

A21. The system of part a20, wherein each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates is secured to the bracket by a first latch of the plurality of latches being inserted into the first recess and a second latch of the plurality of latches being inserted into the second recess.

A22. The system of any of sections a 19-a 21, wherein a single latch is inserted into the recess of two weight plates of the plurality of weight plates.

A23. The system of part a22, wherein the single latch comprises a rod extending along a length of the handle.

A24. The system of any of sections a 18-a 23, wherein the recess is located on a top face of at least one of the plurality of weight plates.

B1. A system for securing an adjustable dumbbell, comprising:

a handle;

a plurality of weight plates removably connected to the handle, each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates including a recess; and

a stent, the stent comprising:

a plurality of weight plate receptacles configured to receive each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates; and

a plurality of latches configured to be selectively inserted into the notches on each of the plurality of weight plates, wherein the plurality of latches are individually actuated.

B2. The system of part B1, wherein each weight plate receiver comprises a latch of the plurality of latches.

B3. The system of part B2, further comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from the weight plate receiving portion, and wherein each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates includes a cavity into which a protrusion of the plurality of protrusions extends.

B4. The system of part B3, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions comprises a latch of the plurality of latches, and wherein the cavity comprises the recess.

B5. The system of any of sections B1-B4, wherein the recess is located on an exterior face of each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates.

B6. The system of part B5, wherein the recess is located on a lateral face of each of the plurality of weight plates.

B7. The system of part B6, wherein the recess is a first recess and each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates includes a second recess.

B8. The system of part B7, wherein each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates is secured to the bracket by a first latch of the plurality of latches being inserted into the first recess and a second latch of the plurality of latches being inserted into the second recess.

B9. The system of any of sections B6-B8, wherein a single latch is inserted into the recess of two weight plates of the plurality of weight plates.

B10. The system of part B9, wherein the single latch comprises a rod extending along a length of the handle.

B11. The system of any of sections B5-B10, wherein the recess is located on a top face of at least one of the plurality of weight plates.

B12. The system of any of parts B1-B11, wherein the bracket comprises a motor configured to move the plurality of latches into and out of engagement with the notches on the plurality of weight plates.

B13. The system of part B12, wherein the motor is controlled by an exercise program.

B14. The system of part B12 or B13, wherein the exercise controller actuates the retention mechanism based on user input.

B15. The system of part B14, wherein the user input is received at a computing device.

B16. The system of part B15, wherein the user input comprises a voice command received by a voice recognition module.

B17. The system of part B15 or B16, wherein the user input comprises input implemented with one or more buttons.

B18. The system of any of parts B13-B17, wherein the exercise program is received or controlled by a remote computing device.

B19. The system of any of parts B13-B18, wherein the selected weights are displayed on a display.

B20. The system of any of parts B13-B19, wherein the retention mechanism comprises a plurality of latches configured to be selectively inserted into the engagement surface.

C1. A method for securing an adjustable dumbbell, comprising:

placing a dumbbell handle in a holder;

selectively connecting the dumbbell handle to a selected weight plate of a plurality of weight plates; and

the non-selected weight plates of the plurality of weight plates are secured to the bracket based on the selected weight plates connected to the dumbbell handle.

C2. The method of part C1, further comprising:

selecting the selected weight plate; and

identifying the unselected weight plate as any weight plate of the plurality of weight plates that is not the selected weight plate.

C3. The method of part C1 or part C2, wherein securing the unselected weight plates includes inserting a latch into a recess in the unselected weight plates.

C4. The method of any of sections C1-C3, wherein securing the unselected weight plates comprises inserting a weight plate latch on a weight plate into a bracket recess on the bracket.

C5. The system of any of sections C1-C4, wherein selectively connecting the dumbbell handle to the selected weight plate comprises actuating a retaining mechanism with a motor.

C6. The system of part C5, further comprising controlling the motor with the exercise program.

C7. The system of part C5 or C6, further comprising actuating the retention mechanism based on user input.

C8. The system of part C7, further comprising receiving, at the computing device, a user input.

C9. The system of part C8, wherein the user input comprises a voice command received by a voice recognition module.

C10. The system of part C8 or C9, wherein the user input comprises input implemented with one or more buttons.

C11. The system of any of sections C8-C10, wherein the exercise program is received or controlled by a remote computing device.

C12. The system of any of sections C6-C11, wherein the selected weights are displayed on a display.

C13. The system of any of sections C6-C12, wherein the retention mechanism comprises a plurality of latches configured to be selectively inserted into an engagement surface.

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. The described embodiments are examples of the presently disclosed technology. Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions should be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

The articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that one or more of the elements are present in the foregoing description. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. For example, any element described with respect to an embodiment herein can be combined with any element of any other embodiment described herein. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art covered by embodiments of the present disclosure, the numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values recited herein are intended to include the value, and also include other values that are "about equal to" or "approximately similar to" the stated value. Accordingly, the stated values should be construed broadly to cover values that are at least close enough to the stated values to perform the desired function or to achieve the desired result. The stated values include at least the variations expected during the appropriate manufacturing or production process and may include values within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1% or within 0.01% of the stated values.

Those of ordinary skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions, including functional "means plus function" clauses, are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including structural equivalents that operate in the same manner and equivalent structures that provide the same function. Applicant expressly intends that no claim recitation is made to function claims or other functional claims other than the claims that appear to "means for … …" along with the associated function. Each addition, deletion, and modification of the embodiments that fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be covered by the claims.

As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" refer to an amount that is close to the stated value, yet performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. For example, the terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" may refer to amounts within less than 5%, within less than 1%, within less than 0.1%, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amounts. Furthermore, it should be understood that any direction or frame of reference in the preceding description is merely a relative direction or relative motion. For example, any reference to "upper" and "lower" or "above" or "below" is merely a description of the relative position or movement of the relevant elements.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Variations within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A system for securing an adjustable dumbbell, comprising:

a handle;

a plurality of weight plates selectively connectable to the handle;

a bracket configured to support the handle and the plurality of weight plates, the bracket including a latch to selectively retain a weight plate of the plurality of weight plates in the bracket;

a weight selection input configured to receive an input to set a weight; and

a weight controller configured to selectively attach a combination of weight plates to the handle based on input of the set weight received from the weight selection input such that a dumbbell weight matches the set weight, wherein the weight controller secures unused weight plates of the plurality of weight plates to the bracket while attaching the combination of weight plates to the handle and while allowing a selected weight plate to be removed from the bracket when attached to the handle.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the weight selection input comprises a voice recognition input.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the weight selection input comprises a communication device configured to receive the set weight from a remote computing device.

4. A system for securing an adjustable dumbbell, comprising:

a handle;

a bracket comprising a plurality of latches configured to be selectively inserted into the notches on each of the plurality of weight plates;

a weight selection input unit; and

a weight controller configured to enable one or more of the plurality of latches based on an input from the weight selection input to set a weight, wherein the weight controller secures an unused weight plate of the plurality of weight plates to the bracket and the selected weight plate is removed from the bracket when attached to the handle.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the weight selection input comprises a voice recognition input.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the weight selection input comprises a communication device configured to receive the set weight from a remote computing device.

7. The system of claim 4, further comprising a display configured to display workout information.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the display is a touch-sensitive display, and wherein the weight selection input comprises one or more buttons on the touch-sensitive display.

9. The system of claim 4, wherein the latches are actuated individually.

10. The system of claim 4, wherein the bracket comprises a slot for each weight plate of the plurality of weight plates.