Selectorized dumbbell having keyboard selector with discrete connecting pins for individual weights

[0001] This invention relates to a selectorized dumbbell having a selector that the user manipulates to adjust the mass of the dumbbell by coupling desired numbers of weight plates to each end of a handle. More particularly, this invention relates to a selector that couples the weight plates to the handle in an easy, intuitive and secure fashion.

[0002] Selectorized dumbbells overcome the cost and space obstacles presented by traditional dumbbells. In a selectorized dumbbell, a plurality of weights nest together. The weights provide a stack of nested left weight plates and a stack of nested right weight plates. The left and right stacks of weight plates are separated from one another by a gap.

[0003] In a selectorized dumbbell, a handle is inserted into the gap between the left and right stacks of weight plates. A selector is then manipulated to determine how many of the left and right weight plates of the weights are coupled to the left and right ends of the handle. Once the selector is positioned to pick up a selected number of weights, the handle can then be lifted by the user from between the stacks of weight plates. The selected number of weights will rise with the handle to be used in performing various exercises with the dumbbell.

[0004] In a typical selectorized dumbbell, an insertable connecting pin comprises the selector to determine which weights are coupled to the handle. The connecting pin is inserted into various different positions relative to the handle and/or the weights. The position of the pin determines how many weights are picked up by the handle. The pin is often coupled to the dumbbell handle by a tether so that it will not be lost.

[0005] The use of an insertable pin is an effective selector for a selectorized dumbbell. However, it must be on hand to be effective. If it is lost, then no weights can be coupled to the handle until the pin is found or a replacement pin is purchased. While the pin is usually tethered to the handle to minimize the chances that the pin will be lost, the tether itself can get in the way of the user and can be bothersome to some users.

[0006] In addition, if the pin becomes inadvertently disconnected in some way while the user is exercising, then the weights that had been coupled to the handle by the pin may detach from the handle and fall to the floor. This poses a risk of injury to the user or to a bystander. In addition, the weights may be damaged if they drop to the floor from too high a height. While the instances of a pin becoming disconnected while the dumbbell is being used are rare, they are not totally unknown.

[0007] Moreover, using a single pin to couple different numbers of weights to the handle means that the pin must be strong enough to hold all of the weights that could possibly be loaded onto the handle. In other words, if the selectorized dumbbell has a maximum mass of 50 pounds when fully loaded, then the connecting pin has to support this maximum mass without deflecting or being broken. While one connecting pin used in a selectorized dumbbell is U-shaped having a pair of connecting prongs, nonetheless this double pronged structure must still be strong enough to support the maximum mass of the dumbbell. Thus, traditional connecting pins used in selectorized dumbbells necessarily have to be fairly large and robust.

[0008] Finally, some users can be unfamiliar with where and how to properly insert the connecting pin. If the connecting pin is not fully inserted or is improperly inserted, there may be a danger that the pin will become disconnected. This gives rise to the various disadvantages noted earlier.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a selectorized dumbbell having a selector that is easier and more intuitive to use, that is permanently carried on the handle, and that couples the various weights to the handle in a secure and foolproof manner that minimizes the risk that any weights can be accidentally or inadvertently detached from the handle.

[0010] One aspect of this invention relates to a selectorized dumbbell. The selectorized dumbbell comprises a plurality of nested weights, a handle, and a selector for coupling selected numbers of weights to the handle. The selector includes a keyboard that is operable by a user to select the weights that are to be coupled to the handle.

[0011] Another aspect of this invention relates to a selectorized dumbbell which comprises an array of nested weights comprising a stack of nested left weight plates and a stack of nested right weight plates. A handle is provided having a left end and a right end. A selector couples selected numbers of left weight plates to the left end of the handle and selected numbers of right weight plates to the right end of the handle. The selector includes a plurality of keys equal to the number of the weight plates with the keys being placed on a keyboard in an arrangement corresponding to that of the array of nested left and right weight plates. The keys are selectively actuable by a user such that actuation of a key in the keyboard selects for coupling to the handle that weight plate whose position in the array of weight plates is the same as the position of the actuated key in the keyboard.

[0012] Yet another aspect of this invention relates to a selectorized dumbbell which comprises a plurality of nested weights, a handle, and a selector for coupling selected numbers of weights to the handle. The selector includes a plurality of connecting pins. At least one separate and discrete connecting pin is used to couple each weight to the handle.

[0013] An additional aspect of this invention relates to a selectorized dumbbell which comprises a plurality of nested weights, a handle, and a selector for coupling selected numbers of weights to the handle. The selector includes a pin array having a plurality of connecting pins whose length increases from one pin to the next.

[0014] A further aspect of this invention relates to a selectorized dumbbell which comprises a plurality of nested weights which provide a set of nested left weight plates and a set of nested right weight plates separated by a gap. The weights include apertures therein. A handle is provided having a hand grip. The handle is insertable into the gap between the sets of nested left and right weight plates with the handle extending along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to that of the weight plates. A selector is provided for coupling selected numbers of weights to the handle. The selector includes a plurality of individually movable connecting pins carried on the handle with the connecting pins being received in the apertures for connecting the weights to the handle. The apertures and connecting pins are configured to permit the handle to be inserted into the gap in a first position or in a second position that is 180° reversed from the first position without affecting the ability of the apertures and the connecting pins to couple the weights to the handle.

[0015] One more aspect of this invention relates to a selectorized dumbbell which comprises a plurality of nested weights, a handle, and a selector for coupling selected numbers of weights to the handle. The selector includes a plurality of individually movable connecting pins that can be bi-stably retained in either a first weight coupling position or a second weight uncoupling position. Spring biasing acts on the pins such that the pins cannot be left in an intermediate position between the first and second positions since the spring biasing will then act on the pins to return the pins to one of the first and second positions thereof.

[0027] One embodiment of a selectorized dumbbell according to this invention is illustrated generally as 2 in FIG. 1. Dumbbell 2 is similar to that shown in the Applicants' U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,762, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Dumbbell 2 is also similar to that shown in the Applicants' published U.S. patent application 2004/0162198, which is also hereby incorporated by reference. Only those features of dumbbell 2 which relate to this invention will be described in detail herein. The materials incorporated by reference above can supply other information regarding the general structure and operation of dumbbell 2 in the event the reader hereof desires or requires such information.

The Nested Weights of the Dumbbell

[0028] Dumbbell 2 has six nested weights 4_a-4_f. See FIG. 4. The first weight 4_a is the innermost weight in the array of nested weights in that it is the shortest and the narrowest weight 4. The second weight 4_b is the next outer weight in the array of nested weights 4 in that the second weight 4_b is a bit longer and wider than the first weight 4_a to allow the first weight 4_a to nest within the second weight 4_b. Each adjacent weight 4 continues to be a bit longer and wider than the adjoining inner weight 4 until one reaches the sixth or last weight 4_f in the array. The weight 4_f is the longest and widest of the weights 4.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, each weight 4 preferably includes a pair of spaced apart weight plates 6. Weights 4 thus collectively provide a stack of six nested left weight plates 6_l and a stack of six nested right weight plates 6_r. Each weight 4 includes one left weight plate 6_l and one right weight plate 6_r. The number of nested weights 4, and thus the number of nested left and right weight plates 6_l and 6_r, can obviously vary.

[0030] Each weight 4 comprises a weight frame 32 for joining one left weight plate 6_l and one right weight plate 6_r together in the spaced apart orientation. Weight frame 32 comprises generally upright front and back walls 31_f and 31_b. Front and back walls 31_f and 31_b are formed by the elongated main bodies of a pair of steel rails, namely a front rail 30_f and a back rail 30_b. Each steel rail 30 has inturned opposite ends 34.

[0031] Weight frame 32 also comprises a pair of carriers 14 secured to opposite ends of rails 30. One carrier 14 holds the left weight plate 6_l and the other carrier 14 holds the right weight plate 6_r. Thus, each weight 4 includes a pair of rails 20, a pair of carriers 14, and a pair of weight plates comprising one left weight plate 6_l and one right weight plate 6_r.

[0032] Each carrier 14 is made in two halves 14_a and 14_b as indicated in FIG. 4 by the parting line 15 between halves 14_a, 14_b. The inturned ends 34 of rails 30 are bolted between carrier halves 14_a, 14_b to attach rails 30 to carriers 14 to thereby make up one weight frame 32. Each carrier 14 includes a pair of upwardly extending arms 12 with one arm 12 being provided on each carrier half 14_a or 14_b. A single weight plate 6 is held between the arms 12 of each carrier 14 by a cross hub (not shown) formed on arms 12 extending through a central hole (not shown) in each weight plate 6. A fastener, such as a bolt 26, is used to secure arms 12 together with weight plate 6 held therebetween.

[0033] Weight frames 32 of weights 4 are progressively longer from side to side as one proceeds from the innermost weight 4_a to the outermost weight 4_b. Thus, the left and right weight plates 6_l and 6_r of each weight 4 are progressively spaced further and further apart. This is what provides the stack of nested left weight plates 6_l and the stack of nested right weight plates 6_r separated from one another by a gap. This gap is long enough to allow a handle 8, which will be described in more detail hereafter, to be dropped down or inserted into the gap between the separated stacks of nested left and right weight plates 6_l and 6_r.

[0034] In addition, weight frames 32 of weights 4 are progressively wider from front to back as one proceeds from the innermost weight 4 to the outermost weight 4. Thus, the front walls 31_f of each weight frame 32, which are formed respectively by front rails 30_f, nest closely adjacent one another. Similarly, the back walls 31_b of each weight frame 32, which are formed respectively by back rails 30_b, also nest closely adjacent one another. See FIG. 9 which shows the two nested stacks of front and back walls 31_f and 31_b separated from one another across the front to back width of dumbbell 2. As will be described hereafter, front and back walls 31 of weight frames 32 have apertures 80 that coact with a selector 10 to determine which weights are coupled to handle 8.

[0035] The construction of weights 4 can vary. For example, each carrier 14 could comprise an integral, single ear or tongue bent up out of each end of a metallic, channel shaped weight frame as shown in the published patent application earlier incorporated by reference herein. Alternatively, weight plates 6 could simply be welded to opposite ends of a metallic weight frame without using an intervening carrier 14 as shown in the issued patent earlier incorporated by reference herein. Moreover, each weight 4 could comprise only a single weight plate 6 rather than a construction which employs two spaced weight plates 6. In this latter alternative, the stacks of nested left and right weight plates 6 would be provided simply by a plurality of separate weights 4 grouped into such stacks.

The Handle of the Dumbbell

[0036] Handle 8 of dumbbell 2 includes a pair of generally vertically extending ends 40 that are spaced apart a distance at least slightly less than the distance between weight plates 6_l and 6_r of innermost weight 4_a. A hand grip 42 extends between and is secured to ends 40 of handle 8. Hand grip 42 extends along the longest axis of dumbbell 2 such that hand grip 42 is perpendicular to weight plates 6. As is well known for selectorized dumbbells, handle 8 can be dropped down between the stacks of nested left and right weight plates 6_l and 6_r to couple desired numbers of such weight plates to ends 40 of handle 8.

[0037] A space 44 is provided between each end 40 of handle 8 and the left weight plate 6_l and the right weight plate 6_r of innermost weight 4_a. This permits an auxiliary weight (not shown) to be fastened to the outside of each end 40 of handle 8 by any suitable means. For example, the auxiliary weight could simply be bolted to the outside of each end 40 of handle 8. When so affixed, one auxiliary weight would be located in each space 44.

[0038] Each auxiliary weight will preferably be approximately ½ the weight of each weight plate 6 and thus approximately ¼ of the weight of each entire weight 4. This provides an incremental adjustment capability to dumbbell 2 to permit the user to select increments in between the usual exercise masses provided by dumbbell 2. For example, if the auxiliary weights are in use, the user is able to select 15 pounds instead of 10 pounds, 25 pounds instead of 20 pounds, and so on. Alternatively, the spaces 44 shown in the drawings between each end of handle 8 and the left and right weight plates 6_l and 6_r of the innermost weight 4_a could be eliminated. In this case, each end 40 of handle 8 would be closely adjacent against the left and right weight plates 6_l and 6_r of the innermost weight 4_a.

[0039] Ends 40 of handle 8 are also connected at their bottoms by a floor 46. Floor 46 serves as a mount or support for selector 10. Preferably, floor 46 overlies substantially the entire front to back width of dumbbell 2 with the underside of floor 46 resting on top of the front and back rails 30 of the various weight frames 32. The front of floor 46 includes an L-shaped guard 48, whose purpose will be described in more detail hereafter.

The Selector of the Dumbbell

[0040] Dumbbell 2 of this invention includes a novel selector 10 for coupling weights 4 to handle 8. Selector 10 is carried on floor 46 of handle 8. Selector 10 comprises a keyboard 50 having a plurality of side by side weight selection keys k. Selector 10 also comprises a plurality of weight connecting pins 52 that are actuated by movement of weight selection keys k. Keys k and connecting pins 52 together couple desired numbers of weights 4 to handle 8 of dumbbell 2 to selectively vary the exercise mass.

[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, keyboard 50 of selector 10 is carried atop floor 46 of handle 8 to be easily accessible to the user. Keyboard 50 comprises a plurality of keys k that are pivotally mounted on a pivot shaft 54 carried along the back side of floor 46. Each key k extends across floor 46 from its connection to pivot shaft 56 to terminate in a front end 58 adjacent to and overlying front walls 31_f of weight frames 32. Preferably, keys k are long enough so that front ends 58 of keys k project forwardly past the front edge of floor 46 and past front walls 31_f of weight frames 32. This enables a user to place a finger beneath front end 58 of each key to lift up on key k when so desired.

[0042] Each key k in keyboard 50 can be lifted into a raised position shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In this raised position, key k is inclined upwardly relative to floor 46 and abuts with the underside of a bridge 60 that overlies front ends 58 of keys k. The raised position of key k is a weight non-selecting position. Each key k in keyboard 50 can also be pushed down or depressed into a lowered position shown in FIG. 8. In this lowered position, key k lies flat atop floor 46. The lowered position of key k is a weight selecting position.

[0043] There are two weight selection keys k for each nested weight of dumbbell 2. Because there are six weights, there are twelve keys k. Keys k are arranged from side to side across keyboard 50 in the following pattern when looking at the front of keyboard 50 and when going from left to right:
12 10 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7 9 11   Numbered Key Pattern.
Keys k₁ and k₂ are used to select the innermost weight 4_a, keys k₃ and k₄ are used to select the next outer weight 4_b comprising the second weight 4 in the array of nested weights 4, keys k₅ and k₆ select the third weight 4_c, and so on with keys k₁₁ and k₁₂ selecting the outermost weight 4_f.

[0044] Depressing only one key k in each pair of keys k is effective to select the corresponding weight 4 for coupling to handle 8. For example, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, both keys k in the key pairs for the first five weights 4_a-4_e are shown depressed into their weight selecting positions. However, for the key pair comprising keys k₁₁ and k₁₂ for the sixth and outermost weight 4_f, key k₁₁ is shown in its raised non-selecting position while key k₁₂ is shown in its depressed selecting position. Nonetheless, the sixth weight 4_f will still be selected just like the first five weights 4_a-4_e and will be coupled to handle 8 such that handle 8 when lifted will carry all six weights 4_a-4_f with it.

[0045] The use of a pair of keys k to select each weight 4 for coupling to handle 8 is a safety feature. If only a single key k were used and that key k were inadvertently lifted when dumbbell 2 was in use, it would be possible for the weight corresponding to that key k to become detached from handle 8. However, it is highly unlikely that both keys k in a particular pair used to select a particular weight would be inadvertently dislodged or lifted at the same time. Thus, by using a pair of keys k for each weight 4 with either key k alone being sufficient to select the weight, the chances of unintentionally uncoupling a particular weight 4 from handle 8 are diminished. However, if so desired, keyboard 50 could be arranged with only six keys k for selecting the six different weights 4_a-4_f, with the added safety provided by the key pairs then being absent.

[0046] Another safety feature is a positive interlock between keys k in which the left or even numbered keys are interlocked together and the right or odd numbered keys are also interlocked together. The term “interlock” or “interlocked” in this regard means that depressing any one of the interlocked keys requires that all of the inboard keys in the interlocked set must also be depressed.

[0047] To illustrate the interlock principle, assume we are looking at just the six interlocked left keys as follows:
12 10 8 6 4 2.
If the user depresses key k₆, then keys k₄ and k₂ (i.e. the keys that are inboard of key k₆ in the set of interlocked left keys) must also be depressed. The same principle applies to the odd numbered keys as follows:
1 3 5 7 9 11.
For example, if the user depresses key k₇, then the three inboard keys k₁, k₃ and k₅ must also be depressed. The interlock functions only one way however, namely when keys k are being depressed. If in the last example key k₇ is being lifted, then keys k₁, k₃ and k₅ are not required to be lifted as well. They can remain depressed.

[0048] The interlock of the even numbered keys to one another and the odd numbered keys to one another is achieved by a inwardly extending lateral tab 62 on all but the innermost key in each set of interlocked keys. Tab 62 is designed to fit into an upwardly facing mating recess 64 on all but the outermost key in each set of interlocked keys. Thus, again taking the example of the odd numbered keys:
1 3 5 7 9 11,
then keys k₃, k₅, k₇, k₉ and k₁₁ all have lateral tabs 62 on their inner sides while keys k₁, k₃, k₅, k₇, and k₉ all have upwardly facing mating recesses 64 in their outer sides to receive the inwardly extending lateral tabs 62 on the adjacent keys k. FIG. 6 shows one such tab 62 on the raised key k₁₁ that will engage in recess 64 on the inner adjacent key k₉. The same tab/recess arrangement is used on the even numbered keys.

[0049] If one assumes that all of keys k are initially in their raised non-selecting positions, depressing any even or odd numbered key will force or depress all of the remaining and inboard even or odd numbered keys down as well. This is due to the interaction of each tab 62 with recess 64 in each adjacent key. For example, referring once again to the odd numbered keys:
1 3 5 7 9 11,
assume all keys k are raised and then key k₅ is depressed. If key k₅ is depressed, then tab 62 on key k₅ will push downwardly on recess 64 in key k₃ to depress key k₃, and tab 62 on key k₃ will also push downwardly on recess 64 in key k₁ to depress key k₁. Thus, pushing down any key in either the odd or even numbered sets of keys necessarily depresses the other inboard keys in the same set of keys.

[0050] As will be described hereafter, keys k are acted upon by a spring bias such that the user must depress keys k against the spring bias. If a user pushes down on one key in the odd or even numbered sets of keys, the user must overcome the bias on that key as well as the bias on all of the inboard keys in that interlocked set. This is fairly easy to do if one, two or perhaps three keys are being pushed down or depressed simultaneously, However, it becomes more difficult to do if one attempts to depress all six keys by just pushing down on the outermost key in the set, e.g. if one attempts to depress keys
1 3 5 7 9 11
just by pushing down on key k₁₁. In this situation, the user would push down keys k in groups beginning with the inner keys and working out to the outer keys. For example, the user would first push down keys k₁ and k₃, then move out and push down keys k₅ and k₇ next, and then finally move further out and push down keys k₉ and k₁₁ last.

[0051] If desired, indicia could be provided somewhere on handle 8 for use with keys k to indicate how much dumbbell 2 weighs when particular pairs of keys are depressed. For example, indicia could be printed, stamped or molded on the top of bridge 60 to overlie the raised outer end 58 of each key k when key k is in its raised non-selecting position. Assuming the nominal weight of handle 8 is 5 pounds and each weight adds 10 pounds to handle 8, then bridge 60 would be labelled to show the six different exercise masses that could be selected. The indicia on bridge 60 could be in the following pattern corresponding to the pattern of the keys k:

[0052]

65	55	45	35	25	15	15	25	35	45	55	65	Indicia Pattern;
12	10	8	6	4	2	1	3	5	7	9	11	Key Pattern.

[0053] Thus, a user would know which keys to depress to pick a particular exercise mass. If the user wanted dumbbell 2 to weigh 35 pounds in the above example, then the user would depress the following keys from the odd and even numbered sets of keys:
6 4 2 1 3 5.
If the user wanted only 15 pounds, then the user would depress only the following keys:
2 1.

[0054] The nature of the indicia placed on bridge 60 could obviously vary. In addition, instead of indicia printed on bridge 60 or some other portion of handle 8, keys k could themselves be labelled or color coded to indicate the various weights that can be selected.

[0055] Each key k includes a downwardly pointing, double lobed cam actuator 66 on the underside thereof. Cam actuator 66 has a rounded front cam lobe 67_f and a rounded back cam lobe 67_b. In addition, cam actuator 66 includes a recessed detent 65 above each of the front and back cam lobes 67_f and 67_b.

[0056] Cam actuators 66 on all keys k are received over in a slot 68 in floor 46 of handle 8. In the raised non-selecting position of a key k, the cam actuator 66 carried by that key k is raised upwardly relative to floor 46 of handle 8 such that cam actuator 66 projects only a small distance into slot 68. This is shown in FIG. 7. In the lowered selecting position of key k, cam actuator 66 is lowered downwardly relative to floor 46 of handle 8 such that cam actuator 66 now projects a greater distance downwardly into slot 68. This is shown in FIG. 8.

[0057] Cam actuator 66 on each key k operates on a pair of front and back connecting pins 52_f and 52_b. There are twelve keys k with twelve cam actuators 66 so there are twelve pairs of front and back connecting pins 52_f and 52_b. Thus, there are twelve front connecting pins 52_f contained in a front pin array 70_f on a front pin block 72_f on the underside of floor 46 of handle 8. Similarly, there are twelve back connecting pins contained 52_b in a back pin array 70_b on a back pin block 72_b on the underside of floor 46 of handle 8. See FIG. 5 which illustrates both the front and back pin arrays 70_f and 70_b contained on the underside of floor 46 of handle 8.

[0058] Each connecting pin 52 has an arrow shaped head 74 connected to an outwardly extending shaft 76. Shaft 76 of pin 52 passes through a bore in that pin block 72 in which pin 52 is slidably contained. A spring 78 is compressed between the inner side of pin block 72 and the back side of head 74 of pin 52. Spring 78 biases pin 52 inwardly relative to floor 46 of handle 8 to move head 74 of pin 52 towards the center of floor 46.

[0059] Head 74 of pin 52 abuts against one of the cam lobes 67 on cam actuator 66 of key k. Head 74 of front connecting pin 52_f abuts against front cam lobe 67_f on cam actuator 66 while head 74 of back connecting pin 52_b abuts against back cam lobe 67_b on cam actuator 66. This is depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8 which show how heads 74 of the front and back connecting pins 52_f and 52_b in each pair point inwardly towards one another to ride on the oppositely disposed cam lobes 67_f and 67_b of cam actuator 66.

[0060] When each key k is in its raised non-selecting position, cam actuator 66 is raised sufficiently so that the front and back connecting pins 52_f and 52_b controlled by that cam actuator 66 are able to slide towards one another. Heads 74 of pins 52 are able to contact or closely approach one another. The bias of springs 78 urges pins 52 inwardly towards one another. In the non-selecting position as shown in FIG. 7, the outer ends of shafts 76 of pins 52 are retracted into the front and back pin blocks 72.

[0061] If the user now depresses key k, as shown in FIG. 8, the front and back connecting pins 52_f and 52_b in this pair of pins 52 move or slide apart in opposite directions from one another. This is caused by the increasing depth of the cam profiles of the front and back cam lobes 67_f and 67_b, namely connecting pins 52 get cammed apart by cam actuator 66 as key k is forced downwardly. Once key k is fully depressed, the front and back cam lobes have slipped below heads 74 of pins 52 and heads 74 of pins 52 are now held in detents 65 located immediately above cam lobes 67. In this position, shafts 76 of connecting pins 52 have now been extended or projected out of the front and back pin blocks 72. The outer ends of shafts 76 are now exposed and can be used to couple one weight 4 to handle 8.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the front and back walls 31 of each weight frame 32 of each weight 4 have apertures 80 therein for receiving the outer ends of shafts 76 of connecting pins 52 when such shafts project outwardly from the front and back pin blocks. In other words, for each pair of connecting pins 52, there is one aperture 80 in each front wall 31_f and one aperture 80 in each back wall 31_b of each weight frame 32. Because selector 10 desirably uses two keys k to select each weight 4, and because each key k actuates its own separate pair of connecting pins 52, there are actually two apertures 80 on each of the front and back walls 31_f and 31_b of each weight frame 32. Thus, when the pair of keys k used to select each weight 4 are both depressed, a total of four connecting pins 52 project through a total of four apertures 80 on each weight 4.

[0063] Apertures 80 in front and back walls 31 of the nested weight frames 32 are staggered in a chevron like manner as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In other words, beginning with weight frame 32 of innermost weight 4_a, the two apertures 80 in wall 31 are arranged at the center of wall 31. Apertures 80 in wall 31 of the next outer weight 4_b are slightly spread apart from one another to lie on either side of apertures 80 in the first weight 4_a. Similarly, apertures 80 in wall 31 of the third weight 4_c are further spread apart from one another to lie on either side of apertures 80 in the second weight 4_b, and so on all the way out to the sixth and outermost weight 4_f. Thus, looking at FIG. 9, one can see that apertures 80 are arranged along the inclined sides of a chevron shape. Apertures 80 are identical whether one is describing the front walls 31_f or the back walls 31_b of each weight frame 32.

[0064] Each front and back wall 31 also include a pair of slots 82 outboard of apertures 80 in front and back walls 31. These outboard slots 82 are sized and arranged to allow for the passage of the connecting pins 52 used for the other outer weights 4. For example, referring to wall 31 of weight frame 32 of innermost weight 4_a, two large outboard slots 82 are provided on either side of the two central apertures 80. These outboard slots 80 are placed in front of all of apertures 80 in the walls 31 of the other weights 4_b-4_f such that these apertures are exposed to receive their own respective connecting pins 52. In other words, outboard slots 82 are needed to prevent one weight 4 from blocking access to the apertures 80 in the other outer weights 4.

[0065] The size and location of outboard slots 82 used for pin clearance necessarily vary from weight to weight. Referring to FIG. 10 and looking at wall 31 of the second weight 4_b, outboard slots 82 are shorter and further out than slots 82 in the first weight 4_a. Similarly, looking at wall 31 of the third weight 4_c, outboard slots 82 are still shorter and further out than outboard slots 82 in the second weight 4_b, and so on all the way out to the outermost or sixth weight 4_f. This last weight has no slots 82 outboard of apertures 80 therein since there are no other weights that are nested outside of the last weight 4_f.

[0066] In addition to outboard slots 82, walls 31 of weights 4, except for walls 31 of the first or innermost weight 4_a, also have a slot or slots 84 inboard of apertures 80. Inboard slots 84 lie immediately behind apertures 80 in the preceding weight 4. In other words, the single inboard slot 84 in the second weight 4_b lies immediately behind the two apertures 80 in the first weight 4_a The pair of inboard slots 84 in the third weight 4_c lie immediately behind the two apertures 80 in the second weight 4_b and so on.

[0067] Inboard slots 84 allow the outer ends of shafts 76 of connecting pins 52 used to couple the preceding weight to project into inboard slots 84 to accommodate small tolerance variations in the length of shafts 76. In other words, it is not critical that each shaft be closely controlled as to length. If one shaft 76 is a bit longer than another, the longer shaft 76 will simply extend slightly into the inboard slot or slots 84 provided therefor in the following weight 4.

[0068] As seen most clearly in FIG. 5, shafts 76 of the various connecting pins 52 also have a progressively varying length as one proceeds from connecting pins 52 used for the innermost weight 4_a to connecting pins 52 used for the outermost weight 4_f. Thus, the outer ends of shafts 76 of connecting pins 52 in both the front and back pin arrays 70_f and 70_b also have a chevron shape similar to the chevron shape of apertures 80 in walls 31 of weight frames 32. This is desirable since the travel or distance that each pin 52 must be thrown in order to couple to its respective weight 4 is approximately the same. Thus, heads 74 of pins 52, and the profiles of the cam lobes 67 on cam actuators 66, can be identical irrespective of which pins 52 in the arrays 70 are being actuated.

[0069] In addition, because of the increasing length of shafts 76 of pins 52, the shafts 76 of the pins for the outer weights 4 necessarily overlie the side walls 31 of the inner weights 4. However, this overlying is permitted because of the outboard slots 82 in the side walls 31.

[0070] With selector 10 of this invention, connecting pins 52 in the front and back pin arrays 70_f and 70_b must be aligned with the various apertures 80 in front and back walls 31_f and 31_b of weight frames 32. If they are misaligned, a pin 52 may not properly enter its respective aperture 80. Desirably, weight frames 32 and selector 10 will simply be manufactured precisely enough to ensure such alignment.

[0071] However, if need be, various ways could be utilized to ensure alignment to permit proper pin and aperture registration. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, weight frame 32 of the outermost weight 4_f can include a pair of alignment bars 86 extending between front and back walls 31_f and 31_b thereof. Each weight frame 32 of the inner weights 4_a -4_e would include a pair of downwardly facing alignment notches 88 in front and back walls 31 for receiving alignment bars 86. Thus, when all six weights are nested together, notches 88 in the inner five weights 4_a-4_e will be received on alignment bars 86 of the sixth weight 4_f to ensure that all of the apertures 80 will be properly aligned with connecting pins 52 to smoothly receive connecting pins 52. Alignment bars 86 could also be provided on a stand for holding dumbbell 2 in which case even the outermost weight 4_f would include the alignment notches 88.

[0072] Other ways of dealing with this alignment issue could be utilized. The outer ends of shafts 76 of connecting pins 52 could be chamfered to make pins 52 self aligning in apertures 80. Alternatively, apertures 80 themselves could be elongated or oval in nature to provide extra tolerance for receiving shafts 76 of connecting pins 52.

[0073] Selector 10 of this invention is intuitive and easy to use. The user will easily and quickly understand that all that needs to be done is to depress keys k for whatever exercise mass is desired. This intuitive understanding is enhanced since the twelve keys in the key pattern, namely keys:
12 10 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7 9 11
correspond visually and operationally to the six left weight plates 6_l and the six right weight plates 6_r. In effect, the user is looking at the weight plates as the user looks at the keyboard. If the user wants to select the three inner left weight plates 6_l and the three inner right weight plates 6_r of the first three inner weights 4_a-4_c, the user need only depress the corresponding three left inner keys k₆, k₄, k₂ and the three right inner keys k₁, k₃, k₅. These are simply the keys which occupy the same positions in keyboard 50 as do the desired nested left and right weight plates 6_l and 6_r within the entire assembly of weights 4.

[0074] There is also no need to have a separate connecting pin that needs to be manually inserted into different slots or locations on handle 8 or on weight frames 32. Keyboard 50 is always in place and never changes location on handle 8. Keyboard 50 simply invites the user to press down those keys k that are needed to select the desired weights 4.

[0075] In addition, weights 4 in dumbbell 2 are now individually pinned or coupled to handle 8 using discrete connecting pins 52 dedicated to the coupling of each weight 4. If three weights 4 are coupled to handle 8, a total of twelve pins 52 (four pins 52 per weight) take the load, instead of only a single or double pronged connecting pin as in prior art selectorized dumbbells. Thus, connecting pins 52 can be made lighter and smaller and can even be molded out of a rigid plastic material, thereby facilitating permanent placement on handle 8, since they individually need not carry an extremely heavy load. Pins 52 could also be molded out of a UHMW-PE material that would deform without breaking when such pins 52 see an impact load. The number of connecting pins used increases with the increasing weight of dumbbell 2.

[0076] In addition, the keyboard/connecting pin arrangement shown herein is believed to be safer and more reliable in operation. Because two keys k are used to couple each weight 4 to handle 8 using two pairs of front and back connecting pins 52, it is unlikely that both keys k would be inadvertently disengaged at the same time. Thus, even if one key k were inadvertently lifted, the other key will remain depressed with its pair of connecting pins 52 still coupling the selected weight to handle 8. The presence of the L-shaped guard 48 on the front of floor 46 of handle 8 further protects keys k from accidentally being pushed up or lifted by banging the front side of dumbbell 2 down onto the edge of a stand, workout bench or rack. The impact will be taken by guard 48 and not keys k.

[0077] The spring bias on connecting pins 52 also ensures that each key k is positively held in either the lowered selecting position or the raised non-selecting position. If a key k is only partially depressed and then released, the spring bias on connecting pins 52 will act on the cam lobes to cause key k to return all the way back up to its raised non-selecting position. Key k must be firmly depressed all the way to its lowered selecting position in order to be retained therein with heads 74 of connecting pins 52 then held in the detents 65 located above the cam lobes 67. Thus, keys k are held in bi-stable positions comprising either the raised or lowered positions and cannot be inadvertently disposed or hung up in between such positions.

[0078] Pin arrays 70 are mirror images relative to one another. In addition, the pins 52 in each array 70 are disposed in mirror images along each side of the chevron. Moreover, apertures 80 are disposed in mirror image sets in the front and rear side walls. Thus, if a user picks up handle 8 with some weights 4 attached, and then inadvertently replaces handle 8 in a reversed position that is 180° offset from the position in which handle 8 was picked up, it will not matter to the proper functioning of dumbbell 2. All the apertures 80 and connecting pins 52 will still be properly aligned regardless of whether handle 8 is reversed when it is set back down between the stacks of nested left and right weight plates 6.

[0079] The ability of selector 10 to work properly whether handle 8 is reversed or not when it is set down between the stacks of nested left and right weight plates 6 is desirable. In a showroom setting, users who are unfamiliar with the equipment will often replace handle 8 in a 180° reversed position. If the selector 10 were designed so that it would not properly work if this were to occur, i.e. if handle 8 always had to be replaced in the same orientation as when it was picked up, this would give the erroneous impression that the dumbbell was broken. Having a dumbbell whose selector 10 will function exactly the same in either possible position of handle 8 avoids giving this impression and is also much easier to use since the user need not pay attention to the precise position of handle 8.

[0080] It would be possible for only a single key k and pair of connecting pins 52 arranged on the centerline of the innermost weight 4_a to be used in place of the pair of keys k₁ and k₂ and the dual pairs of connecting pins 52. Such a single key k would lie exactly along the apex of the chevron shape of the front and back pin arrays 70. Such a construction would still provide a reversible handle 8 as described above. However, it is preferred that the innermost weight 4_a use a pair of keys so that its operation is like that of all the other weights.

[0081] Various modifications of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, weight frames 32 could be split in half such that each left weight plate 6_l is no longer coupled to each right weight plate 6_r. Each left weight plate 6_l would be individually coupled to handle 8 using one of the even numbered keys k and each right weight plate 6_r would be similarly individually coupled using the odd numbered keys k. Such an arrangement would allow different numbers of weight plates to be simultaneously coupled to the left and right ends of handle 8.

[0082] In addition, while apertures 80 have been shown as being contained within the height of side walls 31, apertures 80 could be provided in tabs that project upwardly from the top edges of side walls 31. In this case, the outboard and inboard slots 82 and 84, respectively, would not need to be present as the open spaces above the side walls on either side of the tabs would serve the same purposes as slots 82 and 84.

[0083] Thus, the scope of this invention is to be limited only by the appended claims.