Weight Changing Systems And Methods, and Fitness Equipment Incorporating Same

A weight changing system, comprising:

• a frame;
• a plurality of weights individually movable relative to the frame, each of the weights having a receiving member bordered by an opening;
• a weight carriage movable relative to the frame;
• the weight carriage having a plurality of latch assemblies, biasing members, and actuators;
• each latch assembly having a pivotally-reciprocating member with opposed hook and trigger portions;
• each hook portion being configured to extend around and engage a respective receiving member;
• and
• a control system configured to select at least one of the weights for coupling to the weight carriage, and to activate at least one of the actuators while the weight carriage moves toward the weights;
• wherein activating at least one of the actuators while the weight carriage moves toward the weights causes sequentially:
• (a) at least one of the actuators to impart force on at least one of the trigger portions, overcoming force imparted by at least one of the biasing members;
• (b) at least one of the hook portions to interfere with at least one of the receiving members;
• and
• (c) at least one of the hook portions to extend around and engage at least one of the receiving members.

A weight changing system, comprising:

• a frame;
• a plurality of weights individually movable relative to the frame, each of the weights having a receiving member;
• a weight carriage movable relative to the frame;
• the weight carriage extending generally horizontally and being movable generally vertically;
• the weight carriage having a plurality of latch assemblies, biasing members, and actuators;
• each latch assembly having a pivotally-reciprocating member with opposed hook and trigger portions;
• each hook portion being configured to extend around and engage a respective receiving member;
• and
• a control system configured to select a respective weight for coupling to the weight carriage, and to activate a respective actuator while the weight carriage moves toward the weights;
• the control system including a processor in data communication with a position sensor, a user input device, and a user output device;
• wherein activating the actuator while the weight carriage moves toward the weights causes sequentially:
• (a) the respective actuator to impart force on a respective trigger portion, overcoming force imparted by a respective biasing member;
• (b) a respective hook portion to interfere with a respective receiving member;
• and
• (c) the respective hook portion to extend around and engage the respective receiving member.

Fitness equipment, comprising:

• a weight changing system comprising:
• a frame;
• a plurality of weights individually movable relative to the frame, each of the weights having a receiving member bordered by an opening;
• a weight carriage movable relative to the frame;
• the weight carriage having a plurality of latch assemblies, biasing members, and actuators;
• each latch assembly having a pivotally-reciprocating member with opposed hook and trigger portions;
• each hook portion being configured to extend around and engage a respective receiving member;
• and
• a control system configured to select at least one of the weights for coupling to the weight carriage, and to activate at least one of the actuators to impart force on at least one of the trigger portions to cause at least one of the hook portions to extend around and engage at least one of the receiving members;
• and
• a force-transfer element coupled to the weight carriage for moving the weight carriage upwardly.