# US 5,000,446 A · Color-coded weight stack pin system for exercise machines > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 5,000,446 A - Document ID: US5000446A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 07/588,408 - Filed: 1990-09-26 - Granted: 1991-03-19 - Earliest claimed: 1990-09-26 - Inventors: Timothy N. Sarno - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5000446A ## CPC - A63B 21/0628: {for vertical array of weights} - A63B 21/063: {Weight selecting means} - A63B 21/0632: {the weights being lifted by rigid means} - A63B 2071/0027: {visually handicapped} - A63B 2225/72: Means preventing unauthorised use, e.g. by lowering a tennis net - Y10S 482/908: Adjustable - A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H) - Y10S: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS ## Abstract Methods and apparatus are disclosed for insuring the use of the correct weight stack pin in setting the desired weight on a weight loading stack of a weight exercise machine in an installation including different types of machines. The weight stack pin of each type of machine is marked with a particular color specific to that type of machine, a sign plate is affixed to each individual machine bearing indicia including the color code specific to that type of machine and an outline of the shape of the weight stack pin used in that type of machine, and a chart is prominently displayed bearing instructions for correct weight stack pin selection and including a list of all the color and pin-shape indicia from all of the different types of weight exercise machines in an exercise facility. Apparatus in kit form comprises means for marking each weight stack pin with the proper color, a sign plate for each machine bearing the proper color and an outline of the proper weight stack pin, means for affixing each plate to an individual machine of the appropriate type, and a display chart as described above for prominent display at a central location in the exercise facility where the chart can be easily seen and read by users of the weight exercise machines. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for facilitating the use of the correct weight stack pin in setting the desired weight on a weight loading stack of an individual weight exercise machine in an installation including a plurality of different types of weight exercise machines each having a related weight stack pin of distinct shape and size, comprising: marking each weight stack pin of each type of machine with a particular color specific to that type of machine; and affixing to each individual machine a plate bearing indicia including the color specific to that type of machine and an outline of the shape of the weight stack pin used in that type of machine; whereby a user of said machines will be aided in using the correctly shaped and sized weight stack pin in setting the desired weight on the weight loading stack of any individual machine and thereby avoid unsafe operating conditions or accidents associated with using the wrong type of weight stack pin in any particular individual weight exercise machine. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1 wherein in said affixing step each said plate is affixed to each said machine at a location prominently visible to a user of said machine when said user is adjusting the weight on the weight stack of said machine. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1 wherein in said marking step each said weight stack pin has a head portion which is marked with said specific color associated with that type of weight exercise machine. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The method of claim 3 wherein each said weight stack pin includes a head portion and a body portion and said marking step comprises painting the head portion of each said weight stack pin with paint of said specific color associated with that type of machine. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The method of claim 3 wherein said marking comprises coating the head portion of each said weight stack pin with a plastic material having said specific color associated with that type of machine. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1 wherein each said plate comprises an outline in white of the shape of said weight stack pin surrounded by a solid background of said specific color. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1 comprising the additional step of displaying a chart in said installation bearing instructions for correct weight stack pin selection, including a list of all the color and pin-shape indicia from all of the different types of weight exercise machines in said installation. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7 wherein in said affixing step each said plate is affixed to each said machine at a location prominently visible to a user of said machine when said user is adjusting the weight on the weight stack of said machine. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7 wherein each said weight stack pin includes a head portion and a body portion and in said marking step said head portion is marked with said specific color associated with that type of weight exercise machine. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The method of claim 9 wherein said marking step comprises painting said head portion of each said weight stack pin with paint of said specific color associated with that type of machine. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The method of claim 9 wherein said marking step comprises coating the head of each said weight stack pin with a plastic material having said specific color associated with that type of machine. ### Claim 12 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7 wherein each said plate comprises an outline in white of the shape of said weight stack pin surrounded by a solid background of said specific color. ### Claim 13 A method for facilitating the use of the correct weight stack pin in setting the desired weight on a weight loading stack of an individual weight exercise machine in an installation including a plurality of different types of weight exercise machines each having a related weight stack pin of distinct shape and size, comprising: replacing each weight stack pin of each type of machine with an identically shaped weight stack pin marked with a particular color specific to that type of machine; and affixing to each individual machine a plate bearing indicia including the oolor specific to that type of machine and an outline of the shape of the weight stack pin used in that type of machine; whereby a user of said machines will be aided in using the correctly shaped and sized weight stack pin in setting the desired weight on the weight loading stack of any individual machine and thereby avoid unsafe operating conditions or accidents associated with using the wrong type of weight stack pin in any particular individual weight exercise machine. ### Claim 14 Apparatus for modifying an installation of a plurality of different types of weight exercise machines each having a related weight stack pin of distinct shape and size to facilitate the use of the correct weight stack pin in setting the desired weight on a weight loading stack of an individual weight exercise machine comprising: means for marking each weight stack pin of each type of machine with a particular color specific to that type of machine; a plurality of plates, each said plate bearing indicia including the color specific to that type of machine and an outline of the shape of the weight stack pin used in that type of machine; and means for affixing each said plate to an individual machine of the appropriate type; whereby a user of said machines will be aided in using the correctly shaped and sized weight stack pin in setting the desired weight on the weight loading stack of any individual machine and thereby avoid unsafe operating conditions or accidents associated with using the wrong type of weight stack pin in any particular individual weight exercise machine. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said means for affixing comprises an adhesive material and each said plate is intended to be affixed with said material to each said machine at a location prominently visible to a user of said machine when said user is adjusting the weight on the weight stack of said machine. ### Claim 16 (depends on 14) The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said means for marking comprises a plurality of containers of paint of different colors, with each color associated with a specific type of weight machine, and a means for painting the head of each said weight stack pin with said paint of a color associated with that type of machine. ### Claim 17 (depends on 14) The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said means for marking comprises a plurality of containers of spray paint of different colors, with eaoh color associated with a specific type of weight machine. ### Claim 18 (depends on 14) The apparatus of claim 14 wherein each said weight stack pin includes a head portion and a body portion and wherein said means for marking comprises means for coating said head portion of each said weight stack pin with a plastic material having a specific color associated with that type of machine. ### Claim 19 (depends on 14) The apparatus of claim 14 wherein each of said plurality of plates comprises an outline in white of the shape of said weight stack pin surrounded by a solid background of said specific color. ### Claim 20 (depends on 14) The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising a chart intended to be prominently displayed in said installation, bearing instructions for correct weight pin selection, including a list of all the color and pin-shape indicia from all of the different types of weight exercise machines in said installation. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said means for affixing comprises an adhesive material and each said plate is intended to be affixed with said material to each said machine at a location prominently visible to a user of said machine when said user is adjusting the weight on the weight stack of said machine. ### Claim 22 (depends on 20) The apparatus of claim 20 wherein each said weight stack pin has a head portion and a body portion, said body portion being inserted into said weight stack in use, and wherein said means for marking comprises a container of paint of said specific color and a means for painting the head portion of each said weiqht stack pin with said paint of said specific color associated with that type of machine. ### Claim 23 (depends on 20) The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said marking means comprises means for ooatinq the head portion of each said weight stack pin with a plastic material having said specific color associated with that type of machine. ### Claim 24 (depends on 20) The apparatus of claim 20 wherein each of said plurality of plates comprises an outline in white of the shape of said weight stack pin surrounded by a solid background of said specific color. ### Claim 25 Apparatus for modifying an installation of a plurality of different types of weight exercise machines each having a related weight stack pin of distinct shape and size to facilitate the use of the correct weight stack pin in setting the desired weight on a weight loading stack of an individual weight exercise machine, comprising: a plurality of replacement weight stack pins, each said replacement pin being marked with a particular color associated with the type of weight exercise machine whose weight stack pin said replacement pin is intended to replace; a plurality of plates, each said plate bearing indicia including the color specific to that type of machine and an outline of the shape of the weight stack pin used in that type of machine; and means for affixing each said plate to an individual machine of the appropriate type; whereby a user of said machines will be aided in using the correctly shaped and sized weight stack pin in setting the desired weight on the weight loading stack of any individual machine and thereby avoid unsafe operating conditions or accidents associated with using the wrong type of weight stack pin in any particular individual weight exercise machine.