Variable weight device

#Individuals that weight train sometimes desire to perform exercises in which the weight that is lifted increases as the weight is lifted upwardly, and decreases as the weight is lowered. One common method of obtaining such a variable weight is to wrap lengths of chain around the ends of a weight lifting bar. As the bar is lifted, chain links are lifted from the ground, increasing the total weight that is lifted, and as the bar is lowered, chain links are lowered onto the ground, decreasing the total lifted weight. A drawback of such a method, is that it is unwieldy.

#The present invention can provide a variable, flexible or linked weight apparatus, device or system, that allows variable weight exercises to be performed in an easy and adjustable manner.

#The present invention can provide a variable weight device for an exercise device which can include a housing. A flexible length of cable can be stored within the housing. The length of the cable that extends from the housing can be adjustable. A length of flexible weight can be secured to one of the housing and the cable.

#The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention.

#FIG. 1 is a rear view of a user performing a bench press exercise with an embodiment of a variable weight device.

#FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a housing of a variable weight device.

#FIG. 1 shows an example of a user 24 performing a bench press exercise in accordance with an embodiment in the present invention. Variable, flexible or linked weight systems, apparatuses or devices 10, can be secured on opposite end sleeves 14 of a weight lifting or training exercise bar or device 12, and against the plate weights 16. An adjustable length cable 18 can extend from each device 10, terminating in a ring 20, to which a length of flexible weight or chain 22 can be attached. As the user 24 performs his exercises, the chain 22 incrementally lifts from the floor or ground 26, thereby increasing the total lifted weight as the bar 12 is moved upwardly, and decreasing the total lifted weight as the bar 12 moves downwardly. The length of the cable 18 can be adjusted to provide the desired weight characteristics, or to adjust to different starting heights at which the lifted weight begins to increase. The cable 18 can have markings 18a to aid in evenly adjusting the starting height or point at both ends of the bar 12. The markings can be graduated and similar to a tape measure or can have color coded markings. In some embodiments, the markings can indicate the weight increase profile. In an example, the cables 18 can be adjusted so that the user 24 can lift the bar 12 a desired distance before the chains 22 begin to lift from the ground 26. Alternatively, the cables 18 can be adjusted to begin to lift the chains 22 immediately at the beginning of the lifting motion of the bar 12. In addition, the length of the cables 18 can be adjusted to increase or decrease the amount of chain 22 and weight that is initially lifted at the start of the exercise. This can allow the user 24 to vary the starting weight of an exercise within a certain range without adding or removing plate weights 16.

#The size and configuration of the chain 22 and the links 22a of the chain 22 can be chosen to provide the desired added weight and weight increase/decrease profile, for example, a gradual smooth incremental increase/decrease, or rapid incremental increase/decrease, which can be in large increments. For example, depending upon the situation at hand, the length of the chain 22 as well as the size, shape and weight of the links 22a can be varied. In some embodiments, the links 22a can be triangular, circular, flattened, different sizes in the same chain 22 etc. In addition, some links 22a can nest within each other or stack together. The flexible weight or chain 22 can also include linked weights that are connected or linked together by cords, ropes, chain or sliding rods or pieces. The flexible weight or chain 22 can be elongate or squat, depending upon the configuration of the links 22a. Also, the increase/decrease in weight provided by chain 22 can be linear, or nonlinear, depending upon the configuration of the chain 22. Furthermore, the chain 22 can be replaced with a nonlinked flexible weight, for example, a flexible tube filled with weighted particles, or a weighted flexible ribbon or rope. As a result, the flexible weight can have weight or weights that are laterally moveable relative to portions thereof, or to each other if there is a series of links 22a or weights. Referring to FIG. 2, the variable weight device 10 can be disc shaped and can have handles 11.

#Referring to FIG. 3, variable weight devices 10 can be added to a plate type exercise or weight machine or device 30, by adapters 40 or at other suitable structures, to provide adjustable and desired weight increase/decrease characteristics during an exercise range of motion. The exercise machine 30 can have a component such as a plate mechanism 35 that is moveably mounted to a frame 41 and moves in a fixed path up and down, relative to the frame 41, to which the variable weight devices 10 can be connected. The plate mechanism 35 can be lifted and lowered by an exercise interface component or member 39 that is moveably mounted to the frame 41, for example, a bench press handle as shown. The interface member 39 can be connected to the plate mechanism 35 by an appropriate coupling mechanism 37. The interface member 39 can move in a fixed path up and down relative to the frame 41. The starting point of the weight increase can be adjusted by adjusting length of the cable 18 extending from device 10. A pin 36 can be inserted through a hole 38 in a selected plate 34 of the plate mechanism 35 to secure a desired number of plates 34 and associated weight to a shaft 32 for lifting by the user 24. FIG. 3 depicts two variable weight devices 10, however, in some embodiments, one may be sufficient. The flexible weight or chain 22 can be stored in a container 28, such as a tube, from which the chain 22 is lifted out of and lowered back into. The location of the variable weight device 10 can be varied depending upon the configuration of the exercise machine 30 and the situation at hand. In some embodiments, a single variable weight device 10 can be centrally positioned. In addition, the variable weight device 10 can be connected to other locations or mechanisms on the exercise machine 30 that are lifted and lowered, such as the handles 39. The use of pulleys can allow the variable weight device 10 to be connected to components on exercise machines that move horizontally, or at an angle. Some plate type exercise machines 30 have end sleeves 14 to which the variable weight system device 10 can be secured. The variable weight device 10 can also be secured to exercise machines where free weight plates are added, for example to a leg press sled, or other suitable machines having components that can move in a fixed path, including those without weights. Exercise machine 30 can have other exercise interface members 39 such as handles attached to cables and pulleys. The variable weight device 10 can be connected to members or components that move in a variable path in some embodiments.