Weight selection apparatus for a weight stack
View Patent ↗Aspects of the present invention relate to a weight stack including a weight selector mechanism providing an adjustable source of resistance for use with a variety of load bearing exercise devices. The weight stack can include a plurality of weight plates stacked one on top of another. The weight selection mechanism can include a weight selector member extending through and adapted to selectively connect with each weight plate. The weight selector member can include a plurality of projections adapted to selectively engage engagement surfaces in the weight plates. A user can rotate the weight selector member with a selector knob to connect the desired number of weights to be lifted with the weight selector member. Embodiments of the weight stack can also include a locking mechanism that prevent a user from turning the weight selector member once a sufficient lifting force is applied to the selected weight plates.
1. A vertical weight stack for an exercise device comprising:
a plurality of weight plates each including an aperture defined by an engagement surface;
an engagement assembly supported on the plurality of weight plates, the engagement assembly including a longitudinal member with a plurality of longitudinally spaced projections, the longitudinal member defining a longitudinal axis; and
a lock member operably associated with the longitudinal member to selectively lock the rotational position of the longitudinal member, the lock member comprising a pin, a member joined to the longitudinal member and a bias member operatively associated with the pin, the bias member biasing the pin to a first position that engages the pin with the member when the longitudinal member is moved from a predetermined rest position, and engagement of the pin with the member locks the rotational position of the longitudinal member;
wherein at least one of said apertures is shaped differently than the other said apertures and each aperture and engagement surface is arranged adjacent the longitudinal member;
the longitudinal member is rotatably positionable to arrange the spaced projections for engagement with a corresponding engagement surface to engage one or more of the plurality of weight plates;
when the rotational position of the longitudinal member is locked by engagement of the pin with the member, a user is unable to rotate the longitudinal member around the longitudinal axis; and
when the longitudinal member is moved to the predetermined rest position, the pin moves to a second position that disengages the pin from the member and allows the user to rotate the longitudinal member around the longitudinal axis.
2. The weight stack of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of longitudinally spaced projections comprises a plurality of triangularly-shaped tabs.
3. The weight stack of claim 1 , the engagement assembly further comprising a grip member operably connected with the longitudinal member to adjust the rotational position of the longitudinal member.
4. The weight stack of claim 3 , wherein the grip member is a knob.
5. The weight stack of claim 3 , the engagement assembly further comprising a gear train connecting the grip member with the longitudinal member.
6. The weight stack of claim 5 , wherein the gear train comprises:
a first gear connected with the grip member;
a second gear connected with the longitudinal member; and
wherein the first gear member is engaged with the second gear member.
7. The weight stack of claim 3 , the engagement assembly further comprising:
a first pulley connected with the grip member;
a second pulley connected with the longitudinal member; and
at least one belt operably connecting the first pulley with the second pulley.
8. The weight stack of claim 1 , the engagement assembly further comprising a grip member operably connected with the longitudinal member to adjust the rotational position of the longitudinal member;
a second lock member operably associated with the grip member to selectively lock movement of the grip member; and
the lock member comprises a key selectively connectable with the longitudinal member.
9. The weight stack of claim 1 , wherein the engagement surface for each of the plurality of weight comprises a uniquely shaped engagement surface.
10. The weight stack of claim 9 , wherein each of the plurality of weight plates includes an aperture and wherein the weight stack further comprises:
a plurality of collars adapted to be received within the apertures in the plurality of weight plates, each collar defining the uniquely shaped engagement surfaces.
11. The weight stack of claim 9 , wherein each uniquely shaped engagement surface is a uniquely sized flange.
12. The weight stack of claim 1 , wherein the member comprises a disk including a plurality of curved recesses configured to receive at least a portion of the pin.