Automated weight selector
View Patent ↗An exercise machine includes a frame and a weight assembly with multiple plates moveably disposed along a vertical length of the frame. The exercise machine also includes a lifting member selectively engaged with the weight assembly, and the multiple plates each include at least one lift opening to receive the lifting member. The lifting member is oriented transverse to a plate length and to travel in a transverse direction with respect to the plate length. Further, the exercise machine includes a locking member associated with at least one plate of the multiple plates, and a selector having a first position and a second position. When the selector is in the first position, the locking member is interlocked with the lifting member. When the selector is in the second position, the locking member is disengaged from the lifting member.
1. An exercise machine, comprising:
a weight assembly including multiple plates;
a lifting member selectively engaged with the weight assembly;
a locking member associated with at least one plate of the multiple plates; and
a selector having a first position and a second position, the selector configured to be in contact with an exposed end of the locking member, wherein the selector includes a fulcrum and a selector plate;
wherein when the selector is in the first position, the locking member interlocks with the lifting member;
wherein when the selector is in the second position, the locking member is disengaged from the lifting member; and
wherein the selector causes the locking member to pivot as the selector rotates about the fulcrum.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1 , wherein the locking member is connected to the at least one plate via a pivot shaft.
3. The exercise machine of claim 1 , wherein the locking member has an interlocking region that engages a notch defined by the lifting member when the selector is in the first position.
4. The exercise machine of claim 1 , wherein the selector comprises a linear actuator.
5. The exercise machine of claim 4 , wherein the selector further comprises a catching surface on the linear actuator, wherein the catching surface engages the exposed end of the locking member such that the locking member pivots between an interlocked position and a disengaged position based on the position of the selector.
6. The exercise machine of claim 5 , wherein the catching surface is shaped to move the exposed end of the locking member with respect to the catching surface.
7. The exercise machine of claim 5 , wherein the linear actuator further comprises a pivotally movable actuator lever, wherein the catching surface is incorporated on the pivotally movable actuator lever.
8. The exercise machine of claim 1 , further comprising a control module that includes a weight selecting input mechanism in communication with a processor that causes the selector to position the locking member.
9. The exercise machine of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of selectors, wherein each of the plurality of selectors is movable to position one of a plurality of corresponding locking members respectively connected to the corresponding multiple plates.
10. The exercise machine of claim 1 , further comprising a magnet disposed on the at least one plate to retain the locking member when the selector is in the first position.
11. The exercise machine of claim 1 , further comprising a magnet disposed on the at least one plate to retain the locking member when the selector is in the second position.
12. The exercise machine of claim 1 , further comprising a frame;
wherein the frame includes a plurality of guide posts oriented to guide the multiple plates as the multiple plates move along a vertical length of the frame; and
a plurality of guide openings defined on opposing sides of the multiple plates;
wherein the plurality of guide posts are partially disposed respectively within the plurality of guide openings.
13. An exercise machine, comprising:
a lifting member;
a weight assembly including a plurality of plates selectively engaged with the lifting member;
a locking member pivotably engaged with at least one plate of the plurality of plates;
a selector selectively having a first position and a second position, wherein when the selector is in the first position, the locking member interlocks with the lifting member, and wherein when the selector is in the second position, the locking member is disengaged from the lifting member;
a magnet located proximate to the locking member and incorporated into the at least one plate to retain the locking member when the selector is in the second position;
wherein the locking member has an interlocking region that engages a notch defined by the lifting member when the selector is in the first position;
wherein the selector comprises a linear actuator; and
wherein the selector further comprises a catching surface on the linear actuator, wherein the catching surface engages an exposed end of the locking member such that the locking member pivots between an interlocked position and a disengaged position based on the position of the selector.
14. The exercise machine of claim 13 , wherein the catching surface is shaped to move the exposed end of the locking member with respect to the catching surface.
15. The exercise machine of claim 13 , wherein the linear actuator further comprises a pivotally movable actuator lever, wherein the catching surface is incorporated on the pivotally movable actuator lever.
16. The exercise machine of claim 13 , further comprising a control module that includes a weight selecting input mechanism in communication with a processor that causes the selector to position the locking member.
17. The exercise machine of claim 13 , further comprising a plurality of selectors, wherein each of the plurality of selectors is movable to pivotably position one of a plurality of corresponding locking members connected to the corresponding plurality of plates.
18. The exercise machine of claim 13 , further comprising a second magnet disposed on the at least one plate to retain the locking member when the selector is in the first position.
19. An exercise machine, comprising:
a lifting member;
a weight assembly comprising multiple plates selectively engaged with the lifting member;
a locking member associated with at least one plate of the multiple plates, wherein the locking member is connected to the at least one plate with a pivot shaft and the locking member is pivotable about the pivot shaft within a range defined by a cavity of the at least one plate and a pivot motion is limited by a first cavity wall and a second cavity wall;
a selector selectively having a first position and a second position, wherein when the selector is in the first position, the locking member interlocks with the lifting member, and wherein when the selector is in the second position, the locking member is disengaged from the lifting member;
a first magnet disposed within the cavity proximate to the first cavity wall to retain the locking member proximate to the first cavity wall when the selector is in the first position;
a second magnet disposed within the cavity proximate to the second cavity wall to retain the locking member proximate to the second cavity wall when the selector is in the second position;
wherein the locking member has an interlocking region that engages a notch defined by the lifting member when the selector is in the first position;
wherein the selector includes a linear actuator arranged to transition the locking member between interlocking with the lifting member and disengaging from the lifting member;
wherein the selector further comprises a catching surface on the linear actuator, wherein the catching surface engages an exposed end of the locking member such that the locking member pivots between an interlocked position and a disengaged position based on the position of the selector;
wherein the catching surface is shaped to move the exposed end of the locking member with respect to the catching surface; and
wherein the linear actuator further comprises a pivotally movable actuator lever, wherein the catching surface is incorporated on the pivotally movable actuator lever.