GB2632774A

GB2632774A - Colletless weight plate

Info

Publication number: GB2632774A
Application number: GB2301213.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Stratford Daniel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-01-27
Filing date: 2023-01-27
Publication date: 2025-02-26
Also published as: GB202301213D0

Abstract

A weight plate 10 comprises an integral attachment mechanism for releasably securing the weight plate 10 to a lifting bar 1. The weight plate10 may comprise first 12 and second 14 portions movable relative to one another such that the first portion 12 is operable between a secured configuration in which the first portion 12 is securable to the lifting bar 1 and an unsecured configuration in which the first portion 12 is releasable from the lifting bar 1. The first 12 and second 14 portions are preferably annular and may rotate relative one another cause the first portion to move between the secured and unsecured configurations.

Description

WEIGHT PLATE

FIELD

The present invention relates to a weight plate, and in particular but not exclusively to a weight plate for attaching to a lifting bar.

BACKGROUND

Weightlifting has increased significantly in popularity as a method of exercise for people to improve their health and fitness.

Typically, a weight plate is mounted on a lifting bar by sliding a central aperture of the weight plate over an end of the bar. For safety and to reduce the risk of injury to a person lifting the bar, the weight plate needs to be securely attached to the bar to ensure the weight plate does not move on the bar or detach from the bar during lifting.

A separate component is needed to secure the weight plate to the bar. Typically, that separate component is a screw collet or a bar clamp. A screw collet increases a time to attach the weight plate to the bar. That increases workout time and can often lead to long waiting times for weightlifting equipment in commercial gyms. A bar clamp is often fragile and subject to failure with repeated use. Both screw collets and bar clamps are also small components that can be easily lost.

The present invention has been devised with the foregoing in mind.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect there is provided a weight plate. The weight plate comprises an integral attachment mechanism for releasably securing the weight plate to a lifting bar.

Including an integral attachment mechanism in the weight plate itself may increase speed and efficiency in securing the weight plate to a lifting bar. That may also require fewer components to secure the weight plate to a lifting bar, and may reduce or eliminate separate components such as bar clamps and screw collets which are prone to breakage and loss. Avoiding the need for separate components to secure the weight plate to a lifting bar may also enable a user to more accurately determine a weight lifted, because the separate components typically used to secure a weight plate to a lifting bar are not usually considered in determining the weight lifted.

The weight plate may comprise a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion may be configured to cooperate with one another to secure the first portion to the lifting bar. The first portion may comprise an aperture through which a lifting bar may be received.

The first portion and the second portion may be movable relative to one another, such that the first portion is operable between a secured configuration in which the first portion is securable to the lifting bar and an unsecured configuration in which the first portion is releasable from the lifting bar. The first portion and the second portion may be configured to rotate and/or translate relative to one another.

The first portion may be or comprise an inner portion of the weight plate. The second portion may be or comprise an outer portion of the weight plate. The second portion may substantially surround of a perimeter of the first portion. The first portion and the second portion may each comprise a substantially annular shape.

The first portion may comprise an aperture configured to receive the lifting bar. The second portion may comprise an aperture configured to receive the first portion.

The first portion may be configured to flex or be compressed to secure the first portion to a lifting bar.

The first portion may be configured to be compressed as the first portion and the second portion move relative to one another. The first portion may be configured to be compressed in the secured configuration. The first portion may be configured to be expanded in the unsecured configuration. The first portion may have a lower stiffness than the second portion. The first portion may comprise one or more cutaway portions, cut-outs or recesses configured to allow the first portion to be compressed. Additionally or alternatively, the first portion may be made from or comprise a material having a lower stiffness than a material of the second portion, and/or the first portion may have or comprise a smaller thickness (for example, a radial thickness) than the second portion.

The first portion and the second portion may comprise complementary engaging surfaces configured to drive the first portion between the secured configuration and the unsecured configuration as the first portion and the second portion move relative to one another.

The first portion and the second portion may comprise complementary conical surfaces.

The first portion and the second portion may each comprise a conical surface configured to engage the respective other conical surface to drive the first portion between the secured configuration and the unsecured configuration as the first portion and the second portion move relative to one another.

The first portion may comprise a conical outer surface. The second portion may comprise a conical inner surface.

The first portion and the second portion may comprise complementary eccentric cam surfaces. The first portion and the second portion may each comprise an eccentric cam surface configured to engage the respective other eccentric cam surface to drive the first portion between the secured configuration and the unsecured configuration as the first portion and the second portion move relative to one another.

The first portion may comprise an eccentric cam outer surface. The second portion may comprise an eccentric cam inner surface.

The first portion and the second portion may be configured to be secured to one another. The first portion and the second portion may be secured to one another via complementary screw threads. The complementary screw threads may enable the first portion and the second portion to be movable relative to one another. Alternatively, the first portion and the second portion may be configured to be secured to one another via a press or friction fit. The weight plate may also comprise one or more structures configured to prevent separation of the first portion and the second portion (for example, one or more covers or fascia plates).

According to a second aspect there is provided a kit of parts. The kit of parts may comprise at least one weight plate according to the first aspect.

The kit of parts may comprise a plurality of weight plates according to the first aspect.

At least two of the weight plates may have a different weight from one another.

The kit of parts may comprise a lifting bar to which the weight plate is configured to be releasably secured.

Features which are described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used together and/or be interchangeable wherever possible. Similarly, where features are described in the context of a single embodiment for brevity, those features may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Features described in connection with the weight plate of the first aspect may have corresponding features definable with respect to the kit of parts of the second aspect, and vice versa, and these embodiments are specifically envisaged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which: FIGs. IA and lB show an embodiment of a weight plate according to the present invention, comprising a first portion and a second portion having complementary conical surfaces and connected by complementary screw threads; FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a weight plate according to the present invention similar to the weight plate shown in FIGs. IA and IB, wherein the first portion comprises a small radial thickness than the second portion; FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of a weight plate according to the present invention similar to the weight plate shown in FIGs. IA, I B and 2, wherein the weight plate comprises covers to prevent separation of the first portion and the second portion; and FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a weight plate according to the present invention, comprising a first portion and a second portion having complementary eccentric cam surfaces.

Like reference numerals in different Figures may represent like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures IA and 1B show an embodiment of a weight plate 10 in accordance with the present invention. The weight plate 10 comprises an integral attachment mechanism for releasably securing the weight plate 10 to a lifting bar 1.

Figure 1A shows a first side of the weight plate 10 mounted on the lifting bar 1. The outermost face of the weight plate 10 is shown (a face of the weight plate 10 furthest from a centre of the lifting bar 1). The weight plate 10 comprises a first portion 12 and a second portion 14. The first portion 12 comprises an aperture configured to receive the lifting bar 1 (for example, an end of the lifting bar 1) to mount the weight plate 10 on the lifting bar 1. The second portion 14 comprises an aperture configured to receive the first portion 12. As can be seen from Figure 1A, in the embodiment shown the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 each comprise a substantially annular shape or ring shape, although that is not essential and any suitable shape may alternatively be used. The aperture of the first portion 12 may have any suitable shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of a lifting bar which it is configured to receive.

Figure 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the weight plate 10 mounted on the lifting bar 1. In the embodiment shown, the first portion 12 and the second portion 10 are secured to one another via complementary screw threads 12a, 14a. Relative rotation between the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 also causes translation of the first portion 12 relative to the second portion 14 due to the interaction of the complementary screw threads 12a, 14a. The direction of translation is dependent on the direction of relative rotation between the first portion 12 and the second portion 14.

As the first portion 12 rotates clockwise relative to the second portion 14, the first portion 12 translates in the direction of arrow T. Relative clockwise rotation of the first portion 12 may be achieved by rotating the first portion 12 in a clockwise direction and/or rotating the second portion 14 in a counter-clockwise direction. As the first portion 12 rotates counter-clockwise relative to the second portion 14, the first portion 12 translates in a direction opposite to the arrow T. Relative counter-clockwise rotation of the first portion 12 may be achieved by rotating the first portion 12 in a counterclockwise direction and/or rotating the second portion 14 in a clockwise direction.

In the embodiment shown, the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 also comprise complementary conical surfaces 12b, 14b. The conical surfaces 12b, 14b are configured to engage each other as the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 translate relative to one another. As can be seen from Figure 1A, the first portion 12 comprises a plurality of cutaway portions or cut-outs 12c. The cut-outs reduce an effective stiffness of the first portion 12 (for example, to have a lower stiffness than the second portion 14) and enable the first portion to flex more easily (for example, more easily than the second portion 14). In the embodiment shown, the first portion 12 comprises four cut-outs 12c equally spaced apart from one another, although it will be appreciated any suitable number of cut-outs may alternatively be used (for example, one, two, three, five, six or greater) and in any suitable position on the first portion 12. As the first portion 12 translates in the direction of the arrow T. the cut-outs enable the first portion 12 to flex and be compressed as the conical surfaces 12b, 14b move toward and engage one another. Compression of the first portion 12 reduces a size of the aperture in the first portion 12. As the first portion 12 is further compressed, the first portion 12 contacts and becomes secured to the lifting bar 1 (and therefore the weight plate 10 as a whole is secured to the lifting bar 1). If the first portion 12 is translated in the opposite direction from the direction of the arrow T, the first portion 12 expands as the conical surfaces 12b, 14b move apart and disengage one another, allowing the first portion 12 (and therefore the weight plate 10 as a whole) to be released from the lifting bar 1.

Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a weight plate 100 in accordance with the present invention. The weight plate 100 is substantially similar to the weight plate 10 described above with respect to Figure 1. However, instead of including one or more cut-outs or cutaway portions, the first portion 112 has a lower stiffness (for example, a lower Young's modulus) than the second portion 114. in the embodiment shown, the first portion 112 is made from or comprises a material having a lower stiffness than a material of the second portion 114. For example, the first portion 112 may be made from a rubber material or a polymeric material such as PTFE, while the second portion 114 may be made from a metal or an alloy such as an aluminium alloy or a steel. That may enable the first portion 112 to flex and be compressed (as described above with respect to the weight plate 10 of Figure 1) to secure the weight plate 100 to the lifting bar 101.

Additionally or alternatively, the first portion 112 may have a smaller thickness in a radial direction than the second portion 114 to provide the first portion 112 with a lower stiffness than the second portion 114.

it will be appreciated the first portion I12 may include one or more cut-outs or cutaway portions (as described above with respect to the weight plate 10 of Figure 1) in addition to having a lower stiffness than the second portion 114 (for example, being made from or comprising a material having a lower stiffness than a material of the second portion 114 and/or having a smaller radial thickness than the second portion 114), to enable the first portion 112 to flex and be compressed/expanded to releasable secure the weight plate 100 to the lifting bar 101.

Figures 3A and 3B show a further alternative embodiment of a weight plate 200 in accordance with an embodiment of a weight plate 200 in accordance with the present invention. The weight plate 200 is substantially similar to the weight plates 10, 110 described above with respect to Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 3A shows a cross-section& view through the weight plate 200 illustrating the internal structure, while Figure 3B shows the external appearance of the weight plate 200. The weight plate 200 comprises a cover or fascia plate 216. In the embodiment shown, the weight plate 200 comprises a first cover 2I6a on a first face of the weight plate 200 and a second cover 216b on a second, opposite face of the weight plate 200. The first cover 216a and the second cover 216b arc configured to prevent the first portion 212 and the second portion 214 of the weight plate 200 from separating or coming apart from one another as the first portion 212 and the second portion 214 translate relative to one another, and also to protect the integral attachment mechanism provided by the complementary screw threads 212a, 214a and complementary conical surfaces 212b, 214b from mechanical damage during use (for example due to impact). in the embodiment shown_ the first cover 216a and the second cover 216b are configured to engage or be received in a recess or shoulder formed in the second portion 212b, although that is not essential and the first cover 2I6a and the second cover 216b may instead be configured to engage an outer surface of the weight plate 200. Figure 3 in the embodiment shown, the first cover 216a and the second cover 216b are connected to the second portion 214 by one or more bolts, although any suitable fastener may alternatively be used. It will also be appreciated the first cover 216 and the second cover 216 may alternatively be connected to the first portion 212. Alternatively, the weight plate 200 may comprise only one cover 216, for example the first cover 216a. Translation of the first portion 212 in a direction opposite to the direction of the arrow T may be limited by the first cover 216a. Translation of the first portion 212 in the direction of the arrow T may be limited by the conical surfaces 212b, 214b engaging with one another and/or the first conical surface 212b not being able to engage with or pass over the screw threads 2I4a of the second portion 214.

In alternative embodiments, the first portion 12-212 and the second portion 14-214 of the weight plate 10-200 described above may not be connected to one another by complementary screw threads I2a-212a, 14a-214a, but may instead be connected to one another by a push fit or a friction fit. The first portion 12-212 and the second portion 14-214 may therefore be simply translated relative to one another without rotation (for example, by manual force) to cause the complementary conical surfaces 12b-212b, 14b- 214b to engage with one another and secure the first portion 12-212 to the lifting bar 1.

Figure 4 shows another alternative embodiment of a weight plate 300 in accordance with the present invention. Similar to the weight plate 10-200 described above, the weight plate 300 comprises a first portion 312 and a second portion 314. The first portion 312 comprises an aperture configured to receive the lifting bar 1 (for example, an end of the lifting bar 1) to mount the weight plate 300 on the lifting bar 1. The second portion 314 comprises an aperture configured to receive the first portion 312.

However, the aperture in the first portion 312 is offset from the centre of the first portion 312. Similarly, the aperture in the second portion 314 is offset from the centre of the second portion 314. This enables the first portion 312 and the second portion 314 to act as an eccentric cam. The outer circumferential surface of the first portion 312 and the and inner circumferential surface of the second portion 314 act as complementary eccentric cam surfaces.

As the first portion 312 and the second portion 314 rotate relative to one another, the complementary eccentric cam surfaces of the first portion 312 and the second portion 314 engage and interact with one another. Due to the off-centre location of the respective apertures in the first portion 312 and the second portion 314, in some rotational positions the complementary cam surfaces will engage and act to compress the first portion 312 and enable it to be secured to the lifting bar 1. In other rotational positions the cam surfaces will allow the first portion 312 to expand and be released from the lifting bar I. The first portion 312 and the second portion 314 need not translate relative to one another to secure the first portion 312 to and release the first portion 312 from the lifting bar 1 (relative rotation between the two portions 312, 314 is sufficient).

As shown in Figure 4, the first portion 312 comprises a plurality of cut-outs 3I2c, similar to those described above in respect of the weight plate 10. However it will be appreciated a single cut-out 312c may alternatively be used, and/or the first portion 312 may comprise a lower stiffness than the second portion 314 (for example, by virtue of a lower stiffness material and/or a smaller radial thickness) to allow the first portion 312 to flex and be compressed.

The first portion 312 and the second portion 314 may be connected to one another by a push or friction fit. The first portion 312 and the second portion 314 may be rotated relative to one another without translation (for example, by manual force) to cause the complementary eccentric cam surfaces to engage with one another and secure the first portion 312 to the lifting bar. The weight plate 300 may also comprise one or more covers or fascia plates 316, substantially as described above.

In some embodiments, the weight plate 10-300 may be configured to enable the force required to cause relative movement between the first portion 12-312 and the second portion 314 is lower than the force to cause relative movement between the weight plate 10-300 and the lifting bar I when the first portion 12-312 is compressed and secured to the lifting bar 1. That may be achieved in a variety of ways.

For example, a lubricant may be used on at least a part of the respective surfaces of the first portion 12-312 and the second portion 14-314 where the first portion 12-312 and the second portion 14-314 contact one another, such as one or more of the I0 complementary screw threads I2a-212a. I 4a-2I4a. the complementary conical surfaces 12b-212b, 14b-214b, the complementary eccentric cam surfaces etc. Alternatively, a roughness of at least a part of the surface of the first portion 12-312 that contacts the lifting bar 1 may have an increased roughness (for example, relative to the contacting surfaces between the first portion 12-312 and the second portion 14314). For example, the surface of the first portion 12-312 that contact the lifting bar 1 may be knurled.

Another alternative is for at least a part of the surface of the first portion 12-312 that contacts the lifting bar 1 to comprise a rubber material to increase grip. For example, a rubber sleeve or overmolding may be applied to that part of the first portion 12-312. Alternatively, a material of the part of the surface of the first portion 12-312 that contacts the lifting bar 1 may be softer than the external surface of the lifting bar 1, for example by using a polymeric material or an aluminium alloy in conjunction with a steel lifting bar. That may increase a grip between the lifting bar 1 and the first portion 12312 while also protecting the external surface of the lifting bar I from damage during application of the weight plate 10-300.

In other examples, the first portion 12-312 may comprise a protrusion (for example, a pin, dog, catch, tongue etc.) configured to be received by a corresponding recess (for example, a hole, aperture, groove etc.) located on the lifting bar I, or vice versa, which may physically prevent or inhibit rotation between the first portion 12-312 and the lifting bar 1.

Alternatively, the aperture of the first portion 12-312 configured to receive the lifting bar 1 may not be circular, but may have a polygonal shape configured to receive a corresponding polygonal shaped lifting bar 1, which may physically prevent or inhibit rotation between the first portion 12-312 and the lifting bar 1.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of exercise weights, in particular weight plates, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein.

II

Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which arc, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

For the sake of completeness, it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the 20 claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A weight plate comprising an integral attachment mechanism for releasably securing the weight plate to a lifting bar.
2. The weight plate of claim 1, wherein the weight plate comprises a first portion and a second portion configured to cooperate with one another to secure the first portion to a lifting bar.
3. The weight plate of claim 2, wherein the first portion and the second portion are movable relative to one another, such that the first portion is operable between a secured configuration in which the first portion is securable to the lifting bar and an unsecured configuration in which the first portion is releasable from the lifting bar.
4. The weight plate of claim 3, wherein the first portion and the second portion arc configured to rotate and/or translate relative to one another.
5. The weight plate of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein: the first portion is or comprises an inner portion of the weight plate; and the second portion comprises an outer portion of the weight plate.
6 The weight plate of claim 5, wherein the second portion at least partly surrounds a perimeter of the first portion.
7. The weight plate of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the first portion and the second portion each comprise a substantially annular shape.
8. The weight plate of any of claims 5 to 7, wherein: the first portion comprises an aperture configured to receive a lifting bar; and the second portion comprises an aperture configured to receive the first portion.
9. The weight plate of any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the first portion is configured to flex to secure the first portion to a lifting bar. I3
10. The weight plate of claim 9 dependent from claim 3 or any claim dependent directly or indirectly from claim 3, wherein the first portion is configured to flex as the first portion and the second portion move relative to one another; and optionally wherein the first portion is configured to be compressed in the secured configuration; and wherein the first portion is configured to be expanded in the unsecured configuration.
11. The weight plate of claim 9 or of claim 10, wherein the first portion comprises one or more cutaway portions or recesses configured to allow the first portion to flex.
12. The weight plate of claim 3 or of any claim dependent directly or indirectly from claim 3, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise complementary engaging surfaces configured to drive the first portion between the secured configuration and the unsecured configuration as the first portion and the second portion move relative to one another.
13. The weight plate of claim 12, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise complementary conical surfaces, and optionally the first portion comprises a conical outer surface and the second portion comprises a conical inner surface.
14. The weight plate of claim 12, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise complementary eccentric cam surfaces.
IS. The weight plate of any of claims 2 to 14, wherein the first portion and the second portion arc configured to be secured to one another; and optionally wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to be secured to one another via complementary screw threads; or the first portion and the second portion are configured to be secured to one another via a press or friction fit.
16. A kit of parts comprising: the weight plate of any of claims I to IS; and a lifting bar to which the weight plate is configured to be releasably secured.