Background of the Invention Various types of exercise equipment are known in the art. One popular form of strength equipment is the exercise dumbbell, which is typically designed with one or more weights disposed at each end of a handle. Relatively more advanced dumbbell systems provide a plurality of weights in alignment with the handle for selective connection to the handle. Examples of such systems are disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 4,822, 034 to Shields; U. S. Pat. No.

4,284, 463 to Shields; U. S. Pat. No. 5,637, 064 to Olson et al.; U. S. Pat. No. 5,769, 762 to Towley, III et al.; U. S. Pat. No. 5,839, 997 to Roth et al.; and U. S. Pat. No. 6,402, 666 to Krull. An object of the present invention is to provide methods and apparatus for supporting exercise dumbbells in user friendly fashion, and/or supporting selectorized dumbbell weights that remain behind when the handles are lifted.

Summary of the Invention The present invention provides methods and apparatus for supporting dumbbells. For example, the present invention may be described in terms of a stand having first and second dumbbell supports configured to support respective first and second dumbbells. The dumbbell supports are movably interconnected to facilitate adjustment of a horizontally measured distance defined between the

dumbbells. The dumbbell supports may also be configured and arranged for movement across an underlying floor surface. Among other things, floor engaging rollers may be provided on the dumbbell supports and/or other portions of the stand to facilitate rolling across an underlying floor surface. Accessory items, including a flip chart and/or an accessory tray may be mounted on the one or more of the dumbbell supports and/or other portions of the stand, as well.

In a preferred application, the subject invention is configured to support first and second selectorized dumbbell assemblies, each of which includes (a) a handle member; (b) a set of weights configured for connection to a respective said handle member; and (c) a base that is sized and configured to support a respective set of weights in alignment with a respective handle member. Each such base is mounted on a respective dumbbell support. Various features and/or advantages of the present invention may become apparent from the more detailed description that follows.

Brief Description of the Drawing With reference to the Figures of the Drawing, wherein like numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views, Figure 1 is a side view of a first exercise system constructed according to the principles of the present invention, and arranged in a first configuration; Figure 2 is a top view of the exercise system of Figure 1 in the same first configuration; Figure 3 is a top view of the exercise system of Figure 1 arranged in a second configuration;

Figure 4 is a top view of a second exercise system constructed according to the principles of the present invention, and arranged in a first configuration; Figure 5 is a top view of the exercise system of Figure 4 arranged in a second configuration; Figure 6 is a top view of a third exercise system constructed according to the principles of the present invention, and arranged in a first configuration; Figure 7 is a front view of the exercise system of Figure 6 in the same first configuration; Figure 8 is a side view of the exercise system of Figure 6 in the same first configuration; and Figure 9 is a top view of the exercise system of Figure 6 arranged in a second configuration.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment A first exercise system constructed according to the principles of the present invention is designated as 100 in Figures 1-3. The system 100 may be described in terms of a pair of known selectorized dumbbells 90a and 90b disposed on a novel, low-profile stand having a height of six to eight inches.

The dumbbells 90a and 90b are shown somewhat diagrammatically because their construction and operation are already known in the art. For purposes of this disclosure, the dumbbells 90a and 90b may be any of various embodiments disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 6,402, 666 to Krull (which is incorporated herein by reference), recognizing that the present invention is not limited to these particular dumbbells or types of dumbbell. Some other examples of appropriate dumbbells are

disclosed in the other patents discussed in the Background of the Invention, which patents are also incorporated herein by reference.

Generally speaking, each dumbbell 90a and 90b includes a handle member and a plurality of weight plates that are selectively connected to a respective handle member. A weight base or cradle 129a and 129b is provided for each dumbbell 90a and 90b to support the weight plates in proper alignment when not in use. The cradles 129a and 129b are mounted on respective first and second dumbbell supports 120a and 120b by bolts (not shown) or other suitable means. Pads and/or washers with counter- sunk depressions (not shown) may be mounted on the supports 120a and 120b and/or the heads of the bolts, respectively, to provide a desirable floor engaging interface for the system 100. Also, the bottom of each cradle 129a and 129b is preferably configured to register with a respective dumbbell support 120a or 120b.

Each dumbbell support 120a and 120b may be described as a bent steel tube having a first distal end 121 that is configured and arranged to function as a handle, and an opposite, second end 122 that is connected to a respective sleeve 125. A plug 123 is preferably inserted into each first end 121 to "finish"the end of the tube. The sleeves 125 may be described as tube segments that are preferably welded to the second ends 122 of respective supports 120a and 120b.

As best seen in Figure 1, the two supports 120a and 120b are configured somewhat differently relative to one another in order to position the sleeves 125 in vertical alignment as shown. Each sleeve 125 is sandwiched between the intermediate

bushing 126 and a respective end bushing 127, and rotatably mounted on an intermediate frame member (hidden from view). Each end bushing 127 is preferably provided with a tubular portion (hidden from view) that is configured and arranged to extend between the frame member and a respective sleeve 125. The frame member may be described as a steel tube that extends between the visible rims of the end bushings 127.

A caster or roller assembly 130 is disposed beneath the lower end bushing 127. The assembly 130 includes a roller, a roller support or trunnion, and a bolt (hidden from view) that is rigidly connected to the trunnion and extends upward through the frame member. A washer 128 is disposed on the bolt immediately above the upper end bushing 127, and a nut 102 is threaded onto the distal end of the bolt to hold the components together. The resulting arrangement establishes a pivotal interconnection between the supports 120a and 120b, and may be described as a stand having first and second dumbbell supports 120a and 120b that pivot relative to a frame member and one another. Among other things, those skilled in the art will recognize that an alternative embodiment may be constructed with one of the supports pivotally connected directly to the other support (without an intermediate frame member interconnected therebetween).

Figures 2 and 3 show how the supports 120a and 120b on the system 100 may be pivoted between a compact configuration and a spread configuration.

The compact configuration (shown in Figure 2) has a relatively small"footprint"and facilitates movement of the system 100 to and from a storage position, such as beneath a bed. The spread

configuration (shown in Figure 3) has a larger "footprint"and provides a significantly larger gap between the dumbbell supports 120a and 120b to accommodate a person's feet or knees for purposes of accessing the dumbbells 90a and 90b without leaning forward.

A second exercise system constructed according to the principles of the present invention is designated as 200 in Figures 4-5. The system 200 may similarly be described in terms of a pair of known selectorized dumbbells 90a and 90b disposed on a novel stand (that is relatively taller than the previous stand).

A weight base or cradle 229a or 229b is provided for each dumbbell 90a and 90b to support the associated weight plates in proper alignment when not in use. The cradles 229a and 229b are mounted on respective first and second dumbbell supports 220a and 220b by bolts (not shown) or other suitable means. The bottom of each cradle 229a and 229b is preferably configured to register with a respective dumbbell support 220a or 220b.

Each dumbbell support 220a and 220b may be described as a generally L-shaped member having a leg or vertical portion that is supported by an underlying floor surface, and a beam or horizontal portion that supports a respective dumbbell 90a or 90b, and that is rotatably connected to an intermediate frame member 210. Each vertical portion terminates in a lower distal end, to which a respective caster or roller assembly 232 is preferably mounted. Each horizontal portion terminates in a distal end that is rigidly connected to a respective sleeve (by welding or other suitable means).

The intermediate frame member 210 may be described in terms of a generally V-shaped member 212 having first and second legs that extend away from a common juncture and then downward toward the floor, and a post that extends upward from the juncture to support the sleeves. Caster or roller assemblies 231 are mounted on the lower distal ends of the member 212, and another caster or roller assembly 230 is mounted on the V-shaped member 212 beneath the common juncture (and the post). Each sleeve is rotatably mounted on the post for rotation about a common vertical axis. In order to accommodate both sleeves in vertical alignment on a single post, the distal horizontal ends of respective dumbbell supports 320a and 320b are angled in opposite upward and downward directions to arrive at different elevations along the post.

A lower collar, an intermediate collar, and an upper collar are secured to the post (by set screws or other suitable means) at positions above and below respective sleeves to prevent translational movement of the sleeves, and to function as bushings between the post and the sleeves. An end cap 202 is mounted on top of the post, but an accessory tray could be provided in its place (as further discussed below).

As suggested by Figures 4 and 5, the supports 220a and 220b cooperate with the frame member 210 to define a stand that may be rearranged or transformed between multiple configurations. Figure 5 shows a relatively compact configuration, wherein load bearing portions of the dumbbell supports 220a and 220b extend parallel to one another, and the dumbbells 90a and 90b are adjacent one another (with a distance of about six inches defined between their

handles). Figure 4 shows a spread configuration, wherein the load bearing portions of the dumbbell supports 220a and 220b cooperate to define a V- shaped arrangement, and a person may stand between the dumbbells 90a and 90b (because a relatively greater distance of about twenty inches is now defined between their handles).

A third exercise system constructed according to the principles of the present invention is designated as 300 in Figures 6-9. The system 300 may similarly be described in terms of a pair of known selectorized dumbbells 90a and 90b disposed on a novel stand that is similar in height to the stand of the second system 200.

A weight base or cradle 329a or 329b is provided for each dumbbell 90a and 90b to support the weight plates in proper alignment when not in use. The cradles 329a and 329b are mounted on respective first and second dumbbell supports 320a and 320b by bolts (not shown) or other suitable means. The bottom of each cradle 329a and 329b is preferably configured to register with a respective dumbbell support 320a or 320b.

The first dumbbell support 320a may be described as an inverted, generally U-shaped member having first and second vertical portions or legs, and a generally horizontal portion or beam that extends therebetween and supports the first dumbbell 90a. A caster or roller assembly 330 is mounted to a lower distal end of the first vertical portion, and a base or foot 303 is rigidly mounted on a lower distal end of the second vertical portion. The foot 303 preferably includes a steel plate that is welded to the support 320a, and a rubber pad that is secured beneath the plate. The second dumbbell

support 320b may be described as a generally L- shaped leg having a vertical portion that terminates in a lower distal end, to which a caster or roller assembly 330 is mounted, and a horizontal portion that supports the second dumbbell 90b.

The horizontal portion of the second dumbbell support 320b terminates in a distal end that is rigidly connected to a sleeve 325, which in turn, is rotatably mounted on the vertical, foot supported portion of the other dumbbell support 320a. Lower and upper collars 327 are disposed at opposite ends of the sleeve 325, and are secured to the dumbbell support 320a (by set screws or other suitable means) to prevent translational movement of the sleeve 325, and to function as bushings between the support 320a and the sleeve 325. In order to maintain the cradles 329a and 329b at a common elevation above the floor, the distal horizontal end portion of the second dumbbell support 320b is angled downward toward a vertically extending portion of the support 320a. At the opposite, front end of the stand, the vertical, caster supported portions of the supports 320a and 320b are preferably bent as shown to enhance the stability of the stand and provide foot room for a person to stand just in front of the weight bases 329a and 329b.

As suggested by Figures 6 and 9, the stand may be rearranged or transformed between multiple configurations. Figure 6 shows a relatively compact configuration, wherein load bearing portions of the dumbbell supports 320a and 320b extend parallel to one another, and the dumbbells 90a and 90b are adjacent one another (with a distance of about six inches defined between their handles). Figure 9 shows a spread configuration, wherein the load

bearing portions of the dumbbell supports 320a and 320b cooperate to define a generally V-shaped arrangement, and a person may stand between the dumbbells 90a and 90b (because a relatively greater distance of about twenty inches is now defined between their handles).

On any of the foregoing embodiments, means may be provided for biasing the dumbbell supports toward one or more desired positions, locking the supports in desired positions, and/or preventing rotation of the supports beyond a certain position. For example, a collar may be secured to one of the supports, and a leaf spring may be secured to the other support to snap into and out of circumferentially spaced notches provided in the collar. Alternatively, snap buttons or detent pins may be configured and arranged to insert through holes in overlapping portions of the supports, or through holes in overlapping portions of the supports and an intermediate frame member.

Moreover, collars or brackets may be secured to respective supports or to a support and an intermediate frame member to pivot through a desired angle before blocking one another.

Various accessories may also be provided on the various embodiments of the present invention. For example, if desired, an accessory tray may be provided to hold a water bottle, personal items, etc. In this regard, Figures 6-8 show an optional accessory tray 360 (in dashed lines) mounted on top of the dumbbell support 320b. The tray 360 includes a relatively deep circular compartment 363 for a water bottle, and a relatively shallow rectangular compartment for personal items. The configuration of the tray 360 takes advantage of the downward bend

in the support 320b. Figures 6-8 also show an optional flip chart assembly 370 rotatably mounted on the other support 320a. The flip chart assembly 370 includes a wire form, generally?-shaped frame that extends upward from the support 320a. The flip chart is bound on type by circular or spiral rings that fit onto the top of the wire form frame.

The foregoing embodiments use sleeves to facilitate pivoting of the dumbbell supports, but other arrangements may be used in the alternative.

For example, a bolt may be inserted through vertically aligned holes in overlapping portions of the supports, in which case, a flat interface may be provided between the supports by using flat tubes and/or suitable configured washers or other bearing members on the tubes. Also, the support tubes may be configured in different ways to achieve different results. For example, C-shaped supports may be used in such a manner that the lower distal ends are pivotally interconnected, and the upper distal ends are cantilevered, in which case the height of the dumbbell supports may be adjusted by selectively telescoping the vertical portions of the supports.

The foregoing description and accompanying drawings are directed toward specific embodiments with the understanding that various features may be mixed, matched, altered, and/or eliminated without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In construing the nature and scope of the present invention, no special significance should automatically be attributed to the fact that some of the features and/or advantages are discussed and/or shown in greater detail than others, or included on some embodiments but not others. Among other things, multiple embodiments have been shown and

described to emphasize that the present invention may be implemented in various ways. Recognizing that this disclosure will enable persons skilled in the art to derive additional embodiments of the present invention, the scope of the present invention should be limited only to the extent of the following claims.