Nested weight plates for barbells and dumbbells

Abstract

A weight plate system for a barbell or dumbbell includes a first plate adapted to be mounted directly on the bar of a barbell or dumbbell, with the plate having an outer perimeter spaced outwardly from the bar when mounted thereon. A second plate includes a center hole adapted for receiving the outer periphery of the first plate whereby the second plate is mounted in concentric relationship with the first plate. The center hole of the second plate defines an inner periphery of the second plate which is mated with the outer periphery of the first plate. The adjacent first and second plates have seating channels on the outer and inner periphery, respectively, for maintaining the plates in seated relationship. A locking system maintains the plates in the assembled relationship. Multiple plates can be mounted in concentric relationship in this manner.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A weight plate system for an exercise device having a bar for supporting the plates, the system comprising:
 a. A first plate adapted to be mounted directly on the bar, the plate having an outer perimeter spaced outwardly from the bar when mounted thereon;   b. A second plate having a center hole adapted for receiving the outer periphery of the first plate whereby the second plate is mounted in concentric relationship with the first plate when mounted thereon.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the center hole of the second plate defines an inner periphery of the second plate which is mated with the outer periphery of the first plate when mounted thereon. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the adjacent first and second plates have seating channels on the outer and inner periphery, respectively, for maintaining the plates in seated relationship. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the seating channels are mated left and right L-channels on the respective plates. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , including additional plates, wherein the outer periphery of the outermost plated does not include an outer periphery channel. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each plate comprises a circular disc. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each place comprises an octagonal plate. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a locking system for locking the plates in assembled relationship. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the locking system includes an element which is moveable between a multiple plate engaging and disengaging position. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , the locking system further comprising
 a. A pivot pin mounted in a preceding plate;   b. A locking bar mounted for rotational movement about the pivot pin, wherein the locking bar engages and locks a succeeding plate in position when in the engaging position and disengages and unlocks the succeeding plate when in the disengaging position.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the exercise device is a barbell. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the exercise device is a dumbbell.