Variable Mass Dumbbell Systems

Abstract

A dumbbell system for exercising with an incrementally-variable mass of weights, includes a grip comprising a handle portion optionally enclosing a pin-receiving portion; a weight-engagement device having a first end opposite a second end, comprising a plurality of weight-engagement ports dispersed between the first end and the second end, each weight-engagement port in the plurality of weight-engagement ports being configured to receive a weight-retaining pin; a first plurality of weight plates, each weight plate in the first plurality of weight plates comprising at least one grip-engagement port configured to also receive the weight-retaining pin, wherein each of the at least one grip-engagement port is adapted to align with a weight-engagement port in the plurality of weight-engagement ports;wherein the plurality of weight plates provides the incrementally-variable mass of weights.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A dumbbell system for exercising with an incrementally-variable mass of weights, comprising:
 a grip comprising a handle portion optionally enclosing a pin-receiving portion;   a weight-engagement device having a first end opposite a second end, comprising a plurality of weight-engagement ports dispersed between the first end and the second end, each weight-engagement port in the plurality of weight-engagement ports being configured to receive a weight-retaining pin;   a first plurality of weight plates, each weight plate in the first plurality of weight plates comprising at least one grip-engagement port configured to also receive the weight-retaining pin, wherein each of the at least one grip-engagement port is adapted to align with a weight-engagement port in the plurality of weight-engagement ports;   wherein the plurality of weight plates provides the incrementally-variable mass of weights.   
     
     
         2 . The dumbbell system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of weight-engagement ports comprises a left plurality of weight-engagement ports opposite a right plurality of weight-engagement ports, wherein each weight-engagement port in the left plurality of weight-engagement ports aligns with a weight-engagement port in the right plurality of weight-engagement ports. 
     
     
         3 . The dumbbell system of  claim 1 , wherein the weight-engagement device comprises a cylindrical device shape. 
     
     
         4 . The dumbbell system of  claim 1 , wherein the grip is permanently affixed to the weight-engagement device proximal to the first end. 
     
     
         5 . The dumbbell system of  claim 1 , wherein the grip is adapted to be selectively secured to any of the weight-engagement ports in the plurality of weight engagement ports. 
     
     
         6 . The dumbbell system of  claim 1 , wherein the grip comprises one or more rotation guides adapted to minimize rotation of the grip within the weight-engagement device. 
     
     
         7 . The dumbbell system of  claim 1 , wherein each weight plate in the first plurality of weight plates defines a circle proximate to the weight-engagement device. 
     
     
         8 . The dumbbell system of  claim 1 , wherein each weight plate in the first plurality of weight plates comprises one or more weight-stabilizing recesses proximal to the weight-engagement device. 
     
     
         9 . The dumbbell system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one weight-engagement port in the plurality of weight-engagement ports comprises a pin support collar. 
     
     
         10 . The dumbbell system of  claim 1 , further comprising a second plurality of weight plates, each weight plate in the second plurality of weight plates being dimensioned to fit around at least one weight plate in the first plurality of weight plates;
 wherein each weight plate in the second plurality of weight plates comprises at least one grip engagement port configured to receive the weight-retaining pin, a secondary weight-retaining pin, or both.   
     
     
         11 . The dumbbell system of  claim 1 , wherein the weight-retaining pin comprises a spring-loaded ball bearing, a spring-loaded post, or a combination of both. 
     
     
         12 . The dumbbell system of  claim 1 , wherein the weight-retaining pin comprises a retraction grip for releasing the weight-retaining pin from the at least one grip-engagement port. 
     
     
         13 . The dumbbell system of  claim 10 , wherein the secondary weight-retaining pin comprises a spring-loaded ball bearing, a spring-loaded post, or a combination of both. 
     
     
         14 . The dumbbell system of  claim 10 , wherein the secondary weight-retaining pin comprises a retraction grip for releasing the secondary weight-retaining pin from the at least one grip-engagement port. 
     
     
         15 . The dumbbell system of  claim 1 , wherein the grip comprises an ergonomic shape. 
     
     
         16 . The dumbbell system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one weight plate in the first plurality of weight plates comprises two or more first stacking structures to support and separate adjacent weight plates in the first plurality of weight plates. 
     
     
         17 . The dumbbell system of  claim 10 , wherein at least one weight plate in the second plurality of weight plates comprises two or more second stacking structures to separate adjacent weight plates in the second plurality of weight plates. 
     
     
         18 . The dumbbell system of  claim 1 , wherein the weight engagement device comprises one or more weight stabilizing protrusions, and the weight-engagement ports are dispersed on the one or more weight stabilizing protrusions. 
     
     
         19 . The dumbbell system of  claim 6 , wherein the one or more rotation guides comprise one or more weight stabilization ports.