Patent ID: 6602169
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
A method for securing weights to weight-lifting apparatus comprising the steps of:(a) providing an elongated shaft having threaded ends and a circular cross-section, a plurality of weights, and a single locking nut on each threaded end, said locking nut comprising a nut body and a spring steel oblong threaded insert located within said nut body; (b) disposing a desired number of said weights in a fixed spatial relationship on said shaft; (c) placing a single locking nut on each of the threaded ends of said shaft; (d) applying light hand tool pressure on each of said nut bodies to form a non-locking engagement of said locking nut with each of the threaded ends; and (e) applying sufficient torque to each of said nut bodies to form a fail-safe locking and vibration proof engagement of said locking nut with each of the threaded ends and to conform each of the threaded inserts to the circular shape of said shaft by rising away from said nut body and isolating the load from said nut body to said threaded insert such that each of the locking nuts does not back off the threaded end of said shaft under shock and vibration.