Abstract:
A portable spring loaded selector pin device comprising of an automatic release mechanism for use in performing intense weight lifting exercises involving reduced weight lifting sequences on weight lifting machines having weight stacks comprising of a plurality of weight plates. One or more spring loaded selector pin devices may be deployed, allowing the selection of multiple weight reductions to be preset. The spring loaded selector pin device utilizes the friction created by the weight plates to remain engaged while the weight is lifted, and automatically releases immediately after the weight is set down, making the next preset weight ready to be lifted without any interruption in the exercise.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/852,138, filed Mar. 15, 2013, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to selector pins, and, in specific embodiments, to spring loaded selector pins for weight stacks. 
     2. Related Art 
     Weight training consists of strength training exercises that utilize weights to increase physical strength and develop the size of skeletal muscles, as well as to increase metabolism in order to reduce weight, and improve overall fitness. A variety of equipment is used in weight training to target specific muscle groups. This equipment can be in the form of free-weights utilizing weighted bars with independent weight plates, which may be added or removed, and dumbbells; or weight training machines with weight stacks containing a plurality of weights that are mechanically connected to the machine and utilize a selector device, typically an independent pin, to adjust the amount of weight to be lifted. Weight training machines are highly popular and used at gyms worldwide. Many sports use weight training as part of their training regimen such as football, basketball, track and field, hockey, and rowing. Most notably, bodybuilding and powerlifting use weight lifting as their principal training program. 
     Among the various weight training techniques are exercises that consist of intensive repetitions (reps), or reduced weight sets, commonly called Drop sets, which are used to push the trainee to a higher level of strength and fitness by reaching the point of muscle failure, making it impossible for the trainee to continue to move the weight. 
     Typically, when doing drop sets, a training partner supports the trainee, so the trainee is able to continue to make a few more additional reps with less weight in order to push their endurance and strength limit. Normally, after performing the last rep that the trainee can do on their own in a set without a training partner, the trainee would be required to put the weight down, but with the help of a training partner supporting their lift, they are able to continue to make two to three more extremely intensive reps. This will bring the trainee deep into their goal training zone. Being in the zone and the purpose of this intense weight training is to build maximum strength and muscle mass, and burn more calories faster. 
     Additionally, trainees can use weight training machines with weight stacks to perform reduced weight lifting sets, also known as Drop sets. When the trainee places the weight down after the last rep, they should preferably have a partner to quickly pull out or release the weight stack selector pin and re-insert it in a plate level with less weight. Usually, this process is repeated one to two times. This is a high intensity lifting exercise, because during this set the trainee is not only coming once to the point of muscle failure, but two, three, or more times. 
     There are significant disadvantages inherent in the current techniques for performing drop sets. If the trainee performs the reduced weight exercise using free-weights, a training partner is absolutely necessary, as it would be impossible to do so otherwise. Often trainees do not have a qualified training partner available and must use the fee-based services of a personal trainer, instead. Alternatively, if the trainee uses a weight training machine with a weight stack, the trainee needs either a training partner to re-set the weight amount, or the trainee must re-set the weight him or herself. This will result in the trainee loosing intensity in the exercise and muscle contraction in the time between resetting the weight. Despite having a training partner to change the weight, remove selector pins, or remove and re-insert selector pins in a weight stack, there is still a delay no matter how fast the training partner can perform the task, thus preventing the trainee from achieving their ultimate level of performance. 
     Conventional prior art in the field includes weight stack selector pins offered in a variety of designs and sizes configured and limited to the function of selecting and locking a specific amount of weight to be lifted. Examples of these basic weight stack selector pins are composed of simple rod-shaped shafts having a knob mounted at one end to use as a handle. These pins will remain in place at the preset weight until removed manually and re-installed in a different weight plate. More complex prior art uses springs to facilitate locking the weight selection, including externally actuated selector pins that are part of a weight stack machine spring loaded internal locking device mounted on each weight plate, in which the spring loaded action is specifically designed for engaging and locking the selected weight to be lifted, but again, must be manually released in order to change the weight. 
     Another prior art example is based on a timer apparatus that reduces the weight after a predetermined period of time. There are significant drawbacks to this system making it impractical. First, it is a complicated device to produce that can reduce the weight only once. Second, the device is cumbersome, limiting portability. Third, the expense for such a complex device would likely make it cost prohibitive for individual consumers, limiting its use to weight training machines that are pre-equipped with the device. Fourth, the device can potentially be more prone to system failure due to mechanical fatigue and wear, resulting in added maintenance and replacement costs. 
     In order to overcome the disadvantages associated with current training methods and the limitations associated with prior art weight selector devices and weight training machines, there is a need to provide a portable device system that automatically reduces the amount of weight selected in the weight stack, while allowing the trainee to safely continue with the Drop set exercise un-interrupted, maximizing the exercise intensity without the need for assistance of a training partner or personal trainer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a portable spring loaded weight stack selector pin system with an automatic release mechanism that out-performs any prior art device or method for weight lifting exercises involving reduce weight lift sequences using weight stack machines, delivering a superior exercise experience and maximizing results for the trainee, in a convenient and economical solution. 
     The spring loaded weight stack selector pin of the present invention is portable, can be carried easily in one hand, and convenient for the trainee to use at the gym. The present invention allows the trainee to preset multiple weight reductions by deploying additional spring loaded weight selector pins, including the standard selector pin that is normally provided with the weight training machine. Notably, the present invention may be used to selectively engage the last weight plate of a weight stack, lifting all the weight plates at once, in order to start a reduce weight lifting sequence with the heaviest weight possible. In addition, the spring loaded weight stack selector pin is adjustable, without the need for any special skills or tools, making it compatible with weight stack plates of differing dimensions and selector holes of different lengths, and as a result, may be used on a wide variety of weight training machines. Further, the spring loaded weight stack selector pin does not interfere with the operation of the weight training machine. Although there are prior art machines that incorporate integral weight selection devices, there are still a significant number of popular machines for every muscle group target area for which the present invention is compatible, providing the trainee with diverse exercise opportunities at their local gym. 
     The spring loaded weight stack selector pin of the present invention reduces the weight faster than any training partner can perform the same task. The spring loaded weight stack selector pin releases within a split second after the weight is set down, making the weight stack ready for the next preset weight to be lifted, thus allowing the trainee to complete their exercise faster, and achieve their ultimate level of performance by consistently maintaining muscle tension and generating an exercise intensity level not possible when using any other prior art technique or device. The time-saving advantage of the present invention is also a benefit to gyms, because it makes the weight training machine available for more members to access and use. 
     Upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, other desirable features will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features of the present invention are more fully set forth in the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is presented with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side, elevated view of an exemplary spring loaded weight stack selector pin depicted in the released position according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side, elevated view of an exemplary spring loaded weight stack selector pin depicted in the compressed position with an exemplary removable safety pin inserted through one of the exemplary adjustment holes according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of an exemplary weight stack depicted in the stand-by position for a weight training machine with one exemplary spring loaded weight stack selector pin inserted at the heavier weight plate level with a generic standard weight stack selector pin inserted above it at a lighter weight plate level according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a side, cut-away view of an exemplary weight stack depicted in the stand-by position for a weight training machine with one exemplary spring loaded weight stack selector pin inserted at the heavier weight plate level (lowest pin) with an exemplary removable safety pin inserted in the next plate below, and one exemplary generic standard weight stack selector pin inserted at a lighter weight plate level according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a side, cut-away view of an exemplary weight stack depicted in the active (lifted) position for a weight training machine (not shown) with one exemplary spring loaded weight stack selector pin inserted at the heavier weight level (lowest pin) and an exemplary removable safety pin, which has disengage from the spring loaded weight stack selector pin as a result of the weight stack plates being lifted by the user of the weight machine, with exemplary holding arm still inserted in the lower weight plate, and one exemplary generic standard weight stack selector pin inserted at a lighter weight level according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a side, cut-away view of an exemplary weight stack depicted in the stand-by position for a weight training machine after the user has completed the first set of lifting repetitions (reps) with one exemplary spring loaded weight stack selector pin shown in the action of popping-out with an exemplary removable safety pin which has disengaged from the spring loaded weight stack pin, as a result of the weight stack plates being lifted by the user of the weight machine, and exemplary holding arm still inserted in the lower weight plate, and one exemplary generic standard weight stack selector pin still inserted above at a lighter weight level according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side, cut-away view of an exemplary weight stack for a weight training machine (not shown) depicted in the active (lifted) position with one exemplary generic standard weight stack selector pin inserted in a selector pin hole at a lighter weight plate level according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention may be implemented in the exemplary embodiments described herein. As will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art, other embodiments and alternative variations are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Likewise, the components of the present invention may be produced using different manufacturing processes, such as molded, machined, or formed. 
     Additionally, the handle, pin shafts, and compression base with handle is illustrative and can be formed in different shapes such as more smooth and rounded, or squared-off, or ergonomically shaped to fit the inside curvature of the palm of the hand, fingers and thumb, for example. Further, the components of the present invention can have different surface finishes and textures to increase friction, improve grip, or for decorative purposes. As will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art, other embodiments utilizing different colors, shapes, curvature, or decorative designs may also be employed. 
     The spring loaded weight stack selector pin described herein may be made using different types of materials or combination of materials, including for example different metals and alloys, plastic, rubber, carbon fiber composites, or glass infused plastic. Rubber or other materials that increase friction may also be used for specific parts of the invention, such as the handle and other gripping areas. As will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art, a variety of materials may be used to manufacture the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     The depiction of an exemplary weight training machine weight stack consisting of a plurality of weight plates is illustrative, and the present invention may be used with weight plates of different sizes, shapes, dimensions, and which incorporate weight stack selector pin holes in different sizes, shapes and length. Further, the depiction of an exemplary standard weight stack selector pin that is normally provided with a weight machine is illustrative and the present invention may be used whether or not a standard weight stack selector pin is provided. 
     Further, as will be understood by someone with ordinary skill in the art, during a single set, one, two, or more spring loaded weight stack selector pins may be preset in advance and used successively on a weight training machine weight stack with or without the standard weight stack pin that normally is on the machine, during multiple reduced weight reps, or Drop set exercise, to accommodate the trainee&#39;s desired lifting sequence within the same set 
       FIGS. 1-2  illustrate a spring loaded weight stack selector pin according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 1  is a side elevated view of spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  depicted in the released position with a handle  2  connected to the top of the pin shaft  3 , which is inserted through spring  5 - 1  shown in the released position, and then through an moveable compression base  6  which has a handle grip  7 - 1  and  7 - 2 . On the side of the pin shaft  3  are a series of adjustment holes  8 - 1 ,  8 - 2 , and  8 - 3 , which completely pierce through the pin shaft  3 , and at the opposite end from the handle  2  is pin shaft end  4  consisting of an abrupt raised edge  4 - 1  in an exemplary spring loaded weight stack selector pin embodiment of the present invention. Continuing in  FIG. 2  is a side elevated view of a spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  depicted in the compressed position with a handle  2  connected to the top of the pin shaft  3 , which is inserted through spring  5 - 2  shown in the compressed state, and then through a moveable compression base  6  which has a handle grip  7 - 1  and  7 - 2 . On the side of the pin shaft  3  are a series of adjustment holes  8 - 1 ,  8 - 2 , and  8 - 3 , which completely pierce through the pin shaft  3 , and at the opposite end from the handle  2  on pin shaft  3  is an pin shaft end  4  consisting of an abrupt raised edge  4 - 1 . Safety pin shaft  12 , which is part of safety pin  9 , also consisting of an lanyard hole  10 , bend  10 - 1 , and holding arm  11 , is inserted through adjustment hole  8 - 1  engaging it to weight stack selector pin  1  in an exemplary spring loaded weight stack selector pin embodiment of the present invention. 
     For example, while holding the spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  in one hand, pull back on the compression base handle grip  7 - 1  and  7 - 2  with your fore and middle fingers for instance, causing compression base  6  to slide back on pin shaft  3  towards the handle  2 , thus compressing the spring  5 - 2 , and hold. Next, with your other hand, insert the safety pin shaft  12  through the appropriate distance adjustment hole  8 - 1 ,  8 - 2 , or  8 - 3  located on the pin shaft  3 . In  FIG. 2  adjustment hole  8 - 1  is used. Now, the spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  is ready for deployment and use on a weight stack such as exemplary weight stack  20 , as depicted in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . Simply select the amount of weight you want to lift first, then line-up the spring loaded weight stack selector pin shaft end  4  with the desired weight plate selector pin hole and insert as far as it will go. The safety pin holding arm  11  should simultaneously insert into the weight plate selector pin hole for the weight plate immediately below. If you are lifting the heaviest weight (the bottom plate of the weight stack), there is no place to insert the safety pin holding arm  11 . In this case, use the safety pin lanyard hole  10  to attach a lanyard (not shown), or always keep a lanyard attached, and attach the opposite end of the lanyard to the base or lower frame area of the weight training machine, out of the way of any moving parts, to act as an anchor. A carabiner added to the anchored end of the lanyard is also handy. 
       FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  depict the start position, demonstrating how you would set-up a weight stack for reduced weight lifting sequences, or drop sets, lifting from heavier to successively lighter weight using the exemplary spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  as depicted in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a front view of an exemplary weight stack  20  depicted in the stand-by position with the center bar  50  not active, for a weight training machine (not shown) with one spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  showing only a handle  2  connected to the top of the pin shaft  3  (not visible), which is inserted through exemplary spring  5 - 2  (not visible) in the compressed state, and then through an exemplary moveable compression base  6  which has a handle grip  7 - 1  and  7 - 2  which is visible from this view. The pin shaft  3  with a pin shaft end  4  is inserted into the weight stack selector pin hole  22 - 2  (not visible) at the heavier weight plate  21 - 2  level. An exemplary safety pin  9  with a bend  10 - 1  and lanyard hole  10  visible outside of the weight plate  21 - 3  immediately below weight plate  21 - 2 , and a safety pin holding arm  11  inserted into the weight plate selector pin hole  22 - 3  located in weight plate  21 - 3  immediately below weight plate  21 - 2 . A generic standard weight stack selector pin  30  is shown inserted higher up in weight stack  20  engaged in a lighter weight plate  21 - 1  level showing only the pin handle  31  protruding from weight plate selector pin hole  22 - 1  (not visible from this view) in weight plate  21 - 1  in an exemplary spring loaded weight stack selector pin embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4  depicts the same set-up as  FIG. 3 , but as a side cut-away view showing exemplary weight stack  20  for a weight training machine (not shown) depicted in the stand-by position with one spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  inserted at the heavier weight plate  21 - 2  level depicting a handle  2  connected to the top of the exemplary pin shaft  3 , which is inserted through spring  5 - 2  in the compressed state; and then through a moveable compression base  6 , which has a handle  7 - 2  and  7 - 1  (not shown), and a safety pin  9  which has a lanyard hole  10  and safety pin bend  10 - 1 , with safety pin shaft  12  inserted through adjustment hole  8 - 1 , and exemplary holding arm  11  inserted into selector pin hole  22 - 3  located in the weight plate  21 - 3  immediately below weight plate  21 - 2 ; and one generic standard weight stack selector pin  30  inserted into weight plate selector pin hole  22 - 1  at a lighter weight plate  21 - 1  level, showing a pin handle  31  and pin shaft  32  in an exemplary spring loaded weight stack selector pin embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  depicts the positioning and actions of spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  and safety pin  9  when the weight is initially lifted while performing the reps, and when the weight is set down again.  FIG. 5  is a side cut-away view of an exemplary weight stack  20  for a weight training machine (not shown) depicted in the active (lifted) position having the center bar  50  active, with one spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  inserted at the heavier weight plate  21 - 2  level in selector pin hole  22 - 2 , depicting an exemplary handle  2  connected to the top of the pin shaft  3 , which is inserted through spring  5 - 2  in the compressed state; and then through a moveable compression base  6 , which has a handle  7 - 2  and  7 - 1  (not shown), and a safety pin  9  which has disengage (released) from the spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  as a result of the weight stack plates being lifted by the user of the weight machine (not shown). The safety pin  9  has an exemplary lanyard hole  10  and holding arm  11 , which is shown still inserted in the weight stack selector pin hole  22 - 3  in weight plate  21 - 3 , but may also fall-out onto the floor after it separates from spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  without causing any adverse effect. The weight of the weight stack plates  40 , starting with the selected weight plate where the spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  is engaged and up to the weight plate immediately below the next preset weight as shown, creates enough friction to hold the spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  against the force of the spring  5 - 2  in the compressed state while the reps are performed. Also depicted in  FIG. 5  is one generic standard weight stack selector pin  30  in stand-by mode, inserted at a lighter weight plate  21 - 1  level in selector pin hole  22 - 1 , with pin handle  31  and pin shaft  32  in an exemplary spring loaded weight stack selector pin embodiment of the present invention. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 6 , the weight stack  20  is shown set down (not lifted) with the center bar  50  not active. The spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  is no longer held by the friction created by the weight of the weight stack plates  40 , and thus the spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  pops out due to the force of the compressed spring  5 - 2  (not shown), which causes the spring to return to the released state  5 - 1 .  FIG. 6  is a side cut-away view of an exemplary weight stack  20  for a weight training machine depicted in the stand-by position after the user completed the first set of lifting repetitions with one spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  shown popping-out of the selector pin hole  22 - 2  located in weight plate  21 - 2 , and depicting a handle  2  connected to the top of the pin shaft  3 , which is inserted through spring  5 - 1  in the released state; and then through an moveable compression base  6 , which has an exemplary handle  7 - 2  and  7 - 1  (not shown), and an exemplary safety pin  9  which has disengage from the spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1 , as a result of the weight stack plates being lifted by the user of the weight machine (not shown), and one exemplary generic standard weight stack selector pin  30  still inserted above at a lighter weight plate  21 - 1  level showing a pin handle  31  and pin shaft  32  in an exemplary spring loaded weight stack selector pin embodiment of the present invention. 
     Now, only the generic standard weight stack selector pin  30  remains and the last part of the intense set can be executed as shown in  FIG. 7 . In a side cut-away view,  FIG. 7  depicts an exemplary weight stack  20  for a weight training machine (not shown), shown in the active (lifted) position having the center bar  50  active, with one generic standard weight stack selector pin  30  still inserted in weight plate selector pin hole  22 - 1  at a lighter weight plate  21 - 1  level in an exemplary spring loaded weight stack selector pin embodiment of the present invention. A second spring loaded weight stack selector pin  1  with a safety pin  9  can be used instead of the exemplary generic standard weight stack selector pin  30  that is usually attached to the weight machine. One, two, or more spring loaded weight stack pins may be used to set-up a weight stack for a reduced weight lifting sequence. 
     The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative, and not restrictive of the invention. The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated by the attached claims, rather than the embodiments. Various modifications and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be within the scope of the invention.