Weight machine selector device

A weight selector for use with a weight lifting machine having a plurality of weights to be lifted and an exertion element configured to exert force so as to lift a preselected amount of weight comprising: a first selector element configured to mechanically select a first amount of weight to be lifted; a second selector element configured to mechanically select a second amount of weight to be lifted, the second selector element being movable relative to the first selector element; and a distance limiting element configured to limit the distance between the first selector element and the second selector element.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a device and method for physical conditioning and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a device and method for physical conditioning by lifting weights.

There are known in the art various weight-lifting machines, wherein a user exerts force on a lever in order to raise a selected number of weights from a stack of weights. U.S. Pat. No. 3,734,495 to Nist et al. discloses a weight training device for exercising the lower limbs, wherein a user's legs exert force on a lever, the lever connected via a cable or chain to a pull bar extending through apertures in a weight stack, in order to raise a selected number of weights from the weight stack. A number of weights to be lifted are selected by inserting a selector pin in an aperture in the weights and in the pull bar. The upper end of the lever is moved “by corresponding movement of the lower end of the lever in the opposite direction,” by pushing against the foot pedals, thereby raising the selected number of weights from the stack.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,599 to Mazman discloses a weight training device for exercising the arms, wherein a user's arms exert force on a lever, the lever connected via a cable to a weight lift rod extending through apertures in a weight stack, in order to raise a selected number of weights from the stack. The user may select a number of weights to be raised by inserting a selector pin below a stack of weights to be lifted and into an aperture in the weight lift rod. A user may raise a selected number of weights from the stack by exerting an upward force with his arms on handle bars extending from the lever. The device includes a roller on the upper end of the lift rod, such that, “as the lever arm is raised, the roller on the lift rod moves on the lever arm to reduce the user's mechanical advantage and increase his effective load.”

U.S. Pat. No. 4,546,971 to Raasoch discloses a weight lifting machine having first and second weight stacks and an assembly of levers and linkages designed to respond to force applied by a user lifting a selected number of weights from the first weight stack. The machine is also provided with a pneumatic cylinder and related linkages which lift a selected number of weights from the second stack, at a selected point in the exercise stroke, without additional force exerted by the user, thereby adding the selected number of weights from the second stack to the selected weights of the first stack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, is a weight machine selector device and method which enables a user to exert force on a lever of a weight lifting machine having a stack of weights, thereby lifting a first number of weights from the stack a particular distance and then, if an additional force is exerted on the lever in the same direction as the first force, the user is able to raise a second, additional weight amount from the stack.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a weight machine selector device for use with a weight lifting machine having a plurality of weights to be lifted and an exertion element configured to exert force so as to lift a preselected amount of weight comprising: a first selector element configured to mechanically select a first amount of weight to be lifted; a second selector element configured to mechanically select a second amount of weight to be lifted, the second selector element being movable relative to the first selector element; and a distance limiting element configured to limit the distance between the first selector element and the second selector element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the second selector element is slidable, relative to the first selector element along the distance limiting element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the distance limiting element comprises a plate having a slot therein, the second selector element configured to slide along the slot.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the device comprises a stop element configured to limit the sliding motion of the second selector element relative to the first selector element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the stop element is adjustable so as to limit the sliding motion of the second selector element to a selected distance from the first selector element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the distance limiting element is rigid.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the second selector element is configured to be retained in position by turning thereof.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the device comprises markings on the distance limiting element for facilitating positioning of the second selector element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the device comprises markings on the distance limiting element for facilitating positioning of the adjustable stop element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the second selector element is provided with a disabling element configured to selectably disable the second selector element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the distance limiting element is flexible.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the distance limiting element is disposed within the second selector element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the second selector element is movable relative to the first selector element by lengthening or shortening of the distance limiting element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the distance limiting element is configured to be lengthened or shortened by turning of the second selector element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the distance limiting element is elastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the device further comprises a hanging element configured to retain the device proximal to a user.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the device further comprises: a third selector element configured to select a third weight amount to be lifted; and a second distance limiting element configured limit the distance between the third selector element and the first selector element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of weights to be lifted comprises a stack of weights, the first selector element configured to select a first number of weights to be lifted from the stack, and the second selector element configured to select a second number of weights to be lifted from the stack.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a plurality of weight selectors for use with a weight lifting machine having a plurality of weights to be lifted and an exertion element configured to exert force so as to lift a preselected amount of weight, each of the plurality of weight selectors comprising: a first selector element configured to mechanically select a first weight amount to be lifted; a second selector element configured to mechanically select a second weight amount to be lifted; wherein the distance between the first selector element and the second selector element is fixed.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of weight lifting comprising: selecting a first weight amount to be lifted on exertion of a first force; selecting a second weight amount to be lifted on exertion of a second force, the second force greater than the first force; limiting the distance over which the first force is to be exerted before the second force is exerted; exerting the first force such that the first weight amount is lifted; and exerting the second force such that the second weight amount is lifted.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the first force is exerted on the first weight amount so as to lift the first weight amount a particular distance before the second force is exerted on the second weight amount; wherein the first and second forces are exerted in the same direction.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a device and method for physical conditioning and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a device and method for physical conditioning by lifting weights.

An embodiment of the present invention is a weight machine selector device for use with a weight lifting machine having a vertical stack of weights. The device enables a user to select first and second amounts of weight to be lifted from the weight stack and to select a distance through which the muscle(s) being used to raise the first weight amount must be exerted before the second selected amount of weight is to be lifted. The device of the present invention, in some embodiments, enables the user to exert a first force on a lever of the weight lifting machine, thereby lifting the first selected amount of weight from the stack and then, once the first force has been exerted over the selected distance, the additional force must be exerted on the lever in the same direction as the first force, to lift the second selected weight amount from the stack.

Referring now to the drawings,FIGS. 1aand2illustrate a weight selector device10according to an embodiment of the present invention. Weight selector device10includes first and second selector elements12and14and a distance limiting element20for limiting the maximum distance between selector elements12and14. Distance limiting element20is provided with a stop element27, which will be discussed further below, for limiting the distance between second selector element14and the first selector element12.

In the embodiment shown, distance limiting element20is constructed as a rigid rectangular plate22having a front surface28and a rear surface26and having a slot24formed therein. Selector elements12and14are utilized for selecting a desired number of weights to be lifted from the stack. It should be noted that, while the length of selector element12is substantially similar to that of a selector pin used in a conventional weight lifting machine, the length of selector element14is significantly shorter than that of selector element12, as will be discussed below.

Weight selector device10is constructed of a rigid material, such as any suitable metal or plastic. In some embodiments, distance limiting element20may be constructed of a flexible material. Selector elements12and14are configured as cylindrical pegs13and15, respectively, each having a diameter substantially identical to that of a selector pin used in a conventional weight lifting machine having a stack of weights.

In the embodiment shown, weight selector device10is constructed such that first selector element12is disposed at a fixed point near the top of plate22and protrudes from the rear surface26of distance limiting element. First selector element12may protrude from the front surface28of distance limiting element20, although such protrusion is not necessary. Second selector element14is constructed such that it passes through slot24and is slidable therein, thereby enabling second selector element14to be moved toward and away from first selector element12. Second selector element14is provided with a retaining element16, at the front surface24of distance limiting element20, and a retaining element18, at the rear surface26of distance limiting element20, such that second selector element14is retained within slot22and is maintained at an orientation of 90 degrees relative to distance limiting element20. In the embodiment shown, retaining element16is constructed as a circular head and washer assembly on the end of second selector element14located at the front surface28of distance limiting element20, and retaining element18is constructed as a square plate in which second selector element14is fixed or fastened at the rear surface26of distance limiting element20. Optionally, any suitable means for similarly retaining second selector element14within slot24may be used.

In the embodiment shown, stop element27limits the sliding motion of second selector element14relative to first selector element12. In the embodiment shown, stop element27is constructed as a peg which is slidable along slot24. In the embodiment shown, stop element27includes an adjustment knob30, the function of which will be discussed below, at the front surface28of distance limiting element20, and includes an enlarged head32, at the rear surface26of distance limiting element20, such that stop element27is slidably retained within slot24. The stop element may be positioned at any selected location along slot24, below second selector element14, and may be fixed at the selected location by turning of the adjustment knob30. As shown inFIG. 1asecond selector element14and stop element27are disposed within slot24, such that second selector element14is positioned between stop element27and first selector element12, in order that stop element27may limit the sliding motion of second selector element14to a selected distance from first selector element12. Alternatively, if desired, any suitable mechanism for limiting the distance between first and second selector elements may be employed such as, for example, an adjustable cable connected therebetween.

Device10may be provided with a hanging element8which may be fastened at a first end thereto by any suitable means. Hanging element8may be fastened at a second end, for example, to a frame (not shown) of a weight lifting machine with which device10is to be employed, such that device10hangs therefrom, thereby maintaining device10adjacent a weight stack of the weight lifting machine, proximal to a user.

As known in the art, when it is desired to lift a certain number of weights from a stack of weights of a conventional weight lifting machine, a user inserts a selector pin into a selector bar, below the selected number of weights to be lifted, such that, when he exerts force on a lever, the weights located above the selector pin are raised. As the user continues to exert force on the lever, the weights are raised further, and remain raised until the user reduces his force on the lever, thereby lowering the weights. In contrast, the device according to embodiments of the present invention enables a user to exert a first force on a lever of the weight lifting machine, thereby lifting a first selected number of weights a particular distance and then, if a second force is exerted on the lever in the same direction as the first force, the user is able to raise a second selected weight amount from the weight stack.

With additional reference toFIGS. 3 through 4d, a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will be discussed. Stop element27is positioned at a selected location along slot24and adjustment knob is turned, thereby fixing the position of stop element27along distance limiting element20. As will be discussed below, the position of stop element27relative to first selector element12will determine the distance over which a first force is to be exerted, in order to raise a first selected weight amount, before a second force must be exerted, in order to raise a second selected weight amount. Device10is then moved adjacent to a weight stack42, such as that of a conventional weight lifting machine40. Since first selector element12is longer than second selector element14, as noted above, first selector element12is first inserted into a space between adjacent weights, under a first selected weight amount to be lifted. As shown inFIG. 4a, by way of example only, first selector element12may be inserted in the space between weights44and46. Then, as device10is moved closer to weight stack42, second selector element14is moved along slot24such that second selector element14positioned in the space under a second selected weight amount to be lifted. In the example shown inFIG. 4a, second selector element14is inserted into the space between weights52and54and, simultaneously, first selector element12is inserted into a hole (not shown) in selector bar59, the hole disposed at a location between weights44and46. The position of device10relative to weight lifting machine40, prior to lifting of weights, is shown inFIG. 4a.

As shown inFIG. 4b, when a first force sufficient to lift weight44is exerted on, for example, a lever (not shown) of weight lifting machine40, selector bar59and first selector element12, positioned within a hole in selector bar59, are raised, thereby raising the first weight amount which, in the example shown, is weight44. As first selector element12is raised, distance limiting element20is raised therewith. As distance limiting element20is raised, second selector element14slides along slot24, toward stop element27. As continued force is exerted on the lever and weight44is raised further, as shown inFIG. 4c, and second selector element14continues to slide along slot24toward stop element27, until it contacts stop element27. Once second selector element14contacts stop element27, a second force sufficient to raise the second weight amount must be exerted on the lever. As the second force is exerted, the selector bar59is raised further, and second selector element14, positioned below the second weight amount, contacts weight52, allowing the second weight amount to be raised. As in the example shown inFIG. 4d, the second force is sufficient to raise weights46,48,50, and52.

It may be noted thatFIGS. 3-4illustrate an example wherein one weight from the weight stack is selected for the first weight amount to be lifted, four weights from the weight stack are selected for the second weight amount to be lifted, and the stop element is fixed at a particular location along slot24such that a particular distance was selected, over which the first force is to be exerted before the second force. It should, however, be noted that, if desired, any number of weights may be selected for each of the first and second weight amounts, and any selected distance over which the first force is to be exerted before the second force is exerted may be selected, taking into consideration the following limitations: the number of weights provided by the weight lifting machine and the length of slot24in distance limiting element20. Preferably, the first and second weight amounts and the distance over which the first force is to be exerted before the second force is exerted should all be selected according to an exercise plan, preferably determined by an exercise specialist.

FIG. 5aillustrates a second selector element14ain accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Second selector element14amay be inserted in slot24of device10, in place of second selector element14(FIG. 1a). In contrast to second selector element14, it may be noted that second selector element14aincludes a retaining element17, to be positioned at the front surface28of distance limiting element20, and that second selector element14adoes not require a retaining element18, at the rear surface26of distance limiting element20, as does second selector element14. Retaining element17is provided with a button36and the end of peg15is provided with a pair of rounded protrusions38which are retractable into the interior of peg15upon pressing of button36. Protrusions may be spring-loaded, if desired. When it is desired to insert second selector element14ain the space between weights of weight stack, button36is pressed, such that protrusions38are retracted into peg15. Once second selector element14ahas been inserted sufficiently into the space between weights, the protrusions are expelled from peg15, thereby maintaining second selector element14ain its position in the weight stack. When it is desired to remove second selector element14afrom the weight stack, button36is again pressed, thereby retracting protrusions38, such that second selector element14amay be removed from the weight stack.

FIG. 5billustrates a second selector element14bin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Second selector element14amay be inserted in slot24of device10, in place of second selector element14(FIG. 1). In contrast to second selector element14, it may be noted that second selector element14bincludes a retaining element39having a pair of protrusions19, which are to be disposed adjacent the rear surface26of distance limiting element20. When it is desired to insert second selector element14bin the space between weights of a weight stack, retaining element16is rotated in the direction of arrow A, until protrusions19are positioned horizontally, on either side of peg15, thereby enabling second selector element14bto be inserted into the space between adjacent weights of the weight stack. Once second selector element14bhas been inserted sufficiently into the space between weights, retaining element16is rotated 90 degrees in the direction of arrow A, such that protrusions19are positioned vertically, on either side of peg15, thereby preventing second selector element14bfrom being removed from the weight stack. When it is desired to remove second selector element14bfrom the weight stack, retaining element16is again rotated 90 degrees in the direction of arrow A, such that protrusions39are positioned horizontally, on either side of peg15, thereby enabling second selector element14bto be removed from the weight stack.

FIG. 6illustrates a distance limiting element20, on the front surface28of which there is provided a series of markings23. Markings23may serve as a guide, for example, to facilitate positioning of second selector element14(FIG. 1) in a weight stack, thereby enabling selection of a second weight amount to be lifted. Additionally or alternatively, markings23may serve as a guide, for example, to facilitate positioning of stop element27, thereby enabling selection of the distance over which a first force is to be exerted, in order to raise a first selected weight amount, before a second force is exerted, in order to raise a second selected weight amount. For example, each of markings23may indicate a weight amount, for positioning of second selector element14, or a distance amount, for positioning of stop element27. Optionally, there may be provided a chart indicating weight amounts to be selected and/or distance amounts to be selected, in order to achieve specific weight training effects.

If it is desired to lift only one weight amount from the stack of weights, the present embodiment may be employed by disabling second selector element14, such that only first selector element12is operational. In order to disable second selector element14, device10(FIG. 1a) may be provided with, for example, a spring loaded disabling mechanism6(FIG. 1b) which may selectably disable selector element14.

FIG. 1bis a schematic box diagram of weight selector device10shown in Figs. laand2, including first and second selector elements12and14, distance limiting element20, and disabling element6, as discussed above.

FIGS. 7aand7billustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention, for use with a selector pin12aof a conventional weight lifting machine having a stack of weights to be lifted, as shown inFIG. 7c. In accordance with this embodiment, a second selector element14cis operable to replace second selector element14and distance limiting element20shown inFIG. 1a. Second selector element14cis formed of three peg portions15a,15b, and15chaving a distance limiting element in the form of a flexible cable11extending therethrough. Peg portion15amay be provided at a first end with a rotatable adjustment element16aand at a second end with a stationary retaining element18a. Cable11is longer than the total length of peg portions15a,15b, and15c. A first end of cable11may be fastened to retaining element18a, within device14c, by any suitable means. A second end of cable11is fastened to adjustment element16a, within device14c, and the excess length21of cable11is wound around adjustment element16a, such that the portion of cable11disposed within peg portions15a,15b, and15cmay be lengthened as desired, by rotating adjustment element16ain the direction of arrow B. Alternatively, if desired, device14cmay be provided with a spool (not shown) within device14c, such that the excess length21of cable11may be wound therearound. Optionally, the mechanism by which the excess length21of cable11is retained may be spring-loaded. When in use, the second selector element14cis movable relative to the first selector element (FIG. 7c) by lengthening or shortening of the cable11.

When it is desired to select a first weight amount to be lifted, selector pin12ais inserted into a space under a first weight in a weight stack and is further inserted into a hole in a selector bar59, as discussed above.

In order to select a distance over which a first force is to be exerted, in order to raise the first selected weight amount, before a second force is exerted, in order to raise a second selected weight amount, adjustment element16amay be rotated in the direction of arrow B, thereby releasing from the spool a certain amount of cable within second selector element14c. Adjustment element16amay be provided with markings (not shown) which indicate the degree of rotation necessary for releasing a particular amount of cable within second selector element14c, thereby facilitating selection of the distance over which a first force is to be exerted, in order to raise the first selected weight amount, before a second force is exerted, in order to raise the second selected weight amount. Alternatively, if desired, second selector element14cmay be provided with a mechanism (not shown) for selecting the amount of cable released within the second selector element, wherein rotation of a portion of the device is not required. Such a mechanism may, for example, be moved in and out, or up and down.

In order to select a second weight amount to be lifted, second selector element14cis positioned under a second weight amount in the weight stack by first inserting adjustment element16aand peg portion15aand by then further inserting second selector element14cinto the weight stack. In this manner, peg portion15apasses through the hole in the selector bar, peg portions15aand15care moved into the spaces on either side of the selector bar, beneath the second selected weight in the stack, and peg portion15bis disposed within the hole in the selector bar.

As discussed above, selector pin12ais positioned in the selector bar59such that, when a first force is exerted on a lever of a weight lifting machine, the selector bar is raised and the first selected weight amount is lifted. As the selector bar is raised, peg portion15bof second selector element14cis also raised, since it is positioned in the hole in the selector bar, while peg portions15aand15cremain in position under the second selected weight amount, such that cable11is extended and second selector element14cis configured as inFIG. 7b. As the first weight amount is raised further, when cable11can be extended no further, an additional force must be exerted on the lever in order for the user to be able to raise the second selected weight amount.

In accordance with an embodiment (not shown), the second selector element may be formed of two peg portions,15band15c, having a distance limiting element in the form of a flexible cable11extending therethrough, wherein peg portion15bis provided with a rotatable adjustment element16aand is provided with a stationary retaining element18a. As in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 7aand7b, the portion of cable11disposed within peg portions15band15cmay be lengthened as desired, by rotating adjustment element16ain the direction of arrow B.

FIGS. 8aand8billustrate a three-stage device60in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention wherein, in addition to enabling the selection of first and second weight amounts to be lifted on exertion of first and second forces, respectively, the device enables a user to select a third weight amount to be lifted upon exertion of a third force. Device60enables a user to exercise a particular portion of the body in a manner such that three successive selected forces must be exerted over three successive selected distances, thereby facilitating use of a conventional weight lifting machine having a weight stack in a manner that was not previously achievable.

Device60is provided with a first selector element12, a second selector element14, and a stop element27which are identical to those of weight selector device10shown inFIGS. 1a-4. Device60is, however, additionally provided with a third selector element114having a stop element127. The operation and function of third selector element114and stop element127are identical to those of second selector element14and stop element27, respectively.

The device60according to the present embodiment enables a user to select first, second, and third weight amounts to be lifted from a stack of weights of a weight lifting machine, by exerting first, second, and third forces, respectively, on a lever of the weight lifting machine. The device60additionally enables the user to select the distance over which the first force must be exerted, in order to raise the first selected weight amount, before the second force must be exerted, in order to raise the second selected weight amount, and to select the distance over which the second force must be exerted, in order to raise the second selected weight amount, before the third force must be exerted, in order to raise the third selected weight amount.

FIG. 9illustrates a weight selector device70, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention which enables the selection of first and second weight amounts to be lifted on exertion of first and second forces. Device70includes a first selector element72, including a peg13and a fastening element74, and a second selector element76, including a peg15and a fastening element77. First selector element72and second selector element76are attached to each other by means of a flexible distance limiting element78such that, when the distance limiting element78is extended, the distance between first and second selector elements72and76is fixed. Distance limiting element78may be formed of, for example, a cable or chain. Each of pegs13and15is preferably cylindrical, thereby facilitating insertion thereof into a space between adjacent weights in a weight stack. Fastening elements74and77are preferably formed of flat plates such that, when pegs13and15are inserted into spaces between weights in a weight stack, fastening elements74and77may be disposed adjacent the weight stack and distance limiting element78may be extended, as discussed above, thereby fixing the distance between first and second selector elements72and76. Device70according to the present embodiment enables a user to select first and second weight amounts to be lifted from a stack of weights of a weight lifting machine, by exerting first and second forces, respectively, on a lever of the weight lifting machine. As the length of extended distance limiting element78is fixed, so is the distance over which the first force must be exerted, in order to raise the first weight amount, before the second force must be exerted, in order to raise the second weight amount.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, distance limiting element78may be replaced with an elastic distance limiting element, for example a spring, such that, when the elastic distance limiting element is extended but not yet stretched, the distance between first and second selector elements72and76is not fixed.

After a first weight amount is raised and the spring begins to stretch, the second weight amount is raised, but not immediately upon the spring being extended. Depending on the elastic properties of the spring chosen, the increase in the amount of force required to raise the second weight amount will be progressive, as the first weight amount is raised further and the spring is stretched. This increase will continue until the spring is maximally stretched. The user is required to increase the force he exerts, as the spring is stretched and he feels an increase in the amount of the second weight being raised. This progressive effect will continue until the entire amount of the second weight selected is raised.

Preferably, in order to avoid damage to the spring, such as tearing, the spring will be able to withstand a force at least as great as that required to raise the entire stack of weights. If desired, there may be provided a cable (not shown) inside the spring in order to prevent over-extension of the spring.

This effect, whereby the amount of the second selected weight is increased progressively, may additionally be achieved using an embodiment similar to that shown inFIGS. 7a-c, wherein flexible cable11is replaced by a flexible and stretchable cable.

FIG. 10illustrates a weight selector device80, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Device80includes a first selector element12, including a cylindrical peg13; a second selector element14, including a cylindrical peg15; and a distance limiting element20which are similar in configuration to the identical elements of device10(FIG. 1a). Device80differs, however, from device10in that device80does not include a stop element27. While first selector element12and second selector element14in device80function in a manner similar to that in device10, the movement of second selector element14along slot24is limited by the length of a slot24in distance limiting element20.

Weight selector device80enables a user to select first and second weight amounts to be lifted from a stack of weights of a weight lifting machine, by exerting first and second forces, respectively, on a lever of the weight lifting machine, in a manner similar to that discussed above with regard to device10. As noted above with regard to device10, device80according to the present embodiment enables a user to exert a first force on a lever of the weight lifting machine, thereby lifting a first selected number of weights a particular distance and then, if a second force is exerted on the lever in the same direction as the first force, the user is able to raise a second selected weight amount from the weight stack. When employing device80, the distance through which the first selected weight amount must be lifted by the first force, before the second force must be exerted in order to lift the second selected weight amount, is determined by the length of slot24.

If desired, there may be provided a series of weight selector devices80, each having identical elements except for the length of slot24, such that a user may select one device from the series, the selected device having a slot of a particular length. In this manner, a user may select a distance through which a first selected weight amount must be lifted by a first force, before a second force must be exerted in order to lift a second selected weight amount. Once a device80having a slot of a particular length has been selected, the user would then be able to select first and second weight amounts to be lifted from a stack of weights of a weight lifting machine, in a manner similar to that described above, with reference to device10.

It may be noted that the various embodiments of the device of the present invention have been shown and described above as being suitable for use with a weight lifting machine wherein a selector element is insertable in a space formed along the longer side of the weights, facing the user. The present embodiment is also, however, suitable for use with a weight lifting machine wherein spaces between adjacent weights are formed along the shorter side of the weights.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant weight lifting machines will be developed and the scope of the terms selector element, selector bar, and weight stack is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicated number and a second indicated number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicated number “to” a second indicated number lo are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.