Patent Publication Number: US-11027166-B1

Title: Portable weight-based exercise system and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/608,113, filed on Dec. 20, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to portable exercise systems, and more particularly, to a portable weight-based exercise system and method of operation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many people participate in weight lifting or weight-based exercise to maintain health and improve body condition. Typically, the participants perform these exercises at local gyms or, if funds provide, at home user owned systems. 
     When exercising to maintain health or improve body function and condition, the exercises should be performed on a routine basis or regular schedule. This often becomes difficult if the participant is away from his local gym or home system. Travel for business and/or pleasure often interrupts the exercise schedule for sufficient periods of time to cause the participant to lose any progress being made. 
     While some weight sets are portable and may be taken along when traveling, they often cannot be used for carrying out a plurality of different exercise routines. Thus, the traveling user may find that exercising while traveling is incomplete or insufficient to meet their training needs. Should the user wish to broaden the scope of their exercising while traveling, the user may need to carry along several weight sets, which may be bulky and extremely heavy. In dependence of the means of transportation, it may be extremely costly, and even forbidden, to carry heavy weights. 
     Accordingly, there is an established need for a portable weight-based exercise system that solves at least one of the aforementioned problems. For example, there remains a need for a portable weight-based exercise system that allows a participant or user to perform various types of weight-based exercises while travelling. It is desirable that such a portable weight-based exercise system is also compact and easy to transport and store. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a convenient and portable weight-based exercise system that is capable of providing a user with a variety of weight-based exercise options. The exercise system includes a carrying case having a housing, containing weight training components such as dumbbells and a collection of weight disks for performing a variety of exercises, and a handle assembly for carrying or dragging the housing along the ground. The housing may be provided with wheel assemblies to allow the exercise system to be rolled along the ground by a user. The handle assembly is removable from the housing and includes a center bar and first and second end bars. The first and second end bars and the center bar are reconfigurable from a first configuration in which the first and second end bars are perpendicular to the center bar to form a U-shaped arrangement providing the handle assembly for moving the housing, to a second configuration in which the first and second end bars are coaxial with the center bar to form a longer straight bar. The straight bar can then be combined with the dumbbells and collection of weight disks to form an assembled long weight bar for performing other exercises. The housing may additionally include a jump rope, an exercise band, a hand exerciser and/or an electrical system for charging personal electronic devices and playing back music or instructional material during the exercise routines. 
     In a first implementation of the invention, a portable weight-based exercise system comprises a carrying case and a plurality of weight training components removably mounted within the housing. The carrying case comprises a housing and a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a center bar and first and second end bars and is configured to selectively and reversibly adopt a mounted configuration and an exercising configuration. In the mounting configuration, first ends of the first and second end bars are removably mounted within the housing and second ends of the first and second end bars are removably connected to the center bar, and the center bar provides a gripping area to assist a user in transporting the portable weight-based exercise system. In the exercising configuration, the handle assembly is detached from the housing and usable as a lifting weight. 
     In a second aspect, the plurality of weight training components can include at least one dumbbell having at least one weight disk. In some embodiments, the at least one weight disk can include at least one heavyweight disk and at least one lightweight disk. Each of the at least one heavyweight disk and the at least one lightweight disk can be removably mountable on the at least one dumbbell. 
     In another aspect, at least one of the first and second end bars can extend through a through bore formed through a central shaft of the at least one dumbbell when the handle assembly is arranged in the mounted configuration. 
     In another aspect, the at least one dumbbell can include first and second dumbbells. 
     In another aspect, the first and second end bars can extend perpendicularly from the center bar when the handle assembly is arranged in the mounted configuration. 
     In another aspect, when the handle assembly is in the exercising configuration, the first and second end bars can be removably mounted to the center bar coaxially with the center bar. 
     In another aspect, the plurality of weight training components can include first and second dumbbells each carrying a respective at least one weight disk, and the first and second dumbbells can be removably mounted to the first and second end bars when the handle assembly is in the exercising configuration. 
     In another aspect, the first and second dumbbells can be removably mounted to the first and second end bars when the handle assembly is in the exercising configuration such that the first and second dumbbells, first and second end bars and center bar are coaxially arranged forming a straight bar. 
     In another aspect, in the exercising configuration of the handle assembly, inner ends of the first and second end bars can be mounted on opposite ends of the center bar and the first and second dumbbells can be mounted on opposite outer ends of the first and second end bars, respectively. In turn, the respective at least one weight disk can be removably carried by each one of the first and second dumbbells. 
     In another aspect, the portable weight-based exercise system can further include a pair of U-shaped spring clips securing the first and second end bars to the center bar in the exercising configuration of the handle assembly. 
     In another aspect, the portable weight-based exercise system can further include at least one insert in the housing. The plurality of weight training components can be removably placed in the at least one insert. 
     In another aspect, the portable weight-based exercise system can further include at least one movable panel on the housing to facilitate access to the plurality of weight components within the housing. 
     In another aspect, the portable weight-based exercise system can further include a charging port for charging and connecting an electronic device, and a speaker carried by the housing for playing back electronic audio files from the electronic device. 
     In another aspect, the plurality of training components can comprise at least one of a jump rope, an exercise band and a hand exerciser. 
     In another aspect, the portable weight-based exercise system can further include at least one wheel assembly carried by and providing rolling mobility to the housing. 
     In another aspect, the portable weight-based exercise system can further include a plurality of stand-offs carried by the housing and configured to support the housing on a floor or other flat surface such that the housing is elevated from the floor or other flat surface. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  presents a top front isometric view of a portable weight-based exercise system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the movable lower front panel shown closed; 
         FIG. 2  presents a top front isometric view of the portable weight-based exercise system of  FIG. 1  with the movable lower front panel shown open to reveal internal components; 
         FIG. 3  presents an exploded, isometric view of the portable weight-based exercise system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  presents a front elevation view of the portable weight-based exercise system of  FIG. 1 , with portions of end bars of a handle assembly shown in phantom and extending through respective dumbbells and a carrying case of the portable weight-based exercise system; 
         FIG. 5  presents a side elevation view of the portable weight-based exercise system of  FIG. 1 , shown in a rest position (solid lines) and a rolling position (phantom lines); 
         FIG. 6  presents a cross-sectional front elevation view of the handle assembly of the portable weight-based exercise system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  presents an enlarged area of detail view of  FIG. 6  illustrating connecting components of the handle assembly; 
         FIG. 8  presents a partial, cross-sectional side elevation view of a bottom area of the portable weight-based exercise system of  FIG. 1 , illustrating further connecting components; 
         FIG. 9  presents an isometric view of a dumbbell bar and weights of the portable weight-based exercise system of the present invention prior to assembly; 
         FIG. 10  presents a perspective view of the assembled dumbbell bar and weights in use to perform a first exercise; 
         FIG. 11  presents another perspective view of the assembled dumbbell bar and weights in use to perform a second exercise; 
         FIG. 12  presents an exploded, partial isometric view of the handle assembly, dumbbell and weights components prior to assembly into a long bar weight system; 
         FIG. 13  presents a partial, cross-sectional front elevation view of the long bar weight system; 
         FIG. 14  presents an enlarged area of detail view of  FIG. 13  illustrating bar connection components; 
         FIG. 15  presents an additional enlarged area of detail view of  FIG. 13  illustrating weight assembly components and a bearing system of the dumbbell bar; 
         FIG. 16  presents a perspective view of the assembled long bar weight system of the portable weight-based exercise system of  FIG. 1  in use to perform an exercise; 
         FIG. 17  presents a top front isometric view of a portable weight-based exercise system in accordance with a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the movable lower front panel shown closed; 
         FIG. 18  presents a top front isometric view of the portable weight-based exercise system of  FIG. 17  with the movable lower front panel shown open to reveal internal components; 
         FIG. 19  presents a top rear isometric view of the portable weight-based exercise system of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20  presents an exploded, isometric view of the portable weight-based exercise system of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 21  presents a front elevation view of the portable weight-based exercise system of  FIG. 17 , with portions of end bars of a handle assembly shown in phantom and extending through respective dumbbells and a carrying case of the portable weight-based exercise system; 
         FIG. 22  presents a side elevation view of the portable weight-based exercise system of  FIG. 17 , shown in an upright rolling position; 
         FIG. 23  presents an exploded, isometric view of a dumbbell bar and weights of the portable weight-based exercise system of  FIG. 17  prior to assembly; 
         FIG. 24  presents an exploded, partial isometric view of the handle assembly, dumbbell and weights components of the portable weight-based exercise system of  FIG. 17  prior to assembly into a long bar weight system; 
         FIG. 25  presents a partial, cross-sectional front elevation view of the long bar weight system of the portable weight-based exercise system of  FIG. 17 ; and 
         FIG. 26  presents an additional enlarged area of detail view of  FIG. 25  illustrating weight assembly components and a bearing system of the dumbbell bar. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a convenient and portable weight-based exercise system that includes modular components which can be assembled in various configurations to perform a variety of different exercise routines. 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a portable weight-based exercise system  100  is illustrated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, configured as a modular exercise system. As shown, the exercise system  100  generally includes a carrying case  110  having a housing  112  for retaining a variety of exercise components and a handle assembly  114  removably mounted to the housing  112  to facilitate transporting the exercise system  100 . The removable handle assembly  114  additionally provides modular component parts of the exercise system and includes a top, center bar  120  and first and second end bars  122  and  124  extending downward and perpendicularly from the center bar  120 . The first and second end bars  122  and  124  extend into and are removably mounted within the housing  112 . First and second caps  126  and  128  are provided to secure the first and second end bars  122  and  124  to the center bar  120  as described below. 
     The housing  112  generally includes a top panel  130 , a bottom panel  132 , first and second side panels  134  and  136  and a back panel  138 . The top panel  130 , the bottom panel  132 , the first and second side panels  134  and  136  as well as the back panel  138  are fixed to each other and may be integrally formed or assembled from separate parts and secured together using known methods such as, for example, welding, fusing, gluing, etc. The housing  112  additionally includes a fixed upper front panel  140  and a movable lower front panel  142 . The upper front panel  140  is affixed to the top panel  130  and the first and second side panels  134  and  136 . The lower front panel  142  is movably mounted to the first side panel  134  in order to access weight training components contained within the housing  112 . The top panel  130  includes a pair of recesses  144  and  146  for receipt of the end caps  126  and  128  when not needed. The top panel additionally includes a charging port or plug receptacle  148  to charge an internal battery system (not shown) for powering and/or charging various associated or auxiliary devices. 
     The housing  112  may be formed from a variety of materials, such as, but not limited to, metallic materials (e.g., stainless steel), polymeric materials, carbon fiber materials, combinations thereof, etc. The handle assembly  114  may also be formed from similar materials. In one embodiment, the housing  112  is formed from an ABS plastic to reduce weight while maintaining sufficient strength to safely retain the internal components discussed hereinbelow. In a specific embodiment, the movable lower front panel  142  may be formed from a transparent material, such as, but not limited to, polycarbonate, to allow a user to view the internal components contained within the housing  112 . The handle assembly  114 , including the center bar  120  and the first and second end bars  122  and  124 , is formed of a material with sufficient strength to support added weights during exercise routines. For example, the center bar  120  and first and second end bars  122  and  124  can be formed from stainless steel. 
     As noted above, the exercise system  100  of the present embodiment includes an electrical or internal battery system (not shown) to power various devices. The exercise system  100  and more particularly, the housing  112 , has an entertainment system  150  incorporated into the upper front panel  140 , which includes a speaker  152  positioned in the upper front panel  140 . A charging port or connection cable  154  extends from the upper front panel  140  and is connected to the battery system for attachment to a user provided external electronic device  400  such as, but not limited to, a cellphone (as shown in  FIG. 3 ), a tablet, an MP3 player, or similar portable device capable of containing various sounds such as, for example, music, verbal exercise routine instructions, etc. for play back through the speaker  152 . A recess  156  is formed within the upper front panel  140  for retaining the electronic device  400  during charging, while connecting the electronic device  400  for playing sound or simply while transporting the electronic device  400  in the exercise system  100  when the lower front panel  142  is closed. 
     In order to easily move or transport the exercise system  100  during travel, two or more wheel assemblies  160  and  162  are affixed to the bottom panel  132  providing rolling mobility to the exercise system  100 . A stand  164  is incorporated into the bottom panel  132  to maintain the exercise system  100  in an upright position while stationary. 
     As noted hereinabove, the lower front panel  142  is movably mounted to the remainder of the housing  112 . The lower front panel  142  is movable between a closed position securing components within the housing ( FIG. 1 ) and an open position allowing access to components contained within the housing  112  ( FIG. 2 ). As best shown in  FIG. 1 , a plurality of hinges  170 ,  172  and  174  pivotally connect a second side edge  176  of the lower front panel  142  to the second side panel  136 . As best shown in  FIG. 2 , a pair of locking hooks  178  and  180  are incorporated into a first side edge  182  of the lower front panel  142  and engage recesses  184  and  186 , respectively, formed in the first side panel  134  to maintain the lower front panel  142  in the closed position as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the portable weight-based exercise system  100  includes a variety of removable exercise components  200  for performing a variety of exercises. These exercise components  200  are retained within receptacles or compartments formed in the housing  112 . The exercise components  200  generally include a pair of dumbbells  202  and  204  and a collection of weights  206  for use with the dumbbells  202  and  204  to perform a variety of weight-based exercises. The exercise components may additionally include an elastic exercise band  208  for performing a variety of resistance training exercises and a jump rope  210  for cardiovascular exercise. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 2 , the carrying case  110  can include an insert  216  positioned within the housing  112  and comprising cavities suitably shaped and sized to snugly receive the exercise components  200 . The insert  216  prevents the exercise components  200  from shifting during transport as well as preventing the exercise components  200  from damaging each other. In some embodiments, the insert  216  can be formed from a foam material. 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 3 , dumbbell  202  generally includes a center shaft or bar  220  having a pair of rotatable handles  222  and  224  mounted thereon. Likewise, dumbbell  204  also includes a center shaft or bar  230  having a pair of rotatable handles  232  and  234 . The rotatable handles  222 ,  224  and  232 ,  234  of the dumbbells  202  and  204 , respectively, are provided to retain weights from the collection of weights  206  as described in detail hereinbelow. The bars  220  and  230  allow the dumbbells  202  and  204  to be grasped by a user to perform exercises. The rotatable mounting of the handles  222 ,  224  on the bar  220  of the dumbbell  202  and the handles  232 ,  234  on the bar  230  of the dumbbell  204  allow the dumbbells  202  and  204  to be rolled along the ground while weights are mounted thereon in order to perform other specific exercises by a user. 
     In some embodiments, the collection of weights  206  can include multiple heavyweight disks  240  and multiple lightweight disks  242 . By combining one or more of the heavyweight and/or lightweight disks  240 ,  242  on one of the dumbbells  202  and/or  204 , a user can configure the weight of the individual dumbbell to a desired weight to perform the exercises. For instance, each heavyweight disk  240  can have an individual weight of 5 lbs. and each of the lightweight disks  242  can have an individual weight of 2.5 lbs. In order to mount the heavyweight disks  240  on one of the dumbbells  202  or  204 , the heavyweight disks  240  have center holes  244 . Likewise, the lightweight disks  242  have center holes  246  to mount the lightweight disks  242  on the dumbbells  202  and  204 . 
     As noted above, the exercise system  100  includes modular components to perform a variety of exercises. The handle assembly  114  can be disassembled from the housing  112  and separated into its components, namely the center bar  120  and the first and second end bars  122  and  124 , respectively. With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 8 , a pair of pass through holes  250  are provided in a first end  252  of the first end bar  122  and the housing includes a bore  254  extending transversely into the bottom panel  132 . A first retaining pin  256  is provided and passes through the bore  254  in the bottom panel  132  and the pass through holes  250  in the first end bar  122  to retain the first end bar  122  in the housing  112 . A detent ball  258  in the bore  254  engages a notch  260  in the first retaining pin  256  to secure the first retaining pin  256  in the bore  254 . Similarly, a pair of pass through holes  270  are provided in a first end  272  of the second end bar  124  and the housing includes an additional bore (not shown, but otherwise similar to bore  254 ) extending transversely into the bottom panel  132 . A second retaining pin  276  passes through the holes  270  and the additional bore to retain the second end bar  124  within the housing  112 . While not specifically shown, a detent ball (similar to detent ball  258 ) engages a notch  280  in the second retaining pin  276  to secure the second retaining pin within the housing  112 . 
     In order to disassemble the handle assembly  114  from the housing  112 , pull rings  284  and  286  on the first and second retaining pins  256  and  276 , respectively, are grasped and the first and second retaining pins  256  and  276  are pulled out of the bore  254  and the additional bore in the bottom panel  132 . This frees up the first and second end bars  122  and  124 , respectively, from the housing  112  and the entire handle assembly  114  can be removed from the housing  112 . 
     Referring for the moment to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , it should be noted that, in the assembled condition, the first and second end bars  122  and  124  pass through upper openings  290  and  292  in the top panel  130  of the housing  112  and pass through the insert  216  to the bottom panel  132  where they are secured by the first and second retaining pins  256  and  276 . When the first and second dumbbells  202  and  204  are present in the insert  216 , the first end bar  122  passes through a through bore  294  extending longitudinally through the first dumbbell  202  and the second end bar  124  passes through a through bore  296  extending longitudinally through the second dumbbell  204 . This not only contributes to a compact size of the exercise system  100  but also assists in keeping the first and second dumbbells  202  and  204  in position within the housing  112  during transportation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 6 , once the handle assembly  114  has been removed from the housing  112 , the handle assembly  114  may be disassembled into its component parts. As noted above, the end caps  126  and  128  secure the first and second end bars  122  and  124 , respectively, to the center bar  120 . The end cap  126  includes a pin  300  which passes through holes  302  in a second end  304  of the first end bar  122  to secure the first end bar  122  to the center bar  120 . The second end  304  of the first end bar  122  passes through a hole  306  in a first end  308  of the center bar  120 . Likewise, the end cap  128  includes a pin  310  which passes through holes  312  in a second end  314  of the second end bar  124  to secure the second end bar  124  within the center bar  120 . Specifically, the second end  314  of the second end bar  124  passes through a hole  316  in a second end  318  of the center bar  120 . 
     To disassemble the first and second end bars  122  and  124  from the center bar  120 , the end caps  126  and  128  are removed pulling the respective pins  300  and  310  out of the first and second end bars  122  and  124 . Thereafter, the first and second end bars  122  and  124  can be pulled out of the holes  306  and  316  in the center bar  120  to free the three components, i.e., the center bar  120 , first end bar  122  and the second end bar  124  from each other for further use in the exercise system. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the center bar  120  can include a foam covering  322  and the first and second end bars  122  and  124  can also include foam coverings  324  and  326 , respectively, to increase the comfort of the user and provide a positive gripping surface during exercises described hereinbelow. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the insert  216  includes receptacles or cutouts for the various components supported therein. For example, first and second cutouts  330  and  332  to accommodate the first and second dumbbells  202  and  204 , a third cutout  334  to accommodate the collection of weights  206 , a fourth cutout  336  to accommodate the jump rope  210  and a fifth cutout  338  to accommodate the exercise band  208 . The third cutout  334  includes posts  340  to engage the holes  244  and  246  in the heavyweight and lightweight disks  240  and  242  and the fourth cutout  336  includes posts  342  to secure the exercise band  208  therearound. 
     Referring for the moment to  FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 8 , the wheel assemblies  160  and  162  are affixed to the bottom panel  132  to allow the carrying case  110  to be rolled rather than just carried due to the weight of the collection of weights  206  and other components. Specifically, the wheel assembly  160  is connected to a bracket  346  extending from the bottom panel  132  and the wheel assembly  162  is connected to a bracket  348  also extending from the bottom panel  132 . As best shown in  FIG. 5 , in an upright and stationary position, the carrying case  110  rests on the wheel assemblies  160  and  162  and on the stand  164 . To move the carrying case  110 , the handle assembly  114  is grasped by a hand  502  of a user  500  and tilted rearward off the stand  164 , so that the carrying case  110  is supported only on the wheel assemblies  160  and  162  and thus provided with rolling mobility by which the exercise system  100  can be pulled or rolled along a floor  520  by the user  500 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7  and as mentioned heretofore, the U-shaped handle assembly  114  can be disassembled into its component parts including the center bar  120  and the first and second end bars  122  and  124 . Once the center bar  120  and the first and second end bars  122  and  124  have been disassembled from their initial U-shaped arrangement, the center bar  120  and the first and second end bars  122  and  124  can then be reassembled coaxially into a single straight bar  350  ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ) as described in more detail hereinbelow. U-shaped spring clips  352  and  354  are provided within the first and second end bars  122  and  124  for this purpose. The spring clips  352  and  354  have respective buttons  356  and  358  which, in the stored position, engage and are retained by holes  360  and  362  formed in the second ends  304  and  314  of the first and second end bars  122  and  124 , respectively. As specifically shown in  FIG. 7 , the end cap  128  is retained on the center bar  120  by detent balls  370  which engage notches  372  in the second end  318  of the center bar  120 . While not specifically shown, the end cap  126  is retained within the first end  308  of the center bar  120  by detent balls (similar to detent balls  370 ) which releasably engage (similar to notches  372 ) notches in the first end  308  of the center bar  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3, 9-11 and 15 , the use of the exercise system  100  and, in particular, the dumbbells  202  and  204  to perform a variety of exercises will now be described. Initially, all the exercise components are contained within the carrying case  110  ( FIG. 2 ) of the exercise system  100  and the lower front panel  142  is in the closed condition against the remainder of the housing  112 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The user  500  moves the lower front panel  142  to the open condition ( FIG. 2 ) and removes the first and second dumbbells  202  and  204  along with the collection of weights  206  ( FIG. 3 ). With specific reference to  FIG. 9 , the rotatable handles  222 ,  224  and  232 ,  234  of the dumbbells  202  and  204 , respectively, are preferably provided with handle threads  380  and the heavyweight and lightweight disks  240  and  242  are also provided with corresponding weight threads  382  in the center holes  244  and  246  of the heavyweight and lightweight disks, respectively. The dumbbells  202  and  204  are assembled by threading the desired heavyweight and/or lightweight disks  240  and  242  onto the rotatable handles, for example the rotatable handles  222  and  224  of the dumbbell  202 , to prepare the dumbbells  202  and  204  for use. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , once the dumbbells  202  and/or  204  have been assembled with the desired amount of weight from the heavyweight and/or lightweight disks  240  and  242 , the user  500  can perform arm curls type weight lifting exercises by grasping the bar of the dumbbell, for example the bar  220  of the dumbbell  202 , with the user&#39;s hand  502 , and lifting the combined dumbbell  202  and attached heavy and/or lightweight disks  240 ,  242  by bending the user&#39;s forearm  504  relative to the user&#39;s upper arm  506 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 15 , should the user  500  desire to perform another type of exercise where the user  500  rolls both dumbbells  202  and  204  along the ground  520 , both dumbbells  202  and  204  are grasped by the user&#39;s hands  502  and, with the forearm  504  and upper arm  506  straight, the user  500  extends and retracts his upper body  508  while rolling the dumbbells  502  and  504  along the floor or ground  520 . In order to prevent the dumbbells  202  and  204  from slipping along the ground  520 , rubber sleeves or rings  384  can be affixed around the heavyweight and lightweight disks  240  and  242  (See also  FIG. 9 ). Further, as specifically shown in  FIG. 15 , bearings  386  can be provided within the rotatable handles  222 ,  224  of the dumbbell  202  and while not specifically shown, within the rotatable handles  232  and  234  of the dumbbell  204 . The bearings  386  allow the rotatable handles  222 ,  224  of the dumbbell  202  to rotate relative to the bar  220  of the dumbbell  202  during use. 
     As noted hereinabove, the handle assembly  114  may be removed from the housing  112  and, along with one or more of the dumbbells  202  and  204 , may be reassembled to form the straight bar  350  for use in different weight lifting exercises. Referring now to  FIGS. 12-16 , and initially with regard to  FIG. 12-14 , one end of a fully assembled straight bar  350  is illustrated prior to assembly. The second end  304  of the first end bar  122  is inserted into the center bar  120  until the button  356  of the U-shaped spring clip  352  engages a hole  388  in the center bar  120  to lock the first end bar  122  to the center bar  120  ( FIG. 14 ). 
     The heavyweight and/or lightweight disks  240  and  242  are threaded onto one rotatable handle, such as rotatable handle  222  of the dumbbell  202 , in the manner described hereinabove. The first end  252  of the first end bar  122  is slid into the through bore  294  in the dumbbell  202  and the end cap  126  is inserted into the first end  252  to secure the dumbbell  202  to the first end bar  122  in the manner described hereinabove with regard to the engagement of the end cap  126  with the center bar  120 . While not specifically shown, the process is repeated with the second end bar  124  and the center bar  120  using the other U-shaped spring clip  354 . The dumbbell  204  is then threaded with one or more of the heavyweight and lightweight disks  240  and  242  and the first end  272  ( FIG. 3 ) of the second end bar  124  is inserted into the dumbbell  204  and secured thereon by the end cap  128 . This produces a fully assembled long weight bar  390 , comprising the aforementioned straight bar  350  and attached disks  240 ,  242 , for use in weight lifting exercises ( FIG. 16 ). 
     In use, the user  500  can grasp the first and second end bars  122  and  124  and can lift and lower the long weight bar  390  to perform various weight lifting exercises. When the exercise session has been completed, the components are disassembled in reverse order and returned to their respective locations within the housing  112 . 
     Additionally, exercises may be performed with the jump rope  210  and the exercise band  208  to round out the exercise session. If the user  500  desires, the user supplied electronic device  400  may be connected to the charging cable  154  and music or instructional material, contained on the electronic device  400 , played back through the speaker  152  ( FIG. 1 ) to enhance the exercise session. 
     In this manner, the portable weight-based exercise system  100  forms a useful and convenient system for bringing a persons or user  500 &#39;s exercise routine along with them while travelling. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 17-26  of the drawings, a portable weight-based exercise system in accordance with a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral  1100 . In the portable weight-based system  1100 , elements which are analogous to the respective elements of the portable weight-based system  100  that was heretofore described with respect to  FIGS. 1-16  are designated by the same respective reference numerals in the  1100 - 1500  series in  FIGS. 17-26 . Unless otherwise noted, the elements of the portable weight-based system  1100  may be the same as or similar to those of the portable weight-based system  100 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 18-22 , the portable weight-based system  1100  may have a first wheel assembly  1160 , a second wheel assembly  1162 , a third wheel assembly  1166  and a fourth wheel assembly  1168  on the carrying case  1110 . As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , a first bracket  1346  and a second bracket  1348  may be provided in spaced-apart relationship to each other on the bottom panel  1132  of the housing  1112 . The first bracket  1346  and the second bracket  1348  may each extend beyond the back panel  1138  and the movable lower front panel  1142  of the housing  1112 . The first wheel assembly  1160  and the third wheel assembly  1166  may be mounted on the first bracket  1346 , and the second wheel assembly  1162  and the fourth wheel assembly  1168  may be mounted on the second bracket  1348 . Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the first wheel assembly  1160 , the second wheel assembly  1162 , the third wheel assembly  1166  and the fourth wheel assembly  1168  may selectively render the portable weight-based system  1100  self-standing on a floor  1520  in typical use thereof. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 22 , in some embodiments, a plurality of stand-offs  1198  may extend from the back panel  1138  of the housing  1112 . The stand-offs  1198  may support the housing  1112  in applications in which the carrying case  1110  is laid in a horizontal position (not illustrated) on the floor  520  to access the contents of the carrying case  1110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 17-22 , in some embodiments, a carrying handle  1116  may be attached to the top panel  1130  of the housing  1112  according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the carrying handle  1116  may include a strap of leather, plastic or other material which is suitable for the purpose. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , in some embodiments, a device support bracket  1404  may extend from the fixed upper front panel  1140  of the housing  1112 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the device support bracket  1404  may be suitably sized and configured to hold or support an electronic device  1400 . The charging port/connection cable  1154  for the electronic device  1400  may extend between the fixed upper front panel  1140  and the device support bracket  1404  to facilitate connection of the electronic device  1400  to the charging port/connection cable  1154  for playback of music, verbal exercise routine instructions, etc. through the speaker  1152 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , in some embodiments, a plurality of hinges  1170 ,  1172  and  1174  may pivotally attach the second side edge  1176  of the movable lower front panel  1142  to the second side panel  1136  of the housing  1112 . Latches  1192 ,  1194 ,  1196  may detachably fasten the movable lower front panel  1142  in the closed position illustrated in  FIG. 17 . The latches  1192 ,  1194 ,  1196  may have any design which is known by those skilled in the art and suitable for detachably engaging the housing  1112  and securing the movable lower front panel  1142  in the closed position. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 18, 20 and 21 , in some embodiments, the fifth cutout  1338  in the insert  1216  may be suitably sized and configured to accommodate exercise band  1208  and a hand exerciser  1212 . Accordingly, the pair of spaced-apart posts  1342  may be provided in the fifth cutout  1338  to accommodate the exercise band  1208  in the stretched configuration for storage. As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , a pair of spaced-part posts  1344  may additionally be provided in the fifth cutout  1338  to support the hand exerciser  1212  in the storage position. The exercise band  1208  may be selectively detached from the posts  1342  for use of the exercise band  1208 , whereas the hand exerciser  1212  can be selectively removed from the posts  1344  for use of the hand exerciser  1212 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , in some embodiments, at least one handle key  1392 ,  1394  may be provided on each of the rotatable handle  1222  and the rotatable handle  1124  of the dumbbell  1202 . Similarly, as illustrated in  FIG. 20 , at least one handle key  1392 ,  1394  may be provided on each of the rotatable handle  1232  and the rotatable handle  1234  of the dumbbell  1204 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 20, 23 and 24 , at least one weight key slot  1396  may be provided in the center hole  1246  of each heavyweight disk  1240  and each lightweight disk  1242 . Accordingly, in placement of the heavyweight disk  1240  and/or the lightweight disk  1242  on the corresponding rotatable handle  1222 ,  1224  of the dumbbell  1202 , the weight key slot  1396  may receive the companion handle key  1392 ,  1394  on the corresponding rotatable handle  1222 ,  1234  to non-rotationally secure the heavyweight disk  1240  and/or lightweight disk  1242  on the rotatable handle  1222 ,  1234 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 23-26 , a weight retaining collar  1262  may be deployed in place on the rotatable handle  1222  and rotatable handle  1224  to prevent the heavyweight disk  1240  and/or lightweight disk  1242  from inadvertently sliding off the rotatable handle  1222 ,  1234 . The weight retaining collar  1262  may have at least one collar key slot  1264  which accommodates the handle key  1392 ,  1394  on the corresponding rotatable handle  1222 ,  1224 . At least one set screw opening  1266  may extend through the weight retaining collar  1262 . A set screw  1268  may be threaded into each set screw opening  1266  and against the corresponding rotatable handle  1222 ,  1224  to secure the weight retaining collar  1262  on the rotatable handle  1222 ,  1224  as the weight retaining collar  1262  retains the heavyweight disk  1240  and/or the lightweight disk  1242  thereon. The same description of the weight key slot  1396 , weight retaining collar  1262 , collar key slot  1264  and set screw opening  1266  may apply with respect to the dumbbell  1204 . 
     Application of the exercise apparatus  1100  may be as was heretofore described with respect to the exercise apparatus  100  in  FIGS. 1-16 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 17-19, 21 and 22 , the carrying case  110  may be deployed in an upright position for transport on a floor  520  by placing the first wheel assembly  1160 , second wheel assembly  1162 , third wheel assembly  1166  and fourth wheel assembly  1168  on the floor  520 . The center bar  1120  of the handle assembly  114  may be gripped and pulled to roll the first wheel assembly  1160 , second wheel assembly  1162 , third wheel assembly  1166  and fourth wheel assembly  1168  on the floor  520 . The carrying case  110  may be lifted and carried by grasping the carrying handle  1116 . 
     The carrying case  110  may be selectively laid in a horizontal position on the floor  520  by tilting the carrying case  110  on the first wheel assembly  1160  and second wheel assembly  1162  until the stand-offs  1198  rest and support the carrying case  1110  on the floor  520 . Accordingly, the stand-offs  1198  may support the carrying case  1110  in a level position on the floor  520  to facilitate opening of the movable lower front panel  1142  about the hinges  1170 ,  1172 ,  1174  after unlatching of the latches  1192 ,  1194 ,  1196 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the exercise band  1208  and/or the hand exerciser  1212  may be selectively removed from the fifth cutout  1338  for use. Similarly, the jump rope  1210  may be selectively removed from the fourth cutout  1336  for use. In some applications, the electronic device  1400  may be placed in the device support bracket  1404  and connected to the charging port/connection cable  1154  for playback of music, verbal exercise routine instructions, etc. through the speaker  1152 . 
     In some applications, the exercise components  1200  of one or both of the dumbbells  1202 ,  1204  may be removed from the first cutout  1330 , second cutout  1332  and sixth cutouts  1364  of the insert  1216 , as illustrated in  FIG. 20 , and assembled for use. As illustrated in  FIG. 23 , the dumbbell  1202  may be assembled by placing one or more of the heavyweight disks  1240  and/or one or more of the lightweight disks  1242  on each rotatable handle  1222 ,  1224 . This may be accomplished by aligning the weight key slot  1396  in each heavyweight disk  1240  and/or each lightweight disk  1242  with the companion handle key  1392  on the rotatable handle  1224  or the companion handle key  1394  on the rotatable handle  1222 , and then sliding the heavyweight disk or disks  1240  and/or lightweight disk or disks  1242  on the corresponding rotatable handle  1222  or  1224 . Each weight retaining collar  1262  may be placed on each corresponding rotatable handle  1222 ,  1224  by aligning the collar key slot  1264  with the corresponding handle key  1392  on the rotatable handle  1224  or handle key  1394  on the rotatable handle  1222  and sliding the weight retaining collar  1262  on the rotatable handle  1222 ,  1224 . The set screw  1268  may be threaded into the corresponding set screw opening  1266  in the weight retaining collar  1262  and tightened against the corresponding rotatable handle  1222 ,  1224 . The dumbbell  1204  may be assembled in like manner. Accordingly, the dumbbells  1202 ,  1204  may be used in the same manner as was heretofore described with respect to use of the dumbbells  202 ,  204  in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . After use, the dumbbells  1202 ,  1204  may be disassembled by reversing the steps outlined above and replaced in the insert  1216  in the carrying case  1110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 24-26 , in some applications, a single straight bar  1350  may be assembled for use as a barbell by inserting the second end  1304  of the first end bar  1122  into the center bar  1120  until the button  1356  of the U-shaped spring clip  1352  engages a hole  1388  in the center bar  1120  to lock the first end bar  1122  to the center bar  1120 . The heavyweight and/or lightweight disks  1240  and  1242 , respectively, may be placed onto the extending rotatable handle  1222  of the dumbbell  1202 , in the manner described hereinabove. The first end  1252  of the first end bar  1122  may be slid into the through bore  1294  in the dumbbell  1202  and the end cap  1126  may be inserted into the first end  1252  to secure the dumbbell  1202  to the first end bar  1122  in the manner described hereinabove with regard to the engagement of the end cap  126  with the center bar  120  of the weight-based exercise system  100 . The procedure may be repeated with the second end bar  1124  and the center bar  1120  using the other U-shaped spring clip  1354 . The dumbbell  1204  may then be threaded with one or more of the heavyweight and lightweight disks  1240  and  1242  and the first end  1272  of the second end bar  1124  is inserted into the dumbbell  1204  and secured thereon by the end cap  1128 . This produces the fully assembled long weight bar  1390 , comprising the aforementioned straight bar  1350  and attached disks  1240 ,  1242 , for use in weight lifting exercises ( FIG. 16 ). 
     In use, the user  500  can grasp the first and second end bars  1122  and  1124  and lift and lower the long weight bar  1390  to perform various weight lifting exercises. When the exercise session has been completed, the components may be disassembled in reverse order and returned to their respective locations within the housing  1112 . 
     Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it is understood that any of the features presented in the embodiments may be integrated into any of the other embodiments unless explicitly stated otherwise. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.