Patent Publication Number: US-2007099773-A1

Title: Spotter for use with dumbbell weights

Description:
This application claims priority from provisional applications 60/733,104, filed Nov. 3, 2005; 60/760,654 filed Jan. 20, 2006; and 60/807,629 filed Jul. 18, 2006. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The field of the invention relates to exercise equipment, and more particularly to a dumbbell rack and spotter.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Weight lifting using free-weights is widely enjoyable as a form of exercise and strength conditioning. Barbells and dumbbells are used in different workout routines to exercise and strengthen various muscle groups, such as biceps, triceps, pectorals, etc., depending upon the manner in which the free-weights are lifted and for the body position of the user.  
      The user must use the strength of his arm muscles, particularly the biceps, in order to move the dumbbells from the floor or rack into the starting exercise position. Such exercises were designed to develop chest and/or shoulder muscles and not arm muscles. Further, particularly at higher weights, it may be difficult for a user to lift heavy weight dumbbells from the floor or rack using only the smaller bicep muscles rather than the larger chest or shoulder muscles. Further, any attempts to lift large weights off of the floor to the starting exercise position could result in an injury to the user&#39;s back.  
      It is known to construct frames specifically designed for receiving a pair of dumbbells, where the frames provide vertical adjustability for the dumbbell rests or supports. See for example, Hayden, U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,459; 5,616,108; 5,772,561; and 5,924,964.  
      However, with one exception, all of the previously devised dumbbell supports are fixedly mounted perpendicular to the frame. This places the dumbbell handles at an inconvenient position for gripping by a weightlifter when in a seated position in front of the dumbbell supports.  
      In the one instance, a dumbbell holder is provided with a support frame in which the dumbbell rests are fixedly positioned at an acute angle from a horizontal line extending between the rest supports. However, in this design, the dumbbell rests are fixed at the one acute angle.  
      Further, such dumbbell supports, while providing vertical adjustability, do not have and or have only limited means for horizontal adjustment of the pair of dumbbell rests relative to each other. Thus, dumbbell rests which are fixed at a given spacing on a support frame(s) may not be in an ideal position for some weightlifters to easily grasp the dumbbells or, at the completion of the exercise, easily and safely placing the dumbbells back onto the rests.  
      In another dumbbell support design, the two side frames are connected by two telescopically interconnected crossbars. A pin is releasibly extendable through aligned apertures in the ends of the two crossbars to adjust the horizontal spacing between the pair of dumbbell rests. However, one complete side frame, dumbbell rest, and crossbar must be manually lifted or dragged relative to the ground and urged toward or away from the opposed side frame. Due to the high weight levels which may be lifted, the support frame, crossbar, and rest represent a considerable weight which presents an inconvenience to the weightlifter in setting up the dumbbell rest support for an exercise. Further, this weight must be supported by the user in order to precisely align two apertures in the crossbars for insertion of the locking pin therethrough.  
      During an execution of a weight lifting exercise, good form and proper range of motion are very important for both safety and effectiveness. At the beginning of a lifting exercise, a lifter should assume a position that would allow the target muscle to be exercised to bear the weight. If the weight is transferred to the easily damaged ligaments or tendons, a serious injury may occur. So is the case when the lifter has completed his exercise and must return the dumbbells to the rack. The lifter must be able to return the dumbbells to the rack without further fatigue to his arms or back. For example, if the lifter has completed a set of exercises, and must return the dumbbells to the rack with his arms extended, and must accurately place the dumbbells in place, the lifter&#39;s back, shoulders, neck, or arms could be strained.  
      In using dumbbells, the dumbbells are typically stored in a rack or on the floor. The user must lift the dumbbells into the starting exercise position for chest or shoulder muscle exercises. The starting exercise position for various muscle groups is well off the ground. Attempts have been made to reduce or eliminate the need of a spotter for certain dumbbell lifting exercises. The attempts involve providing lifting equipment with a support rack as a built-in spotter. The idea is that the risk of injury may be reduced if the dumbbell can be presented to the lifter or can be returned on the rack by the lifter, while he is in a lifting position.  
      For example, one known dumbbell support attachment modifies a conventional weight lifting bench for use with dumbbells. The attachment includes a holder on which up to two dumbbells can be rested simultaneously. The holder is part of a rack assembly which is rigidly attached to both a horizontal support bar and a pair of vertical mounting legs. The holder defines two cutouts through which a lifter, as he lies on the weight bench, can reach to grab the dumbbell and lift it from its resting position.  
      Another known attachment that can be mounted on a weight lifting exercise equipment includes a rack assembly for holding up to two dumbbells, a pair of mounting legs rigidly attached to distal ends of the rack assembly and an extension bar slidably connected to opposing parts of the assembly for adjusting the span between the mounting legs. A drawback with these dumbbell support attachments is that the pair of dumbbells are positioned at 180 degree angle from each other. Therefore, the lifter is limited to initiate the lifting exercise from the same position every time, regardless of the muscle exercise to be conducted. The risk of muscle injury may be high, especially if the lifter has to shift or change muscle motions while lifting very heavy dumbbells.  
      Another known dumbbell position rack holds a single dumbbell. A pair of the dumbbell position racks are needed if two dumbbells are being used in an exercise routine. The pair of the dumbbell position racks can be positioned at a distance and an angle that are convenient for the start of various exercises. However, positioning of the dumbbell position rack involves lifting each rack and stand assembly individually, making the initial positioning rather cumbersome. In addition, the individual rack and stand assembly may be easily bumped out of place while being used.  
      Therefore, there is a need for a dumbbell rack that can be adjustable so that a lifter can initiate and complete various lifting exercises in different positions. The present inventor has realized this need, and has designed an automatic elevation adjustment mechanism, disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/008,394, filed Nov. 7, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. This prior work of the present inventor addresses some of the short comings of the prior art, but further improvements are desired. The present inventor has also designed multiple spotters as shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/881,567 publication number 20050009671A1, published Jan. 13, 2005 the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.  
      A further need exists for a dumbbell rack that can be used with a traditional weight lifting bench or chair.  
      Another need exists for having a plurality of spotter assemblies for various different weight exercises.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      In one embodiment, a dumbbell weight lifting system, comprises a bench having a substantially flat surface having a first vertical height; a dumbbell holder assembly for holding at least two dumbbells, the holder assembly being generally transverse to the length of the bench, the holder assembly being capable of holding the dumbbells at a second vertical height greater than the first vertical height; and dumbbell release holders, flanking the bench, and profiled for a user to drop dumbbells into the holders, when an exercise is completed.  
      The dumbbell release holders may be comprised of a tray to hold the dumbbells, the trays being positioned at a third vertical height, where the third vertical height is less than the first vertical height. The dumbbell release holders may be comprised of a tray to hold the dumbbells. The trays are vertically adjustable. The may be comprised of a bottom plate, and a back plate. The system may further comprise a movable plate on the inside of the back plate, the movable plate being generally parallel to the back plate, and changing the location of the dumbbell weight depending on its size.  
      In another embodiment, dumbbell release holders for use with a bench having a substantially flat surface and a dumbbell holder assembly for holding at least two dumbbells, the holder assembly being generally transverse to the length of the bench, the dumbbell release holders being comprised of trays positionable in a flanking arrangement relative to the bench, and being profiled for a user to drop dumbbells into the holders, when an exercise is completed.  
      The dumbbell release holder trays may be positionable at a vertical height below a height of the bench. The trays may be vertically adjustable. The trays may be comprised of a bottom plate, and a back plate. The system may further comprise a movable plate on the inside of the back plate, the movable plate being generally parallel to the back plate, and fixably movable between positions adjacent to and distant from, the back plate to change the location of the dumbbell weight depending on its size.  
      In another embodiment of the invention, a dumbbell support assembly for supporting dumbbells for weight lifting exercises is shown, where the assembly comprises a vertical support assembly; at least one lateral support, supported by the vertical support assembly; and first and second dumbbell holders supported by the at least one lateral support, each the dumbbell holder comprising a channel-shaped member, upstanding with at least a partial vertical orientation, the first dumbbell holder further comprising an engagement member, positioned at a lower level of the channel-shaped member and profiled to receive an end of a dumbbell when dropped in at least a partially vertical orientation.  
      The channel-shaped member may be arcuate in section. The channel-shaped member may upstand at a vertical orientation of between 45-90 degrees. The engagement member is defined by a pair of rods extending outwardly from the channel-shaped member. The pair of rods include a stop member at a free end of each rod. The stop members are defined by a ball shaped member attached to each the rod.  
      In another embodiment, a carousel for holding a plurality of dumbbells, comprises a rotatable tray assembly having a plurality of dumbbell locating positions, and a central axle about which the tray rotates.  
      The dumbbell locating positions are formed by individual trays. At least some of the individual trays may be angled inwardly towards the central axis. At least some of the trays are positioned on a turntable, which spins on an axle along the central axis. The carousel may further comprise a bearing positioned intermediate the turntable and the central axis.  
      In yet another embodiment, a dumbbell support assembly for supporting dumbbells for weight lifting exercises comprises a vertical support assembly comprising at least two vertical uprights; a collar, fixably movable upwardly and downwardly of each of the vertical uprights; a lateral support ending from each the collar; and a vertical support, attached adjacent a free end of the lateral support, and extending upwardly.  
      The dumbbell support assembly may comprise a plurality of dumbbell supports positioned on each of the vertical supports. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  depicts an overall configuration of one embodiment of a spotter configuration.  
       FIG. 2  shows the upright portion of  FIG. 1  with a square cross-sectional post;  
       FIG. 3  shows uprights similar to that of  FIG. 2  showing a cylindrical cross-sectional post;  
       FIG. 4  shows the upright of  FIG. 2  with a cross-bar having laterally movable supports;  
       FIG. 4A  shows an enlarged portion of the area depicted in  FIG. 4 ;  
       FIG. 4B  shows an alternate laterally moveable sleeve to that shown in  FIG. 4B ;  
       FIG. 5  shows a vertical support similar to that shown in  FIG. 2  with a holding mechanism which can drop from the top bar of the support;  
       FIG. 6  shows an embodiment similar to that of  FIG. 5  having double vertical drop mechanisms mounted to laterally movable support members on a vertically adjustable support bar;  
       FIG. 7  shows a horizontal bar which is split in the center and has a locking collar to lock the two split bars together;  
       FIG. 7A  shows the horizontal bar of  FIG. 7 , with the locking collar moved to the right, showing the individual bars released;  
       FIG. 8  shows two rotatably moveable mounts with upstanding pedestal rods;  
       FIG. 9  shows a rack mounted dumbbell holding apparatus vertically adjustable on two vertical uprights;  
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of the portion depicted in  FIG. 9 ;  
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of  FIG. 10  less the dumbbell;  
       FIG. 12  shows a second embodiment of spotter mounted to a horizontal upright similar to that of  FIG. 4B ;  
       FIG. 13  shows the spotter platforms of  FIG. 12  on an upright similar to that of  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 13A  is a modified spotter of  FIG. 12 ;  
       FIG. 13B  shows an enlarged view of the spotter tray in enlarged view showing the centering device of the spotter;  
       FIGS. 14 and 15  show a third embodiment of a spotter mounted on a convex support bar;  
       FIG. 16  shows the detail of the spotters mounted on the crossbar of  FIGS. 14 and 15 ;  
       FIG. 17  shows a view similar to that of  FIG. 14-16  where the spotters are mounted on a concave cross bar;  
       FIG. 18  shows a double sided spotter, which can be mounted to a vertical drop mechanism of  FIG. 5 ;  
       FIG. 19  shows double sided spotter of  FIG. 18  for the opposite side;  
       FIG. 20  shows spotters similar to that of  FIG. 12  mounted on a double sided assembly similar to that of  FIG. 6 ;  
       FIG. 21  shows an embodiment similar to that of  FIG. 20  however with a further and second spotter assembly attached to the vertical drop members;  
       FIG. 21A  shows an enlarged view of the second spotter assembly of  FIG. 21 :  
       FIGS. 22-23  show yet another embodiment of a spotter assembly having a double peg assembly for attaching the spotters in multiple orientations;  
       FIG. 24  shows inclined spotters mounted on the upright of  FIG. 8 ;  
       FIG. 25  shows the spotter assemblies of  FIG. 12  mounted on the upright of  FIG. 8 ;  
       FIG. 26  shows the spotters of  FIG. 25  with a second spotter assembly positioned on the back side thereof;  
       FIG. 27  shows the front perspective view of another spotter embodiment;  
       FIG. 28  shows a top view of the spotter taken through lines  28 - 28  of  FIG. 27 ;  
       FIG. 29  shows a front perspective view of the spotter of  FIG. 27 ;  
       FIG. 30  shows a front perspective view of another spotter embodiment;  
       FIG. 31  shows the spotter of  FIG. 30  with a dumbbell resting in a static position;  
       FIG. 32A  shows an incline rack for a plurality of dumbbells;  
       FIG. 32B  shows an incline rack, similar to that of  FIG. 32A , with a further arch-shaped holder;  
       FIG. 32C  shows the incline rack of  FIG. 32C , shown loaded with dumbbells.  
      FIGS.  33  shows a rotatable carousel for the storage of a plurality of dumbbells;  
       FIG. 34  shows another carousel for mounting adjacent to the vertical uprights of the exercise equipment described above;  
       FIG. 35  shows a vertical pedestal for mounting adjacent to the vertical uprights and for rotatably mounting the carousel with  FIG. 34 ;  
       FIG. 36  shows a first carousel portion mounted to the vertical pedestal;  
       FIG. 37  shows a detailed view of the first stage carousel of  FIG. 36 ;  
       FIG. 38  shows a second stage carousel portion which is attachable to the first stage portion of  FIG. 37 ;  
       FIG. 39  shows the complete assembly of the first and second stage carousel portions with dumbbell weights in their stored positions;  
       FIGS. 40-43  show novel arrangements of storage racks for free weights;  
       FIG. 44  shows a vertically moveable dumbbell safety holder attached to the vertical uprights;  
       FIGS. 45 and 46  show enlarged and detailed views of the safety holders shown in  FIG. 44 ;  
       FIG. 47  shows a safety holder with three axes of movement and which is fixed to the vertical uprights;  
       FIG. 48  is an enlarged view of one of the safety holders shown in  FIG. 47 ;  
       FIG. 49  is an enlarged view of the portion denoted in  FIG. 48 ;  
       FIG. 50  is an enlarged view of one of the safety holders shown in  FIG. 47 ;  
       FIG. 51  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 47  showing the safety holders in a modified position;  
       FIG. 52  shows portable safety holder pedestals flanking the position which would include a workout bench; and  
       FIGS. 53 and 54  show enlarged views of the portable safety holders of  FIG. 52 .  
       FIG. 55  shows an adjustable and portable safety holder similar to that shown in  FIG. 47 ;  
       FIG. 56  shows a front perspective view of the adjustable safety holder  FIG. 55 ;  
       FIG. 57  shows a rear perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 56 ;  
       FIGS. 58 and 59  show front and rear perspective views, respectively of the adjustable plate of the adjustable safety holders in an extended position;  
       FIG. 60  shows an alternate version of the safety holder of  FIG. 55 ;  
       FIGS. 61-63  show cross-sectional views through the adjustable plate with varying sizes of dumbbell weights; and  
       FIGS. 64-66  show a users placing various size dumbbell weights into the adjustable safety holder. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
      With reference first to  FIG. 1  an overall exercise equipment setup is shown as  2  spotting and temporarily storing a plurality of dumbbells. It should be appreciated that the initial discussion of the overall system will be described in a manner to introduce the various elements for discussion purposes. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1  the spotter mechanism is shown generally at  4  which includes floor mount pedestals  6  with vertical uprights  8  extending upward from the floor pedestals  6  and which holds a spotter  10  for holding and spotting dumbbells. Spotter mechanism  4  also includes a horizontal upright  14  connected to the vertical uprights.  
       FIG. 1  also shows a plurality of storage trays for example trays  16  are shown which flank the spotter mechanism  4  for holding individual dumbbells for exercising and for placing on spotter  10 . Racks  18  also flank spotter mechanism  4  and can accumulate the plurality and in this case  11  dumbbells of various sizes and or weights for the exercise. It should be appreciated that the exact configuration of the racks  18  is not material to the invention although in this embodiment the racks  18  are shown as individual racks which would flank a bench (not shown) which would be positioned adjacent to the spotter mechanism  4 . Also racks  20  are shown mounted directly to pedestal  6  and again provide a mechanism for holding the plurality of dumbbells with that background, a plurality of uprights, crossbars, adjustment mechanisms and spotter assemblies will be described.  
      As described above, the system mainly comprises some type of vertical uprights, in this case square cross-sectional uprights  8 , some type of cross bar or holding mechanism to attach to the vertical uprights, and further, some type of spotter, in this case spotter  10 . In this particular application, Applicant has conceived multiple different combinations of vertical uprights, cross bars and spotters, and multiple combinations thereof.  
      Thus, the application will proceed with a discussion of the possible uprights with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; with multiple cross bar and retation mechanisms with reference to  FIGS. 4-8 ; and with multiple spotters with reference to  FIGS. 9-23 . Furthermore, various other combinations are possible as referenced in  FIGS. 24-27   
      With respect now to  FIG. 2 , the vertical uprights  8  are shown without the spotter  10  attached and the vertical uprights are shown more clearly. As shown in  FIG. 2 , vertical uprights  8  are square in cross section and include a plurality of apertures  26  as will be described herein. Vertical uprights  8  are attached to pedestals  6  by way of cross bracing  15 .  
      With respect now to  FIG. 3 , and alternatively, vertical uprights can be cylindrical in shape, as shown at  8 ′. Vertical uprights  8 ′ also include a plurality of apertures  26  which will be described herein. It should be appreciated from viewing  FIG. 3  that vertical uprights  8 ′ are attached to floor mount pedestals  6  in a similar manner as described above. Also, horizontal top bar  14  is also attached to vertical uprights  8 ′ to complete the assembly.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 4 , a first version of crossbar  30  is shown which spans between, and is interconnected to vertical uprights  8 . Crossbar  30  generally includes mounting sleeves  32  having spring loaded popper pins  34 ,  FIG. 4A . It should be appreciated that the popper pins  34  are pulled outwardly under a spring load, and have a pin projecting through sleeves  32  and into one of the apertures  26  to maintain the crossbar  30  in a particular vertical orientation. Thus, to move the crossbar  30  vertically, both popper pins would be pulled simultaneously, and the crossbar  30  lifted upwardly or allowed to move downwardly to its new vertical location, whereupon the popper pin is released to engage one of the apertures  26  on each side. It should also be appreciated that the sleeves  32  may have a bearing type material internal to the sleeve, such as a nylon material, in order that the sleeves do not scratch and/or bind upon traversing the vertical uprights  8 .  
      With respect still to  FIGS. 4 and 4 A, crossbar  30  also includes laterally moveable sleeves  40  having popper pins  42  which will engage apertures on the bottom side of crossbar  30  (not shown). Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 4B , an alternate sleeve  40 ′ can be provided which includes a vertical rod  44  upon which a spotter can be positioned as will be described further herein. In a similar manner as described above with respect to  FIG. 4A , popper pins  34  engage apertures  26 , in order to move in multiple preset lateral positions. In this manner, crossbar  30  can be moved in a vertical sense upwardly and downwardly on a crossbars  8  and held in place by popper pins  34 , while at the same time sleeves  40  are laterally moveable along crossbar  30  and held in a lateral position by way of popper pins  42 .  
      With respect now to  FIG. 5 , a center vertical drop rod is shown at  46  which is mounted to top bar  14  by way of a sleeve  48 . The rod  46  could be permanently mounted to the top bar through the sleeve  48 ; alternatively, the drop rod  46  could be moveable upwardly and downwardly, through the use of a popper pin, through sleeve  48 , as described above. Alternatively, by such structure as by welding or by bolts or other similar manner. Alternatively, central vertical drop rod  46  extends downwardly in a generally parallel manner with vertical uprights  8  and also includes a plurality of apertures  50 .  
      With reference now to  FIG. 6 , vertical uprights  8  are shown having another version of crossbar shown generally at  60 . Crossbar  60  includes sleeves  62  having popper pins  64  for engagement with apertures on an inside surface of vertical uprights  8  as described above. Cross bar  60  further comprises laterally moveable sleeve  70  having attached thereto, a fixed sleeve  74  through which a vertically moveable bar  76  is provided. Sleeve  74  includes popper pins  78  which are engageable with apertures  80  to allow the vertically moveable bar  76  to traverse in a vertical direction while at the same time sleeves  70  allow for the entire bar  76  to move laterally towards and away from each other. Meanwhile popper pins  78  allow for the vertical movement of the bars  76 . Finally, a cylindrical rod  82  is fixed to an end of the bars  76 , and allow attachment of spotters as described herein.  
      With respect now to  FIG. 7 , the vertical uprights  8 ′ of  FIG. 3  are shown where a crossbar  90  is shown, comprised of two separate portions  92  and  94 . With reference to  FIG. 7A , crossbar  90  will be described in greater detail. Crossbar portion  92  includes a square tube portion  96  attached to a plate portion  98 , in turn which is interconnected to a cylindrical sleeve  100 . Popper pin  102  is attached to plate portion  98  where a pin of popper pin  102  intersects with the interior diameter of sleeve  100  in order to lock with apertures  26 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 7 A. Crossbar portion  92  further includes a laterally moveable sleeve  106  having a popper pin  108  which will intersect with apertures (not shown) on the bottom of square tube  96 . Sleeve  106  further includes an upstanding tube  110  on which a spotter may be positioned and held in place. Finally square tube  96  includes a free end portion  112  adjacent to crossbar portion  94  as further described herein.  
      Crossbar portion  94  is similar in nature to crossbar portion  92  including a square tube  120  attached to a plate portion  122 , which in turn is attached to cylindrical sleeve  124  where popper pin  126  is attached plate portion  122  and intersects cylindrical tube  124  as previously described. Crossbar portion  94  also includes a laterally moveable sleeve  130  having a popper pin  132 , and an upstanding tube  134  attached to the top of laterally moveable sleeve  130 . Finally, crossbar portion  94  includes a locking sleeve  140  having a popper pin  142 . It should be appreciated that locking sleeve  140  is laterally moveable to the right (as viewed in  FIG. 7A ) to expose a free end  141  of square tube  120  to allow the two ends to be proximate in location. As shown in  FIG. 7A , the locking sleeve  140  is moved to the right, which exposes gap  143 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , locking sleeve  140  is moved to the left and popper pin  142  can be locked to an aperture (not shown) adjacent free end  112  to lock the two square tubes  96 ,  120  together.  
      With respect now to  FIG. 8 , crossbar assembly  150  is shown including individual crossbars  152  and  154 . Crossbars  152  and  154  are attached to vertical uprights such as  8 ′ Crossbar portions  152  and  154  include a horizontal tube portion  156  attached to a sleeve  158  having popper pins  160  therein. Crossbar portions  152  and  154  also include a vertical tube  158  having a cylindrical cross section and being fixedly attached to the horizontal tubes  156 . Finally, locking collars  166  are attached having popper pins  168 . Thus it should be appreciated that locking collars  166  can be traversed upwardly and downwardly along vertical uprights  8 ′ and that popper pins  168  can be locked in appropriate apertures  26  ( FIG. 3 ) and sleeves  158  are thereby positionable above locking collars  166  and can either be fixed in place and locked by their popper pins  160  or the popper pins can be released and the crossbar portions  152 ,  154  can be rotated outwardly towards the lifter.  
      Thus as described above, multiple vertical uprights and crossbar configurations have been described with reference to  FIGS. 1-8 . Multiple spotter assemblies will now be discussed which are usable with the vertical uprights and crossbar assemblies discussed above.  
      With reference now to  FIGS. 9-11  a first spotter is shown which is defined as a shelf  180  having a horizontal surface  182  and includes a vertical backwall portion  184  to form a right-angled configuration. The spotter  180  also includes 2 openings at  186  defined by a cutout in the horizontal portion  182  and which is defined by vertically positioned strip portions  188  which flank the opening  186  which resist the side to side movement of the dumbbell  12  when positioned over the cutout  186 .  
      With reference still to  FIGS. 9-11 , the shelf spotter  180  is rigidly attached to sleeve members  190  having popper pins  192 . As should be appreciated, the popper pins  192  can be pulled outwardly to release the sleeve members  190 , whereupon the shelf spotter at  180  can be moved upwardly and downwardly along vertical uprights  8  to any desired vertical position.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 11 , the shelf spotter  180  can include a takeoff plate  194  positioned on each side of openings  186  where the takeoff plate  194  includes a plate portion  196  having a raised boundary at  198  whereupon the dumbbell can be moved forwardly off of the surface  182  and rolled on the takeoff plate  196 , whereupon a lifter can conveniently position the dumbbell close to the edge of the shelf for easily transitioning the dumbbell to the appropriate exercise position. Thus the lifter can preposition the dumbbells  12  for easily transitioning to an exercise, and advantageously, due to the rigidity of the shelf horizontal portion  182  together with the rigidity of the vertical backstop, the lifter can almost drop the dumbbells onto the shelf spotter  180  without having to strain his arms, neck or back by setting the dumbbell down into a specific position or slot on the spotter.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 12 , spotters  200  are provided in the form of a tray which are mounted on laterally moveable sleeves  40  as referred to above in  FIG. 4 . Next shown in  FIG. 12 , the tray spotters  200  each include horizontal portions  202  having back stop portions  204  with a cutout at  206  where the cutout  206  and the front edge includes an upstanding rim portion at  208 . As described above, the dumbbell can be positioned over the opening  206  and the dumbbell weights can reside in the position between the cutout and held in a secure position by way of the rim  208 . As also shown in  FIG. 12 , the tray spotters  200  can include a mounting tube  210  which is slidably receivable over the upstanding rods  44  ( FIG. 4B ) together with a locking nut  212  which can be tightened to lock the tray spotters in a particular angular orientation on the vertical rods  44  for the proper position. Thus, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , the crossbar  30  can be moved upwardly and downwardly by way of the mounting sleeves  32 , each of the tray spotters  200  can be moved laterally by way of the sleeves  40  ( FIG. 4 ) and the tray spotters  200  can be moved in an angular orientation by virtue of tubes  210  being positioned over the vertical rods  44 .  
      With respect now to  FIG. 13 , tray spotters  200  can also be attached to the crossbar  90 , from  FIGS. 7 and 7 A where tubes  210  are positioned over upstanding tubes  134  ( FIG. 7A ) in this manner, crossbar  90  can be used alternatively as a fixed crossbar as depicted in  FIG. 13 , or the crossbar can be detached by the locking sleeve  140 , and the two halves  92 ,  94  rotated about the cylindrical vertical upright  8  in manner similar to that discussed with respect to  FIG. 12 .  
      With respect now to  FIGS. 13A and 13B  a modified tray spotter  200 ′ is shown attached to crossbar  90 . As shown in  FIG. 13B , the tray spotter  200 ′ is similar to the tray spotter  200  including horizontal portions  202 ′ and backstop portions  204 ′, and a cutout portion  206 ′. In this embodiment however, the backstop portion  204 ′ includes a centering device  205 , generally centrally located relative to the cutout portion  206 ′. In this embodiment, the centering device centers the dumbbell as it is replaced on the tray spotter  200 ′ and therefore does not require the lip portion surrounding the cutout  206 ′. In other words, centering device  205  will protrude into the space between the weights on the dumbbell, aligning the dumbbell centrally onto the tray spotter  200 ′ such that the dumbbell does not fall through the cutout  206 ′. This allows the cutout portion  206 ′ to be wider that otherwise possible as the dumbbell is centered relative to the tray spotter  200 ′.  
      With respect now to  FIGS. 14-16 , yet another spotter is shown as a convex tray spotter  220  which is interconnected to two vertical uprights  8 . As shown best in  FIG. 16 , convex spotter  220  includes a crossbar assembly comprised of crossbar  222  in combination with crossbar portions  224 ,  226  whereby spotter tray portions  228 ,  230  are laterally moveable on their crossbar portions  224 ,  226 . It should be appreciated that each of the tray portions  228 ,  230  includes a sleeve  232 , and popper pins  234  allow the trays  228  or  230  to be laterally moveable along a respective crossbar and locked in place. With reference still to  FIG. 216 , spotter  220  further includes vertical sleeves  240  having popper pins  242  for vertically positioning spotter  220  relative to vertical uprights  8  as shown in  FIG. 15 . As best shown in  FIG. 16 , the individual tray spotters  228 ,  230  includes a single piece curvilinear plate  250  having raised portions at  252  and recessed radius portions at  254  with a backstop wall at  256 . As in previous designs, cutouts  258  are defined with plates  260  flanking the opening  258 . Thus the dumbbells can be positioned with the weights in the recessed portions  254  against the back wall  256  and plates  260  prevent lateral movement of the dumbbells relative to the cutouts  258 .  
      Alternatively as shown in  FIG. 17 , a concave spotter  260  is shown similar to that of the spotter  220  shown in  FIG. 16 , where tray spotters  228  and  230  are slidably mounted on a concave crossbar defined by crossbar portions  264  and  266 .  
      With respect now to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , another spotter  280  is shown having two spotters; a first spotter  282  positioned on one side of spotter assembly  280  and another spotter  284  ( FIG. 19 ) positioned on the opposite side thereof. Both potters  282  and  284  have a common platform  286  with spotter  282  being angled as shown in  FIG. 18  with two cutout portions  288  having backstops  290  situated behind each of the cutouts  288 . As in other embodiments, a rim  292  is provided defining a perimeter around the cutouts  288 . With reference now to  FIG. 19 , spotter  284  is similar in nature to spotter  282 , however is a linear version providing cutouts  296  defined by a raised ridge  298 . Backstop portions  300  are positioned behind each of the cutouts  296  for the purpose mentioned above. A cylindrical collar is provided at  302  which attached to square tube  304  whereby an internal cylindrical tube (not shown) is provided allowing the entire spotter  280  to rotate relative to square tube  302 . Thus in this embodiment, square tube  304  is attachable to sleeve  48  ( FIG. 5 ) whereby the entire spotter  280  can be raised and lowered relative to top crossbar  14  and either of the spotters  282  or  284  may be utilized by simply spinning the member around.  
      With respect now to  FIG. 20 , tray spotters  200  are also useable with the crossbar mechanism  60  of  FIG. 6 , which again allows crossbar mechanism  60  to be vertically moved; allows sleeves  70  to be laterally moved; and allows post  76  to be vertically moved. Finally due to the connection of spotters  200  on cylindrical rods  82  ( FIG. 6 ), the spotters  200  can also be rotated to a proper position for the particular exercise.  
      With respect now to  FIGS. 21 and 21 A, a modification to the spotter configuration of  FIG. 20  is shown whereby spotters  200  are positioned above an inclined spotter  310 . Inclined spotter  310  is shown in particular in  FIG. 21A  having a platform support portion  312 , with a tubular upright  314  having a locking screw  316 . The inclined spotter is defined by a substantially cylindrical member shown at  318 . A lower and substantially vertical plate portion is shown at  320  with support rods  322  extending outwardly from the plate  320 . At the end of each of the support rods  322  are support balls  324 , whereby a dumbbell can be positioned on its end and set on the support rods with the other end of the dumbbell positioned in the cylindrical portion  318 . Balls  324  prevent the dumbbell from sliding off the support rods  322  and also allow for an easy transition from the weight of the dumbbell to a lifter&#39;s shoulders.  
      With reference now to  FIGS. 22 and 23  another spotter is shown at  340  comprised of a crossbar  342 , sleeve members  344  and a removable spotter  346 . Sleeves  344  include a first post  348  which is positioned at a substantially 45 degree angle relative to the longitudinal sleeve  344  and another post  350  which is positioned in a substantially parallel manner with the sleeve  344 . Each of the posts  348  and  450  include a plurality of apertures at  352 .  
      Meanwhile spotter  346  includes a structural support member  358  having a vertical tube  360  and a pair of cylindrical shaped pads at  362 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , the spotters  346  can be positioned with their vertical sleeves  360  positioned over alternative posts  348  and  350  ( FIG. 22 ) to provide for alternative positions or orientations relative to the longitudinal bar  342 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , the spotters  346  are positioned in a parallel manner relative to the longitudinal bar  342 . It should be appreciated that bar  342  could also include sleeves at its ends to allow for the vertical orientation of the bar  342  in a like manner to that shown in  FIG. 6 .  
      With respect now to  FIGS. 24-26 , crossbar portion  150  is shown (as previously described in  FIG. 8 ) with previously described spotter mechanisms positioned thereon. For example as shown in  FIG. 24 , inclined spotter  310  is shown attached to upright  158 ; as shown in  FIG. 25 , spotter  200  is positioned on upright  158 ; and in  FIG. 26  both spotter  200  and  310  are both attached to uprights  158 .  
      Thus as shown above, multiple different exercises are possible from multiple spotters. It is possible to have one or more spotters for a selected home or professional gym, or it is possible to have all of the spotters set up for multiple different exercises. It should be appreciated that many of the spotters are usable with different seating arrangements. For example, and with reference to  FIG. 23 , spotters  310  and  200  could be used with a chair and the lifter can face the spotter and perform multiple exercises. Alternatively, the lifter can use a bench and lie flat on his back and use the spotter  200  in a bench press mode. Obviously, the spotters shown and depicted herein will have multiple uses to those avid body builders.  
      As shown in  27 , another spotter embodiment is shown generally at  400  which includes a fixed backstop portion  402  and slidable dumbbell trays  404 . The sliding trays  404  slide along horizontal upright  30  which was described above. Trays  404  also slide on horizontal guides  40 . Sliding trays  404  move irrespective of the fixed backstop allowing the trays to be positioned at multiple lateral positions. As best shown in  FIG. 28 , backstop  402  is attached to horizontal upright  30  by way of spacers  406  with typical hardware fasteners such as  408 . Thus in this embodiment trays  404  can be moved laterally along horizontal upright as shown by the arrows in  FIG. 29  yet also contained the backstop  402  for receiving the dumbbells when dropped in the trays  404 .  
       FIG. 30  shows yet another embodiment of a spotter, shown generally at  500 . The spotter  500  is attachable as shown in  FIG. 31  to a crossbar such as  30 , by way of the slidable sleeve  40  prime, see also  FIG. 4 ( b ).  
      As shown in  FIG. 30 , spotter  50  generally includes a frame portion  502  defined by rods  504  and upright rods  506  and  508 . Receiving rods  510  are attached at one end to rods  504 , and at an upper end to rods  508 . Receiving plates  512  are attached at an upper end of rods  510  and are rigidified by support rods  514 . As shown, plates  512  are somewhat flared open to receive a plurality of sizes of dumbbells as will be described further herein. At a lower end of rods  510  is an end plate  516  which will receive an end of the dumbbell in a resting position. Balls  518  are also positioned at an end of rods  510  to prevent a dumbbell from escaping the rods  510  when dropped as more fully described below. Spotter  500  also includes a mounting portion  520  which includes a mounting plate  522  attached to rods  504  and the mounting tube  524  extending through rods  504  and attached to a backside of plate  522 . A securing screw is positioned as shown at  530  having a threaded portion extending through tube  524  as is well known in the art.  
      As shown in  FIG. 31 , the dumbbell  12  can be dropped on spotter  500  with one dumbbell hitting plates  512  and the other end of the dumbbell hitting rods  510 . The dumbbell can then be slid down rods  510  to a resting position against plate  516  as shown in  FIG. 31 .  
      With reference now to  FIG. 32A , a dumbbell rack is shown at  600  generally comprised of a support upright assembly  602  comprised of individual vertical uprights  604  and horizontal feet portion  606 . At the upper end of the rack  600  is a tray shown generally at  610  providing a plurality of channels  612 ,  614 ,  616  and  618 ; and a pair of generally horizontally extending channels  620  and  622 . Rack  600  further includes placards  624 ,  626 ,  628  and  630  for identification of the weight positioned in its corresponding channel as well as a placard at  632  and  634  for identification of the weight and corresponding channel  620  and  622 . While it is contemplated that any size in configuration of rack can be configured, it may be provided that the channels are configured as follows:  
      Channel  612 —15 lbs;  
      Channel  614 —20 lbs;  
      Channel  616 —25 lbs;  
      Channel  618 —30 lbs;  
      Channel  620 —35 lbs; and  
      Channel  622 —40 lbs.  
      In addition, and with respect to  FIG. 32B , a modified incline rack is shown at  600 ′, which again includes a support upright assembly  602  comprised of individual vertical uprights  604  and horizontal feet portion  606 . At the upper end of the rack  600  is a tray shown generally at  610  providing a plurality of channels  612 ,  614 ,  616  and  618 ; and a pair of generally horizontally extending channels  620  and  622 . In addition, an arch-shaped holder  650  extends above the tray  610 , and includes two cup-shaped holders  652 , two cup-shaped holders  654 , two cup-shaped holders  656 , and two cup-shaped holders  658 . The holders are configured as follows:  
      Channel  652 —12 lbs;  
      Channel  654 —10 lbs;  
      Channel  656 —8 lbs; and  
      Channel  658 —5 lbs.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 33 , a carousel is shown at  700 , where the carousel is rotatable about 360 degrees. Carousel  700  would include a support frame such as  702  upon which a rotative support is provided. This support may be in the form of a lower bearing or other type of assembly, but in the embodiment disclosed, the rotative support  704  is a model number CA-40-4 available from TNS Equipment Company in Angola, Indiana. Attached to the rotative support is a circular support plate shown at  706 . Stacked above the cylindrical plate  706 , is a plurality of support frames such  708  which generally holds a multi-sided carousel section defined by a plurality of plate portions, such as  710  which extend upwardly to an upper plate  712 .  
      It should be appreciated that the plates  110  terminate along an upper edge which matches the multisided upper plate  712 . Upper plate  712  includes a center opening around which a support bearing  714  is positioned through which a center pivot rod  716  extends. Each plate portion  710  has a semi-cylindrical trough such as  718  attached to it. Where each includes a semi-cylindrical plate portion  720 , and a semi-circular plate portion  722 . Semi-cylindrical trough portion  718  further include a hand grip shown at  730  which is attached to each of the trough portions  718  by way of a rigid strip  732 . In this manner a plurality of dumbbells  12  can be placed in troughs  718 , and hand grips  730  can be grasped and the entire carousel may be spun like a turntable about rod  716  to locate the desired weighted dumbbell.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 34 , another carousel is shown at  800 , and includes multi-stages of dumbbell support attachments. For example dumbbell support  800  includes a first stage support shown at  802 , coupled with a second stage support shown at  804 . These two support stages are assembled together and are rotatable about a vertical upright such as  806 .  
      With reference first to  FIG. 35 , vertical upright  806  is shown which would be coupled to one of the multiple vertical uprights shown previously for example in  FIGS. 1 through 8 . Vertical upright  806  would include a cylindrical spindle such as  808  upon which carousel  800  would rotate.  
      With reference next to  FIGS. 36 and 37 , first stage portion  802  will be shown in greater detail. First stage portion  802  includes a triangular plate portion  810  having a cylindrical rod  812  centrally located therein. The cylindrical rod may be fixed to the triangular plate portion  810  with the cylindrical spindle extending therethrough. The cylindrical rod may have a bearing  814  positioned therein, which may any type of rotationally assisted bearing. However, Applicants have incorporated two oil impregnated bushings  814  (one at each end of cylindrical rod  812 ). The bushings are available from Bearing Service in Woodhaven, Mich. They are oil-impregnated bushings part number EF162016 having a  1″ inner diameter.    
      At each triangular corner, a semi-cylindrical trough portion  816  is mounted which extends in an inclined manner to coincide and intersect with tubular portion  812 . Plate portion  810  includes apertures  820  positioned transverse to a triangular side  822 , and form the mounting portion for the second stage portions to be described below.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 38  the second stage portion  804  is shown which includes two holder portions  830  and  832 . The second stage portion  804  includes a rod  834  attached to a transverse rod portion  836  which in turn are attached downwardly extending vertical rods  838 . Vertical rods  838  then support horizontal rods at  840 .  
      First holder  830  is attached to bar  834  as shown in  FIG. 38  and includes a cylindrical holder at  850  with a semi-cylindrical back stop portion at  852 . Meanwhile holder  832  includes a semi-cylindrical cradle at  854  with end plates at end  856 . An upper extending rod  860  is attached to horizontal rod  840  which will form a hand grip portion as described below.  
      As described above second stage portion  804  can be attached first stage portion  802  by positioning fasteners  860  ( FIG. 38 ) through openings  820  ( FIG. 37 ) such that three second stage portions  804  are positioned intermediate each of the semi-cylindrical portions  816  to define the configuration shown in  FIG. 34 . Thus as shown each carousel  800  includes nine separate dumbbell holders at each end, that is attached to each to upright  806  or  19  dumbbells total can be positioned intermediate to the uprights, as shown best in  FIG. 39 .  
      With reference now to  FIGS. 40-42 , a plurality of free weight holders are shown. As shown in  FIG. 40 , a free weight holder at  900  is shown comprised of a lower frame portion  902  having a horizontal support bar at  904  and a circular and tubular bar at  906 . At various lateral locations, holding pegs  908  are attached to bars  904  and  906  to position free weights  912  thereon.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 41 , a holder  920  is shown as a variation to holder  900  where instead of a circular bar  906 , a rectangular frame up right is shown at  922  to hold the plurality of free weights  912 .  
      With respect to  FIG. 42 , a triangular shaped member is shown  924  having a triangular upright portion  926 , again positioning the plurality of free weights  912  on a plurality of pegs  908 .  
      With respect now to  FIG. 43 , a trapezoidal shaped member is shown at  930  having a generally trapezoidally shaped portion having upright portions  932  and a horizontal portion  934 , positioning the plurality of free weights  912  on a plurality of pegs  908 .  
      With respect to  FIG. 44 , a first embodiment of a safety holder assembly is shown at  1000  which includes a platform portion  1002 , a vertical upright portion  1004 , a vertically moveable sleeve  1006 , and a safety tray  1008 . As shown, the platform portion  1002  includes two leg portions  1010  and  1012  (as best shown in  FIG. 46 ) which would flank leg portion  6  of the vertical uprights and would be attached by either a spring loaded pin or other fastener (not shown).  
      With respect now to  FIGS. 45 and 46 , vertical upright portion  1004  is shown with a plurality of vertically spaced apertures  1014  for vertical adjustment of the safety holder trays  1008 . Vertically moveable sleeve  1006  includes a spring loaded popper pin  1016  which is normally biased inwardly and which would project through one of the vertical alignment apertures  1014  as is well known in art. Thus to move the safety holder tray  1008  vertically upwardly or downwardly, the user would grasp handle  1018  with one hand, pull the popper pin  1016  and move the vertically moveable sleeve upwardly or downwardly along vertical upright  1004  to the proper vertical position until the popper pin finds one of the apertures  1014 . Thus the use of the safety holders is in combination with the spotter trays  200  as follows.  
      In the case where a bench is positioned intermediate the two spotter assemblies  100  and the user is using the bench for a bench press type exercise, where the user lies flat on the bench with his or her back on the bench, a crossbar  90  would be placed in position such that the user can raise his or her arms grasp the dumbbells from the trays  200  and begin the bench press exercise. In the event that the user becomes so fatigued that he or she could not again lift the dumbbells to the vertical position of the spotter trays  200 , the user can simply drop the dumbbells into the safety trays which flank the bench. It should be noted that the position of the safety trays  1008  would be generally in position of the “wingspan” of the user such as the dumbbells are simply dropped in the tray  1008 .  
      With respect now to  FIG. 47 , a safety tray assembly  1020  is shown again attached to leg  6 . Assembly  1020  generally includes a longitudinally moveable leg  1022 , a laterally moveable leg  1024 , a vertical leg  1026 , a vertically moveable collar  1028 , a rotatable collar  1030 , and safety tray  1032 .  
      With respect now to  FIGS. 48-50 , the operation of the safety holder  1020  will be described in greater detail. With respect to either  FIG. 48  or  FIG. 50 , longitudinally moveable rail  1022  slides inside of leg  6  and includes a plurality of apertures  1034  which would operate in conjunction with a popper pin  1036  in a similar manner as described with respect to popper pin  1016  above.  
      Vertical upright  1026  is attached orthogonally to laterally moveable leg  1024  as shown and laterally moveable leg  1024  is slidable through a sleeve  1040 . Sleeve  1040  includes a popper pin  1042  which cooperates with apertures  1044  in the laterally moveable leg  1024  to allow leg  1026 , and safety holder  1032  to move laterally towards and away from a workout bench. With respect to  FIGS. 48 and 49 , vertically moveable sleeve  1028  is shown including a popper pin  1050  which would cooperate with any one of a plurality of apertures  1052  on vertical leg  1026 . Sleeve  1028  is comprised of a square shaped sleeve  1060  which is fixedly retained to an upper ring  1062 , an inner ring  1064  and lower ring  1066 . Outer sleeve  1030  is trapped between upper  1062  and lower  1066  rings relative to inner sleeve  1064 . As shown, inner sleeve  1064  includes apertures  1070  which cooperate with popper pin  1072  to provide a radial location for the safety tray  1032 .  
      Thus in this embodiment, the safety tray assembly  1020  provides for four different degrees of freedom, namely along longitudinal axis LG, lateral axis LA, vertical axis VT and radial axis RA, as best shown in  FIG. 50 . Thus the user can move the entire assembly longitudinally by grasping popper pin  1036  and moving the assembly outwardly through leg  6  to a desired position. Popper pin  1042  can be lifted to move the safety tray  1022  towards or away from a workout bench. Handle  1074  can be grasped and moved vertically by grasping popper pin  1050  to the vertically proper position, and by grasping popper pin  1072  and moving the safety tray  1032  to the proper radial position.  
      While applicants have shown a four way positionable safety tray assembly, it should be understood that other degrees of freedom could easily be shown by having other radially moveable collars to move the tray in different angular positions.  FIG. 51  shows one example of a possible setup for safety holders  1020  flanking a workout bench  1080 .  
      With particular reference to  FIG. 51 , a particular orientation of the safety holders  1020  is shown, together with spotters  200 , and bench  1080 . In one orientation, the bench has a height (a) from the ground of approximately 21″, although it should be appreciated that this dimension could be varied to suit particular users, and is anticipated that this range be between 20-22″. The vertical height (b) of the safety holders will normally be set to a position below the height of the height “a” of the bench, and the height 18″ has been found to be comfortable. It should also be appreciated that the height “b” of the safety holders is relative to the height of the bench, but it anticipated that the height difference will be in the range of 2-6″. Finally, the height “c” of the spotters  200  is movable upwardly and downwardly to fit the user, but one comfortable position has been found to be 42″ from the ground. This too is relative to the bench height “a”, but the difference between the bench height “a” and the spotter height “c” will have a range at least 20-24″, and more than likely of approximately 15-28″, which is primarily dependent upon the length of the users arms.  
      Finally  FIGS. 52-54  depict portable safety holders which can be moveable anywhere relative to a workout bench  1080  or relative to another workout station where the safety holders are shown as assemblies  1100 . As shown in FIGS.  53  and  FIG. 54 , assemblies  1100  are comprised of pedestals  1102  supporting a vertical upright  1104  which in turn supports a vertically moveable sleeve  1106 . Safety tray  1108  is attached to the vertically moveable sleeve  1106  and is vertically moveable relative to vertical upright  1104  by way of a popper pin  1110  engaging any one of a plurality of apertures  1112  as should now be well understood by way of previous examples. Thus in this example, the pedestals could be moveable relative to a workout bench and moved in any orientation longitudinal or laterally of the bench, and at any angular orientation relative to the bench and vertically moveable by way of sleeve  1106 .  
      With reference now to  FIGS. 55-59 , safety holder similar nature to that described as  1020  in  FIG. 47  as shown, where the safety holder is adjustable. As shown in  FIG. 55 , safety holder  1200  is mounted to a vertical post  1026 , as described with respect to  FIG. 47 , and thus need not be discussed further.  
      With respect to  FIGS. 56 and 57 , safety holders  1200  include a tray portion  1202  comprised of a lower plate portion  1204  side plate portions  1206 , and a back plate portion  1208 . On the back side of plate  1208 , and as shown in  FIG. 57 , two tubes  1210  are mounted with thumbwheel screws  1212 . An adjustable plate  1214  is positioned on the inside of the back plate  1208  and includes rods  1216  mounted on the back side of adjustable plate  1214  which are telescopically positioned in tubes  1210 .  
      Thus it should be appreciated that the plate  1214  can be adjusted to a position spaced away from the back plate  1208 , as shown in both of  FIGS. 58 and 59 , where thumbwheels  1212  are loosened to allow the telescopic movement of rods  1216  within tubes  1210 , whereupon thumbwheel screws  1212  can be tightened again to hold the plate in infinitely variable number of positions, such as the positions shown in  FIGS. 58 and 59 . Alternatively, the adjustable plate  1214  can include square telescopic posts  1220  having apertures which align with apertures in a square tube  1222  where a popper pin  1224  can allow for incremental positioning of the adjustable plate  1214 . Regardless of the version of adjustable plate shown,  FIGS. 61-63  show three various positions for the adjustable plate  1214  relative to back plate  1208 . Thus with reference to  FIGS. 64-66 , a users hand is shown gripping various sizes of dumbbells  12 A,  12 B, and  12 C. It should be understood that the hand grip portion of the dumbbell increases in distance from the lower plate  1204  as the dumbbell weight increases. This is due to the fact that the weights on the end of the grip portion become larger in diameter as the weights increase, increasing also the distance from the hand grip to the lower plate  1204 . Thus the user can set the adjustable plate at a variety of positions relative to the back plate  1208  depending upon the size of the dumbbell weight being used. This prevents the user from dropping the dumbbell weight onto one of the safety holders  1200  and hitting their wrist on the front edge  1220  of the lower plate  1204 .