Patent Abstract:
This invention relates to a selectorized dumbbell having a handle that can be dropped down between nested left and right stacks of weight plates. The weight plates can comprise individual weights or a pair of weight plates, one from each stack, can be connected together to form a single weight. A selector is provided to allow the user to select a desired number of weight plates from each stack and couple such weight plates to the handle to provide an adjustable weight dumbbell. Each weight includes a weight frame having at least one carrier to which a commodity weight can be fastened. The dumbbell can be shipped by the manufacturer with empty weight frames to reduce shipping costs. When the dumbbell with empty weight frames reaches a destination, the dumbbell can be completed by securing commodity weights to the carriers on the respective weight frames.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/367,649 filed Feb. 14, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,244. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD  
   This invention relates to a selectorized dumbbell having a selector that the user can manipulate to adjust the weight of the dumbbell. More particularly, this invention relates to a dumbbell using readily available commodity, cast iron weights in the manufacture thereof. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
   The weight training field includes many machines sold under various names, such as Cybex, that are built to perform various weight training exercises. For example, in a Cybex weight training system, there might be one machine for doing a shoulder press exercise, another machine for doing a triceps press exercise, yet another machine for doing a biceps curl exercise, and so on. Each machine typically includes a stack of weights and a selector comprising an insertable pin that can be inserted beneath a particular weight in the stack. When the exercise is performed, it is performed against a resistance comprising all the weights in the stack that are located above the pin while the weights in the stack below the pin are left behind. By moving the pin to different positions in the stack, the user can adjust or vary the exercise mass. 
   The above described weight stack and pin structure is often referred to in the weight training art as a selectorized weight stack. The term “selectorized” means there is a selector which the user can manipulate to pick up and use a desired number of weights from the weight stack. 
   Selectorized dumbbells are known which comprise a set of weights located in two spaced apart stacks of weight plates. The weight plates in each stack can be separate from the weight plates in the other stack so that each weight plate forms a single weight. Alternatively, one weight plate in one stack can be joined to one weight plate in the other stack so that a single weight is formed by the pair of joined weight plates. In either of these designs, the weight plates in each stack are nested against one another with a gap or space being provided between the stacks of weight plates. 
   The selectorized dumbbell further comprises a handle that can be dropped down between the stacks of weight plates. At least one selector is provided to allow the handle to be coupled to a desired number of weight plates from each stack so that the desired number of weight plates are loaded from each stack onto either end of the handle. The selector can comprise a pin that is inserted beneath a selected weight or a movable selector carried on the handle that is slidable or rotatable relative to the handle to pick up different numbers of weight plates. The selector is manipulated by the user, e.g. by changing the position of the pin or by sliding or rotating the selector, to vary or adjust the amount of weight carried by the handle of the dumbbell. 
   After a weight adjustment operation is performed by the user, the user can pick up the dumbbell by lifting up on the handle of the dumbbell to lift the handle of the dumbbell, along with all the weight plates attached to either end of the handle, from between the remaining weight plates in each stack. The remaining or non-selected weight plates will simply remain in each stack in whatever stand or rack is provided for their storage. The user can then exercise with the dumbbell in a normal fashion. Following such exercise, the user can replace the handle of the dumbbell and the attached weights by dropping the dumbbell back into the space of gap formed between the remaining weights in the two stacks thereof. 
   One type of selectorized dumbbell is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,064 issued to the Applicants hereof. Other types of selectorized dumbbells are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,529,198, 6,149,558, 6,228,003 and 6,416,446. 
   Selectorized dumbbells have been manufactured with custom weight plates having a solid, plate-like form. In those selectorized dumbbells where the weight plates in the two stacks are joined together in pairs by connecting members such as side rails, the connecting members are often welded to the weight plates to form the connection. In those selectorized dumbbells where the weight plates in each stack comprise individual weights, it is not necessary to weld or attach pairs of weight plates to each other. Nonetheless, the weight plates again typically have a solid, plate-like form and must be provided with some type of means, such as a cut-out, a recess, a lobe, etc., that cooperates with the selector to allow the weight plate to be picked up and raised by the handle when the selector is positioned to select the weight plate. Thus, selectorized dumbbells when manufactured and shipped by the manufacturer are shipped as a complete unit, weights and all. 
   It is relatively expensive to ship selectorized dumbbells to a distributor, retailer or purchaser due to the weight of the dumbbell. In addition, shipping costs are expected to increase over time. Thus, there is a need in the art to provide a selectorized dumbbell which would be less costly to ship, but this need is inconsistent with the fact that such dumbbells as known in the art require custom manufactured weight plates as described above. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
   One aspect of this invention relates to a selectorized dumbbell which comprises a handle and a plurality of weights that can be nested together forming a nested first stack of weight plates and a nested second stack of weight plates. The first and second stacks of weight plates are separated by a gap that is large enough to accommodate at least a portion of the handle therebetween. A selector is movable by the user between different positions to allow a desired number of weight plates from each of the first and second stacks to be coupled to either end of the handle when the handle portion is located in the gap between the first and second stacks and the selector is manipulated by the user. Each weight comprises at least one weight plate having a height and a width. Each weight plate is removably attached to a carrier. The carrier extends over at least half the height of the weight plate when the weight plate is attached thereto. 
   Another aspect of this invention relates to a selectorized dumbbell which comprises a handle and a plurality of weights that can be nested together forming a nested first stack of weight plates and a nested second stack of weight plates. The first and second stacks of weight plates are separated by a gap that is large enough to accommodate at least a portion of the handle therebetween. A selector is movable by the user between different positions to allow a desired number of weight plates from each of the first and second stacks to be coupled to either end of the handle when the handle portion is located in the gap between the first and second stacks and the selector is manipulated by the user. Each weight comprises at least one weight plate. Each weight plate is removably attached to a carrier. Each carrier includes an elongated tongue or tang on which the weight plate is carried, the tongue or tang extending at least from a center of the weight plate outwardly towards a peripheral edge of the weight plate. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     This invention will be described more completely in the following Detailed Description, when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. 
       FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a selectorized dumbbell according to this invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the selectorized dumbbell of  FIG. 1 , taken along lines  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the selectorized dumbbell of  FIG. 1 , shown in exploded form to illustrate the handle of the dumbbell and the various weights that can be attached to the handle of the dumbbell; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one of the weights used with the selectorized dumbbell of  FIG. 1 , particularly illustrating the attachment of the commodity weights to the weight frame; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the weight shown in  FIG. 4 , taken along lines  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 , particularly illustrating the attachment of one of the commodity weights to the weight frame; 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 5 , but illustrating another type of attachment for securing one of the commodity weights to the weight frame; 
       FIG. 7  is a top plan view of a typical commodity weight; 
       FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of a selectorized dumbbell according to this invention; 
       FIG. 9  is an end elevational view of dumbbell  2  of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view in exploded form of one end of dumbbell  2  of  FIG. 8 , particularly illustrating portions of the weight frame and the attachment of a commodity weight to one end of the weight frame; 
       FIG. 11  is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the weight frame of dumbbell  2  of  FIG. 8 , taken along lines  11 - 11  in  FIG. 9 ; and 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the weight frame of dumbbell  2  of  FIG. 8 , taken along lines  12 - 12  in  FIG. 9 , particularly illustrating the attachment of a commodity weight to a portion of the weight frame. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
   Referring first to  FIGS. 1-5 , a first embodiment of a selectorized dumbbell is illustrated generally as  2 . Dumbbell  2  as shown herein is similar to an existing product known as the Big Block which is manufactured and sold by Intellbell, Inc. of Owatonna, Minn., and which is shown in the Applicants&#39; U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,762, which is hereby incorporated by reference. A summary description of dumbbell  2  will be provided herein only as needed to understand this invention. Reference may be had to U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,762 for a fuller and more complete description of dumbbell  2 . 
   Basically, dumbbell  2  includes a handle  4  and three nested weights  6  which can be selectively coupled to handle  4  using a selector  8 , namely a pin  10  that can be moved between three different positions on handle  4  to pass through one of three holes  12  on handle  4 . Weights  6  are provided with various sets of holes  14  and slots  16  in different combinations, a middle set c having three holes  14   c , a far right set b having two holes  14   b  and one slot  16   b , and a far left set a having two slots  16   a  and one hole  14   a . See  FIG. 3  which illustrates the various sets a-c of holes  14  and slots  16  in the various weights  6 . 
   A desired number of weights  6  can be selectively coupled to handle  4  depending upon how selector  8  is used. If selector  8  is inserted through the middle hole  12  in handle  4  and through the middle set c of holes and slots, then all three weights  6  are coupled to handle  4 . If selector  8  is inserted through the far left hole  12  in handle  4  and thus through the far left set a of holes and slots, then only one weight  6  is coupled to handle  4 . If selector  8  is inserted through the far right hole  12  on handle  4  and thus through the far right set b of holes and slots, then two weights  6  are coupled to handle  4 . If selector  8  is not inserted through any holes  12  on handle  4 , then no weights  6  are coupled to handle  4  and handle  4  can be used by itself with the weight provided by handle  4  comprising the only exercise mass. The various sets a, b and c of holes and slots are further described in the Applicants&#39; U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,762. 
   In dumbbell  2  of this invention, each weight  6  comprises an elongated weight frame  20  formed from an upwardly facing U-shaped channel  22  having a bottom wall  24  and front and rear walls  26  and  28 . In addition, each channel  22  includes an upwardly extending carrier  30  at each end that extends well above channel  22 . Carrier  30  is in the form of an upwardly extending tongue. See  FIG. 4 . Channel  22  and carriers  30  are formed of metal, such as steel, with carriers  30  being formed of extended portions of bottom wall  24  that are bent upwardly relative to channel  22 . The various holes  14  and slots  16  in each set a, b and c thereof are duplicated in the opposed front and rear walls  26  and  28  of channel  22  as taught in the Applicants&#39; U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,762. 
   A pair of commodity weights  32  are secured to carriers  30  of weight frame  20 , with one weight  32  being secured to each carrier  30 . In this regard, each carrier  30  includes a hub  34  that is punched out of each carrier  30  at the top of carrier  30 . Hub  34  sticks inwardly relative to carrier  30  to point towards the interior of weight frame  20 . Hub  34  is sized to be received in a central hole  36  of commodity weight  32 . Hub  34  also includes a hole  38  at the center of hub  34  to allow an attachment bolt  40  to pass therethrough. 
   A clamping member  42  is used on the other side of commodity weight  32  to clamp or secure commodity weight  32  on hub  34  of carrier  30  when attachment bolt  40  is tightened by a nut  43 . Clamping member  42  includes a protruding, saucer shaped central portion  44  and an annular peripheral rim  46  surrounding central portion  44 . 
     FIG. 5  shows hub  34  on carrier  30  passing into central hole  36  on commodity weight  32 . Saucer shaped portion  44  of clamping member  42  passes into central hole  36  on commodity weight  32  opposite to hub  34  to be able to abut and mate with hub  34 . Attachment bolt  40  passes through both clamping member  42  and hub  34  to firmly clamp the clamping member  42  to hub  34  when nut  43  is tightened. When so clamped, commodity weight  32  is held in the annular channel formed between peripheral rim  46  of clamping member  42  and the portions of carrier  30  surrounding hub  34 . Thus, a commodity weight  32  may be easily clamped to each carrier  30  of weight frame  20  using hub  34  provided on carrier  30  and a clamping member  42 . 
     FIG. 7  illustrates a typical commodity weight  32  of the type that is often used on traditional barbells or dumbbells. In such traditional barbells or dumbbells, a simple bar is used and a plurality of separate commodity weights  32  are provided. Each commodity weight  32  comprises a circular weight plate  35  having a central hole  36 . Hole  36  in commodity weight  32  allows commodity weight  32  to be slipped over one end of the bar. After a desired number of weights  32  have been so installed on each end of the bar, weights  32  can be held in place by a locking collar that is then placed and secured on each end of the bar. 
   In using traditional barbells or dumbbells of this type, the user adjusts the exercise mass by loosening and removing the locking collars from the ends of the bar and by then removing weights  32  from each end of the bar or by adding additional weights  32  to the bar. Each gym has a number of such weights  32  on hand simply for use on a bar to add weight to the bar. Weights  32  are referred to herein as “commodity weights” since they are a low cost commodity product typically manufactured in low wage, developing countries, such as China. Weights  32  are cast in large quantities from iron, currently more than 10 million pounds per year. They are shipped in large quantities from their country of origin and are readily available all around the world in standard weights, such as 1.25 pounds, 2.5 pounds, 5 pounds, and so on. 
   The Applicants have discovered that commodity weights  32  of this type are so inexpensive that the cost to purchase the weights locally is not much more or about the same as the cost to ship the same weights from the United States. Moreover, as shipping costs rise, the costs to ship relatively heavy dumbbells is expected to increase. 
   Accordingly, in a preferred method of manufacturing dumbbell  2 , weight frames  20  would be manufactured and shipped as part of dumbbell  2  but without any commodity weights  32  being attached thereto. The distributor, retailer or purchaser of the product would receive dumbbell  2  in this “unweighted” form. The distributor, retailer or purchaser of the product would then purchase a sufficient number of commodity weights  32  locally wherever the distributor, retailer or purchaser resides and would add such weights  32  to each weight frame  20  to complete dumbbell  2 . In this regard, dumbbell  2  would be shipped with enough clamping members  42 , bolts  40  and nuts  43  to allow a sufficient number of commodity weights  32  to be clamped to all the different weight frames  20  to complete dumbbell  2 . 
   The net result of this preferred manufacturing method of this invention is a lower cost product in the hands of the end user. The cost to purchase the product by the end user will be reduced by the costs that would have been incurred to manufacture or purchase custom weight plates as well as by the costs to ship all of the weights. This cost reduction will more than offset the cost at the other end to complete dumbbell  2  by having to purchase a sufficient number of commodity weights  20 . Essentially, at least the shipping costs that are usually associated with shipping the dumbbell should by and large be saved. This is an advantage to the user of dumbbell  2  by lowering the cost to own dumbbell  2 . 
   In addition, commodity weights  32  of different weights, such as 1.25 pounds or 2.5 pounds, typically have smaller diameters but a central hole  36  that is the same diameter to allow each weight  32  to be slipped onto the bar of a conventional barbell or dumbbell. Thus, the user can determine the incremental amount of adjustability for dumbbell  2  by selecting which sized commodity weight  32  to attach to carriers  30 . If a 1.25 pound commodity weight  32  is attached to carriers  30 , then dumbbell  2  will adjust in 2.5 pound increments. If a 2.5 pound commodity weight  32  is attached to carriers  30 , then dumbbell  2  will adjust in 5 pound increments. In addition, dumbbells  2  constructed with lighter commodity weights  32  will be dimensionally smaller in height and width than dumbbells  2  constructed with heavier commodity weights  32 . 
   Using commodity weights  32  to complete dumbbell  2  gives the end user a great deal of flexibility in custom tailoring dumbbell  2  to the user&#39;s desires. If a user wants a smaller, lighter dumbbell  2  that adjusts in smaller increments, the user completes dumbbell  2  with lighter commodity weights  32 . If a user wants a larger, heavier dumbbell  2  that adjusts in larger increments, the user completes dumbbell  2  with heavier commodity weights  32 . Moreover, the user can upgrade dumbbell  2  from a lighter to a heavier version simply by replacing the currently used commodity weights  32  with heavier commodity weights  32  without having to buy a set of new weight frames  20 . 
   Commodity weights  32  of the same size are available in slightly different thicknesses. For example, 2.5 pound weights  32  are currently made in 50 or so different foundries worldwide and vary in thickness from 0.565 inches to 0.615 inches. Weight frames  20  have to be manufactured to accommodate the thickest weight  32  in a particular size or range of sizes that are intended for use on weight frames  20 . In other words, clamping member  42  has to clamp to hub  34  and be able to receive the thickest commodity weight  32 . A compressible foam washer or other material could be supplied to use with thinner weights  32  to take up any play or gaps between thinner weights  32  and clamping member  42 . 
   Handle  4  of dumbbell  2  is shown in  FIGS. 1-5  as having a pair of commodity weights  32  secured to either end thereof. In the case of handle  4 , weight frame  20  includes a downwardly facing U-shaped channel  48  instead of an upwardly facing U-shaped channel  22 . An upwardly facing U-shaped cradle  50  having spaced apart carriers  30  is fixed to the upper surface of downwardly facing channel  48 . A hand grip  52  extends between carriers  30  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . Hand grip  52  carries a resilient cushion or cover to allow the user to better grip hand grip  52  of handle  4 . 
   In the case of handle  4 , carriers  30  will be formed with outwardly, rather than inwardly, extending hubs  34  which are inserted into central holes  36  of weights  32 . A similar clamping member  42  is used on the outside of carrier  30  to clamp weight  32  to carrier  30 . Instead of a bolt  40  and nut  43  for tightening clamping member  42  to hub  34 , a machine screw is used which can be screwed into a threaded bore (not shown) in the end of hand grip  52  to tighten clamping member  42  on carrier  30  of handle  4 . Thus, handle  4  can itself be provided with a pair of commodity weights  32  to allow handle  4  to be used for exercise by itself without any weights  6  being coupled to handle  4  by selector  8 . 
   Alternatively, handle  4  could be formed without any provision for coupling any commodity weights  32  to handle  4 . In this case, carriers  30  of handle  4  could simply be planar and solid without any outwardly protruding hub  34  for mounting a weight  32 . In this configuration, at least one weight  6  would normally be coupled to handle  4  to provide a minimum exercise mass. The exercise mass would be adjusted by selectively coupling additional weights  6  to handle  4  using selector  8 . 
   Other ways of coupling weights  32  to each end of weight frame  20  could be used.  FIG. 6  shows one such alternative coupling. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , each end of upwardly facing channel  22  of each weight frame  20  is no longer provided with an upwardly extending carrier  30 . Instead, each front and rear wall  26  and  28  of channel  22  is provided with a vertical slot  54  sized to receive the thickness of commodity weight  32  within slot  54 . Bottom wall  24  of channel  22  includes a tang  56  having a hole  58  in the top end of tang  56 . A flexible tie  60  is used to tie weight  6  in place in channel  22  with tie  60  passing through hole  58  in tang  56  and encircling the lower side of weight  32  with tie  60  being secured to itself by a connector  61  within central hole  36  of weight  32 . Such flexible ties  60  and connectors  61  as well as the tools used to secure the ends of tie  60  together at connector  61  are well known in the fastener art. 
     FIGS. 8-12  show an alternative form of selectorized dumbbell  2 ′ according to this invention. The type of dumbbell  2 ′ shown in  FIGS. 8-12  is similar to an existing product known as the Power Block, which is manufactured and sold by Intellbell, Inc. of Owatonna, Minn., and which is shown in the Applicants&#39; U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,064, which is hereby incorporated by reference. A summary description of dumbbell  2 ′ will be provided herein only as needed to understand this invention. Reference may be had to U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,064 for a fuller and more complete description of dumbbell  2 ′. 
   Basically, dumbbell  2 ′ includes a handle  4 ′ and a plurality of nested weights  6 ′ which can be selectively coupled to handle  4 ′ using a selector  8 ′. In the dumbbell  2 ′, each weight  6 ′ includes a pair of spaced apart weight plates  70  that are rigidly joined together by a pair of side rails  72 . Beginning with the innermost weight  6 ′, each weight  6 ′ has the weight plates  70  spaced apart a progressively greater distance and the side rails  72  located progressively lower to allow the weights  6 ′ to be nested together. The selector  8 ′ comprises a double pronged pin which can be slid beneath the side rails  72  of a selected weight  6 ′ by sliding the prongs of the pin into a selected groove  74  on each end of handle  4 ′. With selector  8 ′ so positioned, when the user lifts up on handle  4 ′, all weights  6 ′ whose side rails  72  are above selector  8 ′ will be lifted with handle  4 ′. 
   In the dumbbell  2 ′ as shown in the 064 patent, the individual weights  6 ′ were manufactured by taking two custom made weight plates  70  and by welding the side rails  72  to either side of the weight plates. In the embodiment of dumbbell  2 ′ of this invention as shown in  FIGS. 8-12 , each weight  6 ′ is now made as a relatively lightweight weight frame  20 ′ that removably accept and retain a pair of commodity weights  32 . Thus, each weight  6 ′ when completed will comprise a weight frame  20 ′ with a commodity weight  32  in either end of weight frame  20 ′. 
   Each weight frame  20 ′ for each weight  6 ′ comprises a pair of planar, generally vertical carriers  30 ′ that are spaced apart the required distance to allow weight  6 ′ to be nested with the other weights  6 ′. Carriers  30 ′ are preferably molded or formed as a single piece out of a lightweight material, such as plastic. Each carrier  30 ′ has downwardly facing shoulders  64  along either side. Shoulders  64  of adjacent weights  6 ′ are at progressively lower elevations as shown in  FIG. 8 , again to allow the completed weights  6 ′ to nest together. 
   Carriers  30 ′ are rigidly connected together by a pair of connecting rods or side rails  72 , preferably made of metal for durability. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the end of each side rail  72  is simply bolted or screwed to shoulder  64  of the carrier by a screw or bolt  78 . The head of screw or bolt  78  is received in a recess  80  in carrier  30 ′ so that screw or bolt  78  does not protrude beyond the face of carrier  30 ′. When each end of side rail  72  is screwed to shoulders  64  on the same side of both carriers  30 ′, side rail  72  will extend between and unite the two carriers  30 ′ together in much the same way as the welded side rails joined the pair of weight plates shown in the 064 patent. There are two such side rails  72  for each weight  6 ′, one on either side of carrier  30 ′, uniting shoulders  64  provided on each side of carrier  30 ′. 
   The need for shoulders  64  that are progressively lower on adjacent weights is to allow side rails  72  to nest beneath one another as shown in  FIG. 8 . While three weights  6 ′ have been shown in  FIG. 8 , more could be provided with weights  6 ′ lying progressively outside of the three weights  6 ′ that are shown with such additional weights  6 ′ having progressively lower shoulders  64  and side rails  72 . As many weights  6 ′ could be provided as there are grooves  74  in each end of handle  4 , grooves  74  being suited for holding selector  8 ′ at different levels to couple different numbers of weights  6 ′ to handle  4 ′. 
   Each carrier  30 ′ includes a cavity  84  for receiving one commodity weight  32  therein. As shown most clearly in  FIG. 10 , cavity  84  is provided in an inner face of carrier  30 ′ and is circular in shape. Cavity  84  includes a central, cylindrical hub  86  that is sized to be received within central hole  36  of commodity weight  32 . Hub  86  includes a central bore  88  for receiving a fastener  90  such as a bolt. Cavity  84  is deep enough to accommodate the thickest weight  32  in a size or range of sizes intended to be used on carriers  30 ′. Again, foam washers or rings or other material could be used in cavity  84  around hub  86  to accommodate any play if thinner weights  32  are used. Dumbbell  2 ′ as shown herein, when completed with commodity weights  32 , will desirably have a snug fit of commodity weights  32  in cavity  84  to avoid excess rattling and clanking and to impart a feeling of quality and safety to the end user. 
   Referring further to  FIG. 10 , a commodity weight  32  is attached to carrier  30 ′ simply by lying weight  6  into cavity  84  with central hole  36  of weight  32  being concentrically received around the cylindrical central hub  86  in cavity  84 . A clamping member  42 ′, such as a flat washer  92 , is then abutted against the inner side of commodity weight  32 . Bolt  90  can be inserted through washer  92 , through central hole  36  in commodity weight  32 , and through central bore  88  of hub  86 . A nut  94  can be tightened on the free end of bolt  90  to tighten and clamp washer  92  against commodity weight  32  to hold commodity weight  32  in place in cavity  94 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 12 , when commodity weight  32  is assembled to carrier  30 ′ in this fashion, the combined thicknesses of the various parts does not exceed the thickness of carrier  30 ′ to allow proper nesting of the various weights  6 ′ against one another. For example, nut  94  is received in a recess  96  in carrier  30 ′ so that it does not protrude beyond the adjacent face of carrier  30 ′. When tightened, washer  92  is flush or slightly inside of the other face of carrier  30 ′. Thus, each carrier  30 ′ on each weight  6 ′ can be abutted flush against the carriers  30  on the adjacent inside and outside weights  6 ′ in the nested array of weights  6 ′. 
   If nut  94  or bolt  90  should become loose, the fact that cavity  84  is in the inner face of carrier  30 ′ is beneficial. Weight  32  will still be trapped or retained between carrier  30 ′ and the outer face of carrier  30 ′ on the adjacent weight frame  20 ′ lying to the inside. This enhances safety of dumbbell  2 ′. 
   The alternative embodiment of a selectorized dumbbell  2 ′ as disclosed in  FIGS. 8-12  has the advantages of the previous embodiment in that it can be completed by using readily available, low cost commodity weights  32 . Thus, dumbbell  2 ′ can also be shipped by the manufacturer with handle  4 ′, the various weight frames  20 ′ of the different weights  6 ′, selector  8 ′, and the necessary clamping washers  92 , bolts  90  and nuts  94 . Once dumbbell  2 ′ reaches a destination in the hands of a distributor, retailer or purchaser, it can be completed by purchasing the required number of commodity weights  32  locally and by clamping each commodity weight  32  in a cavity  94  of one carrier  30 ′. Following completion in this manner, dumbbell  2 ′ is ready for use in the normal method. The result is a dumbbell that is less expensive to manufacture and for the user to purchase. 
   Various modifications of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the use of commodity weights  32  is not limited to selectorized dumbbells  2 ,  2 ′ as shown herein, but could be used in any selectorized dumbbell including selectorized dumbbells where the selector is simply a movable part on the handle that cooperates with a recess, detent, cam lobe, etc. on each weight. In this event, the weights can still be manufactured as a weight frame that will receive a commodity weight  32  with commodity weight  32  supplying the mass that is needed as long at the weight frame carries the recess, detent, cam lobe, etc. that is required for cooperation with the selector. 
   Moreover, while the Applicants believe that it is most advantageous to purchase and unite commodity weights  32  to weight frames  20 ,  20 ′ after weight frames  20 ,  20 ′ are first shipped by the manufacturer to another destination, this is not necessary for every aspect of this invention. Weights  32  could be added to weight frames  20 ,  20 ′ prior to shipment by the manufacturer as this still permits using readily available, low cost commodity weights  32  in the manufacture of selectorized dumbbells  2 ,  2 ′. 
   Low cost, cast iron commodity weights manufactured for use on traditional barbells or dumbbells are a preferred type of commodity weight that can be used with respect to dumbbells  2 ,  2 ′. However, large and heavy steel washers which are also readily available and relatively low cost can also comprise commodity weights  32 . 
   Thus, the scope of this invention is to be limited only by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0