Patent ID: 7090625

Claim:
A weight lifting system comprising: a) a weight unit comprising of a plurality of weights with each of said weights formed of a pair of upstanding plates and at least one bar, or similar connecting device, that connects each pair of plates; b) a handle having opposing ends; c) extendable elements which protrude from each end of the handle; d) means for simultaneously extending and retracting the extendable elements to engage the weights, which include a means to allow travel to the full limit of the extendable elements; e) a visual indicator indicating the amount of weight selected; f) said handle comprises: (i) a grip having two ends, (ii) each end having an endplate permanently attached, and (iii) a channel or channels in the grip in which the extendable elements may be extended from or retracted into; wherein the grip has a gripping surface configured to be grasped by a user, the grip containing two channels therein, each channel housing one of said extendable elements, each said extendable element comprising a rod movably disposed within a respective channel of the grip; wherein said means for simultaneously extending the extendable elements to engage the weight comprises means for selectively advancing the rods out of opposing ends of the grip such that the rods selectively pass through apertures in first and second ends of the weights, and the gripping surface having no obstruction to grasping by a user; and wherein said rods comprise first and second rods having teeth formed along a length thereof, the first rod moveable by a gear connected to a selection knob, the teeth of the first rod engaging a pinion gear, and the pinion gear engaging the teeth of the second rod to move the second rod.