Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the fields of sporting equipment and apparel. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Strength training by athletes to increase muscular and cardiovascular performance has been practiced for millennia. In the sub-field of weight training, a great number of specialized weights have been developed, including both freely moving (“free weights”) and machine-fastened and administered weights (weight “machines”). With each of those, and in other strength training areas, force is applied against the force of contraction, or attempted contraction, of muscles, resulting in a training response by the body to maintain or increase muscle strength and/or endurance as an adaptation response. 
     Free weights have historically included one-piece weights, such as fixed dumbbells and kettle-bells, and adjustable weight sets, such as plate-loading barbells. With plate-loading barbells, typically, weights with a loading aperture (a.k.a., “plates”) are threaded onto weight-loading ends of a generally rod-shaped barbell (a.k.a., “the bar”), and are held in place on the bar with the aid of weight “clips” or “collars.” Many machines also incorporate plate-loading bars, which may benefit from the stability and safety of fixing the weights in place with such clips or collars. Generally, plate-loading bars are used in most advanced strength training programs because the ability to vary the weight loaded in a wide variety of increments on a variety of bars affords the most custom-fitted workout options with the least amount of gear, and storage space. 
     Plate-fastening weight clips have been developed in a variety of forms, as shown in related art  FIGS. 9-12 , and typically require several steps to deploy, such as, but not limited to: 1) loosen each clip; 2) slide each clip over a bar; 3) fasten each clip in place after sliding; 4) test the clip/weight for lateral play and security against lateral force; 5) adjust the tightness and lateral play of each clip, if necessary; and 6-8) reverse steps 1-3 to unload. As shown in  FIG. 9 , some clips include threading, such as inner lining threading  901  of clip  905 , and work in conjunction with the complementary threading of the bar, for example, the examples of threading shown as  903 , to tighten against a loaded plate and secure it in place on a bar. While, in the inventor&#39;s experience, the security of this type of clip may be relatively good, if correctly deployed, the inventor also finds that the loading times for changing out weight plates can be onerous in comparison to other clip types. Pin-pressure style weight clips, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 10 , also use threading, such as that shown as threading  1003 , to fasten a collar, such as  1001 , to a bar (not pictured) using complementary hole  1005  to drive a pin  1007  toward the center of the bar-holding port  1009  (and, therefore, against the bar, when inserted into a loading aperture of the collar). In the inventor&#39;s experience, time delay with that approach also may be great, and he also finds that the holding force of the pins can be weaker and subject to failure or tightening errors due to their relatively small contact area with the bar, in conjunction with non-tightness oriented resistance from a variety of sources, some of which are related to subtle rotational shifts in the collar on the bar. In other words, the inventor has discovered that these weight clips often feel tightened onto the bar when, in fact, they are still loose and poorly seated, and that they require lateral force toleration tests during use to ensure proper seating. The inventor has discovered that other clips, such as the handled spring coil weight clip (an example of which is given as  FIG. 11 ), and the arm-actuated clamping weight clip (provided as  FIG. 12 ), can be faster to attach, but still require the step of sliding a collar onto a bar, after sliding a plate weight on, and have limited fastening power and are more prone to loosen and break, especially from repeated use. These approaches each include actuating handle(s),  1101  and  1201 , respectively, with which the user first widens the clip aperture ( 1103  and  1203 ) by moving the handles in the directions indicated by motion arrows  1105  and  1205  prior to sliding the clip on after sliding a separate plate-style weight onto a bar. A user then tightens the aperture in place on the bar with reversed handle movements (which may be aided by spring resiling, in the instance of a coil clip). 
     The inventor has discovered that the utility of all current weight clips can be frustrated by the need to locate and administer them. In the inventor&#39;s experience, weight clips may be borrowed, broken or worn—often unevenly, in comparison to one another. The inventor has found that, even within a single professional gym, different age, condition and types of clips may be found, and clips may have widely-differing weights, from anywhere from a few ounces to several pounds. The differing weights of varying clip types have made planning workouts and plotting progress more difficult for the inventor. The inventor has experienced still other disadvantages of present clips, including a tendency for lateral slippage due to an absence of significant active lateral force applying aspects. 
     None of the statements concerning prior art issues and limitations in the background section of this application are admissions that those statements or their subject matter are prior art. Rather, some information provided herein is the result of the inventor&#39;s personal experience and research, and is included in the background section to provide foundational information that may be helpful in understanding aspects of the invention set forth in this application. Thus, the “Background” heading refers to foundational information, some of which may or may not be prior art. 
     This application sets forth a variety of examples of aspects of the present invention, which are illustrative, not exhaustive, of the even wider variety of potential implementations. It should be understood that a virtually unlimited number and degree of alternative embodiments, including alternative systems and methods and parts thereof, even though not specifically set forth, fall within the scope of the invention. 
     It should also be understood that, for convenience and readability, this application may set forth particular pronouns and other linguistic qualifiers of various specific gender and number, but, where this occurs, all other logically possible gender and number alternatives should also be read in as both conjunctive and alternative statements, as if equally, separately set forth therein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     New weight clipping techniques, including devices, systems and methods, are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, plate-style weights themselves include a clipping mechanism that, preferably, is reversibly weight-actuated, and therefore requires no additional clipping step to use—a user need only load a weight-actuated, self-clipping plate. In other aspects of the invention, the barbell may contain a clipping mechanism and a lateral tightening and securing mechanism in the direction of loading, eliminating lateral play. In still other aspects, a user may rapidly, selectively shed weight from a weight-loading member. The weight and other internal-force-actuated tightening aspects are also applied in the context of running shoes and apparel, allowing a user to put on well-fitting shoes and other clothing quickly, with easy entry, and no need for separate lacing or binding steps. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view illustrating an integrated weight-actuated CLIP-WEIGHT, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view illustration of another integrated self-securing and -releasing, weight-actuated CLIP-WEIGHT, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another integrated self-securing and -releasing, weight-actuated CLIP-WEIGHT, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an integrated self-securing and -releasing, placement-actuated CLIP-WEIGHT, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view illustration of an integrated CLIP-WEIGHT that is directly lockable and unlockable by a user, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view illustration of an external clip for securing weight(s) to a barbell, which provides lateral as well as inward tightening force, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view illustrating an integrated barbell/clip system, for securing weights to a barbell, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating another integrated barbell/clip system, for securing weights to a barbell, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a plate-securing collar, according to related art. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates another plate-securing collar, according to related art. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates another plate-securing collar, according to related art. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates another plate-securing collar, according to related art. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a new integrated CLIP-WEIGHT that, when put into position on a weight-loading member, locks into place securing itself in one direction, and is removable by a user-actuated release. 
         FIG. 14  provides a perspective view of certain barbell aspects of a barbell and weight securing system, which, among other things, allows the selective rapid release of loaded weights. 
         FIG. 15  provides a perspective view of certain weight and weight-securing aspects of the barbell and weight securing system subject to  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view illustrating another integrated barbell/clip system, for securing weights to a barbell with active lateral force support, and which also allows the selective rapid release of loaded weights, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of aspects of a member-attaching and securing, weight-actuated clip mechanism, as applied in the context of loading objects onto a biological weight-baring member, specifically, in the context of sporting footwear, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of aspects of the same mechanism as that illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a side view, partially in section, illustrating another integrated barbell/clip system, for securing weights to a barbell with active lateral force support, and which also allows the selective rapid release of loaded weights, in accordance with additional aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a front view of a variably attachable/detachable clip unit of a CLIP-WEIGHT system, with weight-mounting and loading-actuated securing aspects, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is side sectional view of a similar clip unit to that discussed with reference to  FIG. 20 , above. 
         FIG. 22  depicts additional aspects of the present invention, as with some aspects presented with reference to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , in the context of apparel. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is a side view illustrating an integrated self-securing, weight-actuated CLIP-WEIGHT  101 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In the illustration provided in  FIG. 1 , which is exemplary, not exhaustive, of some aspects of the present invention, the CLIP-WEIGHT  101  generally has bilateral symmetry, on each side of plane indicating rays  103  and  104 . This bilateral symmetry aids a user in loading, unloading, securing and unsecuring the CLIP-WEIGHT unit from a barbell (not pictured). To load the CLIP-WEIGHT onto a barbell, the user places semi-flexible port  105  and port-defining ring  106  onto the bar with either edge/side  107  or edge/side  109  facing directly upwards or downwards as shown to the user by guiding signage  110 . The user may hold the CLIP-WEIGHT in this position while sliding it into its desired locking position on the bar—normally, as far as possible before colliding with a containing wall of the barbell loading area or another weight already loaded onto the bar (not pictured). At that point, the user may manually rotate the CLIP-WEIGHT, or allow it to rotate, due to gravity, 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise, leading the CLIP-WEIGHT in general to move downward, and semi-flexible port  105  and port-defining ring  106  to slide upward in curved port channel  111 , and to lock into one of notches  113 , pushed by the bar relative to the remainder of the moving weight, which bar also moves upward in its own complimentary, outwardly visible channel and notch  115 . In its relaxed state, at the center of the CLIP-WEIGHT (pictured), unloaded onto a bar, semi-flexible port  105  and defining ring  106  are substantially circular, due to incorporation of an elastomeric, plastic or other resilient, flexible material comprised in ring  106 . However, as semi-flexible port  105  and defining ring  106  ease into their channel  111  while being locked onto a bar, the natural narrowing and locking notch shape  113  which the channel flows into leads the CLIP-WEIGHT to compress port—defining ring  106  onto the bar, locking it into position onto the bar due to its resulting narrowing of port  105 . 
     In practice, a manual rotation of the CLIP-WEIGHT to achieve locking in position on the bar, with a rotational position of the CLIP-WEIGHT shown in  FIG. 1 , and one of locking position indicators  117  pointing upwards, will not be required, because the CLIP-WEIGHT will naturally lose balance, tipping against and away from the loading rotational position and into the locking rotational position (pictured) with the aid of gravity bringing one of the channels  111  and notches  115  to bear against the bar. To unload the CLIP-WEIGHT, a user may simply turn the CLIP-WEIGHT 90 degrees in either rotational direction, returning it to the loading rotational position, and slide the port  105  and ring  106  to its former, central position, and then slidingly remove the CLIP-WEIGHT. 
       FIG. 2  is a partial depiction of another integrated self-securing and releasing weight-actuated CLIP-WEIGHT  201 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In the embodiment provided in  FIG. 2 , which is exemplary, the CLIP-WEIGHT has radial symmetry, with several substantially identical sections. For simplicity, a detailed illustration of just one of four operating mechanisms  203  is provided, and partly revealed through a cut-away section  202  in an outer housing. The actual CLIP-WEIGHT used may alternatively contain two or more such operating mechanisms, positioned 90 degrees or in other evenly-spaced or unevenly-spaced rotational position separations from one another, as shown, for example, with the different operating mechanisms shown in  FIG. 3 , discussed below. However, in one aspect of the present invention, just one mechanism, as shown in  FIG. 2 , or two mechanisms in 180 degree opposition (not pictured), may be provided. 
     CLIP-WEIGHT  201  may be placed onto a bar (not pictured) in the orientation pictured by slipping port  205  over one of the bar&#39;s loading ends. As this occurs, in the orientation shown, the weight of the CLIP-WEIGHT will naturally push button/holder  207  upward. Button/holder  207  is in communication with flexible, curved pushing band  209 , which moves as shown by motion arrow  210  within channel  211 , defined by guiding walls  212 . In addition, the upward motion of button/holder  207  upwardly moves a connected locking piece  213 , guided by interfacing grooves, such as  214 , releasing an interlocking piece  215 , which, in turn, releases stored energy from a stored energy source  217  (such as a loaded spring). The then-released energy source  217  then pushes tightening piece  219 , which, in turn, pushes member  221  inward, securing, gripping and/or locking onto the bar. 
     When an exercise has been completed, a user may disengage CLIP-WEIGHT  201  by aid of release switch  223  which, preferably, may use leverage or gearing to aid storing energy again in source  217 , e.g., by locking a spring into a compressed position with the aid of locking pieces  213  and  215 , which may then return to the interlocking positions pictured. The natural rebound of a force bias, such as another spring (not pictured) or pushing strip such as  209  into the position shown in  FIG. 1  may lead piece  213  to return to its original locking position, holding piece  215 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of aspects of another integrated self-securing and -releasing, weight-actuated CLIP-WEIGHT, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. A CLIP-WEIGHT system  301  is shown, including a loading aperture,  303 , through which a weight-loading member, such as, but not limited to, the end of a barbell, may be threaded for mounting the CLIP-WEIGHT  301 . As the CLIP-WEIGHT  301  is loaded, in the orientation pictured, a load-driving member  305  is driven upward against such a member by gravity, in a housing and guiding slot  307 . Preferably, complementary grooves on the outer surfaces of both  305  and  307  ensure seating and lateral support of member  305  within slot  307 . Among other features, member  305  may comprise generally slot-facing side-walls  309  and  310 , at least one of which, as shown with  310 , may further comprise rail or gearing features, such as that shown as teeth or teeth-accepting features  311 , rendering it a rail capable of accepting a gear. Abutting gear or sprocket  313  may interface with side-wall  310  and features  311  by passing through a window in the side-wall of slot  307  facing side wall  310 , allowing teeth on gear  313  to move freely through such a window and interface with rail  310 . As member  305  and its sub-features  311  are driven upwards after loading the CLIP-WEIGHT in the orientation shown on  FIG. 3 , and directed by directional signs  315 , onto a loading member, such as the end of a barbell, features  311  spin gear  313  by interfacing with its teeth  320  and driving gear  313  clockwise (from the perspective of the figure). Gear or sprocket  313 , in turn, may spin an attached axel  314 , attached to another gear or sprocket (not pictured), to drive a tightening member(s), but preferably, teeth  320  instead interface with lateral aperture member  321 , via its gear or rail features, such as teeth or teeth-accepting features, e.g.,  323 . As gear  313  is driven to spin in a clockwise direction, assessed facing into the page of the figure, it also causes teeth  320  and interfacing features  323  to drive member  321  inward, toward the center of aperture  303 , and tight against the member onto which the CLIP-WEIGHT has been loaded. 
     Although the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  demonstrates the use of one pair of weight-actuated sliding members/rails  305  and  321 , it should be understood that any number of weight-actuated, counter-acting reacting rails, aside from such a pairing, is also possible, while still carrying out aspects of the present invention. It should also be noted that any number of reinforcing structural holds, locks and variable-loads may be applied to assist or hold (and preferably, temporarily and reversibly hold) any of the tightening rails and members in place against the bar onto which the CLIP-WEIGHT is loaded. Preferably, three or four members are used to define and assist in actuating the load-mounting aperture, in complimentarily-angled sets, and mechanical translation of force from the top member (driven up by the force of gravity) drives both side or side/bottom members, as applicable, (e.g., in 90 or 120 degrees of separation from the driving, top member, as may be applicable in the particular embodiment selected), and can be driven into a secure position, whereby the entire weight of the CLIP-WEIGHT leads two side members to be locked in place while applying aperture-narrowing, locking pressure on a weight-loading member, preferably, with mechanical advantage increasing the locking pressure, which may be assisted by additional sources of load (e.g., stored in a spring, locking members). Also preferably, this locking mechanism is only reversible and releasable by use of an external switch, automatically shifted into locked position when the CLIP-WEIGHT is fully loaded, but unlockable by a user switching the switch&#39;s position. An example of such a lock-releasing switch and mechanism is discussed, for example, with reference to  FIG. 2 , as release switch  223 . 
     Although illustrations and figures and discussion in this application may have provided exemplary emphasis on barbell and plate weight based weight systems, it should be understood that the fastening, locking and tightening, and vice versa, systems provided are applicable to any scenario of fastening objects with apertures, or even partial apertures (such as notches) to any weight-loading member or protrusion. Thus, aspects of the present invention applies to a wide variety of other fastening arts as well, such as general hardware and sporting fastening applications, as will be seen through other examples discussed in this application. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an integrated self-securing and -releasing, placement-actuated CLIP-WEIGHT  401 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. CLIP-WEIGHT  401  may be loaded onto a weight-loading member, such as, but not limited to, the end of a barbell, by threading such a member through aperture  403 . To properly complete loading CLIP-WEIGHT  401 , it may then be slid along a weight-loading member until one of its two generally flat sides, such as side  405 , is pressed against either another plate-shaped weight or a weight-retaining edge or wall attached to or part of the weight-loading member, but which is wider than the surface of the member threaded through aperture. When either of these situations occurs, the CLIP-WEIGHT  401  may be thought of as being in a properly loaded position on the weight-loading member. As CLIP-WEIGHT  401  slides against another weight or the edge or wall attached to or part of the weight-loading member, buttons  407  (which may be on either or both sides of CLIP-WEIGHT  401 , and preferably are at least 2 in number, but may be less or more than 2 in number) depress due to contact with either the neighboring plate and/or edge or wall defining the loading position on the weight-loading member. Through an internal mechanism, such as but not limited to a release, buttons  407  may disengage a holding structure between the body  409  of the CLIP-WEIGHT and slidable securing members  411 , which are housed within interior channels  412  defined by body  409 . Slidable securing members  411  are then driven toward the center of aperture  403  and the weight-loading member threaded within it, securing CLIP-WEIGHT  401  onto the weight-loading member with the assistance of force-exerting stored energy devices, such as but not limited to springs,  413 . After the job or exercise requiring the CLIP-WEIGHT to be loaded is completed, the CLIP-WEIGHT may be removed with the aid of member-releasing handles  415  attached to slidable securing members  411 . Handles  415  may be physically accessible to a user&#39;s hands through handle ports  417 . More specifically, a user may pull handles  415  away from the center of the CLIP-WEIGHT and aperture  403 , releasing the slidable members  411  from their holding position on the weight-loading member, and then will be able to slide the CLIP-WEIGHT itself away from its loaded position on the weight-loading member, which may also allow buttons  407  to re-emerge (e.g., by spring bias) to an unpressed position, allowing their attached mechanism to re-lock sliding members  411 , and the defined aperture  403 , into an open position, locking in a loosened aperture  403 , as shown in the figure, enabling the further unloading and reloading of CLIP-WEIGHT  401  with no further need to hold handles  415 , which are then locked in the open position, as shown. 
     One possible locking and release mechanism, which may be actuated by buttons  407 , which cause the release of members  411  and force-driver tightening of aperture  403  when buttons  407  are depressed by CLIP-WEIGHT  401  colliding with a neighboring weight or another edge of a loading length of a weight-loading member is shown in a zoom window  419 . A tab  422  along the inner wall of a notch  421  or hole on the interior of slidable securing members  411  variably permits or limits them from sliding in the force-braced direction, toward tightening aperture  403 . If a button  407  is not depressed, an attached inner shaft  423  is in the position shown within a partial sheath  425 , and an open section of the wall of sheath  425  then exposes a holding tab which interfaces with, and holds, tab  422 . If, however, a button  407  is depressed by mounting collision, inner shaft  423  penetrates sheath  425  more deeply, until a trench  427  is exposed by the hole in the wall of sheath  425 , and interfaces with tab  422 , allowing it to slide through, and member  411  to tighten aperture  403 . Force biasing  427  against inner shaft  423  causes the re-emergence of button  407 , if members  411  are retracted again, removing tab  422  from trench  427 , and if button  402  is no longer depressed. (e.g., CLIP-WEIGHT  401  is removed from the loaded position on a weight-loading member). 
       FIG. 5  is a side view illustration of an integrated CLIP-WEIGHT  501  that is directly lockable and unlockable by a user, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Central aperture  503  is defined by concentrically-wrapped, self-subducting, tightenable ring layers  504  and  505  mounted on the main body  507  of the CLIP-WEIGHT. Tightenable ring layers  504  and  505  may be tightened by use of lever  509 , by rotating it until it is flush against main body  507 , in a recess shown as  508 . To counter-balance the weight of lever  509  and other clipping aspects about a fulcrum at the center of aperture  503 , a matching counterweight  510  may also be attached to the housing, preferably 180 degrees from the center of the mass of such clipping aspects. Internal lever-actuated tightening mechanism  511  (including a pin  515  that may expand with lever rotation and a pin receiving channel that may narrow as a pin enters) may translate rotation of the lever to a perpendicular position relative to the surface of the body  507  of the CLIP-WEIGHT to a maximum loosened position, in which the aperture  503  is at its greatest open width, and a position of lever  509  substantially parallel with and against body  507 , by contrast, results in a maximum tightness. Thus, by adjusting lever  509  to the open position, perpendicular to the plane of the surface of the plate, and enlarging aperture  503  to its widest position, CLIP-WEIGHT  501  may be loaded onto a weight-loading member (not pictured) by threading such a member through aperture  503 , and the CLIP-WEIGHT may then be secured in place by rotating lever  509  to a flush position with the housing (preferably, aided by a mechanical bias toward the locked position that onsets when the lever is near seating in that position (e.g., by a subfeature notch or valley in the contours of a curved pin  515 , or its tightening entry tunnel and housing  517 , which pin generally widens as it is rotated into the securing position, flush against the plane of the housing  507 , but may deviate to some degree from that progression to create such a notch)). Alternatively, any other locking mechanism may be used to maintain a tightened condition for the CLIP-WEIGHT. As another example, a tension balance point may be used where, tipping beyond the point of balance, the lever is held against the housing in a tightened position. After finishing a workout, to release the CLIP-WEIGHT from a weight loading member (such as, but not limited to, a loading end of a barbell), a user may simply return lever  509  to the perpendicular, loosened position, and the user will then be free to slidably remove CLIP-WEIGHT  501  from said member, for example, by gripping and pulling away the CLIP-WEIGHT by its main housing  507 , or enlarged edge  519  away from its loaded position and off of said member. 
     Although a new lever-actuated concentric ring subducting and tightening mechanism is shown, it should be understood that any known lever-actuated tightening mechanism, such as the two-part single ring tightening mechanism discussed with reference to  FIG. 12 , may, alternatively, be used. In such instances, attachment points between the clip aspects and the remainder of the CLIP-WEIGHT are preferably to the axel of the hinge and to part of the lever that does not change its relative position on the CLIP-WEIGHT with lever rotation. As a result, the CLIP-WEIGHT will less substantially stress or strain those attachment points during tightening in comparison to other attachment point design choices. As another benefit, the lever may be rotated in either direction, until it is flush with remainder of the housing of the CLIP-WEIGHT, rather than in just one direction, but such versatility is also possible in some embodiments with concentric ring tightening, where more than one tightening member and/or receiver set is used in the tightening mechanism—and other advantages may be found with concentric ring tightening, including, but not limited to, reduced tightening drag and pinch hazards. 
       FIG. 6  is a side view illustration of an external clip  601  for securing weight(s) to a weight-loading member, and for providing lateral as well as inward tightening force, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In this figure, both the clip  601  and a weight-loading member (such as one loading end of a barbell,  603 ) onto which it is mounted, among other things, are pictured. Clip  601  comprises a roughly cylindrical (though other shapes may be used) cavity  605 , which opens to the outside of the clip at loading apertures  607 . In the figure, the barbell end  603  has been threaded through the apertures  607  and cavity  605 , by sliding the clip onto the bar left-to-right, from the perspective of the figure, until it abutted plate-style weight  609  which was threaded and mounted onto the end of the barbell  603  prior to mounting the clip  601 . In the initial, loaded position shown in the figure, clip  601  rests on weight-loading member  603 , without applying substantial securing pressure onto the bar, except for that due to its own gravity, because cavity  605  has a substantially larger, albeit interfaceably-shaped, volume than the volume of the part of weight-loading member  603  surrounded by cavity  605 . 
     Clip  601  is comprised of two main, overlapping sections—twisting, laterally-securing hand-hold section  611  and squeezing securing section  613 . After sliding the clip  601  into place, as pictured, against the weight to be secured, the user may tighten aspects of section  613  against the barbell by twisting section  611  using finger-actuated tabs  615 , which connect to the housing of section  611 . As section  611  twists in a clockwise direction (facing the plate weight  609  it abuts), threads  617  engage with projections  619  on wedging pincers  623 , which are a part of/mounted on section  613 . This causes the application of at least two relevant forces for securing the clip  601  and weight  609  to the barbell. First, by pushing section  611  toward the plate weight  609 , section  611  applies lateral securing force to weight  609 , which increases until projections  619  each reach a locking pocket  624  on threads  617 , which corresponds with an appropriate amount of lateral force exerted for securing the plate weight  609  within mechanical tolerances of the clip  601  and its materials. Second, sloped inner contours  621  of an encompassing cavity  625  within section  611 , which surrounds pincers  623 , then cause wedging pincers  623  to pinch inwards, because contours  621  slidably engage with projections  626 , attached to the outside of pincers  623 —creating inward gripping force onto weight-bearing member  603  (the barbell). Various other shapes, numbers of attached interfacing and other mechanical force exerting mechanisms may, alternatively, be used, in addition to or in lieu of the exact embodiments pictured and within the scope of the invention. For example, in some embodiments, a single set of thread-interfacing projections, such as projections  619 , may be used to both interface with lateral-force-applying threading and to cause the inward tightening of a tightening section of the clip. For example, this simultaneous tightening and thread engagement may be accomplished by an inward (toward the center of the barbell) narrowing of the threading. Elastomeric section  627  provides cushioning for plate weight  609  and section  613 , and also assists in creating even application of applied lateral force. To release clip  601 , the user simply twists section  611  in the counterclockwise direction, and may then slidably remove clip  601  from end of the weight-bearing member  603  and barbell. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating an integrated barbell/clip system  701 , for securing weights to a barbell, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Although the specific configuration of the end of a barbell is shown, it should be understood that a variety of other weight-loading members, of a variety of other shapes, may also implement aspects of the invention discussed with reference to the figure. Beginning at the left-hand side of the figure, part of a cylindrical barbell handle  703  is shown, which a user may use to lift, move and otherwise use the barbell. Barbell handle  703  is connected to cylindrical support lip  705 , which is wider than both the handle  703  and a barbell securing and mounting complex  707 , abutting lip  705 , and also connected to it, on the other (right-hand) side. Lip  705  serves as a wall for securing a weight (not pictured) that may be mounted onto barbell securing and mounting complex  707  by threading such a weight&#39;s loading aperture onto it and, thereby, also loading such a weight onto the entire barbell/clip system  701 . Barbell securing and mounting complex  707  is connected to lip  705  and, therefore, the remainder of the barbell, via cuffed hinge  709 . Rotatable, semi-cylindrical mounting slats  711  within complex  707  are each rotatably connected to and form part of hinge  709  (which is preferably force-biased to rotate the slats inward, toward one another, for example, by a spring set  712 ), such that they may be moved in the direction shown by motion arrows  721 , against that force-biasing until reaching a physical limit where their outer surfaces collide with the right-hand circular edge of the cuff  710  of cuffed hinge  709 . Internal, interfacing gears (not pictured) may cause the degree of rotation of each of slats  711  with hinge  709  to mirror one another and remain constant about the central axis of the barbell/handle  703  (and with respect to support lip  705 ). An inserted, handled spreading member  713 , with male threading  715 , may aid in creating (or reversing) the potential rotating motion shown by arrows  721  by spreading slats  711  apart (when screwing member  713  inward, clockwise, toward the handle  703 ) or allowing spring set  712  to rotate them together (when unscrewing, outward). Spreading member  713  is threaded onto the right-hand-side ends of mounting slats  711 , which form a cavity with complementary female threading to accept the male threading spreading member  713 . Due to the shape of  713  (and/or the cavity), which enlarges the gap into which it is threaded as it is threaded in, a user may spread mounting slats  711  apart after placing an aperture or other mounting feature of a weight over them, creating outward pressure that secures the weight to the barbell, by rotating spreading member clockwise (assessed viewing toward the barbell handle  703 ), and vice versa, for unmounting a weight, for example, after completing an exercise. Gripping ridges  719  may aid in securing the outside edges of a loading aperture or other mounting features of a loaded (e.g., plate-style) weight. Preferably, gripping ridges  719  include faces that are angled such that a variety of possible rotation positions of slats  711  will result in optimal securing force. For example, the rotation angles of slats  711  resulting from a standard-aperture plate style weight being mounted at the position where its outer edge abuts a given ridge  719  may define the optimal angles of that gripping ridge at that position, for example, such that the resulting angle at that position leads to a substantially perpendicular (edge-opposing) interface, or even a barbed interface, with the edge of the weight. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating working parts of another integrated barbell/clip system  801 , shown securing a plate-style weight  803  to a barbell, which the system may comprise, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In the figure, the mounting end of the barbell  805  has been threaded through the aperture  807  of weight  803 , by sliding it from right to left, until reaching a handle-terminating support or collar (not pictured) to the left-hand side, and part of and attached to the barbell. At this point, the weight is on a mounted position on the barbell. Depressible securing members  809  responded to the aperture being threaded over them by yielding downward, due to their ramped shape, into member-accepting pockets  811 , until they were in far enough that they no longer obstructed the plate aperture  807 , which then passed to the left of them. At that point, securing members  809  rose, due to force, e.g., from a stored force/bias mechanism(s) such as springs  813 , to their original position (pictured) with respect to the remainder of the barbell. In that position, the weight  803  is secured from slipping toward and off of the end of the barbell  805  by the flat, left-hand side of members  809 . The members  809 , force bias mechanism(s)  813 , and pockets  811  are contained, as a group, by a containing housing  815 , which, itself is slidably housed in an outer housing  817 . By using grip/handle  819 , a user may slide housing  815  within outer housing  817  toward the mounting end of the barbell  805  as shown by motion arrow  820 , with the aid of a pull-rod  822  connecting the handle  819  and the inner housing  815 . In so sliding, inner housing  815  drags members  809  toward ceiling bars  821  of the outer housing  817 , engaging with the ramped sides of the members  809 , and depressing them into pockets  811 , until they are fully depressed into the pockets as inner housing  815  drives attached spring compression rods  823  against springs  825 . Force biasing, such as springs  825 , oppose the handle pull and further compress in response to it such that, if handle  819  is no longer held and pulled, inner housing  815  is forced back to its previous position (pictured) and members  809  return to their ejected, securing position (as also pictured). In that position, handle  819  may be rotated to lock the inner housing in its securing position, with members  809  ejected, for example, by use of an axel-mounted inner tab  827 , which is interior to the outer housing  817 , and which is so rotated until it may no longer escape through a notch  829 , in the housing. Preferably, an indicator (not pictured) may indicate to a user whether the bar is so locked, and, therefore, safe to use due to the weight-securing system  801 . Such an indicator may be in addition to and/or keyed to proper handle rotation for locking and releasing the system&#39;s weight-securing properties. For example, a tab connected to a rotatingly-revealed colored indicator (not pictured) may collide with the tab inside the housing  817  at a safe rotational position and may further provide a stop for that rotation, preventing the inadvertent release of the tab  827 . 
     Alternatively, a lock that is applied by release of a release handle, such as handle  819 , may secure the inner housing  815  in place, thereby securing any weight in place without the need to separately lock the handle. The number, size and spacing of securing members, such as those shown as  809 , may be in a wide variety to match the loading positions of any combination of loaded weights. Further, the tabs, or outer housing, may be laterally loaded to provide lateral securing force against loaded weights. In one embodiment, members  809  do not emerge until the user pulls one or both of the housings toward the end of the barbell, pulling the members against that lateral force loading, and beyond the distal edge of the loaded weight(s)—thereby creating and applying that lateral force, and removing any obstacle to threading the weights. A second pulling of one or both of the housings (again, e.g., by a handle pull) may then retract and lock members  809 , permitting removal of the weights after exercise. 
     A mechanism that resists force against the inner housing  815  originating from one side in the sliding path only (the mounted weight side of the handle  819 ), such as a ratchet, may also, alternatively, be used, to eliminate the step of a user needing to twist or otherwise separately unlock the handle and the inner housing, because pulling force from the handle, and not pushing force from the weight, will permit moving the inner housing  815  within the outer housing  817 . As another alternative, handle  819  itself may be rotatably biased toward the locking position, and a user may be required to twist and pull it to move inner housing  815  within  817 , but need not actively lock handle  819 . 
       FIGS. 9-12  illustrate some aspects of the related art, and are discussed in greater detail above, in the background section of this application. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates part of the loading mechanism of a new integrated clip or CLIP-WEIGHT  1300  that, when put into position on a weight-loading member, locks into place, securing itself against sliding in one direction, and that is removable by a user-actuated release. A loading member, such as the loading end of a barbell (not pictured) may be threaded through loading aperture  1301  to begin loading the clip or CLIP-WEIGHT  1300  for use. Preferably, the barbell is threaded such that the CLIP-WEIGHT is oriented upright, as shown in the orientation of the figure, and an oblong and/or channeled shaping of the aperture  1301  or otherwise gravity-forcing aspect of the CLIP-WEIGHT may be added to ensure such orientation in loading, but CLIP-WEIGHT  1300  may be placed in other rotational positions on a threaded member and still accomplish aspects of the present invention. Also preferably, the weight-loading member, such as the end of a barbell, is of a width and shape that creates pressure between it and one-way locking, one-way rolling and/or ratcheting cylindrical wheels  1303 . Such pressure may be created by a number of structural aspects, including inner aperture wall  1305  which, together with wheels  1303 , creates inward, vice pressure on the weight-loading member—due, for example, to a width of a loaded structural member complementary to aperture  1301 , but which wheels  1303  invade. Aiding in creating this pressure and locking grip, while preventing mechanical failure, are elastomeric outer wheel sections or tires  1307 , which substantially surround, as a whole or at periodic points or areas, rims  1309  and rotational axels  1311 . Preferably, rims  1309  are at least temporarily fixed to tires  1307  and also rotate about axes  1311  which, themselves, may spin within housing cavities  1312  within structural frame  1321 . Fixed to each of rims  1309  and/or tires  1307  is one of gears  1313 , each of which also rotates about one of the axes of axels  1311 , and interface with ratcheting master gear  1315 . Master gear  1315  itself rotates about a common axis with, and is fixed to, its own axel  1317 , and is fixed in distance to aperture  1301  and wheels  1303  with the aid of axel mounts  1319  on frame  1321 —such that gear  1315  remains properly interfaced with each of gears  1313  to provide one-way rotation locking (“ratcheting”) which may be released by user actuation of additional mechanisms discussed in greater detail below. 
     Providing releasable one-way rotational locking (ratcheting) is sprung (or otherwise force-biased) lever  1323 , which preferably comprises a handle  1325  that is at least partially user-accessible through an outer CLIP-WEIGHT housing, partially pictured as  1327 . Also preferably, force-biasing, such as that provided by spring  1329 , places lever  1325  in a position that causes one-way rotationally locking tab  1331  to interface with a rotating gear  1333  which rotates about a common axis with, and is rotationally fixed to, axel  1317 . As a result, when a user has not actuated release lever  1325 , gear  1333  may spin counterclockwise only, from the perspective shown in the figure, and force toward clockwise rotation would result in locking of tab  1331  against the teeth of gear  1333 , because the side of the tab facing the approaching teeth in that rotation is flat (as are the faces of the teeth facing the tab), and does not allow the teeth to push out the lever during rotation. However, when rotating in the opposite direction (counter-clockwise), the side of the tab facing the face of the approaching teeth during rotation is rounded (as are the faces of the teeth facing the tab), permitting unlimited rotation. And, as a final result, a weight-loading member, such as the end of a barbell, should be threaded through aperture  1301  into the page, from the perspective of the figure, allowing it to be loaded and locked into place, as may be advised to the user via markings  1335 . The exact mechanism shown in this figure for providing one-way rotational locking of gripping wheels is exemplary only, and any other method and mechanism known in the art may be substituted, although such mechanisms have some disadvantages in comparison to the mechanisms and techniques illustrated with reference to the figure. 
     It may be preferred, in some aspects of the invention, for a ratcheting selection mechanism to be added to the ratcheting mechanism of  FIG. 13 , such that initial loading-caused pressure (e.g., rotational pressure and/or directional pressure against wheels  1303  or aperture wall(s)  1305 ) results in selection of a direction of ratcheting complementary to the direction of threading the weight bearing member onto aperture  1301 . For example, gears  1313  may instead be initially, after release by lever  1325 , unengaged with master gear  1315 , and the pressure of initial mounting while freely rotating the wheels may be used to indicate the preferred direction of free, ratcheting movement, and push and/or turn a locking direction selection mechanism enabling ratcheting in that direction only, prior to further pressure engaging gears  1313  and  1315  and so selecting the correct direction of rotation of gear  1333  to permit the correct direction of ratcheting. For example, the proper direction of rotation of gear  1333  may be accomplished by a gear selector and additional gears for reversing the rotation of gear  1333 , as necessary, in response to directional and rotational pressures translated to actuate the gear selector. In some embodiments, the spinning of gears  1313 , or new gears on the opposite side of wheels  1303 , could be used to drive a rotational ratchet direction selection mechanism, as may be found on most conventional ratcheting socket wrenches, but such gears could automatically slip after such selection, for example, by a maximum torque setting that, after being reached, permits slippage, or a simple push-switch that then allows the gear to slide past. 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  provide a perspective view illustrating a barbell and weight securing system, which enables a user to load several weights securely onto a barbell, and then rapidly and selectively drop weights mid-bar, without the need to thread or unthread a weight onto the barbell, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.  FIG. 14  provides a perspective view of certain barbell aspects of the barbell and weight securing system, while  FIG. 15  provides a perspective view of certain weight aspects of the barbell and weight securing system, including, but not limited to, mounting aspects. 
     Beginning with  FIG. 14 , the specialized weight-securing end  1400  of a barbell, implementing some aspects of the system, is illustrated in a perspective view. Two semi-cylindrical weight-threading and -securing leaves  1401  are rotatably-mounted at hinges  1403 , and are force-biased, for example, by springs  1405  that apply rotating pressure in the directions shown by force arrows  1407 , which depict the directions of torque applied by force biasing  1405 . An outer limit for rotation due to the force-biasing may be provided by weight stopping wall  1409  at the edge of, and attached to, the gripping section  1411 , of the barbell. Although leaves  1401  are shown in rotated positions parallel to one another, stopping wall  1409  preferably arrests rotation of the leaves at a wider position for leaves  1401  and/or their gearing relative to one another, and a user may compress them by hand or by using actuating lever  1413 , which itself is rotatably mounted on barbell grip  1411 , and comprises gear teeth such as those shown as  1414  and interfaces with gearing  1415  to drive both leaves  1401  (rotating them inward, compressing them toward one another, if the lever is actuated, pushed toward the bar). Additional gearing, such as that shown with gear teeth  1417  and  1418 , may be driven by  1414  and  1415  and/or force-biasing  1405 , and may both drive and sync the rotations of each leaf  1401 . A wide variety of alternate forms of gearing, teeth or other mechanical driving connections, and driving and selecting pieces (including, for example, electromechanical devices, buttons or switches rather than levers, mounted in any accessible place for a user) may be used to accomplish the objectives of the invention; the exact mechanical force actuation and translation shown in  FIG. 14  is exemplary, and preferred, but not exhaustive. 
     Although two semi-cylindrical weight-threading and -securing leaves are illustrated in  FIG. 14 , virtually any number of additional leaves may also be included or substituted, which may have a number of differing shapes, including, but not limited to, having hollowed centers and/or greater surface area or rectangular shaping or irregular, periodic shapes that aid in securing weights. For example, three such leaves, or one such leaf in conjunction with a fixed leaf, may alternatively be used. 
     Upon loading a weight into a loading position on the barbell end  1400 , preferably using an aperture/notch in the weight designed for facilitating mounting, leaves  1401  are pressed into the edges of such an aperture/notch in the weight, due to force-biasing means  1405 , mounted to both leaves  1401  and wall  1409 . As this occurs, the leaves separate from one another (scissoring outward). To increase their securing power on the weight, leaves  1401  preferably include gripping notches, such as the examples depicted as  1419 , along the weight-interfacing, outward surface of the leaves, which serve to catch edges of the aperture or notch of any secured weights. Preferably, gripping notches  1419  have angled edges that, based on a standard weight aperture/notch width, match or are optimally barbed toward the flat surface of the interfacing edge of the weight aperture/notch at each possible gripping notch/outer edge location of such an aperture/notch of a mounted weight position. 
     Although gripping notches  1419  are pictured, a number of alternative weight-securing surface features and/or surface types and/or coatings that aid in securing weights placed onto leaves  1401  may, alternatively, or in addition, be used, including, but not limited to, elastomeric outer layer(s). 
     While the barbell aspects of the system for securing weights discussed with respect to  FIG. 14  may be used in conjunction with standard or other existing plate-style and other weights, preferably, a specialized form of weight with rapid and selective weight dropping notches and leaf-width limiters is used, which prevent dropping other-than-selected weights for unmounting, as will be explained in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view illustration of certain weight aspects of the barbell and weight securing system discussed with respect to  FIG. 14 . A weight  1500  includes an aperture/notch  1501 , which includes two separately-sized and/or -shaped cavities: securing cavity  1503  and loading/unloading cavity  1505 . Loading/unloading cavity  1505  is pictured as narrower, than the diameter of securing cavity  1503 , as demonstrated by constricted entry width  1504 , such that a weight-loading member, for example, the end of a barbell (not pictured in this figure), of a certain width would secure weight  1500  even if loading/unloading cavity  1505  were placed directly above it, and gravity were forcing the member toward cavity  1505 . As a result, by varying the width of a weight loading member, for example, using the rotatably-mounted leaf expanding and contracting system discussed with reference to  FIG. 14 , a weight may be (1) secured in place (if the leaves are expanded to push against the walls of cavity  1503  wide enough to prevent entering cavity  1505 ) or (2) dropped (if the leaves are contracted, such that they may pass into cavity  1505  and exit the notch aperture  1501  due to gravity). 
     In order to selectively drop just one weight from the edge of a group of loaded weights on the bar of  FIG. 14 , a leaf contraction-limiting tab  1507  may be included in a preferred embodiment. When the weight  1500  is properly mounted onto the end of the barbell featured in  FIG. 14 , tab  1507  may fit in between leaves  1401  and, based on the size of the leaves and possible gaps between the leaves  1401  and the aperture/notch  1501  and between the leaves and tab  1507  while the end of the barbell is threaded through the weight, contracting the leaves results in sufficient contraction to allow the weight to escape, but a neighboring weight(s) with the same mounting aperture/notch structure will not be able to escape because the leaves are held at a greater width than its loading/unloading cavity width, due to notch  1507  holding the leaves wide enough at a neighboring location (but not at the location of the loaded weight  1500 ) to prevent escape at that neighboring location, owing to the differing width of the leaves at neighboring locations due to the v-shaped scissoring action of the leaves  1401 . Whether a neighboring weight to the outside or inside of the weight on the bar with a notch arresting contraction will so drop by gravity depends on the exact relative sizes of the aperture/notch  1501  and the leaves, and whether that notch width and/or securing cavity width forces the leaves into a contracted position (with rotation angles more acute than parallel) or an expanded position (rotation angles widening as judged from the handle to the loading end of the loading section of the bar) when the weights are all loaded and secured due to expanding pressure from force loading  1405 . In the latter instance, the inner-most (mounted toward the barbell handle) loaded weight will drop upon one lever pull action, and no further weights will drop (due to the arresting action of a tab  1507  of the neighboring weight). In the former instance, the outer-most weight only will drop upon one lever pull. 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view illustrating another integrated barbell/clip system, part of which is shown as  1600 , for securing weights to a barbell with active lateral force support, and which also allows the selective rapid release of loaded weights, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. A slotted aperture of an aperture-loading weight, such as the slotted aperture of the specialized weight discussed with reference to  FIG. 15  (including both a loading and a securing section), may be wide enough to slide onto a weight-mounting member at a selectably narrow section  1601 , when selected to be narrow enough for mounting and/or unloading such a weight, as pictured. A pushrod  1603  may extend or retract (by a lever, button or other pushrod driving mechanism, which is not pictured) a sliding size selecting collar  1605 , such that the selectably narrow section  1601  may be varied in exposure (i.e., maximum bar width exposed to interfacing with the specialized, notched weight) for mounting/unmounting a weight. Preferably, when actuated, the pushrod driving mechanism temporarily extends pushrod  1603  and selection piece  1605  sufficiently in length and in time to permit one such slotted plate-style weight to fall through the resultantly sufficiently narrow, temporarily exposed section,  1601 . But, also preferably, the pushrod driving mechanism and/or user actuating it causes the automatic retraction of the pushrod  1603  and selection piece  1605  after a single such plate-style weight has dropped, preventing further weights from dropping until an additional actuation of the pushrod driving mechanism. A force-loaded, slidable cuff  1607  preferably drives any loaded weights snugly against a flange  1609  on selection piece  1605 , and also ensures the unloading of the most distal loaded plate-style weight when the pushrod driving mechanism is actuated, by forcing such a plate style weight into the narrow section  1601 . But, when pushrod  1603  is not being actuated, the distal force from cuff  1607  is insufficient to oppose force biasing of collar  1605  and/or the pushrod, which holds section  1601  in a closed, unexposed position, within a central cavity of collar  1605 . 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  are a top and side view, respectively, of aspects of a member-attaching and -securing, weight-actuated clip mechanism,  1700  and  1800 , as applied to human footwear, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
     Beginning with  FIG. 17 , a force-loaded user&#39;s heel-compressible platform  1701  is mounted on a guiding/locking member  1703 , which variably interlocks with or travels within a channel  1705  with barb-accepting pockets, such as those shown as  1707 . Member  1703  may partially exit channel  1705  through sole port  1708 , which is a foot-facing opening to channel  1705 , which itself is cavity within footwear sole  1709 . But member  1703  and platform  1701 , to which it is attached, are prevented from completely exiting sole port  1708  by barb-interfacing pockets  1711 , into which member barbing  1713  collides as member  1703  moves toward exiting channel  1705 , toward the left and upwards out of the figure (positive z axis), the direction in which it may be forced by force loading (such as spring  1715 , which may be mounted to both the bottom of platform  1701  and the top of sole  1709 ) and/or by tension from other aspects of the invention, for example, from lacing (which will be discussed below). 
     When member  1703  is extended substantially out of port  1708 , as pictured in  FIG. 17 , a user may compress platform  1701  substantially downward and toward the top of sole  1709  (and, optionally, and/or depending on the exact shape designed and implemented for channel  1705  and the resulting optimal direction to match the angle of its walls, also toward the rear of the sole), and, in so doing, the user may insert member  1703  deeper into channel  1705 . In turn, barbing  1713  may escape pockets  1711  inwardly, due to their one-way motion permitting, complementary ramped sides on leading surfaces as the member  1703  penetrates channel  1705  more deeply. As a user presses platform  1701  downward, he or she may also compress spring  1715  until, if enough downward pressure is provided, the platform  1701  reaches a terminal position, seated and preferably counter-sunk in complementary depression  1717  on the top surface of sole  1709 , and barbing such as  1713  locks with barb-interfacing pockets  1719 , at the inward/downward end of channel  1705 . Preferably, barbing  1713  is held strongly enough and with sufficient endurance to counteract not only compressed force biasing (such as spring  1715 ), but also any forces encountered in use of the sporting equipment surrounding or otherwise attached to the mechanism discussed in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , and also with sufficient strength and endurance to maintain a tightening force, which may be variably chosen by the user or a system, applied to an attached lacing or other force-applying tightening structure, an example of which is discussed in greater detail, below. At a user&#39;s option, however, barbing  1713  may be released at any time from barb-interfacing pockets  1719  by pushing barb-releasing, pocket-flattening squeezable buttons  1721 . Although a number of other release mechanisms are known in the art and may be used in some variations implementing aspects of the invention, squeezable buttons  1721  are attached to flexible, compressible material or hinge pieces, such as  1723 , that variably define variable barb-retaining pockets, such as those shown as  1719 , via push rods, such as those shown as  1725 . When buttons  1721  are in their resting position (not pressed by a user), barb-interfacing pockets  1719  have a resting conformation as shown by their shapes in  FIG. 17 . However, when buttons  1721  are pressed by a user, pushrods  1725  compress compressible material/hinge pieces  1723  such that the barb-holding walls of barb-interfacing pockets  1719  are eliminated, laid flat or otherwise sufficiently reduced to allow barbing  1713  to escape upwardly from pockets  1719 , and for member  1703 , in turn, to rise again from channel  1705 , and release tension from attached tension or compression-creating structures, such as lacing  1727 , which may be attached anywhere to the length of member  1703  along the surface of channel  1705 , and preferably, in its own lacing guides or channels, such at that shown as  1729 . Lacing  1727  may also be guided around corners or other friction-creating surfaces, where needed, by guides, rollers or other channels, such as rolling flaring or edged cylindrical lace-holders  1731 , which may turn about axels  1733 , mounted to sole  1709  and/or other contiguous or conjoined structures. 
     As mentioned above,  FIG. 18  illustrates aspects of the same mechanism as that depicted in  FIG. 17 , but from a side-view, rather than a top-view. From this angle, additional aspects, and the 3-D structure of some of the same structural pieces discussed in  FIG. 17 , may be better understood. For convenience, parts of  FIG. 18  are given the same latter two numbers as the same or similar parts and/or aspects discussed with reference to  FIG. 17 . 
     If a user drives member  1803  deeper into channel  1805 , lacing  1827  attached to member  1803  tightens as a result. Such lacing may be attached to (and resultantly close) tightening structures holding a biological weight-holding member—in this instance, a foot (not pictured). Such tightening structures may include shoe tongue  1835 , which is partially separated from shoe sole  1809  and main shoe body  1810  by an adjustable volume/gap  1837 . Greater tightening of lacing  1827  leads to a smaller volume of adjustable volume  1837 , and, therefore, a tighter-fit shoe. In addition, a tightness adjusting mechanism, such as that shown as  1839 , permits a user to adjust the size of adjustable volume, both when member  1803  is fully seated in channel  1805 , and when member  1803  has substantially exited channel  1805 . 
     The shoe tongue mechanism shown in  FIG. 18  is by no means exhaustive of the many different mechanism and technique options that may be used to implement aspects of the present invention. In some versions of these aspects, the adjustable volume may be separately defined, regardless of whether platform  1801  is seated in complementary sole depression  1817  locking member  1803  fully into channel  1805 . In that embodiment, the adjustable volume would comprise a compartment including a floor as well as sides and a ceiling, leaving only an entry port for entry of the user&#39;s foot, which compartment may swivel on a joint near the toe of the shoe downward as member  1803  or, instead, the compartment itself, drives the lacing tighter by attachment to the lacing and a reversible locking mechanism corresponding with the seated position of the compartment (flat with the sole of the shoe). Multiple members, which may be side-mounted rather than centrally mounted, in the shoe or shoe sole, may also, alternatively or in addition, be used, and release buttons or other catch releases may be placed at any accessible point(s) for the user. The member(s) and channel(s) themselves need not take the form(s) shown in  FIG. 18  to carry out aspects of the present invention. In addition, they need not use the number and shape of barbs, or barbing at all, as a variable lock and release mechanism, and any other known variable binding or locking mechanism may, alternatively, be used, although the form of member and barbing shown for member  1803  depicted in the figure is preferred. Multiple different lacing and tightness transferring and distributing means may also, or alternatively, be used, in addition to lacing  1827 . For example, additional laces may be attached to or otherwise transfer tension from the weight-driven compression of platform  1801  and member  1803 , such as the alternative/additional lacing shown in dashed lines as  1891 . 
       FIG. 19  is a side view, partially in section, illustrating aspects of another integrated barbell/clip system  1900 , for securing weights to a barbell with active lateral force support, and which also allows the selective, rapid release of loaded weights, in accordance with additional aspects of the present invention. Although some aspects of the mechanisms shown are exposed to view, for ease of viewing, it should be understood that a fully surrounding jacket may, in practice, conceal various mechanisms and protect against wear, catching foreign objects and user injury. System  1900  comprises one loading end of a weight-bearing member,  1901 , such as the end of a barbell. Loading end  1901  is of a 3-dimensional shape that slopes to a narrowed point  1903 , preferably with an at least semi-conical, curved slope. This slope facilitates the loading of a weight with a loading aperture or notch (not pictured) onto the loading end  1901 . As such a weight is loaded, it may pass over a depressible, one-way pass-facilitating tab  1905 . As shown in the figure, tab  1905  is depressible into a channel  1907 , against force-biasing  1909 , such as a spring, which applies force in the direction of elevating tab  1905 . By sliding the aperture of a weight over the loading end  1901 , and assuming that that aperture is sufficiently wider than the maximum diameter caused by the semi-conical slope, discussed above, of the loading end  1903  to permit such an aperture to pass, the aperture of the weight will also pass over tab  1905 , depressing it into channel  1907  as it passes. A lubricant(s), wheel(s), bearing(s) or other passage facilitating mechanism, structure or technique  1910  may, in addition to the one-way passage facilitating slope  1911 , aid in causing the passage of the loading weight aperture, and depression of tab  1905  into channel  1907 . Once such a weight and weight aperture have been loaded past the right-hand side of tab  1905  and channel  1907 , force-biasing  1909  causes tab  1905  to rise from channel  1907 , as it is no longer obstructed by the weight aperture. At that point, side-wall  1913  of tab  1905  prohibits the weight and its aperture from passing back, to the left, and off of the weight-loading member. However, a user may cause tab  1905  to descend into channel  1907  by actuating tab-depressing lever  1915 , which pivots about fulcrum  1917  and, when lever handle  1919  is pulled toward handgrip  1921 , pulls tab  1905  downward via a preferably pivotable joint or attachment  1923  between tab  1905  and lever  1919 . To allow the passage of lever  1919  through at least one wall in channel  1907  to its attachment point(s)  1923 , at least one curved opening  1925 , which preferably matches or encompasses the arc of motion of the lever attachment point  1923  may be included. 
     A weight and weight aperture stopping collar or wall  1927 , which is preferably force-biased and preferably surrounds the circumference of an outer sheath/loading jacket  1929  of the end of the weight-loading member  1901 , is also included and serves to hold any loaded weights and their apertures actively and firmly against side wall  1913  of tab  1905 , providing lateral support force from the right due to the force-biasing, and, due to the reacting structural force of tab  1905 , left-hand side of the weight. For the force-biasing of wall  1927  to function ideally, it may move, along with a central mounting bar  1931 , to which wall  1927  is attached, relative to jacket  1929 . Preferably, a bearing or gear arrangement, such as that pictured as  1933 , with gears  1935 , which interface with both central bar tracks  1937  and sheath/jacket tracks  1939 . In this way, force-biasing  1941  may apply force to pull both central bar  1931  toward tab  1905  and the loading end of load-bearing member  1901  and, ipso facto, apply lateral, stabilizing force against a loaded weight (preferably a plate-style weight) that also, when lever  1919  is actuated, will lead to one, and only one, such loaded weight and aperture being shed per a sufficiently isolated pull on lever  1919 . After a lever pull, but before a single weight has been thus shed, tab  1905  begins to rise and press against the loading aperture of such a weight and, once the right-hand side edge of that aperture has passed, the point  1943  of tab  1905  will rise along the right-hand side edge of the aperture and weight, provided that there is a sufficient gap (by design or natural tolerance variation) from a neighboring weight and aperture, to the right-hand side. As tab  1905  so rises, to the right of the shed weight and aperture, its slope and passage facilitating mechanism  1910  causes the weight and aperture to be pushed and shed to the left, onto the semi-conical slope of the end of the weight bearing member, and gravity then causes the weight to be completely shed from the weight-bearing member. 
     As an alternative to the structure shown in  FIG. 19 , central bar  1931  may be joined to sheath/jacket  1929 , but not joined to force biasing  1941 , and, instead, collar or wall  1927  may be joined to force-biasing  1941 , through slots in sheath/jacket  1929 . In this way, the track, bearing or other internal components may be omitted and substituted with such a slot and direct force-loading application. As an advantage, user&#39;s fingers may be less susceptible to pinching by sheath/jacket  1929  moving relative to handgrip  1921  and central bar  1931 . However, the overall barbell will remain at a fixed length and size, rather than reducing its size, as weight is unloaded in that, alternate configuration. In the structure shown in  FIG. 19 , hand guards  1945  may aid in reducing the risk of hand pinching. 
       FIG. 20  is a front view of a variably attachable/detachable clip unit  2001  of a CLIP-WEIGHT system, with weight-mounting and loading-actuated securing aspects, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. As with other CLIP-WEIGHT embodiment aspects discussed in this application, clip unit  2001  may assist in securing plate-style weights onto a weight-loading member, such as, but not limited to, the end of a barbell. A loading aperture  2003  may be threaded over such a member, the aperture  2003  having a complementary, slightly larger cylindrical shape than such a member. In addition, however, the clip unit  2001  may also variably attach to the plate-style weight as well, and clip  2001  may (when so attached) secure itself and the weight to the barbell. 
     As will be seen in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 21 , flexible leaves  2005  of clip unit  2001  may be threaded through (and then reversibly hold clip unit  2001  to) a loading aperture of a weight, such as a plate-style weight, with the aid of flexion-removable barbing (not pictured in  FIG. 20 , but shown in  FIG. 21  as  2106 ) that may grip an edge of the weight&#39;s loading aperture. To secure the then-attached weight onto a weight-loading member, gripping members, such as those shown as  2007 , may be user-variably driven inwards, toward the center of aperture  2003 , creating locking pressure onto a weight-loading member. To create the tightening force necessary for that locking pressure, user-variable force loading, such as the examples shown as sprung pistons  2009 , may be used. Force loading  2009  may be user actuable, applicable and reversible by any means for variable force loading discussed in this application or known in the art—for example, a lever or switch mechanism. But preferably, a specialized depressible and pushable and pullable button/flange  2011  attached to, and able to variably actuate, a weight-locking force applicator mechanism (which may include gripping members  2007 ) is used. Preferably, such a force applicator may include curved force-redirecting members within channels, which aspects will be discussed in greater detail in reference to  FIG. 21 . Also preferably, a force-reversible locking mechanism, including, but not limited to, examples with an exceeded balance point for maintaining locking pressure, is used to reversibly maintain button/flange  2011  in a depressed (into the page) locked position, in which it causes members  2007  to exert their own locking pressure onto the bar. But a wide variety of alternative locking and levered pressure, or other pressure, exerting mechanisms may also, or alternatively, be used. When button  2011  is in the locked position, with proper corresponding locking pressure from members  2007  onto a bar, preferably, locking pressure confirming indicators  2013  (which may comprise windows revealing colors corresponding with the proper, force-exerting position of internal force-exertion members and/or force biasing) may also be used to confirm for a user proper locking of the clip unit and attached weight onto the bar. 
     Using the aspects described above, the clip unit  2001  may begin a use cycle in a position where the button/flange  2011  has been pulled toward the user (out of the page, in the perspective of the figure), causing members  2007  to be in a retracted position, with a relatively wide resulting aperture  2003 , permitting the loading and unloading of the clip unit onto a bar. A lip allowing the user&#39;s fingers to grip the edge of button/flange  2011  is preferably included. The user may attach clip unit  2001  to the aperture of a weight, although it may already be so attached to a weight that is desired to be loaded, in which case, that step need not be carried out. Following that step, if executed, the clip unit  2001  and attached weight may be loaded onto a weight-loading member (such as the end of a barbell) and slided into its desired loaded position on that weight-loading member (not pictured). At that point, the user may push button/flange  2011  downward (into the page) causing gripping members  2007  to push inward, locking it onto the bar. However, the user need not do so to lock the clip and weight onto the bar if, for example, another weight is then loaded, also onto the weight member, from the side of clip  2001  facing the viewer (out of the page), because, by sliding against button/flange  2011 , such a subsequently-loaded weight will cause button  2011  (with its preferred shape and travel profile) to be depressed into a locking position and, in any event, the subsequently-loaded weight may itself have a locking mechanism sufficient to hold both it and the previously-loaded weight onto the bar. To remove clip  2001  and the attached weight, the user may reverse the actions discussed above, pulling button/flange  2011  upwards (out of the page) to loosen gripping member  2007  and pull the clip and weight off of the bar. 
       FIG. 21  is side sectional view of a similar clip unit to that discussed with reference to  FIG. 20 , above, and now shown as  2101 . From this view, one can see that the frame (now shown as  2102 ) of the clip unit  2101  helps to define the loading aperture (now shown as  2103 ), which is approximately cylindrical in shape. Also aiding in defining aperture  2103  are the semi-cylindrical weight-securing flexible leaves (one of which is visible in the side sectional view and now shown as  2105 ). As discussed above, these leaves are what may be threaded through (and then reversibly hold clip unit  2101  to) a loading aperture of a weight, such as a plate-style weight. In more detail, flexion-movable barbing, now shown as  2106 , may grip an edge of the weight&#39;s loading aperture, holding the clip unit  2101  and weight together. When threaded onto a weight-loading member, aperture  2103  is substantially fully occupied by the member (the bar). As a result, leaves  2105  may not be flexed substantially inward, and barbing  2106  may not pass through the loading aperture of the weight. However, when not loaded on the bar, such flexion and release of clip unit  2101  may be achieved by pressing the leaves together, and unit  2101  may be decoupled from the weight. It should be noted that leaves  2105  are preferably sufficiently thin (in the sheet thickness of the hollow semi-cylinder formed by each leaf) to pass through standard tolerances between weight apertures and weight-loading members. But, alternatively, custom-sized apertures, bars and leaves may be used that allow for greater thicknesses of coupling leaves or members, such as that shown as  2105 . Also preferably, the leaves, such as leaf  2105  are made of a sufficiently resilient yet flexible material to permit repeated inward flexing together and release, while still biasing outward slightly, to pass into the loading aperture of the weight, while pressing outward against it, with the aid of one-way ramps  2109 . 
     Also shown in greater detail in  FIG. 21  is one potential, preferred embodiment of aspects of a variable locking mechanism, which may drive the gripping members (now shown as  2107 ) inward, toward the center of aperture  2103  to lock clip unit  2101  (and any attached weight thereto) onto a bar. Turning force application projections  2115  are pushed through channels  2118  to translate locking actuation (depression of button  2111 , toward the right-hand side of the figure) into inward locking pressure of gripping members  2107 . More specifically, projections  2115  are curved and the section passing from channel-defining walls  2117  toward channel-defining walls  2119  widens as button  2111  presses them into the visible part of the channel  2118  in the figure. Gripping members  2107  may be held to frame  2102 , yet slidable approximately upward and downward, according to such actuation by projections  2115 , by any known means, such as sliding flanges. 
     If the locking pressure status indicator aspects (previously shown as  2013 ) of the clip unit discussed in reference to  FIG. 20  are implemented in unit  2101 , an exemplary mechanism for such an indicator is demonstrated in the bottom of the two gripping members ( 2107 ). In an embodiment comprising this mechanism, an outer housing  2121  may be fixed to the frame, and may comprise substantially transparent or translucent viewing windows, such as those shown as examples  2123 . Instead of directly transferring force to lock clip unit  2101  to a bar, force application projection  2116  presses against an intermediate block  2125  which, via a compressible connecting member (such as spring  2127 ), travels toward and applies sufficient pressure to (until colliding against the upward edge  2129 ) final drive box  2131 , which is attached to, but slidable upward along, frame  2121  and  2102 , to create desired binding or securing pressure between unit  2101  and a bar. Additional substantially transparent or translucent windows  2124  are also present in final drive box  2131 . Prior to any such application of pressure (from  2115  or  2129 ), spring  2127  is fully extended (as pictured) and, as a result aligned alert pigment surface sections, such as the example shown as  2133 , on intermediate block  2125 , exclusively, are visible through windows such as those shown as  2123  and  2124 . However, when sufficient pressure to adequately compress spring  2127  has been exerted (as may be partly defined by compression degree determining legs  2135 ), proper clip deployment pigment sections, such as those shown as  2137 , (preferably green in color) become exposed, indicating the proper application of clipping pressure onto a weight-loading member, such as a bar inserted in aperture  2103 . If final drive box  2131  does not encounter resistance from a correct size weight-loading member, final drive box  2131  shifts forward, and additional alert indicating pigment sections, such as the example shown as  2139 , become exposed, again alerting of that different error in clip deployment. Preferably, the different types of alert pigment sections are of a different, readily distinguishable color. 
       FIG. 22  depicts additional aspects of the present invention—as with some aspects presented with reference to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , in the context of apparel. A long-sleeved shirt  2200  implementing a garment system according to aspects of the present invention is shown in the figure with a series of approximately pleated folds, such as those shown as  2201 . This configuration of the garment system may be thought of as the stored or compressed configuration, and the pleats may be encouraged by inset elastomeric bands or threads (not pictured). However, if so, such elastomeric bands or threads must be light enough in force-loading and pulling strength not to interfere with other variably garment compressing and tightening (or otherwise force-transferring) bands (not pictured) which thread through channels in the fabric. Such channels are shown, for example, as channels,  2203  and such bands may, but need not, have elastomeric properties further encouraging the folding of the garment when a compressed, stored configuration is selected by a user. Such tightening bands are preferably attached at least two end points along the channels  2203  of the garment and, in the compressed state, more length of such tightening bands are held in the channels that are shown which are approximately horizontal (such as those channels  2203  shown on the left-hand side of the figure). As a result, the bottom edge of the garment is pulled upward and the garment is spread wider than in other configurations. 
     However, after a user dons the garment over his or her head and begins pulling downward on the bottom edge  2205 , the tightening bands begin to do their work, emerging from the horizontal channels (such as the left-hand side examples of  2203 ) as they are pulled into the vertical channels (such as that shown as the right-hand side example of channel  2203 ). In the process, the garment also naturally gathers in and begins to hug the user and fit his or her torso more tightly, due to the pulling force against the tightening bands. To preserve this tight-fitting configuration, one-way barbs on the bands (not pictured) may enter barb-accepting pockets, such as those pictured as  2207 , and the length of the tightening bands taken from the horizontal channels and into the vertical channels will not slide back from this stretched configuration to its original position (the compressed, pleated configuration). However, the user may push a release button, such as that shown as  2209 , at any time to release the barbs of the tightening bands, and again allow force transfer band slack to return into the horizontal channels. Zoom window  2211  shows this release mechanism in more detail, which is related, but distinct, from the particular barb releasing buttons discussed with reference to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , above. Instead of comprising push rods spreading the walls of the channel to eliminate barb-accepting pockets  2207 , barb-compressing wedges  2213  instead compress and eliminate any barbs held in pockets  2207  when button  2209  is depressed (pressed into the page) by moving along the outer sides of those pockets  2207 . 
     Although, in examples provided of this invention, locking mechanisms to maintain securing and fitting pressure on garments comprise barbing and barb-accepting pockets, and such mechanisms are preferred, it should be understood that a wide variety of different or additional variable locking mechanisms may be alternatively, or additionally, used, with or without guiding channels, and any other force transfer aspects may also, alternatively or in addition, be used. For example, but by no means exhaustive of the many different buckles, snaps, eyelets, Velcro and countless other variable fasteners that may be used, smooth projections, rather than barbs (and complementary or projection-compressing and holding pockets), that can be overcome with sufficient force, may be preferable in some embodiments, to avoid the risk of damage from overstraining barbing.

Technology Category: a