Patent attributes
The present invention provides for a weightlifting device as it pertains to the fitness equipment industry. In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a new type of weight to be used in weightlifting. One embodiment provides for a weight plate to be used on barbells. Other configurations are possible, including a fixed-weight dumbbell, a weight plate to be added to the bar of an adjustable dumbbell, a kettlebell, or other weightlifting apparatus. In an embodiment, each weight is manufactured to have an hollow insert in the center of the weight. The hollow insert is filled with a specified volume of relatively high mass flowable material, such as lead shot. When the barbell is dropped, the flowable material shifts within the hollow insert and limits the rebound. In this way, the force of the impact is transmitted solidly to the floor, thus dampening the impact. This feature of dampening the rebound of a device upon impact by utilizing a flowable material within a hollow chamber in the device is sometimes referred to as “dead blow.” The hollow insert may comprise a either a single large chamber for the flowable filler material or have multiple ports through which the flowable filler material is inserted. An additional function of the flowable filling is to help to control the accuracy of the actual required weight of the finished product.
