Weight plate

Abstract

An improved weight plate includes a planar body having a central opening for receiving a barbell or dumbbell bar therethrough. The weight plate includes oppositely facing flange members extending partially about the perimeter of the weight plate. The opposed ends of the flange members are spaced from each other and define a gap therebetween. The flange members extend perpendicularly from both sides of the weight plate planar body about the perimeter thereof. The weight plate includes at least one opening formed adjacent the perimeter of the weight plate. The opening is adapted to receive one or more fingers of an average human hand for securely grasping and lifting the weight plate. Adjacent weight plates mounted on a barbell bar are adapted for interlocking engagement.

1 . A weight plate for mounting on a barbell or dumbbell, comprising: 
 a) a weight plate body having a central bore extending through said plate body;    b) at least two flange members extending partially about the perimeter of said plate body; and    c) an opening extending through said plate body disposed adjacent the perimeter of said body.    
   
   
       2 . The weight plate of  claim 1  wherein said flange members include upstanding portions which project outwardly in opposite direction from said plate body.  
   
   
       3 . The weight plate of  claim 2  wherein said flange members include terminal ends spaced from each other and defining an open gap therebetween.  
   
   
       4 . The weight plate of  claim 1  wherein said weight plate is adapted so that more than one of said weight plate mounted on a weight bar may be positioned in interlocking engagement on said weight bar.  
   
   
       5 . The weight plate of  claim 3  wherein said open gap is adapted to receive the fingers of a human hand for wrapping around the peripheral edge of said weight plate body.  
   
   
       6 . The weight plate of  claim 1  wherein said opening includes edge surfaces which are rounded.  
   
   
       7 . The weight plate of  claim 1  including at least three flange members equally spaced about the peripheral edge of said weight plate body.  
   
   
       8 . A weight plate for mounting on a barbell or dumbbell, comprising: 
 a) a weight plate body having a central bore extending through said weight plate body;    b) at least two radially extending flange members extending partially about the perimeter of said weight plate body;    c) an opening disposed adjacent the perimeter of said body; and    d) wherein said flange members are adapted for locking adjacent weight plates against relative rotation.