EXERCISE EQUIPMENT SAFETY APPARATUSES
In one embodiment, an exercise apparatus includes a gas spring, first and second proximate uprights, as well as first and second distal uprights. First and second safety bars extend between and are connected respectively to the first proximate and distal uprights and to the second proximate and distal uprights. An elongated platform or bench is disposed above an elongated base and includes a seat portion rotatably connected to a back portion. The gas spring has a lower end pivotally mounted on the elongated base and an upper end adapted for attachment to each of a plurality of attachment locations located on the back portion of the elongated platform. An actuator is operably coupled to the gas spring and adapted to cause the gas spring to move from an extended position to a retracted position thereby lowering or retracting the back portion of the elongated platform.
This relates to exercise equipment in the nature of weight lifting devices. More specifically, this relates to safety devices for use while lifting freeweights.
2. BACKGROUNDFreeweight barbells are exercise devices that are popular for use in weight training or other exercise programs. However there is the danger that during an exercise session with such a barbell, a user may sustain an injury while holding the barbell or may become too fatigued to safely continue holding the barbell. Because the barbell is a freeweight exercise device, such an injured or fatigued user may be endangered while holding a heavy barbell. In such a condition the user may not be physically able to return the barbell to its starting position bracket on a rack or to a safe location on the ground without incurring further injury.
Accordingly there is a need for improved exercise equipment that includes safety-related features to help overcome some of these dangers that are associated with the use of freeweight barbells.
SUMMARY OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTSVarious exercise apparatuses for use with freeweight barbells are provided. Through the use actuators that can be operated by a user while he/she is exercising, the apparatuses can be caused to move to a safety position or to release secondary weights. Thus the user can then more easily place the barbell in a safe location or more easily control the weight of the barbell.
In one aspect, an exercise apparatus comprises a retractable device, first and second proximate uprights, as well as first and second distal uprights. The retractable device is a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack or a gas spring. A first safety bar extends between and is connected to the first proximate upright and the first distal upright, and can be positioned in a plurality of elevations. A second safety bar similarly extends between and is connected to the second proximate upright and the second distal upright, and can be positioned in a plurality of elevations.
An elongated base is disposed generally adjacent to the first and second distal uprights. A base support extends generally upward from the elongated base. An elongated platform or bench is located above the elongated base and includes a seat portion rotatably connected to a back portion. The seat portion of the platform is supported by tie base support. The back portion of the platform has a plurality of attachment locations disposed in a generally longitudinal orientation.
The retractable device has an extended position and a retracted position. It further has a lower device end pivotally mounted on the elongated base and an upper device end adapted for attachment to each of the plurality of attachment locations of the back portion of the platform. An actuator is operably connected to the retractable device and adapted to cause the retractable device to move from the extended position to the retracted position thereby lowering or retracting the back portion of the platform. A user can then rest a barbell on the first and second safety bars.
In another aspect, an exercise apparatus comprises an elongated platform or bench having a proximate platform end and a distal platform end. A platform support extends generally downward from the distal platform end and is rotatably attached to the distal platform end thereby permitting the proximate platform end to rotate between a first platform position and a second platform position. A retractable device (such as a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack or a gas spring) is disposed generally below and abuts the platform. The platform is in the first platform position when the retractable device is in an extended position and in the second platform position when the retractable device is in a retracted position. An actuator is operably connected to the retractable device and can cause it to move from the extended position to the retracted position.
The exercise apparatus further includes first and second proximate uprights, and first and second distal uprights. First and second pulleys are rotatably attached to the first and second proximate uprights, respectively. A first cable has a distal end, a proximate end and a middle portion. The distal end of the first cable is connected to the first distal upright, the proximate end is connected to the proximate platform end, and the middle portion is movably supported by the first pulley. A second cable is similarly connected second distal upright, the proximate platform end and supported by a second pulley. The first and second cables each are in a generally slack condition when the proximate platform end is in the first platform position and in a generally taut condition when the proximate platform end is in the second platform position. A user can then rest a barbell on the first and second cables when the proximate platform end is in the second platform position and the cables are in the generally taut condition.
In an alternative embodiment, an exercise apparatus comprises a first upright and a second upright. A first support bar is rotatably connected to the first upright and extends generally laterally away from the first upright. Similarly, a second support bar is rotatably connected to the second upright and extends generally laterally away from the second upright. The first and second support bars each are adapted to rotate between a first bar position and a second bar position. The first bar position is generally normal to an imaginary plane defined by the first and second uprights. The second bar position is at an angle in an outward direction from the first bar position by an amount between about 45° to about 270°.
A first bias element, such as for example a spring, couples the first support bar with the first upright and can move the first support bar from the second bar position to the first bar position. Similarly, a second bias element couples the second support bar with the second upright and can move the second support bar from the second bar position to the first bar position. An actuator is operably coupled to the first and second bias elements and can cause them to move the first and second support bars from the second bar position to the first bar position. A user can then rest a barbell on the first and second support bars when they each are in the first bar position.
In another aspect, an exercise apparatus is for use with a barbell having a plurality of primary weights and having one or more secondary weights. The exercise apparatus comprises a release mechanism and a housing attached to the barbell. At least a portion of the release mechanism is disposed within the housing. The release mechanism is adapted to receive a signal and to move from a first mechanism position to a second mechanism position upon receipt of the signal. An actuator can transmit the signal for receipt by the release mechanism. The secondary weight is releasably coupled to the release mechanism if the release mechanism is in the first mechanism position. The release mechanism can release the secondary weight when the release mechanism moves from the first mechanism position to the second mechanism position. Thus the overall weight of the barbell can be significantly reduced during an exercise session for easier handling by a user.
There are additional aspects to the present inventions. It should therefore be understood that the preceding is merely a brief summary of some embodiments and aspects of the present inventions. Additional embodiments and aspects are referenced below. It should further be understood that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. The preceding summary therefore is not meant to limit the scope of the inventions. Rather, the scope of the inventions is to be determined by appended claims and their equivalents.
These and/or other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of certain embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. Reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
When assembled, the first and second safety bars 314, 316 and the first and second proximate and distal uprights 306, 308, 310, 312 form portions of the support frame 304 that are generally perpendicular to one another. That is, the first proximate upright 306, the first distal upright 310 and the first safety bar 314 define a first imaginary plane that is generally perpendicular to a second imaginary plane defined by the first and second proximate uprights 306, 308. Similarly, the second proximate upright 308, the second distal upright 312 and the second safety bar 316 define a third imaginary plane that is generally perpendicular to the second imaginary plane and that is generally parallel to the first imaginary plane.
Four collars 318a, 318b, 318c, 318d are connected to the ends of the first and second safety bars 314, 316 and are adapted to slidably mate with the first and second proximate and distal uprights 306, 308, 310, 312. Each of these uprights defines a plurality of holes 320 disposed in a generally longitudinal array. Each of the collars 318a-318d also defines at least one hole 322 that is disposed for alignment with any of the plurality of holes 320 in the uprights 306, 308, 310, 312. Thus the first and second safety bars 314, 316 along with the attached collars 318a-318d can be moved to any one of a plurality vertical positions along the uprights 306, 308, 310, 312 and secured into a selected, vertical position by inserting pegs or similar devices (not shown) in the collar holes 322 and the upright holes 320.
Still referring to
A hydraulic jack 336 (i.e., a retractable device) is disposed below the bench 326 where one end of the jack 336 abuts the under side of the bench 326 and thereby supports the proximate end 328 of the bench 326. A foot pedal 338 is disposed near the distal end 330 of the bench 326 and is operably connected to the hydraulic jack 336 via a Bowden cable 340. When the foot pedal 338 is depressed, it and the Bowden cable 340 cooperate to cause the hydraulic jack 336 to move or retract from an extended position to a retracted position. Thus the bench 326 is in the first or upper bench position when the hydraulic jack 336 is in the extended position, and the proximate end 328 of the bench 326 rotates or moves to the second or lowered bench position when the hydraulic jack 336 moves to its retracted position. As best seen in
While
In operation, the first and second safety bars 314, 316 are height adjusted by sliding the four collars 322 along the first and second proximate and distal uprights 306, 308, 310, 312 to the desired vertical position so that the collar holes 322 are in alignment with one of the plurality of upright holes 320 in each upright. The first and second safety bars 314, 316 are then secured in position by inserting pegs through the collar holes 322 and the selected, aligned upright holes 320. Generally the desired vertical position of the first and second safety bars 314, 316 should be about equal to the height of the chest of a user from the ground when the user is lying with his/her back on the bench 326.
After the first and second safety bars 314, 316 are positioned, the user reclines on the bench 326 with his/her head resting on or near the proximate end 328 of the bench. The barbell 302 is lifted from two starting position brackets 342 extending from the first and second proximate uprights 306, 308, and the user commences exercising with the barbell 302. If and when the user tires to the point that it appears the user may not have sufficient remaining strength to lift the barbell 302 back into the starting position brackets 342, the user depresses the foot pedal 338 with one foot. The foot pedal 338 and Bowden cable 340 will actuate the hydraulic jack 336 thereby causing it to retract thus lowering the proximate end 328 of the bench 326 as best seen in
While
The safety bar 346 further includes a first connector member 354 and a second connector member 356. The first connector member 354 extends between and is attached to the first arm portion 350 of each of the outer and inner arms. Similarly, the second connector member 356 extends between and is attached to the second arm portions 352 of each of the outer and inner arms. Thus the second connector member 356 is disposed at a higher elevation than the first connector member 354 when the safety bar 346 is supported by the upright 344. The upright 344 extends between the first and second connector members 354, 356, and as previously mentioned also extends between the outer arm 348 and inner arm. Thus the upright 344 in effect is surrounded by these components of the safety bar 346. The first and second connector members 354, 356 have a generally circular cross section; however they are rigidly connected to the inner arm 348 and outer arm and do not rotate.
When the safety bar 346 is in a secured position as shown in
The upright 344 has a layer of resilient material 358, such as rubber, secured to the vertical surfaces of the upright 344 at those locations where the first and second connector members 354, 356 may abut the upright 344 corresponding to the various potentially desired vertical locations of the safety bar 346. The resilient material 358 provides an increased friction surface which in turn reduces the possibility of any downward slippage of the safety bar 346.
As shown in
Referring now to
The exercise apparatus 500 further includes two starting position brackets 524 adjustably mounted on two of the uprights 512, 516 for holding a barbell 526. Each of the two starting position brackets 524 define at least one bracket hole (not shown) adapted for alignment with the upright holes 518 so that a peg or similar member can be inserted for removably securing the starting position brackets 524 at any one of a plurality of vertical positions on the uprights 512, 516.
In operation, a user operates the exercise apparatus 500 in a manner similar to that described in connection with
The support frame 610 further comprises two uprights 624, 626 supported by a frame base 628. Two safety brackets 636 extend generally laterally from the uprights 624, 626 at or near the upper portion of the uprights. Each of the uprights 624, 626 defines a hollow interior adapted to receive a starting bracket member 630 that is longitudinal in shape and that is connected at one end to the starting position bracket 614. The bracket members 630 extend upward from the ends of the uprights 624, 626 and define a plurality of holes 632 disposed in a generally vertical array. The bracket members 630 can slide up and down within the hollow interiors of the uprights 624, 626 and can be removably secured at a selected elevation position by inserting pegs 634 into the holes 632. When inserted these pegs 634 abut the ends of the uprights 624, 626 thereby supporting the bracket members 630 and preventing their downward movement into the hollow interiors of the uprights 624, 626.
In use, the elevation of the starting position brackets 614 is selected and the barbell 612 is placed on these brackets 614. A user sits on the bench 602, remains in a generally upright position and lifts the barbell 612 from the starting position brackets 614 to commence exercising. If and when the user tires to the point that it appears the user may not have sufficient remaining strength to lift the barbell 612 back into the starting position brackets 614, the user actuates the hydraulic jack 616 by depressing the foot pedal (not shown) with one of the user's feet thereby causing the hydraulic jack 616 to retract thus lowering the bench 602 along with the user. With the user thus being lowered, the user can easily allow the barbell 612 to rest upon and be supported by the safety brackets 626 thereby allowing the user to exit the exercise apparatus 600 by sliding out from under the barbell 612.
Referring first to
Thus by rotating the jack 118 and securing the jack upper end 124 to any one of the plurality of the fastening member attachment locations 116, the bench back portion 112 can be rotated to and secured in any one of a plurality of elevations or positions while the bench seat portion 110 remains fixed. This permits a user to select and use different horizontal or reclining bench positions for exercising with a barbell while retaining the ability to use adjustable safety bars, if necessary, such as for example the first and second safety bars 314, 316 of
In operation, a user rotates the back portion 112 of the bench 108 about the hinge 128 to a first position or elevation and secures the back portion 112 in place by rotating the hydraulic jack 118 into the desired position and interlocking the jack engagement bar 132 into selected ridges formed in the fastening member rails 130. The user then reclines on the bench 108 and lifts a barbell from a holding bracket mounted on a support frame having a two safety bars. After exercising with the barbell and upon determining that the user does not have the strength to return the barbell to the holding bracket, the user pushes the foot pedal 126 that is operably connected to a hydraulic jack 118 thereby causing the hydraulic jack 118 to move from an extended position to a retracted position. This in turn causes the back portion 112 of the bench 108 to recline from the first position to a second position that is lower than or retracted from the first position. The user then places the barbell on the safety bars and exits the exercise apparatus by sliding out from under the barbell.
A cross bar member 218 extends laterally between the lower collar 216 and the second lower collar (not shown) and is attached to both of these lower collars thus providing structural support for the support frame 202. The bench 204 includes a seat portion 222 that is constructed in a manner similar to the bench seat portion 110 of
The hydraulic jack 226 is pivotally connected to the bench back portion 226 by coupling with a rail 228 at a pivot location 230. The rail 228 is connected to and extends longitudinally down the lower surface of the bench back portion 220. The rail 228 thus allows one end of the hydraulic jack 226 to slide down the length of the rail 228 at the pivot location 230. This permits the bench back portion 220 to be adjusted to any one of a plurality of elevation locations by adjusting the elevation of the lower collar 216 which in turn adjusts the elevation of the hydraulic jack 226 from the ground. By adjusting the elevation of the upper collar 208, the elevation of the safety bar 210 can be adjusted to a position consistent for use with that of the bench back portion 220.
A first pulley 720 is rotatably attached to the first proximate upright 714. Cooperating with the first pulley 720 is a first cable 722 having a first cable distal end 724, a first cable proximate end 726 and a first cable middle portion 728. The first cable distal end 724 is connected to the first distal upright 716, and the first cable proximate end 726 is connected to an attachment member 730 that in turn is connected to the bench 702 at the proximate bench end 704. The first cable middle portion 728 wraps at least partially around and is movably supported by the first pulley 720. Not shown in
As shown in
Thus when a user depresses the foot pedal 710 thereby actuating the hydraulic jack 708 and causing it to retract, the proximate bench end 704 moves to the second bench position, and the first cable 722 moves to the generally taut condition. At this point the first cable 722 serves as a safety component of the exercise apparatus 700 by permitting a user to place a barbell on the first cable 722 (and the second cable) which serves a similar safety function as the first and second safety bars 314, 316 of
In operation therefore, a user reclines on the elongated platform or bench and lifts a barbell from a starting position or holding bracket mounted on a support frame. The support frame has a first proximate upright, a second proximate upright, a first distal upright, a second distal upright, a first pulley rotatably attached to the first proximate upright and a second pulley rotatably attached to the second proximate upright.
If the user reaches a point that the user believes he/she has insufficient strength to return the barbell to the holding bracket, an actuator that is operably connected to a hydraulic jack is operated. This causes the hydraulic jack to move from an extended position to a retracted position, and causes the proximate platform end to rotate from a first platform position to a second platform position. First and second cables are in a generally slack condition when the proximate platform end is in the first platform position, but move to a generally taut condition when the proximate platform end moves to the second platform position. The user then places the barbell on the generally taut first and second cables when the proximate platform end is in the second platform position.
The first inertia reel 806 is attached to a first proximate upright 808 at approximately the same elevation as the location where the first cable 802 is attached to the first distal upright 804. Thus the first cable 802 can be in a relatively slack condition and to some extent “follow” at least a portion of the path of a barbell 810 as a user exercises. However should the user loose sufficient strength to raise the barbell 810 to a starting position bracket 812, a sudden downward movement of the barbell 810 and the first cable 802 will cause the first inertia reel 806 to lock in position with sufficient strength to hold the first cable 802 (and an unillustrated second cable) for sustaining the weight of the barbell 810. The embodiment of
In yet another embodiment, the first inertia reel 806 can be replaced with a ratchet spring assembly 820 as shown in
In all of the previously-described embodiments, reference has been made to a retractable device that is a hydraulic jack. It should be appreciated however that alternative embodiments can employ retractable devices that are pneumatic jacks or gas springs.
The first and second support bars 908, 910 each are adapted to rotate between a first bar position and a second bar position, wherein the first bar position is shown in solid lines in
Referring now to
As best seen in
In operation therefore, a user secures the first and second support bars 908, 910 in the second bar position as shown by the broken lines of
The first and second support bars 956, 958 each are adapted to rotate between a first bar position and a second bar position when the first and second brackets 970, 972 are detachably mounted on the first and second uprights 952, 954. The first bar position is generally normal to an imaginary plane defined by the first and second uprights 952, 954. The second bar position is at an angle in an outward direction from the first bar position by an amount of about 90°. In alternative embodiments, however, this angle can be any one of a plurality of angles from an amount between about 45° to about 270°.
The first and second brackets 970, 972 each include respectively a first and second housing 966, 968 each of which encloses components for causing the first and second support bars 956, 958 to rotate between the second and first bar positions. These components are constructed and operate in a similar manner as those described above in connection with
The first and second support bars 947, 949 each are adapted to rotate between a first bar position, as shown in
An actuator, or foot pedal 953, is operably coupled to the first and second support bars by a first Bowden cable 955 and a second Bowden cable 957. The foot pedal 953 is adapted to release the first and second support bars 947, 949 thereby permitting movement of these support bars from the second bar position to the first bar position. Each of the first and second Bowden cables 955, 957 is connected to a cable stop (not shown) located within a bracket housing 959 that is part of the lower bracket 963. The cable stop is operably connected to a latch (not shown) in the housing 959, so that the latch releases the support bar 947 for movement from the second bar position to the first bar position via the force of gravity.
Referring now to
One of the secondary weights 1006 is releasably coupled to the first weight release mechanism 1012 when it is in the first mechanism position. The first weight release mechanism 1012 is adapted to release the secondary weight 1006 when the first weight release mechanism 1012 moves from the first mechanism position to the second mechanism position upon receipt of the signal. This provides a safety feature for a user who is exercising with the barbell 1002. If during an exercise session the user believes that he/she lacks sufficient strength to continue to hold or otherwise retain control of the barbell 1002, the user can operate the actuator 1014 (such as for example by pushing a button) for transmitting the signal to the first and second weight release mechanisms 1012, 1013. Upon receipt of this signal, these mechanisms release the secondary weights 1006 from the barbell 1002 so that they may fall to the ground and thereby significantly reduce the overall weight that must be borne by the user.
The actuator or transmitter 1014 is disposed partially within the barbell 1002 and has a push button 1015 extending outwardly from the barbell 1002. The transmitter 1014 is adapted to transmit the signal as a wireless signal for receipt by the first and second weight release mechanisms 1012, 1013. It will be appreciated however that other embodiments may use other types of actuators for sending the signal, such as for example an electrical actuator disposed in the barbell 1002 and connected to the first and second weight release mechanisms 1012, 1013 via one or more electrical cables running through the barbell, an electrical transmitter for sending a wireless signal wherein the electrical transmitter is disposed in a foot pedal for actuation or is actuated by any other means, such as for example, by a voice command.
As will be described in more detail below, the solenoid 1104 is operably coupled to the latch 1112 and is adapted to move from a first solenoid position to a second solenoid position. The latch 1112 is in a first latch position when the solenoid 1104 is in the first solenoid position, and the latch 1112 is in a second latch position when the solenoid 1104 is in the second solenoid position. The latch 1112 is adapted to hold the secondary weight 1006 (
As further will be described in more detail below, the arm member 1108 is coupled to the solenoid 1104 and a rod 1128 (
Still referring to
Referring now to
The solenoid plunger 1134 extends through the coil housing 1136 and is connected at its upper end to the solenoid retaining block 1140. Disposed below the solenoid retaining block 1140 is the solenoid lifting block 1138 that likewise is connected to the plunger 1134 at a location above the coil housing 1104. The solenoid lifting block 1138 has an upper surface that is arc-shaped and is adapted to abut one end of the arm member 1108. Similarly, the solenoid retaining block 1140 has a lower surface that is arc-shaped and is adapted to abut the same end of the arm member 1108.
Referring to
Referring again to
The upward rotation of the arm member 1108 exerts an upward force on the collar 1130 of the latch release mechanism 1110. The collar 1130 in turn abuts the rod lifting block 1132 which drives the rod 1128 upward and overcomes the downward force of the spring 1126. Referring to
It will be appreciated that while the foregoing describes the operation and construction of the first weight release mechanism 1012, the second weight release mechanism 1013 is similarly constructed and operated so that both release mechanisms 1012, 1013 simultaneously release both of the secondary weights 1006 upon receipt of the signal.
When the solenoid 1304 is not energized, the force of the spring 1312 holds the plunger 1308 in a first plunger position so that the plunger 1308 abuts the latch 1306 and secures it in a first latch position as shown in
In view of the above, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention overcome many of the long-standing problems in the art by providing exercise apparatuses for use with free weight barbells. Through the use actuators that can be operated by a user while he/she is exercising, the apparatuses can be caused to move to a safety position or to release secondary weights. Thus the user can then more easily place a barbell in a safe location or more easily control the weight of the barbell.
While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
Claims
1. A weight bench apparatus for use with a support frame having first and second uprights, said support frame further having a first bar and a second bar wherein the first bar is coupled to the first upright, and wherein the second bar is coupled to the second upright, the weight bench apparatus comprising:
- an elongated base adapted for disposition generally adjacent to the first and second uprights of the support frame;
- a base support extending generally upward from the elongated base;
- an elongated platform disposed above the elongated base, wherein the elongated platform includes a seat portion rotatably connected to a back portion, wherein the seat portion is supported by the base support, and wherein the back portion has a plurality of attachment locations disposed in a generally longitudinal orientation;
- a retractable device having an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the retractable device has a lower device end pivotally mounted on the elongated base and an upper device end adapted for attachment to any one of the plurality of attachment locations of the back portion of the elongated platform, and wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring; and
- an actuator operably connected to the retractable device and adapted to cause the retractable device to move from the extended position to the retracted position.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the back portion of the elongated platform includes a fastening member and wherein the fastening member includes the plurality of fastening locations.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a foot pedal and wherein the foot pedal is operably connected to the retractable device by a Bowden cable.
4. An exercise apparatus comprising:
- a first proximate upright, a second proximate upright, a first distal upright, and a second distal upright;
- a first bar extending between and connected to the first proximate upright and the first distal upright, and adapted to be positioned in a plurality of elevations;
- a second bar extending between and connected to the second proximate upright and the second distal upright, and adapted to be positioned in a plurality of elevations;
- an elongated base adapted for disposition generally adjacent to the first and second distal uprights;
- a base support extending generally upward from the elongated base;
- an elongated platform disposed above the elongated base, wherein the elongated platform includes a seat portion rotatably connected to a back portion, wherein the seat portion is supported by the base support, and wherein the back portion has a plurality of attachment locations disposed in a generally longitudinal orientation;
- a retractable device having an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the retractable device has a lower device end pivotally mounted on the elongated base and an upper device end adapted for attachment to any one of the plurality of attachment locations of the back portion of the elongated platform and wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring; and
- an actuator operably connected to the retractable device and adapted to cause the retractable device to move from the extended position to the retracted position.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the actuator is a foot pedal and wherein the foot pedal is operably connected to the retractable device by a Bowden cable.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a plurality of collars connected to the first and second bars and adapted to slidably mate with the first and second proximate uprights and with the first and second distal uprights.
7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first and second proximate uprights and the first and second distal uprights each define a plurality of holes disposed in a generally longitudinal array, wherein the plurality of holes is adapted to receive the first bar and the second bar for positioning the first bar and the second bar in the plurality of elevations respectively between the first proximate upright and the first distal upright and between the second proximate upright and the second distal upright.
8. The apparatus of claim 4 further wherein the back portion of the elongated platform includes a fastening member and wherein the fastening member includes the plurality of fastening locations.
9. An exercise apparatus comprising:
- a first upright and a second upright;
- a first bar extending from the first upright and adapted to be positioned in a plurality of elevations;
- a second bar extending from the second upright and adapted to be positioned in a plurality of elevations;
- an elongated base adapted for disposition generally adjacent to the first and second uprights;
- a base support extending generally upward from the elongated base;
- an elongated platform disposed above the elongated base, wherein the elongated platform includes a seat portion rotatably connected to a back portion, wherein the seat portion is supported by the base support, and wherein the back portion has a plurality of attachment locations disposed in a generally longitudinal orientation;
- a retractable device having an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the retractable device has a lower device end pivotally mounted on the elongated base and an upper device end adapted for attachment to any one of the plurality of attachment locations of the back portion of the elongated platform and wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring; and
- an actuator operably connected to the retractable device and adapted to cause the retractable device to move from the extended position to the retracted position.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first bar and the second bar each comprises:
- an outer arm and an inner arm, wherein one of the first upright and the second upright extends between the outer and inner arms, wherein each of the outer and inner arms has a first arm portion and a second arm portion, wherein the first arm portion is in a generally horizontal orientation and the second arm portion extends in a generally lateral direction from the first arm portion;
- a first connector member extending between and attached to the first arm portions of each of the outer and inner arms; and
- a second connector member extending between and attached to the second arm portions of each of the outer and inner arms, wherein the one of the first upright and the second upright extends between the first and second connector members.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising at least one layer of resilient material attached to each of the first and second uprights,
- wherein the first connector member is adapted to abut the one of the first and second uprights in a first plurality of locations on the one of the first and second uprights,
- wherein the second connector member is adapted to abut the one of the first and second uprights in a second plurality of locations on the one of the first and second uprights, and
- wherein each of the first and second pluralities of locations is covered with the at least one layer of the resilient material.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein each of the first and second uprights includes a plurality of ledges disposed in a plurality of elevations, and wherein the second connector member is adapted to be seated on any one of the plurality of ledges.
13. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein each of the first and second uprights defines a plurality of holes disposed in a plurality of elevations, the apparatus further comprising:
- a first brace having a first brace proximate end and a first brace distal end, wherein the first brace proximate end is slidably attached to the first upright, and wherein the first brace distal end is attached to the first bar; and
- a second brace having a second brace proximate end and a second brace distal end, wherein the second brace proximate end is slidably attached to the second upright, and wherein the second brace distal end is attached to the second bar;
- wherein each of the first and second bars includes a spring-loaded pin adapted to mate with any one of the plurality of holes, and wherein the spring-loaded pin is biased in a direction toward one of the first and second uprights.
14. An exercise apparatus comprising:
- a first proximate upright, a second proximate upright, a first distal upright, and a second distal upright;
- a first bar extending between the first proximate upright and the first distal upright;
- a second bar extending between the second proximate upright and the second distal upright;
- a plurality of collars connected to the first and second bars and adapted to slidably mate with the first and second proximate uprights and with the first and second distal uprights;
- an elongated base adapted for disposition generally between the first and second distal uprights;
- a base support extending generally upward from the elongated base;
- an elongated platform disposed above the elongated base, wherein the elongated platform includes a seat portion rotatably connected to a back portion, and wherein the seat portion is supported by the base support;
- a fastening member connected to the back portion of the elongated platform and having a plurality of attachment locations disposed in a generally longitudinal orientation;
- a retractable device having an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the retractable device has a lower device end pivotally mounted on the elongated base, wherein the retractable device has an upper device end adapted for attachment to any one of the plurality of attachment locations of the fastening member and wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring; and
- a foot pedal connected to the retractable device by a Bowden cable and adapted to cause the retractable device to move from the extended position to the retracted position.
15. A method of exercising with a barbell, comprising the steps of:
- rotating a back portion of an elongated platform to a first position, wherein the elongated platform includes a seat portion rotatably connected to the back portion, wherein the seat portion is supported by a base support extending from an elongated base, and wherein the back portion is supported by a retractable device having a lower device end pivotally mounted on the elongated base and an upper device end adapted for attachment to each of a plurality of attachment locations on the back portion of the elongated platform;
- reclining on the elongated platform;
- lifting the barbell from a holding bracket mounted on a support frame having a first safety bar and a second safety bar, wherein the first and second safety bars are disposed in a generally horizontal orientation below the holding bracket and are adapted to be positioned on the support frame in a plurality of elevations below the holding bracket;
- operating an actuator operably connected to the retractable device thereby causing the retractable device to move from an extended position to a retracted position, and thereby causing the back portion of the elongated platform to recline from the first position to a second position, wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring; and
- placing the barbell on the first and second safety bars.
16. An exercise apparatus comprising:
- an elongated platform having a proximate platform end and a distal platform end;
- a platform support extending generally downward from the distal platform end and rotatably attached to the distal platform end thereby permitting the proximate platform end to rotate between a first platform position and a second platform position;
- a retractable device disposed generally below the elongated platform and abutting the elongated platform, wherein the retractable device has an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the elongated platform is in the first platform position when the retractable device is in the extended position, wherein the elongated platform is in the second platform position when the retractable device is in the retracted position and wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring;
- an actuator operably connected to the retractable device and adapted to cause the retractable device to move from the extended position to the retracted position;
- a first proximate upright, a second proximate upright, a first distal upright, and a second distal upright;
- a first pulley rotatably attached to the first proximate upright and a second pulley rotatably attached to the second proximate upright;
- a first cable having a first cable distal end, a first cable proximate end and a first cable middle portion, wherein the first cable distal end is connected to the first distal upright, wherein the first cable proximate end is connected to the proximate platform end, and wherein the first cable middle portion is movably supported by the first pulley;
- a second cable having a second cable distal end, a second cable proximate end and a second cable middle portion, wherein the second cable distal end is connected to the second distal upright, wherein the second cable proximate end is connected to the proximate platform end, and wherein the second cable middle portion is movably supported by the second pulley;
- wherein the first and second cables each are in a generally slack condition when the proximate platform end is in the first platform position and in a generally taut condition when the proximate platform end is in the second platform position.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the actuator is a foot pedal and wherein the foot pedal is operably connected to the retractable device by a Bowden cable.
18. A method of exercising with a barbell, comprising the steps of:
- reclining on an elongated platform having a proximate platform end and a distal platform end, wherein the proximate platform end is adapted to rotate between a first platform position and a second platform position;
- lifting the barbell from a holding bracket mounted on a support frame;
- operating an actuator operably connected to a retractable device thereby causing the retractable device to move from an extended position to a retracted position, and thereby causing the proximate platform end to rotate from the first platform position to the second platform position, wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring;
- placing the barbell on a first cable and a second cable when the proximate platform end is generally in the second platform position, wherein the first and second cables are in a generally slack condition when the proximate platform end is in the first platform position and in a generally taut condition when the proximate platform end is in the second platform position,
- wherein the first and second cables each have a cable distal end, a cable proximate end and a cable middle portion, wherein the cable distal end is connected to one of a first upright and a second upright, wherein the cable proximate end is connected to the proximate platform end, and wherein the cable middle portion is movably supported by one of a first pulley and a second pulley.
19. An exercise apparatus for use with an elongated platform, a retractable device and an actuator, the exercise apparatus comprising:
- wherein the elongated platform has a proximate platform end, a distal platform end, and a platform support extending generally downward from the distal platform end and rotatably attached to the distal platform end thereby permitting the proximate platform end to rotate between a first platform position and a second platform position;
- wherein the retractable device is disposed generally below the elongated platform and abutting the elongated platform, wherein the retractable device has an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the elongated platform is in the first platform position when the retractable device is in the extended position and wherein the elongated platform is in the second platform position when the retractable device is in the retracted position;
- wherein the actuator is operably connected to the retractable device and adapted to cause the retractable device to move from the extended position to the retracted position;
- wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring,
- a first proximate upright, a second proximate upright, a first distal upright, and a second distal upright, wherein the first and second distal uprights are spaced part from one another by a distance sufficient to permit the placement of the elongated platform between the first and second distal uprights;
- a first inertia reel attached to the first proximate upright and a second inertia reel attached to the second proximate upright;
- a first cable having a first cable distal end and a first cable proximate end, wherein the first cable distal end is connected to the first distal upright, wherein the first cable proximate end is connected to the first inertia reel, and wherein at least a portion of the first cable is adapted to wrap around the first inertia reel; and
- a second cable having a second cable distal end and a second cable proximate end, wherein the second cable distal end is connected to the second distal upright, wherein the second cable proximate end is connected to the second inertia reel, and wherein at least a portion of the second cable is adapted to wrap around the second inertia reel.
20. An exercise apparatus for use with an elongated platform, a retractable device and an actuator, the exercise apparatus comprising:
- wherein the elongated platform has a proximate platform end, a distal platform end, and a platform support extending generally downward from the distal platform end and rotatably attached to the distal platform end thereby permitting the proximate platform end to rotate between a first platform position and a second platform position;
- wherein the retractable device is disposed generally below the elongated platform and abutting the elongated platform, wherein the retractable device has an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the elongated platform is in the first platform position when the retractable device is in the extended position and wherein the elongated platform is in the second platform position when the retractable device is in the retracted position;
- wherein the actuator is operably connected to the retractable device and adapted to cause the retractable device to move from the extended position to the retracted position, and
- wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring,
- a first proximate upright, a second proximate upright, a first distal upright, and a second distal upright, wherein the first and second distal uprights are spaced part from one another by a distance sufficient to permit the placement of the elongated platform between the first and second distal uprights;
- a first ratchet spring assembly attached to the first proximate upright and a second ratchet spring assembly attached to the second proximate upright;
- a first cable reel coupled to the first ratchet spring assembly and a second cable reel coupled to the second ratchet spring assembly;
- a first cable having a first cable distal end and a first cable proximate end, wherein the first cable distal end is connected to the first distal upright, wherein the first cable proximate end is connected to the first cable reel, and wherein at least a portion of the first cable is adapted to wrap around the first cable reel;
- a second cable having a second cable distal end and a second cable proximate end, wherein the second cable distal end is connected to the second distal upright, wherein the second cable proximate end is connected to the second cable reel, and wherein at least a portion of the second cable is adapted to wrap around the second cable reel.
21. An exercise apparatus comprising:
- a first upright and a second upright;
- a first support bar rotatably connected to the first upright and extending generally laterally away from the first upright;
- a second support bar rotatably connected to the second upright and extending generally laterally away from the second upright;
- wherein the first and second support bars each are adapted to rotate between a first bar position and a second bar position, wherein the first bar position is generally normal to an imaginary plane defined by the first and second uprights, and wherein the second bar position is at an angle in an outward direction from the first bar position by an amount between about 45° to about 270°;
- a first bias element coupled to the first support bar and to the first upright and adapted to move the first support bar from the second bar position to the first bar position;
- a second bias element coupled to the second support bar and to the second upright and adapted to move the second support bar from the second bar position to the first bar position; and
- an actuator operably coupled to the first and second bias elements and adapted to cause the first and second bias elements to move the first support bar and the second support bar respectively from the second bar position to the first bar position.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the first bias element is a first spring and wherein the second bias element is a second spring.
23. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the actuator is a foot pedal and wherein the foot pedal is operably connected to the first and second bias elements by a first Bowden cable and a second Bowden cable.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein each of the first and second Bowden cables is connected to a cable stop, wherein the cable stop is operably connected to a latch, and wherein the latch is adapted to release the one of the first bias element and the second bias element for movement of one of the first support bar and the second support bar from the second bar position to the first bar position.
25. An exercise safety apparatus for use with a first upright and a second upright, the exercise safety apparatus comprising:
- a first bracket adapted for detachable mounting on the first upright and a second bracket adapted for detachable mounting on the second upright;
- a first support bar rotatably connected to the first bracket and extending generally laterally away from the first upright when the first bracket is detachably mounted on the first upright;
- a second support bar rotatably connected to the second bracket and extending generally laterally away from the second upright when the second bracket is detachably mounted on the second upright;
- wherein the first and second support bars each are adapted to rotate between a first bar position and a second bar position when the first and second brackets are detachably mounted on the first and second uprights respectively, wherein the first bar position is generally normal to an imaginary plane defined by the first and second uprights, and wherein the second bar position is at an angle in an outward direction from the first bar position by an amount between about 45° to about 270°;
- a first bias element coupled to the first support bar and to the first bracket and adapted to move the first support bar from the second bar position to the first bar position;
- a second bias element coupled to the second support bar and to the second bracket and adapted to move the second support bar from the second bar position to the first bar position; and
- an actuator operably coupled to the first and second bias elements and adapted to cause the first and second bias elements to move the first support bar and the second support bar respectively from the second bar position to the first bar position.
26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the first bias element is a first spring and wherein the second bias element is a second spring.
27. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the actuator is a foot pedal and wherein the foot pedal is operably connected to the first and second bias elements by a first Bowden cable and a second Bowden cable.
28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein each of the first and second Bowden cables is connected to a cable stop, wherein the cable stop is operably connected to a latch, and wherein the latch is adapted to release the one of the first bias element and the second bias element for movement of one of the first support bar and the second support bar from the second bar position to the first bar position.
29. An exercise apparatus comprising:
- a first upright and a second upright;
- a first support bar rotatably connected to the first upright and extending generally away from the first upright;
- a second support bar rotatably connected to the second upright and extending generally away from the second upright;
- wherein the first and second support bars each are adapted to rotate between a first bar position and a second bar position, wherein the first bar position is generally normal to an imaginary plane defined by the first and second uprights, and wherein the second bar position is at an angle in an outward direction from the first bar position by an amount between about 30° to about 75° and wherein the second bar position further is at an angle in an upward direction from the horizontal by an amount between about 30° to about 75°; and
- an actuator operably coupled to the first and second support bars and adapted to release the first and second support bars thereby permitting movement of the first and second support bars from the second bar position to the first bar position.
30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the actuator is a foot pedal and wherein the foot pedal is operably connected to the first and second support bars by a first Bowden cable and a second Bowden cable.
31. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein each of the first and second Bowden cables is connected to a cable stop, wherein the cable stop is operably connected to a latch, and wherein the latch is adapted to release the one of the first and second support bars for movement from the second bar position to the first bar position.
32. An exercise apparatus for use with a barbell having a plurality of primary weights and having a secondary weight, the exercise apparatus comprising:
- a housing coupled to the barbell;
- a release mechanism, wherein at least a portion of the release mechanism is disposed within the housing, wherein the release mechanism is adapted to receive a signal, and wherein the release mechanism is adapted to move from a first mechanism position to a second mechanism position upon receipt of the signal; and
- an actuator adapted to transmit the signal for receipt by the release mechanism,
- wherein the secondary weight is adapted to be releasably coupled to the release mechanism if the release mechanism is in the first mechanism position, and wherein the release mechanism is adapted to release the secondary weight when the release mechanism moves from the first mechanism position to the second mechanism position.
33. The exercise apparatus of claim 32 further comprising an electrical cable running through the barbell between the actuator and the housing, wherein at least a portion of the actuator is disposed on the barbell and wherein the actuator is adapted to transmit the signal to the release mechanism via the electrical cable.
34. The exercise apparatus of claim 32 wherein the signal is a wireless signal and wherein the actuator includes a transmitter adapted to wirelessly transmit the wireless signal for receipt by the release mechanism.
35. The exercise apparatus of claim 34 wherein at least a portion of the actuator is disposed on the barbell and wherein the actuator includes a manually operable button for initiating the transmission of the wireless signal.
36. The exercise apparatus of claim 34 wherein the actuator includes a foot pedal.
37. The exercise apparatus of claim 32 wherein the release mechanism comprises a latch and a solenoid,
- wherein the solenoid is operably coupled to the latch and is adapted to move from a first solenoid position to a second solenoid position,
- wherein the latch has a latch first position and a latch second position, wherein the latch is adapted to hold the secondary weight when the latch is in the first latch position, and wherein the latch is further adapted to release the secondary weight when the latch is in the second latch position, and
- wherein the latch is adapted to be held in the first latch position when the solenoid is in the first solenoid position, and wherein the latch is adapted to be in the second latch position when the solenoid is in the second solenoid position.
38. The exercise apparatus of claim 37 wherein the release mechanism further comprises an arm member and a rod,
- wherein the arm member is coupled to the solenoid and the rod and is adapted to move between a first arm position and a second arm position,
- wherein the solenoid is adapted to move the arm member from the first arm position when the solenoid is in the first solenoid position to the second arm position when the solenoid moves to the second solenoid position,
- wherein the arm member is adapted to move the rod between a first rod position when the arm member is in the first arm position to a second rod position when the arm member moves to the second arm position, and
- wherein the rod is adapted to secure the latch in the first latch position when the rod is in the first rod position and to release the latch for movement to the second latch position when the rod is in the second rod position.
39. The exercise apparatus of claim 38 wherein the release mechanism further comprises a spring and wherein the spring is coupled to the rod and biases the rod in the direction of the first rod position.
40. The exercise apparatus of claim 38 wherein the release mechanism further comprises a collar for coupling the arm member to the rod, wherein the collar is pivotally attached to the arm member, wherein the rod extends through the collar, and wherein the collar is adapted to permit axial movement of the rod through the collar and radial movement of the rod within the collar.
41. The exercise apparatus of claim 38 wherein the release mechanism further comprises a wheel for coupling the arm member to the rod, wherein the wheel is rotatably coupled to the rod, wherein the wheel abuts the arm member and is adapted to rotate in response to movement of the arm member between the first aim position and the second arm position thereby causing the rod to move between the first rod position to the second rod position.
42. The exercise apparatus of claim 37 wherein the solenoid comprises a coil housing and a plunger extending from the coil housing,
- wherein the solenoid is operably coupled to the latch by the plunger,
- wherein the solenoid is adapted to move the plunger between a first plunger position and a second plunger position,
- wherein the first solenoid position is the first plunger position and the second solenoid position is the second plunger position, and
- wherein the plunger is adapted to abut the latch and secure the latch in the first latch position when the plunger is in the first plunger position, and wherein the plunger is adapted to release the latch for movement to the second latch position when the plunger moves to the second plunger position.
43. The exercise apparatus of claim 42 wherein the solenoid further comprises a solenoid spring coupled to the plunger to bias the plunger in a direction away from the coil housing, and wherein the solenoid moves the plunger in a direction toward the coil housing when the solenoid moves the plunger from the first plunger position to the second plunger position.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 11, 2008
Publication Date: Aug 13, 2009
Inventors: Ryan M. Kroll (Crystal Bay, MN), Mark W. Kroll (Crystal Bay, MN)
Application Number: 12/029,421