WEIGHT TRAINING STRUCTURES
A weight training structure includes two exterior structures, a strut connected between the two exterior structures, two interior structures, and a lifting structure movably connected to the two interior structures and configured to support weight. Each exterior structure has a plurality of walls defining an internal portion. Each interior structure is positioned in the internal portion of and movably connected to one of the exterior structures. The lifting structure is movable between a raised position in which the lifting structure is not in contact with the two interior structures and a lowered position in which the lifting structure is in contact with the two interior structures forcing the two interior structures to move between an extended position and a retracted position in the internal portion of the two exterior structures. Other example embodiments of weight training structures, exterior structures, interior structures, lifting structures, etc. are also disclosed.
The present disclosure relates to weight training structures.
BACKGROUNDThis section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Weight training equipment is used by individuals for weight training. Weight training equipment typically includes various components such as a frame and a bench positioned adjacent the frame. Commonly, the frame is fixed in a particular position while the bench may be adjustable into a horizontal, an inclined, and/or a declined position.
SUMMARYThis section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments of weight training structures are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a weight training structure includes two exterior structures, a strut connected between the two exterior structures, two interior structures, and a lifting structure movably connected to the two interior structures and configured to support weight. Each exterior structure has a plurality of walls defining an internal portion. Each interior structure is positioned in the internal portion of and movably connected to one of the exterior structures. The lifting structure is movable between a raised position in which the lifting structure is not in contact with the two interior structures and a lowered position in which the lifting structure is in contact with the two interior structures forcing the two interior structures to move between an extended position and a retracted position in the internal portion of the two exterior structures.
In other exemplary embodiments, a weight training structure includes two exterior structures, a strut connected between the two exterior structures, two interior structures, and a lifting structure connectable to the two interior structures and configured to support weight. Each exterior structure includes a plurality of walls defining an internal portion and at least one pin extending between at least two walls of the plurality of walls. Each interior structure is positioned in the internal portion of and movably connected to one of the exterior structures. Each interior structure includes a spring configured to contact the at least one pin. The lifting structure is movable between a lowered position and a raised position forcing the two interior structures to move between a retracted position and an extended position in the internal portion of the two exterior structures.
In further exemplary embodiments, a weight training structure includes two exterior structures, a strut connected between the two exterior structures, two interior structures, at least one wheel positioned between the two exterior structures and the two interior structures, and a lifting structure connectable to the two interior structures. Each exterior structure includes a plurality of walls defining an internal portion. Each interior structure is positioned in the internal portion of and movably connected to one of the exterior structures. The lifting structure includes one or more resting pads configured to support weight. The lifting structure is movable between a lowered position and a raised position forcing the two interior structures to move between a retracted position and an extended position in the internal portion of the two exterior structures.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONExample embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Each exterior structure 102, 104 defines an internal portion 112, 114, respectively. For example, each exterior structure 102, 104 has four walls defining each internal portion 112, 114. Of the four walls of each exterior structure 102, 104, only two are shown in
Each interior structure 108, 110 is positioned in the internal portion 112, 114 of and movably connected to the exterior structures 102, 104, respectively. For example, and as shown in
In the example embodiment of
In some example embodiments, the pins 124, 126 are removably secured to each respective exterior structure 102, 104. For example, the pins 124, 126 may slide through various holes in the exterior structures 102, 104 to adjust the distance the interior structures 108, 110 travel within the exterior structures 102, 104. As such, the pins 124, 126 may be referred to as height adjustment pins. In other example embodiments, the pins 124, 126 may be secured (e.g., soldered, etc.) to each respective exterior structure 102, 104, may be a portion of each exterior structure 102, 104 (e.g., monolithically formed with the structures), etc.
As shown in
In the example embodiment of
As the interior structures 108, 110 are moved from the extended position to the retracted position, the springs 128, 130 may compress between the upper support plates 132, 136 and the lower support plates 134, 138. For example,
In the example embodiment of
Although
As shown in
The wheels 140 of
In other example embodiments, the wheels 140 may be connected to an interior portion of the exterior structure 102, 104. In such example embodiments, the wheels 140 remain static at least in the vertical direction relative to movement of the interior structures 108, 110. In still other example embodiments, the wheels 140 may be placed between the interior structures 108, 110 and the exterior structure 102, 104 without connection to the interior structures 108, 110 and the exterior structure 102, 104.
The wheels 140, regardless of what they are connected to (or not connected to), may allow the interior structures 108, 110 to move between the retracted position and the extended position with greater ease. For example, the wheels 140 may contact the interior structures 108, 110 and/or the exterior structures 102, 104 to keep the interior structures 108, 110 substantially in the same vertical plane when the structures 108, 110 move as explained above. Additionally, the wheels may also rotate when in contact with the interior structures 108, 110 and/or the exterior structures 102, 104 to allow the interior structures 108, 110 to move with greater ease.
As shown in the example embodiment of
In some example embodiments, the weight training structure 100 of
In some example embodiments, the bench 150 may be removed from the structure 100. For example, the bench 150 may be disconnected from the exterior structures 102, 104 thereby allowing an individual to use the structure 100 for various non-bench related exercises. In other embodiments, the bench 150 may be positioned adjacent the exterior structures 102, 104 without connecting the bench 150 to these structures. As such, the bench 150 may be a universal type bench not specifically designed for the structure 100.
The pins 424, 426 may be removably secured to the exterior structure 400 to allow the distance the interior structure 108 travels within the exterior structure 400 to adjust as explained above. For example, the structure 400 may define various holes corresponding to the pins 424, 426. An individual may remove one or both pins 424, 426 from the structure 400 (e.g., from the holes), move one or both pins 424, 426 to other holes, etc. As such, the retracted position of the interior structure 108 may be adjusted as desired.
As shown in
In some example embodiments, the lifting structure 600 may be movably connected to allow a user to move the lifting structure 600 from a lowered position to a raised positioned and back to the lowered position. For example, the lifting structure 600 may be movable between a raised position in which the lifting structure 600 is not in contact with the interior structures and a lowered position in which the lifting structure 600 is in contact with the interior structures forcing the interior structures to move between the extended position and the retracted position as explained above. In such examples, each beam 602 of the lifting structure 600 may include a support structure 620 that makes contact with structure of the interior structures (e.g., the U-shaped supports 146, 148 of the interior structure 108, 110 shown in
Each support structure 620 may be sized to align with the structure of each interior structure. For example, each support structure 620 may be sized to fit between the vertically extending flanges of the U-shaped supports 146, 148 (as explained above) to at least somewhat restrict movement of the lifting structure 600 in a horizontal direction when the lifting structure 600 is moved to the lowered position.
As shown in
In other example embodiments, the lifting structure 600 may be connected (e.g., attached, etc.) to the interior structures by aligning and fastening a portion of the lifting structure 600 with a portion of the interior structures. For example, the support structure 620 of each beam 602 may align with and fasten to the U-shaped supports 146, 148 shown in
In the example embodiment of
The handle grips 616 of
In some embodiments, the lifting structure 600 may define various holes for receiving ends of the handle grips 616. For example, and as shown in
The handle grips 616 may be any suitable handle grip that allows a user to move the lifting structure 600 between the lowered position and the raised position as explained above. For example,
In other embodiments, the holes 618 and the handle grips 616 may include corresponding threads or the like to secure the handle grips to the lifting structure 600. For example,
Referring back to
Additionally, the lifting structure 600 may include safety grips 624 attached to and extending from one or more cross supports 622. For example, the safety grips 624 may be inserted into an end of the cross supports 622, may be removably fastened to the end of the cross supports 622, etc.
In the particular example of
As shown in
As shown in
In some embodiments, the lifting structure 600 may include one or more features to balance the weight of the lifting structure 600. For example, the lifting structure 600 may include a peg connected to one or both beams 602. In the particular example of
Although
The components of the weight training structures disclosed herein may include any suitable material. Additionally, the resting pads and/or the benches may include the same material or one or more different materials. For example, the resting pads and/or the benches disclosed herein may be formed of a foam material surrounded by leather. Further, other components such as the exterior structures, interior structures, the struts, etc. disclosed herein or at least portions thereof may include steel, a steel alloy, plastic, and/or another suitable material.
Additionally, although some of the components of the weight training structures are described as having particular shapes, sizes, configurations, etc., it should be apparent that the components may have any suitable shape, size, configuration, etc.
By utilizing the weight training structures, individuals may be able to lift weights without the need of a human spotter as explained above. Additionally, by lifting people and/or other nontraditional weights, individuals may enjoy a work out on the weight training structures disclosed herein more than on commonly known structures.
Further, the weight training structures disclosed herein include safety features for individuals sitting, lying, etc. on the resting pads. For example, the individuals may brace themselves by grasping the safety grips. Additionally, the springs of the interior structures may protect those individuals on the resting pads from harsh, abrupt, etc. contact between the interior structures and the exterior structures when the lifting platform is moved from the raised position to the lowered position as explained above.
Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
Claims
1. A weight training structure comprising:
- two exterior structures, each exterior structure having a plurality of walls defining an internal portion;
- a strut connected between the two exterior structures;
- two interior structures, each interior structure positioned in the internal portion of and movably connected to one of the exterior structures; and
- a lifting structure movably connected to the two interior structures and configured to support weight, the lifting structure movable between a raised position in which the lifting structure is not in contact with the two interior structures and a lowered position in which the lifting structure is in contact with the two interior structures forcing the two interior structures to move between an extended position and a retracted position in the internal portion of the two exterior structures.
2. The weight training structure of claim 1 further comprising one or more resting pads connected to the lifting structure, the one or more resting pads configured to support said weight.
3. The weight training structure of claim 2 wherein the lifting structure includes at least one safety grip adjacent the one or more resting pads.
4. The weight training structure of claim 1 further comprising a bench adjustably connected to the two exterior structures.
5. The weight training structure of claim 1 further comprising at least one wheel positioned between said each exterior structure and said each interior structure.
6. The weight training structure of claim 5 wherein the at least one wheel is connected to said each interior structure.
7. The weight training structure of claim 5 wherein the at least one wheel includes eight wheels between said each exterior structure and said each interior structure.
8. The weight training structure of claim 5 wherein said each exterior structure includes at least one pin extending between at least two walls of the plurality of walls, and wherein the at least one pin is configured to restrict movement of said each interior structure.
9. The weight training structure of claim 8 wherein said each interior structure includes a spring configured to contact the at least one pin of said each interior structure, the spring configured to compress when the lifting structure is in the lowered position.
10. The weight training structure of claim 1 wherein the lifting structure defines two openings, the weight training structure further comprising at least two handle grips removably connected to the lifting structure within the two openings, respectively.
11. The weight training structure of claim 10 wherein the lifting structure defines threaded holes, and wherein each handle grip includes at least one threaded end configured to screw into one of the threaded holes.
12. The weight training structure of claim 10 wherein the lifting structure defines holes and wherein said each handle grip includes two pegs and a spring positioned between the two pegs to bias each peg into one of the holes.
13. The weight training structure of claim 1 wherein the lifting structure include a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion.
14. The weight training structure of claim 13 wherein the first portion defines a first opening, wherein the second portion defines a second opening, the weight training structure further comprising a first and second handle grip removably connected to the lifting structure within the first and second openings, respectively.
15. The weight training structure of claim 14 further comprising a first and second resting pad configured to support said weight, the first and second resting pad connected to the first and second portion of the lifting structure, respectively.
16. A weight training structure comprising:
- two exterior structures, each exterior structure including a plurality of walls defining an internal portion and at least one pin extending between at least two walls of the plurality of walls;
- a strut connected between the two exterior structures;
- two interior structures, each interior structure positioned in the internal portion of and movably connected to one of the exterior structures, each interior structure including a spring configured to contact the at least one pin; and
- a lifting structure connectable to the two interior structures and configured to support weight, the lifting structure movable between a lowered position and a raised position forcing the two interior structures to move between a retracted position and an extended position in the internal portion of the two exterior structures.
17. The weight training structure of claim 16 wherein the at least one pin includes two pins extending between at least two walls of the plurality of walls of said each exterior structure and wherein the spring is configured to contact at least one of the two pins.
18. The weight training structure of claim 16 wherein said each interior structure includes at least one support plate connected to the spring.
19. A weight training structure comprising:
- two exterior structures, each exterior structure including a plurality of walls defining an internal portion;
- a strut connected between the two exterior structures;
- two interior structures, each interior structure positioned in the internal portion of and movably connected to one of the exterior structures;
- at least one wheel positioned between said each exterior structure and said each interior structure; and
- a lifting structure connectable to the two interior structures, the lifting structure including one or more resting pads configured to support weight, the lifting structure movable between a lowered position and a raised position forcing the two interior structures to move between a retracted position and an extended position in the internal portion of the two exterior structures.
20. The weight training structure of claim 19 wherein the at least one wheel includes eight wheels between said each exterior structure and said each interior structure.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 5, 2014
Publication Date: Jun 9, 2016
Inventor: Christopher A. Early (Festus, MO)
Application Number: 14/562,371