U.S. patent application number 11/591706 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-03 for spotter for use with dumbbell weights.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dumbbell Spotter, LLC. Invention is credited to Robert G. JR. Hummer.
Application Number | 20070099773 11/591706 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37903982 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070099773 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hummer; Robert G. JR. |
May 3, 2007 |
Spotter for use with dumbbell weights
Abstract
A spotter assembly is disclosed where multiple vertical
uprights, cross bars and individual spotters are possible. The
cross bars are vertically movable relative to the uprights and the
spotters are movable relative to the crossbars.
Inventors: |
Hummer; Robert G. JR.;
(Detroit, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER & DANIELS LLP
300 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET
SUITE 2700
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
US
|
Assignee: |
Dumbbell Spotter, LLC
Carmel
IN
46032
|
Family ID: |
37903982 |
Appl. No.: |
11/591706 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60733104 |
Nov 3, 2005 |
|
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60760654 |
Jan 20, 2006 |
|
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60807629 |
Jul 18, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/104 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/09 20130101;
A63B 71/0036 20130101; A63B 21/078 20130101; A63B 21/0726
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/104 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/078 20060101
A63B021/078 |
Claims
1. A dumbbell weight lifting system, comprising: a bench having a
substantially flat surface having a first vertical height; a
dumbbell holder assembly for holding at least two dumbbells, the
holder assembly being generally transverse to the length of the
bench, the holder assembly being capable of holding the dumbbells
at a second vertical height greater than said first vertical
height; and dumbbell release holders, flanking said bench, and
profiled for a user to drop dumbbells into the holders, when an
exercise is completed.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the dumbbell release
holders is comprised of a tray to hold the dumbbells, the trays
being positioned at a third vertical height, where said third
vertical height is less than said first vertical height.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the dumbbell release
holders is comprised of a tray to hold the dumbbells.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the trays are vertically
adjustable.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the trays are comprised of a
bottom plate, and a back plate.
6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a movable plate on the
inside of said back plate, said movable plate being generally
parallel to said back plate, and changing the location of the
dumbbell weight depending on its size.
7. Dumbbell release holders for use with a bench having a
substantially flat surface and a dumbbell holder assembly for
holding at least two dumbbells, the holder assembly being generally
transverse to the length of the bench, the dumbbell release holders
being comprised of trays positionable in a flanking arrangement
relative to the bench, and being profiled for a user to drop
dumbbells into the holders, when an exercise is completed.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the dumbbell release
holder trays are positionable at a vertical height below a height
of the bench.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the trays are vertically
adjustable.
10. The system of claim 7, wherein the trays are comprised of a
bottom plate, and a back plate.
11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a movable plate on
the inside of said back plate, said movable plate being generally
parallel to said back plate, and fixably movable between positions
adjacent to and distant from, said back plate to change the
location of the dumbbell weight depending on its size.
12. A dumbbell support assembly for supporting dumbbells for weight
lifting exercises, said assembly comprising: a vertical support
assembly; at least one lateral support, supported by said vertical
support assembly; first and second dumbbell holders supported by
said at least one lateral support, each said dumbbell holder
comprising a channel-shaped member, upstanding with at least a
partial vertical orientation, said first dumbbell holder further
comprising an engagement member, positioned at a lower level of
said channel-shaped member and profiled to receive an end of a
dumbbell when dropped in at least a partially vertical
orientation.
13. The dumbbell support assembly of claim 12, wherein said
channel-shaped member is arcuate in section.
14. The dumbbell support assembly of claim 13, wherein said
channel-shaped member upstands at a vertical orientation of between
45-90 degrees.
15. The dumbbell support assembly of claim 12, wherein said
engagement member is defined by a pair of rods extending outwardly
from said channel-shaped member.
16. The dumbbell support assembly of claim 15, wherein said pair of
rods include a stop member at a free end of each rod.
17. The dumbbell support assembly of claim 16, wherein said stop
members are defined by a ball shaped member attached to each said
rod.
18. A carousel for holding a plurality of dumbbells, comprising a
rotatable tray assembly having a plurality of dumbbell locating
positions, and a central axle about which the tray rotates.
19. A carousel according to claim 18, wherein the dumbbell locating
positions are formed by individual trays.
20. A carousel according to claim 19, wherein at least some of the
individual trays are angled inwardly towards the central axis.
21. A carousel according to claim 19, wherein at least some of said
trays are positioned on a turntable, which spins on an axle along
said central axis.
22. A carousel according to claim 21, further comprising a bearing
positioned intermediate said turntable and said central axis.
23. A dumbbell support assembly for supporting dumbbells for weight
lifting exercises, said assembly comprising: a vertical support
assembly comprising at least two vertical uprights; a collar,
fixably movable upwardly and downwardly of each of said vertical
uprights; a lateral support ending from each said collar; and a
vertical support, attached adjacent a free end of said lateral
support, and extending upwardly.
24. The dumbbell support assembly of claim 23, further comprising a
plurality of dumbbell supports positioned on each of said vertical
supports.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority from provisional
applications 60/733,104, filed Nov. 3, 2005; 60/760,654 filed Jan.
20, 2006; and 60/807,629 filed Jul. 18, 2006.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the invention relates to exercise equipment,
and more particularly to a dumbbell rack and spotter.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Weight lifting using free-weights is widely enjoyable as a
form of exercise and strength conditioning. Barbells and dumbbells
are used in different workout routines to exercise and strengthen
various muscle groups, such as biceps, triceps, pectorals, etc.,
depending upon the manner in which the free-weights are lifted and
for the body position of the user.
[0004] The user must use the strength of his arm muscles,
particularly the biceps, in order to move the dumbbells from the
floor or rack into the starting exercise position. Such exercises
were designed to develop chest and/or shoulder muscles and not arm
muscles. Further, particularly at higher weights, it may be
difficult for a user to lift heavy weight dumbbells from the floor
or rack using only the smaller bicep muscles rather than the larger
chest or shoulder muscles. Further, any attempts to lift large
weights off of the floor to the starting exercise position could
result in an injury to the user's back.
[0005] It is known to construct frames specifically designed for
receiving a pair of dumbbells, where the frames provide vertical
adjustability for the dumbbell rests or supports. See for example,
Hayden, U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,459; 5,616,108; 5,772,561; and
5,924,964.
[0006] However, with one exception, all of the previously devised
dumbbell supports are fixedly mounted perpendicular to the frame.
This places the dumbbell handles at an inconvenient position for
gripping by a weightlifter when in a seated position in front of
the dumbbell supports.
[0007] In the one instance, a dumbbell holder is provided with a
support frame in which the dumbbell rests are fixedly positioned at
an acute angle from a horizontal line extending between the rest
supports. However, in this design, the dumbbell rests are fixed at
the one acute angle.
[0008] Further, such dumbbell supports, while providing vertical
adjustability, do not have and or have only limited means for
horizontal adjustment of the pair of dumbbell rests relative to
each other. Thus, dumbbell rests which are fixed at a given spacing
on a support frame(s) may not be in an ideal position for some
weightlifters to easily grasp the dumbbells or, at the completion
of the exercise, easily and safely placing the dumbbells back onto
the rests.
[0009] In another dumbbell support design, the two side frames are
connected by two telescopically interconnected crossbars. A pin is
releasibly extendable through aligned apertures in the ends of the
two crossbars to adjust the horizontal spacing between the pair of
dumbbell rests. However, one complete side frame, dumbbell rest,
and crossbar must be manually lifted or dragged relative to the
ground and urged toward or away from the opposed side frame. Due to
the high weight levels which may be lifted, the support frame,
crossbar, and rest represent a considerable weight which presents
an inconvenience to the weightlifter in setting up the dumbbell
rest support for an exercise. Further, this weight must be
supported by the user in order to precisely align two apertures in
the crossbars for insertion of the locking pin therethrough.
[0010] During an execution of a weight lifting exercise, good form
and proper range of motion are very important for both safety and
effectiveness. At the beginning of a lifting exercise, a lifter
should assume a position that would allow the target muscle to be
exercised to bear the weight. If the weight is transferred to the
easily damaged ligaments or tendons, a serious injury may occur. So
is the case when the lifter has completed his exercise and must
return the dumbbells to the rack. The lifter must be able to return
the dumbbells to the rack without further fatigue to his arms or
back. For example, if the lifter has completed a set of exercises,
and must return the dumbbells to the rack with his arms extended,
and must accurately place the dumbbells in place, the lifter's
back, shoulders, neck, or arms could be strained.
[0011] In using dumbbells, the dumbbells are typically stored in a
rack or on the floor. The user must lift the dumbbells into the
starting exercise position for chest or shoulder muscle exercises.
The starting exercise position for various muscle groups is well
off the ground. Attempts have been made to reduce or eliminate the
need of a spotter for certain dumbbell lifting exercises. The
attempts involve providing lifting equipment with a support rack as
a built-in spotter. The idea is that the risk of injury may be
reduced if the dumbbell can be presented to the lifter or can be
returned on the rack by the lifter, while he is in a lifting
position.
[0012] For example, one known dumbbell support attachment modifies
a conventional weight lifting bench for use with dumbbells. The
attachment includes a holder on which up to two dumbbells can be
rested simultaneously. The holder is part of a rack assembly which
is rigidly attached to both a horizontal support bar and a pair of
vertical mounting legs. The holder defines two cutouts through
which a lifter, as he lies on the weight bench, can reach to grab
the dumbbell and lift it from its resting position.
[0013] Another known attachment that can be mounted on a weight
lifting exercise equipment includes a rack assembly for holding up
to two dumbbells, a pair of mounting legs rigidly attached to
distal ends of the rack assembly and an extension bar slidably
connected to opposing parts of the assembly for adjusting the span
between the mounting legs. A drawback with these dumbbell support
attachments is that the pair of dumbbells are positioned at 180
degree angle from each other. Therefore, the lifter is limited to
initiate the lifting exercise from the same position every time,
regardless of the muscle exercise to be conducted. The risk of
muscle injury may be high, especially if the lifter has to shift or
change muscle motions while lifting very heavy dumbbells.
[0014] Another known dumbbell position rack holds a single
dumbbell. A pair of the dumbbell position racks are needed if two
dumbbells are being used in an exercise routine. The pair of the
dumbbell position racks can be positioned at a distance and an
angle that are convenient for the start of various exercises.
However, positioning of the dumbbell position rack involves lifting
each rack and stand assembly individually, making the initial
positioning rather cumbersome. In addition, the individual rack and
stand assembly may be easily bumped out of place while being
used.
[0015] Therefore, there is a need for a dumbbell rack that can be
adjustable so that a lifter can initiate and complete various
lifting exercises in different positions. The present inventor has
realized this need, and has designed an automatic elevation
adjustment mechanism, disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/008,394, filed Nov. 7, 2001, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference. This prior work of the present inventor
addresses some of the short comings of the prior art, but further
improvements are desired. The present inventor has also designed
multiple spotters as shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/881,567 publication number 20050009671A1, published Jan. 13,
2005 the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
[0016] A further need exists for a dumbbell rack that can be used
with a traditional weight lifting bench or chair.
[0017] Another need exists for having a plurality of spotter
assemblies for various different weight exercises.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In one embodiment, a dumbbell weight lifting system,
comprises a bench having a substantially flat surface having a
first vertical height; a dumbbell holder assembly for holding at
least two dumbbells, the holder assembly being generally transverse
to the length of the bench, the holder assembly being capable of
holding the dumbbells at a second vertical height greater than the
first vertical height; and dumbbell release holders, flanking the
bench, and profiled for a user to drop dumbbells into the holders,
when an exercise is completed.
[0019] The dumbbell release holders may be comprised of a tray to
hold the dumbbells, the trays being positioned at a third vertical
height, where the third vertical height is less than the first
vertical height. The dumbbell release holders may be comprised of a
tray to hold the dumbbells. The trays are vertically adjustable.
The may be comprised of a bottom plate, and a back plate. The
system may further comprise a movable plate on the inside of the
back plate, the movable plate being generally parallel to the back
plate, and changing the location of the dumbbell weight depending
on its size.
[0020] In another embodiment, dumbbell release holders for use with
a bench having a substantially flat surface and a dumbbell holder
assembly for holding at least two dumbbells, the holder assembly
being generally transverse to the length of the bench, the dumbbell
release holders being comprised of trays positionable in a flanking
arrangement relative to the bench, and being profiled for a user to
drop dumbbells into the holders, when an exercise is completed.
[0021] The dumbbell release holder trays may be positionable at a
vertical height below a height of the bench. The trays may be
vertically adjustable. The trays may be comprised of a bottom
plate, and a back plate. The system may further comprise a movable
plate on the inside of the back plate, the movable plate being
generally parallel to the back plate, and fixably movable between
positions adjacent to and distant from, the back plate to change
the location of the dumbbell weight depending on its size.
[0022] In another embodiment of the invention, a dumbbell support
assembly for supporting dumbbells for weight lifting exercises is
shown, where the assembly comprises a vertical support assembly; at
least one lateral support, supported by the vertical support
assembly; and first and second dumbbell holders supported by the at
least one lateral support, each the dumbbell holder comprising a
channel-shaped member, upstanding with at least a partial vertical
orientation, the first dumbbell holder further comprising an
engagement member, positioned at a lower level of the
channel-shaped member and profiled to receive an end of a dumbbell
when dropped in at least a partially vertical orientation.
[0023] The channel-shaped member may be arcuate in section. The
channel-shaped member may upstand at a vertical orientation of
between 45-90 degrees. The engagement member is defined by a pair
of rods extending outwardly from the channel-shaped member. The
pair of rods include a stop member at a free end of each rod. The
stop members are defined by a ball shaped member attached to each
the rod.
[0024] In another embodiment, a carousel for holding a plurality of
dumbbells, comprises a rotatable tray assembly having a plurality
of dumbbell locating positions, and a central axle about which the
tray rotates.
[0025] The dumbbell locating positions are formed by individual
trays. At least some of the individual trays may be angled inwardly
towards the central axis. At least some of the trays are positioned
on a turntable, which spins on an axle along the central axis. The
carousel may further comprise a bearing positioned intermediate the
turntable and the central axis.
[0026] In yet another embodiment, a dumbbell support assembly for
supporting dumbbells for weight lifting exercises comprises a
vertical support assembly comprising at least two vertical
uprights; a collar, fixably movable upwardly and downwardly of each
of the vertical uprights; a lateral support ending from each the
collar; and a vertical support, attached adjacent a free end of the
lateral support, and extending upwardly.
[0027] The dumbbell support assembly may comprise a plurality of
dumbbell supports positioned on each of the vertical supports.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 depicts an overall configuration of one embodiment of
a spotter configuration.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows the upright portion of FIG. 1 with a square
cross-sectional post;
[0030] FIG. 3 shows uprights similar to that of FIG. 2 showing a
cylindrical cross-sectional post;
[0031] FIG. 4 shows the upright of FIG. 2 with a cross-bar having
laterally movable supports;
[0032] FIG. 4A shows an enlarged portion of the area depicted in
FIG. 4;
[0033] FIG. 4B shows an alternate laterally moveable sleeve to that
shown in FIG. 4B;
[0034] FIG. 5 shows a vertical support similar to that shown in
FIG. 2 with a holding mechanism which can drop from the top bar of
the support;
[0035] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 5 having
double vertical drop mechanisms mounted to laterally movable
support members on a vertically adjustable support bar;
[0036] FIG. 7 shows a horizontal bar which is split in the center
and has a locking collar to lock the two split bars together;
[0037] FIG. 7A shows the horizontal bar of FIG. 7, with the locking
collar moved to the right, showing the individual bars
released;
[0038] FIG. 8 shows two rotatably moveable mounts with upstanding
pedestal rods;
[0039] FIG. 9 shows a rack mounted dumbbell holding apparatus
vertically adjustable on two vertical uprights;
[0040] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the portion depicted in FIG.
9;
[0041] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of FIG. 10 less the
dumbbell;
[0042] FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of spotter mounted to a
horizontal upright similar to that of FIG. 4B;
[0043] FIG. 13 shows the spotter platforms of FIG. 12 on an upright
similar to that of FIG. 7;
[0044] FIG. 13A is a modified spotter of FIG. 12;
[0045] FIG. 13B shows an enlarged view of the spotter tray in
enlarged view showing the centering device of the spotter;
[0046] FIGS. 14 and 15 show a third embodiment of a spotter mounted
on a convex support bar;
[0047] FIG. 16 shows the detail of the spotters mounted on the
crossbar of FIGS. 14 and 15;
[0048] FIG. 17 shows a view similar to that of FIG. 14-16 where the
spotters are mounted on a concave cross bar;
[0049] FIG. 18 shows a double sided spotter, which can be mounted
to a vertical drop mechanism of FIG. 5;
[0050] FIG. 19 shows double sided spotter of FIG. 18 for the
opposite side;
[0051] FIG. 20 shows spotters similar to that of FIG. 12 mounted on
a double sided assembly similar to that of FIG. 6;
[0052] FIG. 21 shows an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 20
however with a further and second spotter assembly attached to the
vertical drop members;
[0053] FIG. 21A shows an enlarged view of the second spotter
assembly of FIG. 21:
[0054] FIGS. 22-23 show yet another embodiment of a spotter
assembly having a double peg assembly for attaching the spotters in
multiple orientations;
[0055] FIG. 24 shows inclined spotters mounted on the upright of
FIG. 8;
[0056] FIG. 25 shows the spotter assemblies of FIG. 12 mounted on
the upright of FIG. 8;
[0057] FIG. 26 shows the spotters of FIG. 25 with a second spotter
assembly positioned on the back side thereof;
[0058] FIG. 27 shows the front perspective view of another spotter
embodiment;
[0059] FIG. 28 shows a top view of the spotter taken through lines
28-28 of FIG. 27;
[0060] FIG. 29 shows a front perspective view of the spotter of
FIG. 27;
[0061] FIG. 30 shows a front perspective view of another spotter
embodiment;
[0062] FIG. 31 shows the spotter of FIG. 30 with a dumbbell resting
in a static position;
[0063] FIG. 32A shows an incline rack for a plurality of
dumbbells;
[0064] FIG. 32B shows an incline rack, similar to that of FIG. 32A,
with a further arch-shaped holder;
[0065] FIG. 32C shows the incline rack of FIG. 32C, shown loaded
with dumbbells.
[0066] FIGS. 33 shows a rotatable carousel for the storage of a
plurality of dumbbells;
[0067] FIG. 34 shows another carousel for mounting adjacent to the
vertical uprights of the exercise equipment described above;
[0068] FIG. 35 shows a vertical pedestal for mounting adjacent to
the vertical uprights and for rotatably mounting the carousel with
FIG. 34;
[0069] FIG. 36 shows a first carousel portion mounted to the
vertical pedestal;
[0070] FIG. 37 shows a detailed view of the first stage carousel of
FIG. 36;
[0071] FIG. 38 shows a second stage carousel portion which is
attachable to the first stage portion of FIG. 37;
[0072] FIG. 39 shows the complete assembly of the first and second
stage carousel portions with dumbbell weights in their stored
positions;
[0073] FIGS. 40-43 show novel arrangements of storage racks for
free weights;
[0074] FIG. 44 shows a vertically moveable dumbbell safety holder
attached to the vertical uprights;
[0075] FIGS. 45 and 46 show enlarged and detailed views of the
safety holders shown in FIG. 44;
[0076] FIG. 47 shows a safety holder with three axes of movement
and which is fixed to the vertical uprights;
[0077] FIG. 48 is an enlarged view of one of the safety holders
shown in FIG. 47;
[0078] FIG. 49 is an enlarged view of the portion denoted in FIG.
48;
[0079] FIG. 50 is an enlarged view of one of the safety holders
shown in FIG. 47;
[0080] FIG. 51 is a view similar to that of FIG. 47 showing the
safety holders in a modified position;
[0081] FIG. 52 shows portable safety holder pedestals flanking the
position which would include a workout bench; and
[0082] FIGS. 53 and 54 show enlarged views of the portable safety
holders of FIG. 52.
[0083] FIG. 55 shows an adjustable and portable safety holder
similar to that shown in FIG. 47;
[0084] FIG. 56 shows a front perspective view of the adjustable
safety holder FIG. 55;
[0085] FIG. 57 shows a rear perspective view similar to that of
FIG. 56;
[0086] FIGS. 58 and 59 show front and rear perspective views,
respectively of the adjustable plate of the adjustable safety
holders in an extended position;
[0087] FIG. 60 shows an alternate version of the safety holder of
FIG. 55;
[0088] FIGS. 61-63 show cross-sectional views through the
adjustable plate with varying sizes of dumbbell weights; and
[0089] FIGS. 64-66 show a users placing various size dumbbell
weights into the adjustable safety holder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0090] With reference first to FIG. 1 an overall exercise equipment
setup is shown as 2 spotting and temporarily storing a plurality of
dumbbells. It should be appreciated that the initial discussion of
the overall system will be described in a manner to introduce the
various elements for discussion purposes. For example, as shown in
FIG. 1 the spotter mechanism is shown generally at 4 which includes
floor mount pedestals 6 with vertical uprights 8 extending upward
from the floor pedestals 6 and which holds a spotter 10 for holding
and spotting dumbbells. Spotter mechanism 4 also includes a
horizontal upright 14 connected to the vertical uprights.
[0091] FIG. 1 also shows a plurality of storage trays for example
trays 16 are shown which flank the spotter mechanism 4 for holding
individual dumbbells for exercising and for placing on spotter 10.
Racks 18 also flank spotter mechanism 4 and can accumulate the
plurality and in this case 11 dumbbells of various sizes and or
weights for the exercise. It should be appreciated that the exact
configuration of the racks 18 is not material to the invention
although in this embodiment the racks 18 are shown as individual
racks which would flank a bench (not shown) which would be
positioned adjacent to the spotter mechanism 4. Also racks 20 are
shown mounted directly to pedestal 6 and again provide a mechanism
for holding the plurality of dumbbells with that background, a
plurality of uprights, crossbars, adjustment mechanisms and spotter
assemblies will be described.
[0092] As described above, the system mainly comprises some type of
vertical uprights, in this case square cross-sectional uprights 8,
some type of cross bar or holding mechanism to attach to the
vertical uprights, and further, some type of spotter, in this case
spotter 10. In this particular application, Applicant has conceived
multiple different combinations of vertical uprights, cross bars
and spotters, and multiple combinations thereof.
[0093] Thus, the application will proceed with a discussion of the
possible uprights with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3; with multiple
cross bar and retation mechanisms with reference to FIGS. 4-8; and
with multiple spotters with reference to FIGS. 9-23. Furthermore,
various other combinations are possible as referenced in FIGS.
24-27
[0094] With respect now to FIG. 2, the vertical uprights 8 are
shown without the spotter 10 attached and the vertical uprights are
shown more clearly. As shown in FIG. 2, vertical uprights 8 are
square in cross section and include a plurality of apertures 26 as
will be described herein. Vertical uprights 8 are attached to
pedestals 6 by way of cross bracing 15.
[0095] With respect now to FIG. 3, and alternatively, vertical
uprights can be cylindrical in shape, as shown at 8'. Vertical
uprights 8' also include a plurality of apertures 26 which will be
described herein. It should be appreciated from viewing FIG. 3 that
vertical uprights 8' are attached to floor mount pedestals 6 in a
similar manner as described above. Also, horizontal top bar 14 is
also attached to vertical uprights 8' to complete the assembly.
[0096] With reference now to FIG. 4, a first version of crossbar 30
is shown which spans between, and is interconnected to vertical
uprights 8. Crossbar 30 generally includes mounting sleeves 32
having spring loaded popper pins 34, FIG. 4A. It should be
appreciated that the popper pins 34 are pulled outwardly under a
spring load, and have a pin projecting through sleeves 32 and into
one of the apertures 26 to maintain the crossbar 30 in a particular
vertical orientation. Thus, to move the crossbar 30 vertically,
both popper pins would be pulled simultaneously, and the crossbar
30 lifted upwardly or allowed to move downwardly to its new
vertical location, whereupon the popper pin is released to engage
one of the apertures 26 on each side. It should also be appreciated
that the sleeves 32 may have a bearing type material internal to
the sleeve, such as a nylon material, in order that the sleeves do
not scratch and/or bind upon traversing the vertical uprights
8.
[0097] With respect still to FIGS. 4 and 4A, crossbar 30 also
includes laterally moveable sleeves 40 having popper pins 42 which
will engage apertures on the bottom side of crossbar 30 (not
shown). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4B, an alternate sleeve 40'
can be provided which includes a vertical rod 44 upon which a
spotter can be positioned as will be described further herein. In a
similar manner as described above with respect to FIG. 4A, popper
pins 34 engage apertures 26, in order to move in multiple preset
lateral positions. In this manner, crossbar 30 can be moved in a
vertical sense upwardly and downwardly on a crossbars 8 and held in
place by popper pins 34, while at the same time sleeves 40 are
laterally moveable along crossbar 30 and held in a lateral position
by way of popper pins 42.
[0098] With respect now to FIG. 5, a center vertical drop rod is
shown at 46 which is mounted to top bar 14 by way of a sleeve 48.
The rod 46 could be permanently mounted to the top bar through the
sleeve 48; alternatively, the drop rod 46 could be moveable
upwardly and downwardly, through the use of a popper pin, through
sleeve 48, as described above. Alternatively, by such structure as
by welding or by bolts or other similar manner. Alternatively,
central vertical drop rod 46 extends downwardly in a generally
parallel manner with vertical uprights 8 and also includes a
plurality of apertures 50.
[0099] With reference now to FIG. 6, vertical uprights 8 are shown
having another version of crossbar shown generally at 60. Crossbar
60 includes sleeves 62 having popper pins 64 for engagement with
apertures on an inside surface of vertical uprights 8 as described
above. Cross bar 60 further comprises laterally moveable sleeve 70
having attached thereto, a fixed sleeve 74 through which a
vertically moveable bar 76 is provided. Sleeve 74 includes popper
pins 78 which are engageable with apertures 80 to allow the
vertically moveable bar 76 to traverse in a vertical direction
while at the same time sleeves 70 allow for the entire bar 76 to
move laterally towards and away from each other. Meanwhile popper
pins 78 allow for the vertical movement of the bars 76. Finally, a
cylindrical rod 82 is fixed to an end of the bars 76, and allow
attachment of spotters as described herein.
[0100] With respect now to FIG. 7, the vertical uprights 8' of FIG.
3 are shown where a crossbar 90 is shown, comprised of two separate
portions 92 and 94. With reference to FIG. 7A, crossbar 90 will be
described in greater detail. Crossbar portion 92 includes a square
tube portion 96 attached to a plate portion 98, in turn which is
interconnected to a cylindrical sleeve 100. Popper pin 102 is
attached to plate portion 98 where a pin of popper pin 102
intersects with the interior diameter of sleeve 100 in order to
lock with apertures 26, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A. Crossbar
portion 92 further includes a laterally moveable sleeve 106 having
a popper pin 108 which will intersect with apertures (not shown) on
the bottom of square tube 96. Sleeve 106 further includes an
upstanding tube 110 on which a spotter may be positioned and held
in place. Finally square tube 96 includes a free end portion 112
adjacent to crossbar portion 94 as further described herein.
[0101] Crossbar portion 94 is similar in nature to crossbar portion
92 including a square tube 120 attached to a plate portion 122,
which in turn is attached to cylindrical sleeve 124 where popper
pin 126 is attached plate portion 122 and intersects cylindrical
tube 124 as previously described. Crossbar portion 94 also includes
a laterally moveable sleeve 130 having a popper pin 132, and an
upstanding tube 134 attached to the top of laterally moveable
sleeve 130. Finally, crossbar portion 94 includes a locking sleeve
140 having a popper pin 142. It should be appreciated that locking
sleeve 140 is laterally moveable to the right (as viewed in FIG.
7A) to expose a free end 141 of square tube 120 to allow the two
ends to be proximate in location. As shown in FIG. 7A, the locking
sleeve 140 is moved to the right, which exposes gap 143. As shown
in FIG. 7, locking sleeve 140 is moved to the left and popper pin
142 can be locked to an aperture (not shown) adjacent free end 112
to lock the two square tubes 96, 120 together.
[0102] With respect now to FIG. 8, crossbar assembly 150 is shown
including individual crossbars 152 and 154. Crossbars 152 and 154
are attached to vertical uprights such as 8' Crossbar portions 152
and 154 include a horizontal tube portion 156 attached to a sleeve
158 having popper pins 160 therein. Crossbar portions 152 and 154
also include a vertical tube 158 having a cylindrical cross section
and being fixedly attached to the horizontal tubes 156. Finally,
locking collars 166 are attached having popper pins 168. Thus it
should be appreciated that locking collars 166 can be traversed
upwardly and downwardly along vertical uprights 8' and that popper
pins 168 can be locked in appropriate apertures 26 (FIG. 3) and
sleeves 158 are thereby positionable above locking collars 166 and
can either be fixed in place and locked by their popper pins 160 or
the popper pins can be released and the crossbar portions 152, 154
can be rotated outwardly towards the lifter.
[0103] Thus as described above, multiple vertical uprights and
crossbar configurations have been described with reference to FIGS.
1-8. Multiple spotter assemblies will now be discussed which are
usable with the vertical uprights and crossbar assemblies discussed
above.
[0104] With reference now to FIGS. 9-11 a first spotter is shown
which is defined as a shelf 180 having a horizontal surface 182 and
includes a vertical backwall portion 184 to form a right-angled
configuration. The spotter 180 also includes 2 openings at 186
defined by a cutout in the horizontal portion 182 and which is
defined by vertically positioned strip portions 188 which flank the
opening 186 which resist the side to side movement of the dumbbell
12 when positioned over the cutout 186.
[0105] With reference still to FIGS. 9-11, the shelf spotter 180 is
rigidly attached to sleeve members 190 having popper pins 192. As
should be appreciated, the popper pins 192 can be pulled outwardly
to release the sleeve members 190, whereupon the shelf spotter at
180 can be moved upwardly and downwardly along vertical uprights 8
to any desired vertical position.
[0106] With reference now to FIG. 11, the shelf spotter 180 can
include a takeoff plate 194 positioned on each side of openings 186
where the takeoff plate 194 includes a plate portion 196 having a
raised boundary at 198 whereupon the dumbbell can be moved
forwardly off of the surface 182 and rolled on the takeoff plate
196, whereupon a lifter can conveniently position the dumbbell
close to the edge of the shelf for easily transitioning the
dumbbell to the appropriate exercise position. Thus the lifter can
preposition the dumbbells 12 for easily transitioning to an
exercise, and advantageously, due to the rigidity of the shelf
horizontal portion 182 together with the rigidity of the vertical
backstop, the lifter can almost drop the dumbbells onto the shelf
spotter 180 without having to strain his arms, neck or back by
setting the dumbbell down into a specific position or slot on the
spotter.
[0107] With reference now to FIG. 12, spotters 200 are provided in
the form of a tray which are mounted on laterally moveable sleeves
40 as referred to above in FIG. 4. Next shown in FIG. 12, the tray
spotters 200 each include horizontal portions 202 having back stop
portions 204 with a cutout at 206 where the cutout 206 and the
front edge includes an upstanding rim portion at 208. As described
above, the dumbbell can be positioned over the opening 206 and the
dumbbell weights can reside in the position between the cutout and
held in a secure position by way of the rim 208. As also shown in
FIG. 12, the tray spotters 200 can include a mounting tube 210
which is slidably receivable over the upstanding rods 44 (FIG. 4B)
together with a locking nut 212 which can be tightened to lock the
tray spotters in a particular angular orientation on the vertical
rods 44 for the proper position. Thus, in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 12, the crossbar 30 can be moved upwardly and downwardly by
way of the mounting sleeves 32, each of the tray spotters 200 can
be moved laterally by way of the sleeves 40 (FIG. 4) and the tray
spotters 200 can be moved in an angular orientation by virtue of
tubes 210 being positioned over the vertical rods 44.
[0108] With respect now to FIG. 13, tray spotters 200 can also be
attached to the crossbar 90, from FIGS. 7 and 7A where tubes 210
are positioned over upstanding tubes 134 (FIG. 7A) in this manner,
crossbar 90 can be used alternatively as a fixed crossbar as
depicted in FIG. 13, or the crossbar can be detached by the locking
sleeve 140, and the two halves 92, 94 rotated about the cylindrical
vertical upright 8 in manner similar to that discussed with respect
to FIG. 12.
[0109] With respect now to FIGS. 13A and 13B a modified tray
spotter 200' is shown attached to crossbar 90. As shown in FIG.
13B, the tray spotter 200' is similar to the tray spotter 200
including horizontal portions 202' and backstop portions 204', and
a cutout portion 206'. In this embodiment however, the backstop
portion 204' includes a centering device 205, generally centrally
located relative to the cutout portion 206'. In this embodiment,
the centering device centers the dumbbell as it is replaced on the
tray spotter 200' and therefore does not require the lip portion
surrounding the cutout 206'. In other words, centering device 205
will protrude into the space between the weights on the dumbbell,
aligning the dumbbell centrally onto the tray spotter 200' such
that the dumbbell does not fall through the cutout 206'. This
allows the cutout portion 206' to be wider that otherwise possible
as the dumbbell is centered relative to the tray spotter 200'.
[0110] With respect now to FIGS. 14-16, yet another spotter is
shown as a convex tray spotter 220 which is interconnected to two
vertical uprights 8. As shown best in FIG. 16, convex spotter 220
includes a crossbar assembly comprised of crossbar 222 in
combination with crossbar portions 224, 226 whereby spotter tray
portions 228, 230 are laterally moveable on their crossbar portions
224, 226. It should be appreciated that each of the tray portions
228, 230 includes a sleeve 232, and popper pins 234 allow the trays
228 or 230 to be laterally moveable along a respective crossbar and
locked in place. With reference still to FIG. 216, spotter 220
further includes vertical sleeves 240 having popper pins 242 for
vertically positioning spotter 220 relative to vertical uprights 8
as shown in FIG. 15. As best shown in FIG. 16, the individual tray
spotters 228, 230 includes a single piece curvilinear plate 250
having raised portions at 252 and recessed radius portions at 254
with a backstop wall at 256. As in previous designs, cutouts 258
are defined with plates 260 flanking the opening 258. Thus the
dumbbells can be positioned with the weights in the recessed
portions 254 against the back wall 256 and plates 260 prevent
lateral movement of the dumbbells relative to the cutouts 258.
[0111] Alternatively as shown in FIG. 17, a concave spotter 260 is
shown similar to that of the spotter 220 shown in FIG. 16, where
tray spotters 228 and 230 are slidably mounted on a concave
crossbar defined by crossbar portions 264 and 266.
[0112] With respect now to FIGS. 18 and 19, another spotter 280 is
shown having two spotters; a first spotter 282 positioned on one
side of spotter assembly 280 and another spotter 284 (FIG. 19)
positioned on the opposite side thereof. Both potters 282 and 284
have a common platform 286 with spotter 282 being angled as shown
in FIG. 18 with two cutout portions 288 having backstops 290
situated behind each of the cutouts 288. As in other embodiments, a
rim 292 is provided defining a perimeter around the cutouts 288.
With reference now to FIG. 19, spotter 284 is similar in nature to
spotter 282, however is a linear version providing cutouts 296
defined by a raised ridge 298. Backstop portions 300 are positioned
behind each of the cutouts 296 for the purpose mentioned above. A
cylindrical collar is provided at 302 which attached to square tube
304 whereby an internal cylindrical tube (not shown) is provided
allowing the entire spotter 280 to rotate relative to square tube
302. Thus in this embodiment, square tube 304 is attachable to
sleeve 48 (FIG. 5) whereby the entire spotter 280 can be raised and
lowered relative to top crossbar 14 and either of the spotters 282
or 284 may be utilized by simply spinning the member around.
[0113] With respect now to FIG. 20, tray spotters 200 are also
useable with the crossbar mechanism 60 of FIG. 6, which again
allows crossbar mechanism 60 to be vertically moved; allows sleeves
70 to be laterally moved; and allows post 76 to be vertically
moved. Finally due to the connection of spotters 200 on cylindrical
rods 82 (FIG. 6), the spotters 200 can also be rotated to a proper
position for the particular exercise.
[0114] With respect now to FIGS. 21 and 21A, a modification to the
spotter configuration of FIG. 20 is shown whereby spotters 200 are
positioned above an inclined spotter 310. Inclined spotter 310 is
shown in particular in FIG. 21A having a platform support portion
312, with a tubular upright 314 having a locking screw 316. The
inclined spotter is defined by a substantially cylindrical member
shown at 318. A lower and substantially vertical plate portion is
shown at 320 with support rods 322 extending outwardly from the
plate 320. At the end of each of the support rods 322 are support
balls 324, whereby a dumbbell can be positioned on its end and set
on the support rods with the other end of the dumbbell positioned
in the cylindrical portion 318. Balls 324 prevent the dumbbell from
sliding off the support rods 322 and also allow for an easy
transition from the weight of the dumbbell to a lifter's
shoulders.
[0115] With reference now to FIGS. 22 and 23 another spotter is
shown at 340 comprised of a crossbar 342, sleeve members 344 and a
removable spotter 346. Sleeves 344 include a first post 348 which
is positioned at a substantially 45 degree angle relative to the
longitudinal sleeve 344 and another post 350 which is positioned in
a substantially parallel manner with the sleeve 344. Each of the
posts 348 and 450 include a plurality of apertures at 352.
[0116] Meanwhile spotter 346 includes a structural support member
358 having a vertical tube 360 and a pair of cylindrical shaped
pads at 362. As shown in FIG. 23, the spotters 346 can be
positioned with their vertical sleeves 360 positioned over
alternative posts 348 and 350 (FIG. 22) to provide for alternative
positions or orientations relative to the longitudinal bar 342. As
shown in FIG. 23, the spotters 346 are positioned in a parallel
manner relative to the longitudinal bar 342. It should be
appreciated that bar 342 could also include sleeves at its ends to
allow for the vertical orientation of the bar 342 in a like manner
to that shown in FIG. 6.
[0117] With respect now to FIGS. 24-26, crossbar portion 150 is
shown (as previously described in FIG. 8) with previously described
spotter mechanisms positioned thereon. For example as shown in FIG.
24, inclined spotter 310 is shown attached to upright 158; as shown
in FIG. 25, spotter 200 is positioned on upright 158; and in FIG.
26 both spotter 200 and 310 are both attached to uprights 158.
[0118] Thus as shown above, multiple different exercises are
possible from multiple spotters. It is possible to have one or more
spotters for a selected home or professional gym, or it is possible
to have all of the spotters set up for multiple different
exercises. It should be appreciated that many of the spotters are
usable with different seating arrangements. For example, and with
reference to FIG. 23, spotters 310 and 200 could be used with a
chair and the lifter can face the spotter and perform multiple
exercises. Alternatively, the lifter can use a bench and lie flat
on his back and use the spotter 200 in a bench press mode.
Obviously, the spotters shown and depicted herein will have
multiple uses to those avid body builders.
[0119] As shown in 27, another spotter embodiment is shown
generally at 400 which includes a fixed backstop portion 402 and
slidable dumbbell trays 404. The sliding trays 404 slide along
horizontal upright 30 which was described above. Trays 404 also
slide on horizontal guides 40. Sliding trays 404 move irrespective
of the fixed backstop allowing the trays to be positioned at
multiple lateral positions. As best shown in FIG. 28, backstop 402
is attached to horizontal upright 30 by way of spacers 406 with
typical hardware fasteners such as 408. Thus in this embodiment
trays 404 can be moved laterally along horizontal upright as shown
by the arrows in FIG. 29 yet also contained the backstop 402 for
receiving the dumbbells when dropped in the trays 404.
[0120] FIG. 30 shows yet another embodiment of a spotter, shown
generally at 500. The spotter 500 is attachable as shown in FIG. 31
to a crossbar such as 30, by way of the slidable sleeve 40 prime,
see also FIG. 4(b).
[0121] As shown in FIG. 30, spotter 50 generally includes a frame
portion 502 defined by rods 504 and upright rods 506 and 508.
Receiving rods 510 are attached at one end to rods 504, and at an
upper end to rods 508. Receiving plates 512 are attached at an
upper end of rods 510 and are rigidified by support rods 514. As
shown, plates 512 are somewhat flared open to receive a plurality
of sizes of dumbbells as will be described further herein. At a
lower end of rods 510 is an end plate 516 which will receive an end
of the dumbbell in a resting position. Balls 518 are also
positioned at an end of rods 510 to prevent a dumbbell from
escaping the rods 510 when dropped as more fully described below.
Spotter 500 also includes a mounting portion 520 which includes a
mounting plate 522 attached to rods 504 and the mounting tube 524
extending through rods 504 and attached to a backside of plate 522.
A securing screw is positioned as shown at 530 having a threaded
portion extending through tube 524 as is well known in the art.
[0122] As shown in FIG. 31, the dumbbell 12 can be dropped on
spotter 500 with one dumbbell hitting plates 512 and the other end
of the dumbbell hitting rods 510. The dumbbell can then be slid
down rods 510 to a resting position against plate 516 as shown in
FIG. 31.
[0123] With reference now to FIG. 32A, a dumbbell rack is shown at
600 generally comprised of a support upright assembly 602 comprised
of individual vertical uprights 604 and horizontal feet portion
606. At the upper end of the rack 600 is a tray shown generally at
610 providing a plurality of channels 612, 614, 616 and 618; and a
pair of generally horizontally extending channels 620 and 622. Rack
600 further includes placards 624, 626, 628 and 630 for
identification of the weight positioned in its corresponding
channel as well as a placard at 632 and 634 for identification of
the weight and corresponding channel 620 and 622. While it is
contemplated that any size in configuration of rack can be
configured, it may be provided that the channels are configured as
follows:
[0124] Channel 612--15 lbs;
[0125] Channel 614--20 lbs;
[0126] Channel 616--25 lbs;
[0127] Channel 618--30 lbs;
[0128] Channel 620--35 lbs; and
[0129] Channel 622--40 lbs.
[0130] In addition, and with respect to FIG. 32B, a modified
incline rack is shown at 600', which again includes a support
upright assembly 602 comprised of individual vertical uprights 604
and horizontal feet portion 606. At the upper end of the rack 600
is a tray shown generally at 610 providing a plurality of channels
612, 614, 616 and 618; and a pair of generally horizontally
extending channels 620 and 622. In addition, an arch-shaped holder
650 extends above the tray 610, and includes two cup-shaped holders
652, two cup-shaped holders 654, two cup-shaped holders 656, and
two cup-shaped holders 658. The holders are configured as
follows:
[0131] Channel 652--12 lbs;
[0132] Channel 654--10 lbs;
[0133] Channel 656--8 lbs; and
[0134] Channel 658--5 lbs.
[0135] With reference now to FIG. 33, a carousel is shown at 700,
where the carousel is rotatable about 360 degrees. Carousel 700
would include a support frame such as 702 upon which a rotative
support is provided. This support may be in the form of a lower
bearing or other type of assembly, but in the embodiment disclosed,
the rotative support 704 is a model number CA-40-4 available from
TNS Equipment Company in Angola, Indiana. Attached to the rotative
support is a circular support plate shown at 706. Stacked above the
cylindrical plate 706, is a plurality of support frames such 708
which generally holds a multi-sided carousel section defined by a
plurality of plate portions, such as 710 which extend upwardly to
an upper plate 712.
[0136] It should be appreciated that the plates 110 terminate along
an upper edge which matches the multisided upper plate 712. Upper
plate 712 includes a center opening around which a support bearing
714 is positioned through which a center pivot rod 716 extends.
Each plate portion 710 has a semi-cylindrical trough such as 718
attached to it. Where each includes a semi-cylindrical plate
portion 720, and a semi-circular plate portion 722.
Semi-cylindrical trough portion 718 further include a hand grip
shown at 730 which is attached to each of the trough portions 718
by way of a rigid strip 732. In this manner a plurality of
dumbbells 12 can be placed in troughs 718, and hand grips 730 can
be grasped and the entire carousel may be spun like a turntable
about rod 716 to locate the desired weighted dumbbell.
[0137] With reference now to FIG. 34, another carousel is shown at
800, and includes multi-stages of dumbbell support attachments. For
example dumbbell support 800 includes a first stage support shown
at 802, coupled with a second stage support shown at 804. These two
support stages are assembled together and are rotatable about a
vertical upright such as 806.
[0138] With reference first to FIG. 35, vertical upright 806 is
shown which would be coupled to one of the multiple vertical
uprights shown previously for example in FIGS. 1 through 8.
Vertical upright 806 would include a cylindrical spindle such as
808 upon which carousel 800 would rotate.
[0139] With reference next to FIGS. 36 and 37, first stage portion
802 will be shown in greater detail. First stage portion 802
includes a triangular plate portion 810 having a cylindrical rod
812 centrally located therein. The cylindrical rod may be fixed to
the triangular plate portion 810 with the cylindrical spindle
extending therethrough. The cylindrical rod may have a bearing 814
positioned therein, which may any type of rotationally assisted
bearing. However, Applicants have incorporated two oil impregnated
bushings 814 (one at each end of cylindrical rod 812). The bushings
are available from Bearing Service in Woodhaven, Mich. They are
oil-impregnated bushings part number EF162016 having a 1'' inner
diameter.
[0140] At each triangular corner, a semi-cylindrical trough portion
816 is mounted which extends in an inclined manner to coincide and
intersect with tubular portion 812. Plate portion 810 includes
apertures 820 positioned transverse to a triangular side 822, and
form the mounting portion for the second stage portions to be
described below.
[0141] With reference now to FIG. 38 the second stage portion 804
is shown which includes two holder portions 830 and 832. The second
stage portion 804 includes a rod 834 attached to a transverse rod
portion 836 which in turn are attached downwardly extending
vertical rods 838. Vertical rods 838 then support horizontal rods
at 840.
[0142] First holder 830 is attached to bar 834 as shown in FIG. 38
and includes a cylindrical holder at 850 with a semi-cylindrical
back stop portion at 852. Meanwhile holder 832 includes a
semi-cylindrical cradle at 854 with end plates at end 856. An upper
extending rod 860 is attached to horizontal rod 840 which will form
a hand grip portion as described below.
[0143] As described above second stage portion 804 can be attached
first stage portion 802 by positioning fasteners 860 (FIG. 38)
through openings 820 (FIG. 37) such that three second stage
portions 804 are positioned intermediate each of the
semi-cylindrical portions 816 to define the configuration shown in
FIG. 34. Thus as shown each carousel 800 includes nine separate
dumbbell holders at each end, that is attached to each to upright
806 or 19 dumbbells total can be positioned intermediate to the
uprights, as shown best in FIG. 39.
[0144] With reference now to FIGS. 40-42, a plurality of free
weight holders are shown. As shown in FIG. 40, a free weight holder
at 900 is shown comprised of a lower frame portion 902 having a
horizontal support bar at 904 and a circular and tubular bar at
906. At various lateral locations, holding pegs 908 are attached to
bars 904 and 906 to position free weights 912 thereon.
[0145] With reference now to FIG. 41, a holder 920 is shown as a
variation to holder 900 where instead of a circular bar 906, a
rectangular frame up right is shown at 922 to hold the plurality of
free weights 912.
[0146] With respect to FIG. 42, a triangular shaped member is shown
924 having a triangular upright portion 926, again positioning the
plurality of free weights 912 on a plurality of pegs 908.
[0147] With respect now to FIG. 43, a trapezoidal shaped member is
shown at 930 having a generally trapezoidally shaped portion having
upright portions 932 and a horizontal portion 934, positioning the
plurality of free weights 912 on a plurality of pegs 908.
[0148] With respect to FIG. 44, a first embodiment of a safety
holder assembly is shown at 1000 which includes a platform portion
1002, a vertical upright portion 1004, a vertically moveable sleeve
1006, and a safety tray 1008. As shown, the platform portion 1002
includes two leg portions 1010 and 1012 (as best shown in FIG. 46)
which would flank leg portion 6 of the vertical uprights and would
be attached by either a spring loaded pin or other fastener (not
shown).
[0149] With respect now to FIGS. 45 and 46, vertical upright
portion 1004 is shown with a plurality of vertically spaced
apertures 1014 for vertical adjustment of the safety holder trays
1008. Vertically moveable sleeve 1006 includes a spring loaded
popper pin 1016 which is normally biased inwardly and which would
project through one of the vertical alignment apertures 1014 as is
well known in art. Thus to move the safety holder tray 1008
vertically upwardly or downwardly, the user would grasp handle 1018
with one hand, pull the popper pin 1016 and move the vertically
moveable sleeve upwardly or downwardly along vertical upright 1004
to the proper vertical position until the popper pin finds one of
the apertures 1014. Thus the use of the safety holders is in
combination with the spotter trays 200 as follows.
[0150] In the case where a bench is positioned intermediate the two
spotter assemblies 100 and the user is using the bench for a bench
press type exercise, where the user lies flat on the bench with his
or her back on the bench, a crossbar 90 would be placed in position
such that the user can raise his or her arms grasp the dumbbells
from the trays 200 and begin the bench press exercise. In the event
that the user becomes so fatigued that he or she could not again
lift the dumbbells to the vertical position of the spotter trays
200, the user can simply drop the dumbbells into the safety trays
which flank the bench. It should be noted that the position of the
safety trays 1008 would be generally in position of the "wingspan"
of the user such as the dumbbells are simply dropped in the tray
1008.
[0151] With respect now to FIG. 47, a safety tray assembly 1020 is
shown again attached to leg 6. Assembly 1020 generally includes a
longitudinally moveable leg 1022, a laterally moveable leg 1024, a
vertical leg 1026, a vertically moveable collar 1028, a rotatable
collar 1030, and safety tray 1032.
[0152] With respect now to FIGS. 48-50, the operation of the safety
holder 1020 will be described in greater detail. With respect to
either FIG. 48 or FIG. 50, longitudinally moveable rail 1022 slides
inside of leg 6 and includes a plurality of apertures 1034 which
would operate in conjunction with a popper pin 1036 in a similar
manner as described with respect to popper pin 1016 above.
[0153] Vertical upright 1026 is attached orthogonally to laterally
moveable leg 1024 as shown and laterally moveable leg 1024 is
slidable through a sleeve 1040. Sleeve 1040 includes a popper pin
1042 which cooperates with apertures 1044 in the laterally moveable
leg 1024 to allow leg 1026, and safety holder 1032 to move
laterally towards and away from a workout bench. With respect to
FIGS. 48 and 49, vertically moveable sleeve 1028 is shown including
a popper pin 1050 which would cooperate with any one of a plurality
of apertures 1052 on vertical leg 1026. Sleeve 1028 is comprised of
a square shaped sleeve 1060 which is fixedly retained to an upper
ring 1062, an inner ring 1064 and lower ring 1066. Outer sleeve
1030 is trapped between upper 1062 and lower 1066 rings relative to
inner sleeve 1064. As shown, inner sleeve 1064 includes apertures
1070 which cooperate with popper pin 1072 to provide a radial
location for the safety tray 1032.
[0154] Thus in this embodiment, the safety tray assembly 1020
provides for four different degrees of freedom, namely along
longitudinal axis LG, lateral axis LA, vertical axis VT and radial
axis RA, as best shown in FIG. 50. Thus the user can move the
entire assembly longitudinally by grasping popper pin 1036 and
moving the assembly outwardly through leg 6 to a desired position.
Popper pin 1042 can be lifted to move the safety tray 1022 towards
or away from a workout bench. Handle 1074 can be grasped and moved
vertically by grasping popper pin 1050 to the vertically proper
position, and by grasping popper pin 1072 and moving the safety
tray 1032 to the proper radial position.
[0155] While applicants have shown a four way positionable safety
tray assembly, it should be understood that other degrees of
freedom could easily be shown by having other radially moveable
collars to move the tray in different angular positions. FIG. 51
shows one example of a possible setup for safety holders 1020
flanking a workout bench 1080.
[0156] With particular reference to FIG. 51, a particular
orientation of the safety holders 1020 is shown, together with
spotters 200, and bench 1080. In one orientation, the bench has a
height (a) from the ground of approximately 21'', although it
should be appreciated that this dimension could be varied to suit
particular users, and is anticipated that this range be between
20-22''. The vertical height (b) of the safety holders will
normally be set to a position below the height of the height "a" of
the bench, and the height 18'' has been found to be comfortable. It
should also be appreciated that the height "b" of the safety
holders is relative to the height of the bench, but it anticipated
that the height difference will be in the range of 2-6''. Finally,
the height "c" of the spotters 200 is movable upwardly and
downwardly to fit the user, but one comfortable position has been
found to be 42'' from the ground. This too is relative to the bench
height "a", but the difference between the bench height "a" and the
spotter height "c" will have a range at least 20-24'', and more
than likely of approximately 15-28'', which is primarily dependent
upon the length of the users arms.
[0157] Finally FIGS. 52-54 depict portable safety holders which can
be moveable anywhere relative to a workout bench 1080 or relative
to another workout station where the safety holders are shown as
assemblies 1100. As shown in FIGS. 53 and FIG. 54, assemblies 1100
are comprised of pedestals 1102 supporting a vertical upright 1104
which in turn supports a vertically moveable sleeve 1106. Safety
tray 1108 is attached to the vertically moveable sleeve 1106 and is
vertically moveable relative to vertical upright 1104 by way of a
popper pin 1110 engaging any one of a plurality of apertures 1112
as should now be well understood by way of previous examples. Thus
in this example, the pedestals could be moveable relative to a
workout bench and moved in any orientation longitudinal or
laterally of the bench, and at any angular orientation relative to
the bench and vertically moveable by way of sleeve 1106.
[0158] With reference now to FIGS. 55-59, safety holder similar
nature to that described as 1020 in FIG. 47 as shown, where the
safety holder is adjustable. As shown in FIG. 55, safety holder
1200 is mounted to a vertical post 1026, as described with respect
to FIG. 47, and thus need not be discussed further.
[0159] With respect to FIGS. 56 and 57, safety holders 1200 include
a tray portion 1202 comprised of a lower plate portion 1204 side
plate portions 1206, and a back plate portion 1208. On the back
side of plate 1208, and as shown in FIG. 57, two tubes 1210 are
mounted with thumbwheel screws 1212. An adjustable plate 1214 is
positioned on the inside of the back plate 1208 and includes rods
1216 mounted on the back side of adjustable plate 1214 which are
telescopically positioned in tubes 1210.
[0160] Thus it should be appreciated that the plate 1214 can be
adjusted to a position spaced away from the back plate 1208, as
shown in both of FIGS. 58 and 59, where thumbwheels 1212 are
loosened to allow the telescopic movement of rods 1216 within tubes
1210, whereupon thumbwheel screws 1212 can be tightened again to
hold the plate in infinitely variable number of positions, such as
the positions shown in FIGS. 58 and 59. Alternatively, the
adjustable plate 1214 can include square telescopic posts 1220
having apertures which align with apertures in a square tube 1222
where a popper pin 1224 can allow for incremental positioning of
the adjustable plate 1214. Regardless of the version of adjustable
plate shown, FIGS. 61-63 show three various positions for the
adjustable plate 1214 relative to back plate 1208. Thus with
reference to FIGS. 64-66, a users hand is shown gripping various
sizes of dumbbells 12A, 12B, and 12C. It should be understood that
the hand grip portion of the dumbbell increases in distance from
the lower plate 1204 as the dumbbell weight increases. This is due
to the fact that the weights on the end of the grip portion become
larger in diameter as the weights increase, increasing also the
distance from the hand grip to the lower plate 1204. Thus the user
can set the adjustable plate at a variety of positions relative to
the back plate 1208 depending upon the size of the dumbbell weight
being used. This prevents the user from dropping the dumbbell
weight onto one of the safety holders 1200 and hitting their wrist
on the front edge 1220 of the lower plate 1204.
* * * * *