U.S. patent application number 11/364276 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-30 for self spotting barbell press.
Invention is credited to William Matthews Brawner.
Application Number | 20070203003 11/364276 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38444723 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070203003 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brawner; William Matthews |
August 30, 2007 |
Self spotting barbell press
Abstract
A self-spotting safety bench press is composed of an adjustable
bench and uprights located on either side of the bench adjacent the
lifters upper body. Lifting arms extend from the uprights into the
barbell's pathway and have the ability to slide up and down to
contact the barbell and decrease the weight exerted on the
exerciser. A single hydraulic cylinder in conjunction with a pulley
system provides force to each lifting arm, which is depressed below
the barbell's path before use. When assistance is needed, the
exerciser releases a hydraulic restrictor valve causing the arms to
ascend removing a user-determined amount of weight from the
barbell. If the total amount of weight is not chosen to be removed
the user can continue performing repetitions with machine
assistance. A second restrictor valve allows only upward movement
should the exerciser fail. A third flow restrictor valve adjusts
the rate of arm travel. An air charged hydraulic accumulator
provides the hydraulic pressure to the cylinder.
Inventors: |
Brawner; William Matthews;
(Wendell, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM J. MASON;MACCORD MASON PLLC
POST OFFICE BOX 1489
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
NC
28480
US
|
Family ID: |
38444723 |
Appl. No.: |
11/364276 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/104 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/078 20130101;
A63B 21/0783 20151001; A63B 21/4029 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/104 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/078 20060101
A63B021/078 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for safely supporting a barbell comprising: a)
first and second spaced uprights, each of said uprights including a
barbell support having a raised position and a lowered position,
said uprights each having a top end with a pulley wheel; b) a
single hydraulic cylinder having a push-rod with extended and
retracted positions; c) first and second cables, each cable
extending around a pulley from an anchored end to an opposed end in
communication with a barbell support, whereby movement of said
push-rod between its extended and retracted positions raises and
lowers each barbell support; d) at least one pre-charged
accumulator tank having a pressure housing for storing hydraulic
fluid under pressure; and e) at least one actuator for controlling
the flow of fluid between said at least one pre-charged accumulator
tank and said hydraulic cylinder, whereby flow of fluid into said
hydraulic cylinder urges said supports toward their raised
positions.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said uprights includes
a slotted outer housing, a slide bar longitudinally aligned within
said housing, and a sleeve slidable on said slide bar, said barbell
support being attached to said sleeve and extending outwardly from
said upright through said slot.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ratio between the range of
push-rod travel, and the range of either barbell support travel is
from about 10:1 to 1:10.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a horizontal
attachment member joining said uprights.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one actuator is
positioned for access by a user's hand when the user is in a squat
exercise position.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one actuator is
positioned for access by a user's foot.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said uprights include barbell
weight rests attached to said uprights at selected vertical
positions.
8. An apparatus for safely supporting a barbell during weight
lifting comprising: a) a weight bench having a head end and a lower
end; b) first and second spaced, elongated uprights positioned on
opposite sides of said bench head end, each of said uprights
including a barbell support having a raised position and a lowered
position, said uprights each having a top end with a pulley wheel;
c) a single hydraulic cylinder having a push-rod with extended and
retracted positions; d) first and second cables, each cable
extending around a pulley from an anchored end to an opposed end in
communication with a barbell support, whereby movement of said
push-rod between its extended and retracted positions raises and
lowers each barbell support; e) at least one pre-charged
accumulator tank having a pressure housing for storing hydraulic
fluid under pressure; and f) at least one actuator for controlling
the flow of fluid between said at least one pre-charged accumulator
tank and said hydraulic cylinder, whereby flow of fluid into said
cylinder urges said supports toward their raised positions.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the ratio between the range of
push-rod travel, and the range of either barbell support travel is
from about 10:1 to 1:10.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said at least one actuator is
positioned adjacent the lower end of said bench.
11. The apparatus of claim 8, further including a bench support
extending between said uprights, the head end of said bench being
supported on said bench support.
12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of said uprights
includes a slotted outer housing, a slide bar longitudinally
aligned within said housing, and a sleeve slidable on said slide
bar, said barbell support being attached to said sleeve and
extending outwardly from said upright through said slot, said at
least one hydraulic cylinder first end being in communication with
said sleeve.
13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said uprights are tilted
rearwardly.
14. The apparatus of claim 8, further including a horizontal
attachment member joining said uprights.
15. An apparatus for safely supporting a barbell during weight
lifting comprising: a) a tiltable weight bench for supporting a
user's head and torso, said bench having a head end and a lower
end; b) first and second spaced, elongated uprights positioned on
opposite sides of said bench head end, each of said uprights
including a slotted outer housing, a slide bar longitudinally
aligned within said housing, a sleeve slidable on said slide bar
between a raised position and a lowered position, and a horizontal
barbell support attached to said sleeve and extending outwardly
from said housing through said slot; c) a single hydraulic cylinder
having a push-rod with extended and retracted positions; d) first
and second cables, each cable extending around a pulley from an
anchored end to an opposed end attached to a slidable sleeve,
whereby movement of said push-rod between its extended and
retracted positions raises and lowers each slidable sleeve and
barbell support; e) at least one pre-charged accumulator tank
having a pressure housing for storing hydraulic fluid under
pressure; and f) at least one actuator for controlling the flow of
fluid between said at least one pre-charged accumulator tank and
said at least one hydraulic cylinder, whereby flow of fluid into
said cylinder urges said supports toward their raised positions,
said at least one actuator including a valve and a valve controller
operable by said user when said user is positioned on said
bench.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said valve controller is
positioned for access by a user's hand when the user is in a squat
exercise position.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the ratio between the range
of travel of each barbell support and the range of push-rod travel
is from about 10:1 to 1:10.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, further including a horizontal
attachment member joining said uprights.
19. The apparatus of claim 15, further including a vertically
adjustable, horizontal bench support extending between said
uprights, the head end of said bench being supported on said bench
support.
20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said valve controller is
positioned for access by a user's foot when the user is on said
bench.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] (1) Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to free weight
exercise equipment, and in particular to an improved self-spotting
bench press.
[0003] (2) Description of the Prior Art
[0004] The use of barbells, i.e., free weights, for conditioning
and enhancement of the body's musculature is widely practiced by a
variety of people. Often, these people prefer to weight lift in the
privacy of their home, and when they feel like weight lifting.
[0005] Most often weight training is executed with a spotter, i.e.,
someone who can assist the lifter when they become fatigued or are
having difficulty or are about to drop the weight. Style,
communication, consistency and reaction time are all factors that
vary when being spotted. These factors are major deterrents to
using a human spotter. However, to weight lift without a spotter
may be dangerous to the weight lifter. There is a significant
danger of serious injury due to fatigue or improper technique
unless a spotter is present to grab the barbell to prevent the
barbell from dropping on the weight lifter. This danger exists in
situations from private to professional weight lifting.
[0006] The danger of crushing ones chest performing the bench press
exercise is a great concern. U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,379 to Brawner
(2004) shows a device that lifts the weight from the lifters chest
using multiple hydraulic cylinders. While this device removes the
weight it does so at considerable cost since multiple cylinders and
the hydraulic components to support them are required. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,989,164 to Kullman et al (1999) shows a device that lifts the
weight from the lifter's chest. While this device removes the
weight from the lifter's chest, it utilizes cables attached to the
lifting weight that increase setup time and can cause increased or
decreased resistance due to contact with the barbell. U.S. Pat. No.
6,926,648 to Capizzo (2005) shows a device that also lifts the
weight from the lifter's chest using a motor. This device lacks the
ability to adjust the amount of assist, and rate of lift to each
lifter's preference. U.S. Pat. No. 6,632,159 to Slattery (2003)
describes a spotting machine that requires power to operate an
electric motor that limits the machine to an area supplied with a
power source.
All the machines heretofore known suffer from one or more of the
following disadvantages:
[0007] a. Using multiple hydraulic cylinders. The lifting
functionality of U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,379 to Brawner (2004) can be
achieved without the use of multiple cylinders.
[0008] b. When using multiple hydraulic cylinders connected to the
same pressure supply the cylinders don't always ascend at the same
rate.
[0009] c. Exercisers regularly lean weight plates against the
uprights of the exercise bench. Prior art using upright mounted
hydraulic cylinders risk cylinder damage and hydraulic leaks due to
this tendency.
[0010] d. Require lifting mechanism adjustment such that the
lifting range of the mechanism is consistent with the lifting range
of the exerciser.
[0011] e. Not being adjustable to suit each individual lifter's
spotting preference, such as whether the spotting mechanism should
assist the lifter by removing a fraction of the weight, remove all
the weight, or not be used at all, and rate at which the spotting
mechanism lifts the weight.
[0012] f. Not enabling the lifter to continue repetitions while
being assisted by the spotting device and still having the ability
to lock the spotting device preventing the weight from falling on
or crushing the lifter.
[0013] g. Requiring electrical power.
[0014] h. Using barbell attachments such as cables that impede
motion.
[0015] i. Using a greater quantity of material and being
significantly larger and therefore heavier than traditional bench
presses. This is more costly and discourages their use in private
homes.
[0016] j. Not enabling the lifter to use the device with a human
spotter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention relates to a safety device for
supporting a weight bar (barbell) above an exerciser, and to an
apparatus comprised of the safety device in combination with
free-weight exercise equipment (such as, but not limited to a bench
press or squat rack).
[0018] Generally, the apparatus is comprised of first and second
placed elongated uprights positionable on opposite sides of the
head or upper end of the weightlifting bench, or of the squatting
area. Note that the weightlifting bench position within the plane
of the uprights is the position from which the squat exercise is
performed should the apparatus not be fitted with a bench. Each of
the uprights includes a slotted, elongated outer housing, an
elongated slide bar that is longitudinally aligned within the
housing, and a sleeve slideable on the slide bar between raised and
lowered positions. The slideable sleeve and slide bar can be
replaced by a shuttle type slide that does not require a slide
bar/ball bushing slide. Such a shuttle type slide would have wheels
and traverse up and down the upright using the upright as a track.
Affixed to the slideable assembly of each upright is a cable of
sufficient strength and flexibility to convey hydraulic cylinder
force to the slide assembly. In other words, a first cable is
included for the first upright and a second cable is included for
the second upright. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term
cable includes straps, cords and wires.
[0019] Conventional pulley wheels located at each end of the
uprights are for directing the cables in a plane parallel with the
uprights and then in the direction of the hydraulic cylinder
push-rod. This pulley and cable arrangement allows the conversion
and relocation of linear push-rod movement into linear slide
assembly movement in each upright. A horizontal barbell support arm
is attached to the sleeve and extends outwardly from the housing
through the first slot in the direction of the bench or
perpendicular to the vertical plane that passes through the
barbell. The support arms are parallel and lie in a horizontal
plane above the bench or squatting position, with the arm
intersecting the path of the barbell when it is lifted.
[0020] A single hydraulic cylinder is positioned between the first
and second uprights. The hydraulic cylinder is of conventional
design and is comprised of a tubular section with a hydraulic fluid
inlet at one end. At the other end a push-rod having inner and
outer ends projects outwardly from the cylinder. The inner end of
the push-rod is connected to a piston within the cylinder. When
hydraulic fluid enters the interior of the tubular section, the
push-rod extends outwardly from the cylinder. The outer end of the
push-rod includes a pulley wheel with axle of sufficient strength
and size to accommodate the cables having their first ends attached
to the slideable assembly. The second ends of the cables are
attached to the distal end of the cylinder. However, the cable
second ends could be fastened to other locations and achieve the
same result of providing an anchor point for each cable. An idler
pulley is mounted to the distal end of the cylinder. The idler
pulley is free to rotate within a plane parallel to the extendable
push-rod such that the cable originating from the upright in the
direction that the cylinder push-rod extends can be redirected.
From their anchor point on the distal side of the cylinder, each
cable will extend in the direction of, and around the pulley wheel
on the extendable push-rod, then extend back in the direction of,
and parallel to the cylinder. At this point, the first cable will
round the pulley wheel on the distal end of the cylinder and be
directed toward the pulley wheel at the lower end of the first
upright in the direction that the cylinder push-rod extends. The
second cable will extend past the cylinder and be directed toward
the pulley wheel at the lower end of the second upright.
Preferably, the tubular section of the hydraulic cylinder is
attached at each end to a cross member adjoining the first and
second uprights. Thus, as the push-rod is extended under pressure
of hydraulic fluid, the slideable sleeves and attached support arms
are urged to move in an upward direction.
[0021] The combination of cables and pulleys with the single
hydraulic cylinder and push-rod provides a unique mechanical
advantage over the prior art. For example, the number and
arrangement of pulleys can be selected to provide a fixed ratio of
travel between the barbell supports and the stroke length of the
push-rod. The preferred embodiment uses a cable and pulley
arrangement that yields a two-inch travel for every inch of
push-rod stroke. This allows for a shorter and less expensive
hydraulic cylinder to be used as the system's actuator. Other
travel ratios such as 3:1 could be selected. In fact, dependent
upon the number and arrangement of pulleys used as well as their
diameter, a practical travel ratio of push-rod travel to barbell
support travel can be implemented from about 1:10 to 10:1.
[0022] Hydraulic fluid is stored in an accumulator of conventional
design. Basically, the accumulator or "gas-oil" tank is comprised
of a pressure housing containing an air inlet above the hydraulic
fluid level, and a hydraulic outlet beneath the hydraulic fluid
level. Valves along the hydraulic fluid outlet stream and air inlet
control the flow of hydraulic fluid and air respectively. Hydraulic
fluid is stored under pressure within the accumulator due to the
compressed air also in the accumulator. When the hydraulic fluid
valve is opened, fluid flows from the accumulator to the hydraulic
cylinder. The accumulator can be pre-charged with gases other than
air could be used in place of air. For example, nitrogen gas would
provide extended system life due to its inertness. Moreover, the
accumulator can include a gas pressure relief valve and a
connection above the hydraulic fluid level that allows the
accumulator tank to be pressurized or charged with gas. There is
also a hydraulic line connection below the lowest fluid level of
the tank.
[0023] The apparatus may include a user support bench, which is
preferably of sufficient length to support the user's head and
torso. When combined with the safety device, the head of the bench
can be raised and lowered. For example, a vertically adjustable
bench support bar may extend from the frame of the bench, with the
head of the bench being supported on the support bar. An additional
horizontal mounting bar may be used to attach the uprights to each
other. The uprights may also include barbell rests attachable at
various locations along the upright housings.
[0024] When combined with the safety device, the apparatus may
further include a sufficiently vacant area between the uprights for
giving the user space or weight lifting area to perform squat
exercises. This space is also available for placing detached seats,
benches, or other exercise enabling supports. An additional
horizontal mounting bar may be used to attach the uprights to each
other in such a way that it does not interfere with the squat
exercise, or placement and use of exercise enabling devices. The
uprights may also include barbell rests attachable at various
locations along the upright housings.
[0025] The apparatus may further include the incorporation of the
upright supports into a cage that prevents the lifting weight from
moving outside the area above the lifting arms. When combined with
the safety device, the lifting arms may extend into the lifting
cage with sufficient depth and movement to support the squat
exercise or any other bar based exercises performed within the
cage.
[0026] In order to control the position of the support arms, the
apparatus includes a controller or actuator accessible by the user
when reclined on the bench or standing between the uprights. This
actuator, which may be foot or hand operated, is used to open the
hydraulic valve, thereby causing hydraulic fluid to enter the
hydraulic cylinder. As a result, the push-rod of the hydraulic
cylinder is extended, raising the support arms and lifting the
barbell away from the user. The valve may be partially opened to
release a limited volume of fluid to slowly raise the barbell, or
fully opened to raise the barbell quickly. If the actuator is hand
operated, it is preferred that it be a trigger type actuator. This
trigger is important because anyone doing squats on the bench is
required to stand between the uprights, thereby making foot
operation of the actuator impractical.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Accordingly, several object and advantages of the present invention
are:
[0027] a. To provide a new and novel safety device or apparatus for
an individual engaged in the activity of weight lifting.
[0028] b. To provide a new and novel device that acts instead of a
spotter (eliminates need for spotter).
[0029] c. To provide a device that enables the lifter to easily
adjust the rate at which the device assists (raises the weight
from) the lifter.
[0030] d. To provide a device that enables the lifter to easily
adjust the amount of assistance provided by the machine.
[0031] e. To provide a device easily set up that can either assist
in lifting the weight or lift the weight in its entirety.
[0032] f. To provide a device that when actuated, enables the
lifter to continue performing repetitions while being assisted.
[0033] g. To provide a device that when actuated by the lifter,
does not allow any downward movement of the weight.
[0034] h. To provide a device that does not require electrical
power.
[0035] i. To provide a device that can be used with a traditional
human spotter.
[0036] j. To provide a device with a shape, weight and size similar
to traditional manual machines.
[0037] k. To provide a device that enables the user to exercise
with the seat in incline, flat, and decline positions.
[0038] l. To provide a device that enables the user to perform a
squatting or `box squat` exercise.
[0039] m. To provide a device with improved lifting arm motion and
a less complex design than prior art offering the same
functionality.
[0040] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] FIG. 1 Self Spotting Safety Bench Press Composite
[0042] FIG. 2 Inner Front Side of Upright
[0043] FIG. 3 Upright Internal Attachments
[0044] FIG. 4 Adjustable Weight Rest
[0045] FIG. 5 Adjustable Weight Rest
[0046] FIG. 6 Hydraulic & Pneumatic Power System with
Transmission
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0047] 1. Upright [0048] 2. Lifting Arm [0049] 3. Slide Bar [0050]
4. Slide [0051] 5. Slide Bearing [0052] 6. Cross Bar [0053] 7. Seat
[0054] 8. Accumulator [0055] 9. Hydraulic Cylinder [0056] 10.
Actuator [0057] 11. Hydraulic cylinder fluid supply line. [0058]
12. Adjustable Hydraulic Fluid Flow Valve [0059] 13. One way
hydraulic flow valve (to cylinder) [0060] 14. One way flow valve
(to accumulator) [0061] 15. Actuator Cables [0062] 16. Adjustable
Weight Rest [0063] 17. Pulley 1 (End of cylinder piston shaft)
[0064] 18. Pulley 2 (Near cylinder) [0065] 19. Pulley 3 (At base of
uprights) [0066] 20. Pulley 4) (at top of Uprights) [0067] 21.
Weight Rest Support Holes [0068] 22. Lifting Arm Slot [0069] 23.
Cap [0070] 24. Centering Plate [0071] 25. Floor Plate [0072] 26.
Barbell [0073] 27. Cable [0074] 28. Valve [0075] 29. Upright
Support [0076] 30. Seat frame (Adjustable) [0077] 31. Weight Rest
Mounting Pins
[0078] When reference numerals identify multiples of similar parts
those parts will be labeled with the coinciding number followed by
a letter. For example there are two Uprights, 1a and 1b.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0079] In the following description, terms such as horizontal,
upright, vertical, above, below, beneath, and the like, are used
solely for the purpose of clarity in illustrating the invention,
and should not be taken as words of limitation. The drawings are
for the purpose of illustrating the invention and are not intended
to be to scale.
[0080] FIG. 1 shows a composite drawing of the device. There are
two uprights (1a, 1b) parallel to each other and tilted slightly
away from the longer side of the seat (7). Two adjustable weight
rests (16a, 16b) are located on the inner side of each upright.
Protruding from the front of each upright (1a, 1b) is a lifting arm
(2a, 2b) that extends perpendicular to gravity, and in the
direction of the seat (7) and adjustable seat frame (30). Each
upright (1a, 1b) has a support (29a, 29b) and is connected to the
other via a cross bar (6). Mounted to the cross bar (6) is an
accumulator (8) (see FIG. 6) and a hydraulic cylinder (9) (see FIG.
6). Attached to the center of the cross bar (6) is the upper end of
the adjustable seat (7) frame. Attached close to the floor at the
foot end of the seat (7) is an actuator (10).
[0081] FIG. 2 focuses on upright (1b). The inner side and front
side of upright (1b) contains weight rest support holes (21)
extending partially down the upright. The front of the upright (1b)
to the right of the holes contains a lifting arm slot (22).
Contained within the upright are centering holes for holding the
slide bar (3b) (please see FIGS. 3 and 6).
[0082] FIG. 3 shows the parts an upright (1b) contains without the
upright itself included. The slide bar (3b) nearly extends the full
length of the upright (1b) and is held in place by centering plates
(24b). Mounted on the slide bar (3b) is the slide (4b) that
contains bearings (5) at either end. Attached to the slide (4b) is
a cable (27b) and lifting arm (2b). An upright base Pulley (19b)
and top pulley (20b) are located at the extents of the upright
(1b). The upright cap (23b) and floor plate (25b) are at opposing
ends of the upright.
[0083] FIGS. 4 and 5 show the adjustable weight rest (16b). This
piece is "u" shaped to partially wrap around an upright (1b). It
contains two mounting pins (31). The first pin is located on the
backside of the front plate containing the barbell support
extension. The second pin is located on the side plate to extend
into the inner weight rest support holes (21). Pin location
coincides with the weight rest support holes (21). Pin location
allows the front pin to slide into the rest support hole (21) when
the adjustable weight rest (16b) is rotated clockwise ninety
degrees. Once the first pin is seated in the support hole, rotation
of the adjustable weight rest (16b) ninety degrees counter clock
wise (with the front pin within the support hole (21) being the
axis of rotation) seats the inner pin in the inner rest support
hole (21).
[0084] FIG. 6 shows the Hydraulic and Pneumatic system that powers
the self-spotting bench along with the cable (27) and pulley (17,
18, 19, 20) system for transmitting the power to the lifting arms
(2a, 2b). The accumulator (8) is connected to a hydraulic line (11)
that exits the accumulator (8) and leads to three valves; one way
valve to cylinder (13), one way valve to accumulator (14), and the
flow rate valve (12). The hydraulic line then leads to the
hydraulic cylinder (9). One end of the cable (27a, 27b) is attached
to the hydraulic cylinder, it then rounds the hydraulic cylinder
piston shaft pulley (17) then proceeds toward the cylinder pulley
(18). At the cylinder pulley (18) cables (27a, 27b) separate to
serve each of the uprights (1a, 1b). One cable (27a) proceeds
towards the bottom of its respective upright (1a) and one cable
(27b) rounds the cylinder pulley (18) then proceeds toward its
respective upright (1b). The cables (27a, 27b) then round the
upright base pulley (19a, 19b), round upright top pulley (20a,
20b), then connect with the slide (4a, 4b).
Operation
[0085] FIG. 1 shows the barbell (26) free weight starting point
held on the adjustable weight rest (16). The distance of the weight
from the seat (7) (and therefore the lifter) can be adjusted by
rotating each adjustable weight rest (16) ninety degrees away from
the upright (1a, 1b) using the front pin as a pivot point. After
being rotated the adjustable weight rest (16) can be separated from
the upright (1) by moving it perpendicular to the upright in the
direction the lifting arm (2) extends. The adjustable weight rest
(16) can be reattached in other locations performing the reverse of
these instructions in any other weight rest support hole (21).
[0086] Once the barbell is held on the adjustable weight rest (16a,
16b) the lifter can now set the one-way flow valve (to accumulator)
(14) to be active. This will allow the lifting arms (2a, 2b) to
only move downward. The lifter has two options as to how to depress
the lifting arms (2a, 2b). The first option is to get in the
exercising position, remove the barbell (26) from the adjustable
weight rests allowing the weight to lower and depress the lifting
arms (2a, 2b), and then start repetitions from the lowest point the
bar traveled. The second option is to depress each lifting arm (2a,
2b) by hand to a point where it will not interfere with the
exercise until released.
[0087] If the lifter desires an increased or decreased assisting
force exerted on the barbell by the lifting arms, an air adjustment
can be made to the accumulator by adding air using a conventional
air compressor or releasing air through the accumulator tank valve
(28). If the rate at which the lifting arm ascends is too slow or
fast the adjustable hydraulic fluid flow valve (12) can also be
manipulated to suit user preference.
[0088] Repetitions are started once the lifting arms are depressed
and the equipment is adjusted to suit lifter's preferences. When
the lifter needs a "spot" the one way flow valve (to accumulator)
is released. The compressed air in the accumulator (8) acts as a
spring and forces hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic cylinder
fluid supply line (11) and into the hydraulic cylinder (9). The
cylinder shaft then extends pulling the cable (27) and causing the
attached lifting arm to also rise. The lifting arms contact the
barbell and assist (spot) the lifter. The opposite of this action
occurs when the lifting arms are being depressed (i.e. the
hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic cylinders (11a, 11b) is forced
back into the accumulator where potential energy is stored in the
form of compressed air.).
[0089] Once the one-way flow valve (to accumulator) (14) is
released, the lifting arms (2) will be permitted to move up and
down while still asserting an assisting force on the barbell (26).
This allows the lifter to continue by performing assisted
repetitions when he/she could no longer lift the original weight
unassisted. Should the upward force desired by the lifter exceed
the weight of the barbell the entire weight will be lifted by the
machine, not permitting assisted repetitions.
[0090] When the lifter is no longer able to perform the assisted
repetitions (or whenever else the lifter desires) the one way flow
valve (to cylinder) (13) can be engaged. This will only allow
hydraulic fluid to flow toward the cylinder (9) thus allowing the
lifting arms to raise but not be lowered. This will allow the
lifter to lift the barbell with assistance, and then prevent the
barbell (26) from falling on the lifter when failure occurs.
[0091] The manipulation of the one way flow valves (13, 14)
mentioned above is accomplished by use of an actuator (10) the
exerciser manipulates with his/her lower leg or foot. The actuator
(10) is connected to the hydraulic valves via actuator cables (15)
and pulley transmission system. When the actuator (10) is kicked
once in the direction of the accumulator (8) the one way valve to
the accumulator (14) will be released. When kicked a second time
the one way valve to the cylinder (13) will be engaged. The system
can then be reset by either kicking the actuator (10) a third time
or manually resetting the one way flow valves (13,14).
[0092] Due to the stress the exerciser is experiencing during
failure the exercisers leg or foot is likely to contact the
actuator with significant force. The actuator therefore has a
limited range of motion and does not transfer all of this energy to
the valves. For the same reason the actuator is constructed with
suitable smooth surface area as to not injure the exerciser when
kicked. The design of the actuator (10) shown in FIG. 1 is not
intended to limit the scope of this invention. A lanyard that
attaches to the exerciser's leg or foot, or a switch that is
mounted on the barbell is also feasible.
[0093] Thus the reader will see that the self-spotting safety bench
press of this invention provides a dependable spotting machine that
increases user safety with a minimum of components. The spotting
speed and force exerted is fully adjustable to suit user
preferences, as is weight rest position, and seat position. This
machine has two spotting modes. The first mode allows the lifter to
continue repetitions (up and down) assisted by the machine. The
second mode only allows upward movement, preventing the weight from
falling on the lifter. Furthermore this machine requires no
electrical power and is of a weight and size similar to traditional
non-spotting bench presses. These attributes make this machine
likely to be used in private and public gyms alike.
[0094] While the above description contains many specifics, these
should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred
embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For
example, the uprights described above do not have to be tilted away
from the seat extension of the bench. Still another example is that
the spotting device used with this machine is not to be limited to
use with only one type of seat. A seat adjustable to various
incline, decline and flat positions and seats in fixed positions
are all types that can be used with this device.
[0095] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined
not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents.
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