Self-spotting apparatus for free-weights
OwnerMichael D. Slawinskiinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A weight support assembly [1205] and weight-responsive engagement assembly [1203] for a self-spotting free weight apparatus utilizes engagement of a pawl assembly [1215] in one of a plurality of vertically-spaced holes [1217] of a column 1207 to support a cable assembly [1209]. The cable assembly attaches the bar of a free-weight assembly to the weight responsive engagement assembly by means of a cable attachment assembly [1211] and sheaves 1213A, 1213B.
Claims14
A self-spotting apparatus for free-weights comprising:
- a weight support assembly comprising a generally vertical column, said column comprising a plurality of holes disposed vertically along a length of said column;
- a weight-responsive engagement assembly comprising a guide slidably engaging said column and a pawl engageable in one of said plurality of holes;
- a connector attached to said weight-responsive engagement assembly for operably connecting a free-weight assembly to said weight-responsive engagement assembly;
- wherein said pawl comprises a head portion tapered inward in both vertical and horizontal planes toward a distal end portion of said pawl.
A cable attachment assembly for mechanical connection of a bar of a free-weight assembly to a support cable of a free-weight apparatus and electrical connection between a grip sensor of said free-weight assembly and said support cable, the cable attachment assembly comprising:
- a first attachment portion comprising a first bar connector element and a grip sensor connector electrically connected to a first sliding-contact element;
- and
- a second attachment portion comprising a second bar connector element operably connected to a cable connector element, a second sliding-contact element slideably engageable to said first sliding-contact element, and an electrical cable connector electrically connected to said second sliding-contact element;
- whereby said second bar connector element and said cable connector element of said second portion mechanically connects said free-weight assembly to said support cable of free-weight apparatus and said grip sensor connector, said first sliding-contact element, said second sliding-contact element, and said electrical cable connector electrically connects said grip sensor to said support cable.
A cable attachment assembly for mechanical connection of a bar of a free-weight assembly to a support cable of a free-weight apparatus and electrical connection between a grip sensor of said free-weight assembly and said support cable, the cable attachment assembly comprising:
- a first collar comprising a first bar clamp and a grip sensor connector electrically connected to a spring-biased brush assembly;
- and
- a second collar comprising a journal portion rotationally engageable with said bar operably connected to a cable connector for attaching said support cable to said second collar, a slip ring engageable to said brush assembly, and an electrical cable connector electrically connecting said support cable to said slip ring assembly;
- whereby said journal portion and said cable connector of said second collar mechanically connect said bar of said free-weight assembly to said support cable of said free-weight apparatus and said grip sensor connector, said spring-biased brush assembly, said slip ring assembly, and said electrical cable connector electrically connects said grip sensor to said support cable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.