# US 2014/0155230 A1 · Release Movement Neuromuscular Developer

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- Number: US 2014/0155230 A1
- Document ID: US20140155230A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 14/098,358
- Filed: 2013-12-05
- Published: 2014-06-05
- Earliest claimed: 2012-12-05
- Inventors: Larry Traub
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140155230A1

## CPC

- A63B 21/0724: {Bar-bells; Hand bars}
- A63B 21/0628: {for vertical array of weights}
- A63B 21/0783: {Safety features for bar-bells, e.g. drop limiting means}
- A63B 71/0619: {Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills}
- A63B 2220/20: Distances or displacements
- A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H)

## Abstract

A weightlifting apparatus supports a weight bar and controls its path. The apparatus allows a lifter to complete the full range of a lift repetition encompassing lowering the weight and rebounding with an explosive lift to include release of the weight bar at the end of the lift. The apparatus controls and catches the weight bar at the bars greatest height. A gage on the apparatus allows measurement of the height of the bar so that progress can be measured. A spotter operates a return and reset mechanism in the apparatus to return the bar to the control of the lifter and to reset the catch mechanism of the apparatus.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A weight training apparatus comprising:
a weight bar for receiving weights;
a first frame holding said weight bar;
a second frame connected to said first frame and controlling the motion of said first frame and said weight bar;
a third frame supporting said second frame;
a catch mechanism, said catch mechanism allowing a lifter to lower and then lift said weight bar and catching said first frame and holding it at the highest point in the lift of said weight bar during use;
a return and reset mechanism operable to return said weight bar to the initial position; and
a release mechanism operable to disengage said catch mechanism;
said return and reset mechanism operable to reset said catch mechanism to allow subsequent lifts.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The weight training apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
the position of said weight bar on said first frame is adjustable.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The weight training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a gauge to indicate the extent of a lift.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The weight training apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
said third frame comprises a base and posts;
said second frame comprises a parallel rocker arm mechanism pivotally mounted to said posts; and
said first frame is pivotally connected to said second frame, the motion of said first frame being defined by the rocker motion of said second frame.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The weight training apparatus of claim 4, wherein:
said catch mechanism operates between said second frame and said third frame to hold said second frame and said first frame.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The weight training apparatus of claim 5, wherein:
said catch mechanism comprises
a catch track mounted on said third frame, said catch track comprising a smooth plate aligned with a rack with teeth; and
a catch tongue mounted on said second frame, said catch tongue biased to press into said catch track, said catch tongue riding on said smooth plate while said weight bar is lowered and returned, said catch tongue engaging said rack at the height of the lift.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The weight training apparatus of claim 6, wherein:
said release mechanism withdraws said catch tongue from said rack to release said catch mechanism.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The weight training apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
said third frame comprises a base and posts;
said second frame comprises essentially vertical slides supported by said posts; and
said first frame comprises a weight sled riding on said slides.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The weight training apparatus of claim 8, wherein:
said catch mechanism operates between said first frame and said third frame to hold said first frame.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The weight training apparatus of claim 9, wherein:
said catch mechanism comprises
a chain loop carried on sprockets around said third frame, said chain loop located in a vertical plane and attached at one location to said first frame;
a first catch element attached to said chain loop at another location;
a second catch element attached to said third frame;
said first catch element and said second catch element being in alignment and engaging with each other to hold said first frame by said chain loop.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The weight training apparatus of claim 10, wherein:
said first catch element comprises a catch track attached to said chain loop, said catch track comprising a smooth plate aligned with a rack with teeth; and
said second catch element comprises a catch tongue mounted on said third frame, said catch tongue biased to press into said catch track, said catch tongue riding on said smooth plate while said weight bar is lowered and returned, said catch tongue engaging said rack at the height of the lift to hold said first frame by said chain loop.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

The weight training apparatus of claim 11, wherein:
said release mechanism withdraws said catch tongue from said rack to release said catch mechanism.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The weight training apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
said return and reset mechanism is powered.