US 6,293,892 B1Granted

Self-spotting apparatus for free-weights

AssigneeProspot, Inc.

InventorsMichael D. Slawinski, Mikael L. E. Olsson

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Abstract

A self-spotting apparatus for free-weights (101) provides two cable assemblies (107A, 107B) with one end of each cable assembly attached to a free-weight assembly (115) and the opposite end attached to respective linear weight-support assemblies (123A, 123B) via respective weight-responsive engagement blocks (125A, 125B). Guide rods (127A, 127B) allow vertical motion of the engagement blocks and maintain engagement orientation relative to the support assemblies. The engagement blocks engage the respective support assemblies for static support of the free-weight assembly. Lifting of the substantial weight of the free-weight assembly and activation of disengagement bias is required to disengage the engagement blocks from the respective support assemblies to allow free motion of the free-weight assembly. The apparatus provides self-spotting for barbells (115) and dumbbells (247A).

Claims35

Dependent claims

A self-spotting apparatus for us in connection with a free-weight assembly, the apparatus comprising:

a support stand;
a first linear weight-support assembly and a second linear weight-support assembly attached to the support stand;
a first cable assembly comprising a first end attachable to the free-weight assembly, and a second end engageable to the first weight-support assembly by a first weight-responsive engagement assembly linearly displaceable along the first weight-support assembly, the first weight-support assembly providing support to the free-weight assembly against gravity when the first weight-responsive engagement assembly is engaged to the first weight-support assembly;
a second cable assembly comprising a first end attachable to the free-weight assembly, and a second end engageable to the second weight-support assembly by a second weight-responsive engagement assembly linearly displaceable along the second weight-support assembly, the second weight-support assembly providing support to the free-weight assembly against gravity when the second weight-responsive engagement assembly is engaged to the second weight-support assembly;
the first weight-responsive engagement assembly comprising a means for disengaging the first weight-responsive engagement assembly from the first weight-support assembly when a user provides lift support of a substantial portion of the weight of the free-weight assembly.

2 more elements

A self-spotting apparatus for use in connection with a free-weight assembly, the apparatus comprising:

a support stand;
a first weight-support assembly attached to the support stand;
a first cable assembly comprising a first end attachable to the free-weight assembly, and a second end attached to the first weight-support assembly by a first weight-responsive engagement assembly engagable to the first weight support assembly and linearly displaceable along a first linear guide attached to the support stand, the first cable assembly and the first weight-support assembly providing vertical support to the free-weight assembly against gravity when the first weight-responsive assembly is engaged to the first weight-support assembly;
the first weight-responsive engagement assembly comprising a means for disengaging the first weight-responsive engagement assembly from the first weight-support assembly when a user provides lift support of a substantial portion of the weight of the free-weight assembly.

1 more element

A self-spotting apparatus for use in connection with a free-weight assembly, the apparatus comprising:

a support stand;
a first linear weight-support assembly attached to the support stand;
the free-weight assembly supportable by the first linear weight-support assembly through a first weight-responsive engagement assembly comprising a first lock element comprising a shape that is lock-engagable to the first linear weight-support assembly in a first direction defined by support of the free weight against gravity and disengagable from the first linear weight-support assembly in a second direction opposite of the first direction by a combination of a first disengagement force provided by a first disengagement actuator actuated by an operator and simultaneous support of a substantial portion of the weight of the free-weight assembly by the operator.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/385,241Filed 28 Aug 1999
Granted: 25 Sep 2001
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification4 codes

A63B 21/00181
Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without…:…
A63B 21/0783
Devices for bench press exercises , e.g. supports, guiding means: safety features for bar-bells, e.g. drop limiting means
A63B 21/152
Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains: bowden-type cables
A63B
Apparatus for physical training, gymnastics, swimming, climbing, or fencing

Family

No related US applications are recorded in the indexed filing history.

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