Self-spotting apparatus for free-weights

• US 6,893,381 B2
• Filed: 03/25/2003
• Issued: 05/17/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/28/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Crossroads Debt, LLC
• Original Assignee: Michael D. Slawinski
• Inventors: Slawinski, Michael D.
• Primary Examiner(s): RICHMAN, GLENN E
• Application Number:
  US10/397,744
• Publication Number:
  US 20040176224A1
• Time in Patent Office: 784 Days
• Field of Search: 482/104, 482106-108, 482/4, 482/8, 482/93
• US Class Current: 482/8
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/078 Devices for bench press exercises , e.g. supports, guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0783 Safety features for bar-bells, e.g. drop limiting means
• CPC Class Codes: G05F 1/45 being controlled rectifiers in series with the load

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.

Claims

1. 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.

2. The cable attachment assembly of claim 1 wherein said first bar connector element is a mechanical clamp whereby said first attachment portion is rotationally fixed to said bar.

3. The cable attachment assembly of claim 2 wherein said second bar connector element comprises a journal whereby said bar is rotatable with respect to said second attachment portion.

4. The cable attachment assembly of claim 1 wherein said first sliding-contact element is a brush of a spring-biased brush assembly.

5. The cable attachment assembly of claim 4 wherein said second sliding-contact element is a slip ring.

6. The cable attachment assembly of claim 1 comprising a third attachment portion comprising a third bar connector element whereby fixing said third attachment portion on said bar with said third bar attachment element opposite said second attachment portion from said first attachment portion maintains sliding contact between said first attachment portion and said second attachment portion.

7. The cable attachment assembly of claim 3 wherein said second attachment portion comprises a mechanical stop engageable with a lug on said bar to limit rotation of said bar with respect to said second attachment portion.

8. The cable attachment assembly of claim 7 wherein said mechanical stop is a groove disposed in said journal.

9. 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.