Self-spotting apparatus for free-weights
First Claim
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1. A self-spotting apparatus for free-weights comprising:
- a frame;
an elongated weight support assembly attached to said frame;
a first weight engagement assembly operably attachable to said free-weights, translatable along said elongated weight support assembly towards a top end when said free-weights are lowered due to gravity and comprising a first engagement element selectively engageable with said elongated weight support assembly to prevent translation along said elongated weight support assembly towards said top end; and
a second weight engagement assembly translatable along said elongated weight support assembly and disposed on said weight support assembly between said first weight engagement assembly and said top end and comprising a second engagement element selectively engageable to said elongated weight support assembly to prevent translation of said first weight engagement assembly towards said top end.
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Abstract
A self-spotting apparatus for free-weights [2301] utilizes a pair of weight-responsive engagement assemblies [1203A, 1203B] engaging a respective pair of support columns [1207A, 1207B] to provide engageable support for a free-weight bar [2311]. Auxiliary stops [2203A, 2203B] limit the lowest position of the free-weight bar. The auxiliary stops are adjustable by manual or electrical disengagement from the support columns. A control unit [2302] provides disengagement logic for barbells and dumbbells.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A self-spotting apparatus for free-weights comprising:
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a frame;
an elongated weight support assembly attached to said frame;
a first weight engagement assembly operably attachable to said free-weights, translatable along said elongated weight support assembly towards a top end when said free-weights are lowered due to gravity and comprising a first engagement element selectively engageable with said elongated weight support assembly to prevent translation along said elongated weight support assembly towards said top end; and
a second weight engagement assembly translatable along said elongated weight support assembly and disposed on said weight support assembly between said first weight engagement assembly and said top end and comprising a second engagement element selectively engageable to said elongated weight support assembly to prevent translation of said first weight engagement assembly towards said top end. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A stop assembly for limiting upward translation of a weight engagement assembly along an elongated weight support assembly of a free-weight apparatus comprising:
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a frame portion comprising a rectangular cross sectional shape defining a sliding fit with said elongated weight support assembly;
an engagement element operably attached to the frame portion to define an engaged position with said engagement element biased inwardly from said frame by a bias element and a disengaged position with said engagement element retracted against the bias of said bias element by a disengagement element operably attached to said frame;
said engagement element is a pin attached to said disengagement element;
said bias element is a spring operably attached to said pin and said disengagement element;
a hand positioning grip extending outwardly from said frame whereby a hand of an operator can position said stop assembly along said elongated weight support assembly;
said hand positioning grip comprises a vertically extending portion providing a reaction surface for positioning said disengagement element against spring bias;
said disengagement element is a U-shaped bar supported by a sliding bearing on each of two sides of said frame portion; and
a load bearing surface on a bottom portion of said stop assembly whereby said stop assembly prevents said upward translation of said weight engagement assembly. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A self-spotting apparatus for barbells and dumbbells comprising:
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a frame;
a first weight engagement assembly selectively translatable along a first elongated weight support assembly attached to said frame and comprising a first solenoid operably connected to a first engagement element whereby said first weight engagement assembly is disengaged from said first elongated weight support assembly when said first solenoid is energized;
a second weight engagement assembly selectively translatable along a second elongated weight support assembly attached to said frame and comprising a second solenoid operably connected to a second engagement element whereby said second weight engagement assembly is disengaged from said second elongated weight support assembly when said second solenoid is energized; and
a control unit comprising a mode selector, said mode selector operably connecting a first dumbbell grip actuator to independently energize said first solenoid and a second dumbbell grip actuator to independently energize said second solenoid in a first mode and operably connecting a first barbell grip actuator through a series connection to a second barbell grip actuator to energize both said first solenoid and said second solenoid in a second mode.
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Specification