Patent ID: 6632159
Filing Date: 2003-10-14
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
A device for assisting weightlifters in performing weightlifting exercises with barbells, comprised of:a frame; a spotter arm, said spotter arm being moveably mounted to said frame; a force transferring structure, said force transferring structure being mounted to said spotter arm; a load cell, said load cell being mounted to said spotter arm, said load cell mechanically engaged to said force transferring structure, whereby the weight of said barbell placed on said spotter arm is transferred by said force transferring structure to said load cell; a controller, said controller electrically engaged to said load cell; a motor mounted to said frame, said motor raises and lowers said spotter arms, said controller controls the operation of said motor in response to an input from said load cell; a pair of smooth shafts, said frame fixedly holding said smooth shafts vertically and in parallel; a pair of bushings, said bushings in sliding engagement along said smooth shafts; a spotter arm connecting plate, each of said spotter arms attached to said connecting plate and said connecting plate attached to said bushings; a nut having an internal thread of known profile, said nut attached to said connecting plate; and a lead screw, said lead screw having an external thread profile matching the profile of the internal thread of said nut, said lead screw passing through said nut, such that said nut and said lead screw are in mating rotational contact, whereby as said motor rotates said lead screw, said spotter arm are raised or lowered along said smooth shafts.