Suspended weight barbell attachment

A suspended weight barbell attachment apparatus, having a barbell assembly with first and second distal ends. Further having two actuating assemblies, each with a housing assembly having an interior wall, an exterior wall, and a hole that extends from the interior wall to the exterior wall. The housing assembly further has a reinforced section. The hole has a cooperative shape and dimension to house a respective reinforced section therethrough. Each reinforced section receives a respective first or second distal end. Each of the two actuating assemblies further has a handle assembly, and a locking assembly. Further having two post assemblies, each with vertical walls, a top end, and a bottom end. The vertical walls have a plurality of notches. Each housing assembly is slidably positioned between the vertical walls of a respective post assembly. And further having two base frame assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to weightlifting equipment, and more particularly, to weightlifting barbell attachment devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

Applicant believes that one of the closest references corresponds to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20110092344 A1, published on Apr. 21, 2011 to Marco Parrilla for Barbell Holder. However, it differs from the present invention because Parrilla teaches a weightlifting barbell holder assembly for mounting a weightlifting barbell in a generally horizontal position on a horizontal metal beam, typically an I-beam or U-beam. The barbell is at least partially within a horizontal channel defined by the beam when mounted thereon.

Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060166794 A1, published on Jul. 27, 2006 to Harold R. Brown for Arrangement Including Weight-Supporting Device. However, it differs from the present invention because Brown teaches a weight-supporting arrangement that includes a weight-supporting device having a vertical support member including a top end and a bottom end, a base arrangement disposed at the bottom end of the vertical support member when the device is in an operating position, and a connector disposed at the top end of the vertical support member when the device is in an operating position, the connector being adapted to be connected to a weight.

Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,379 B1 issued to William Matthews Brawner on Jun. 8, 2004 for Self-Spotting Safety Bench Press. However, it differs from the present invention because Brawner teaches a self-spotting safety bench press composed of an adjustable bench and uprights located on either side of the bench adjacent the lifters upper body. Lifting arms extend from the uprights into the barbells pathway and have the ability to slide up and down to contact the barbell and decrease the weight exerted on the exerciser. Hydraulic cylinders provide force to each lifting arm, which is depressed below the barbells path before use. When assistance is needed, the exerciser releases a hydraulic restrictor valve causing the arms to ascend removing a user-determined amount of weight from the barbell while permitting the user to continue performing repetitions. A second restrictor valve can allow only upward movement should the exerciser fail. A third flow restrictor valve adjusts the rate of arm travel. An air charged hydraulic accumulator provides the hydraulic pressure to the cylinders.

Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,723 B2 issued to Craig D. Landfair on Mar. 9, 2004 for Weightlifting Plate. However, it differs from the present invention because Landfair teaches a weight plate having rotatable handles. By rotating, the handles provide a grip to the user, while allowing the user to perform various exercises without adjusting his or her grip on the device. The handles also facilitate the loading and unloading of the device on plate-loaded exercise equipment. The weight plate may thus be used as a stand-alone exercise device, as a weight plate loaded onto a barbell or dumbbell bar, or as a weight plate used on plate-loaded exercise equipment.

Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,409 B1 issued to Kevin G. Abelbeck on Sep. 23, 2003 for Automatic Locking Exercise Device and Method. However, it differs from the present invention because Abelbeck teaches an automatic locking exercise device that incorporates a one-way locking mechanism. The device includes a frame, which supports a track, a pair of linear bearing rods one on each side. A guide member, or linear bearing runs on each bearing rod and is attached to a handle or bar that is grasped by a user. A one-way lock is used to provide movement of the bar along the track in an upward direction but opposes movement down. Rotating the bar actuates a lock release. This disengages the one-way lock and enables the bar to move freely up and down along the track. If the user ever drops the weight the one-way lock automatically engages and catches the weight. The weight will be automatically caught at its highest point without risk of injuring someone. Marking the highest point allows the user to quantify their training performance and progress.

Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,843 A issued to Lee Robert Morton on Nov. 16, 1999 for Free Standing Safety Barbell. However, it differs from the present invention because Morton teaches an exercise apparatus for use in performing physical exercises with weights, which exercise apparatus includes first weight-receiving means having a base and an upstanding member for receiving weights, second weight-receiving means including a base and an upstanding member for receiving weights, and a bar which is releaseably connectable to the first and the second weight-receiving means, whereby the first and the second weight-receiving means are positioned one at each end of the bar so that a person performing the different physical exercises is able to hold the bar between the first and the second weight-receiving means.

Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,859 A issued to Mariah T. Liggett, et al. on Sep. 23, 1997 for Weightlifting Apparatus. However, it differs from the present invention because Liggett, et al. teaches a multi-exercise free weight exercise apparatus, which simulates free weight barbell exercise motions while preventing injury to a weightlifter. The weightlifting apparatus is comprised of a weight bar, which rides on horizontal and vertical guide tracks and contains a safety catch mechanism device which latches onto pins located on upright brace supports should the weightlifter be unable to complete an exercise. The apparatus will allow a lifter to perform sophisticated exercises such as squatlifts, bench presses, deadlifts, and military presses in a natural free weight exercise motion while having the safety features of a non-free weight machine.

Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,203 A issued to Charles U. Okonkwo on Nov. 21, 1995 for Weight Lifting Safety Device. However, it differs from the present invention because Okonkwo teaches a safety device for weight lifters having a pair of stands attachable at a collar at opposite ends of a barbell. The stands have telescopic members releasable in the event a lifter is in trouble. The stands descend to the surface to stabilize the barbell and remove the weight from the lifter. The release is controlled by a switch or tilt sensor, which activates a solenoid operator. Stops are provided to limit the relative travel of the telescopic members.

Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,964 A issued to Oliver Petters on Nov. 2, 1993 for Barbell For Use In Weight Training. However, it differs from the present invention because Petters teaches a barbell consisting of two elongate vertical members extending substantially vertically from base supports. A substantially horizontal member is secured between the vertical members. Weights are removably secured to the vertical members adjacent to the base supports.

Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,849 A issued to Paul S. Nurkowski on Jul. 9, 1991 for Varying Resistance Weightlifting Apparatus. However, it differs from the present invention because Nurkowski teaches an apparatus for weight training attached to a weightlifting device, such as a barbell or a selectorized weightlifting device. A second weight to be lifted is then coupled to the apparatus. The apparatus is adjusted for the varying skeletal configurations of various individual users. Within one portion of the exercise stroke, the resistance to lifting continuously varies between that of the weight lifting device and the sum of the weightlifting device and second weight. Thus, the effect of the lifting stroke is increased for each exercise stroke.

Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,831 A issued to Richard D. Craig on Jan. 2, 1990 for Barbell Exercising Device. However, it differs from the present invention because Craig teaches an exercising device for a barbell which increases the weight of the barbell during a first eccentric movement and decreases the total weight of the barbell during concentric movement. The exercising device includes a vertically elongated stand having a flat base at its lower end and a hook at its upper end. The hook is pivotal between a first position in which the hook extends around and attaches the stand to end of the barbell, and a second position in which the hook pivots away from the barbell and detaches the stand from the barbell. A weight urges the hook towards its second position so that the hook automatically moves to its second position when the base engages the ground surface. Weights are selectively added to the base to increase the overall weight of the barbell during eccentric movement as desired.

Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to GB Patent No. 2321022 A issued to Morton Lee Robert on Jul. 15, 1998 for Exercise Apparatus. However, it differs from the present invention because Morton teaches an exercise apparatus that comprises first and second weight-receiving means comprising a base and an upstanding member for receiving weights, first and second extension means, which are releasably connectable to the weight-receiving means and a bar, which is releasably connectable either to the weight-receiving means directly or to the extension means. The extension means allows for easy and safe adjustment of the resting height of the crossbar.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a suspended weight barbell attachment apparatus, comprising a barbell assembly having first and second distal ends. Further comprising two actuating assemblies, each having a housing assembly with an interior wall, an exterior wall, and a hole that extends from the interior wall to the exterior wall. The housing assembly further has a reinforced section. The hole has a cooperative shape and dimension to receive a respective reinforced section therethrough. Each reinforced section receives a respective first or second distal end. Each of the two actuating assemblies further has a handle assembly, and a locking assembly. Further comprising two post assemblies, each having vertical walls, a top end, and a bottom end. The vertical walls have a plurality of notches. Each housing assembly is slidably positioned between the vertical walls of a respective post assembly. And further comprising two base frame assemblies.

The two base frame assemblies receives weights and/or weight plates thereon. The plurality of notches are spaced apart from each other and align with respective other plurality of notches on other of the vertical walls.

The handle assembly comprises a handle having a pivoting support and an actuating extension. Extending from the actuating extension are actuating cables that connect to locking members. The handle assembly further comprises springs that have a spring force on the locking members, causing them to protrude outwardly through the plurality of notches. When actuated, the handle causes its respective actuating extension, and consequently actuating cables, to retract the locking members from a protruding outwardly position through the plurality of notches. Thus, allowing the barbell assembly to move vertically within the two post assemblies unobstructedly when each the locking assembly is in an unlocked position.

The locking assembly comprises a handle having a locking end. In a locked position, the locking assembly is a safety lock to prevent the barbell assembly from falling vertically within the two post assemblies, whereby the handle rotates until the plurality of notches receives a respective locking end. The locking members, protruding outwardly through the plurality of notches, prevent the barbell assembly from shifting vertically upward within the two post assemblies. The locking assembly prevents the barbell assembly from falling vertically downward within the two post assemblies when the plurality of notches receives a respective the locking end.

The housing assembly further comprises a top wall, and the handle assembly is mounted thereon. The housing assembly further comprises a bottom wall, and the locking assembly is mounted thereon. The actuating cables extend from the actuating extension and connect to the locking members through a first aperture of the housing assembly. The actuating cables extend from the actuating extension and connect to the locking members through second and third apertures of the housing assembly.

Defined at the hole is a bead that creates friction with the reinforced sections. Each of the two base frame assemblies comprises at least one mounting post to receive weights and/or weight plates thereon.

It is therefore one of the main objects of the present invention to provide suspended weight barbell attachment apparatuses that prevent weightlifting injuries.

It is another object of this invention to provide suspended weight barbell attachment apparatuses that comprise incorporated safety systems.

It is another object of this invention to provide suspended weight barbell attachment apparatuses with height-adjustment means to adjust a barbell to various heights.

It is another object of this invention to provide suspended weight barbell attachment apparatuses to accommodate different starting points for weightlifting.

It is another object of this invention to provide suspended weight barbell attachment apparatuses that can be readily assembled and disassembled without the need of any special tools.

It is another object of this invention to provide suspended weight barbell attachment apparatuses, which are of a durable and reliable construction.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide such apparatuses that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, the present invention is a suspended weight barbell attachment apparatus and is generally referred to with numeral10. It can be observed that it basically includes barbell assembly20, actuating assembly50, post assembly140, and base frame assembly160.

As seen inFIG. 1, barbell assembly20comprises ends22and24, and spacers26and28. Barbell assembly20bears extra weight by mounting weights and/or weight plates W on mounting posts168as desired. Barbell assembly20is mounted to each post assembly140at respective actuating assemblies50.

It is noted that some weights and/or weight plates W may have different inner diameters, whereby they are traditionally mounted onto a typical barbell assembly20. If necessary, an adapter may be used to accommodate the inner diameters of weights and/or weight plates W to snuggly fit onto mounting posts168if desired.

Each post assembly140comprises two vertical walls142that are substantially parallel to each other, top end146, and bottom end148. Each vertical wall142has edges144and notches150. Notches150are spaced apart from each other and align with respective notches150of its opposite vertical wall142.

Each base frame assembly160is secured to its respective post assembly140at bottom end148. Base frame assembly160comprises frame162and base164. Supporting post166is rigidly mounted to an interior top end section of frame162and extends downwardly a predetermined distance without reaching base164. Extending in opposite directions from a lower end of supporting post166are mounting posts168. Mounting posts168extend transversally with respect to base164, and in a preferred embodiment, are inclined slightly upwardly to easily receive weights and/or weight plates W thereon. Frame162is wide enough to allow for weights and/or weight plates W to be placed on and removed from mounting posts168. In a preferred embodiment, base164is padded with rubber, or a rubber-like material, to protect a surface when base frame assemblies160rest thereon. The rubber bottom has rounded edges to allow rocking motions and to facilitate when moving.

As seen inFIGS. 2, 3, and 4, each actuating assembly50comprises its respective housing assembly60, handle assembly90, and locking assembly120.

Each housing assembly60is slidably positioned between vertical walls142of its respective post assembly140. Each housing assembly60comprises interior wall62, exterior wall64, top wall66, and bottom wall68. Housing assembly60further comprises hole74that extends from interior wall62to exterior wall64. Each housing assembly60further comprises reinforced sections30and32with respective distal ends34and36. Hole74has a cooperative shape and dimension to house respective reinforced section,30or32, therethrough. In addition, hole74has bead110that creates friction with reinforced sections30and32to reduce or minimize sliding therethrough. Other means to create friction with reinforced sections30and32to reduce or minimize sliding therethrough may be utilized. Interior wall62has lips62′, which engage first edges144of vertical walls142, and exterior wall64has lips64′, which engage second edges144of vertical walls142. Lips62′ and64′ guide housing assembly60when shifting vertically upward and falling vertically downward within post assemblies140.

Each aperture70extends interiorly from its respective top wall66and connects to apertures72. Extending from actuating extension100are actuating cables102that extend through apertures70and72and connect to locking members108at distal ends104. Housed within apertures72are springs106. Apertures72also partially house locking members108. Springs106having a spring force on locking members108, cause them to protrude outwardly through notches150.

Handle assembly90is mounted to top wall66at pivoting support96and comprises handle92having end94, extension98, and actuating extension100. Locking assembly120is mounted to a bottom section of housing assembly60. Locking assembly120comprises handle122having end124, pin126, and locking end128. In a preferred embodiment, a section of handle122is angled approximately between 20 and 70 degrees, and approximately 45 degrees is optimal. Pin126is fixed to bottom wall68, and handle122is mounted onto and rotates upon pin126. In a locked position, locking assembly120is a safety lock to prevent barbell assembly20from falling vertically within post assemblies140, whereby handle122rotates until a notch150receives locking end128.

As seen inFIG. 5, interior wall62and a respective exterior wall, not seen, of alternate housing assembly60do not have lips62′ and64′ as seen inFIG. 2. Instead, vertical walls142have lips152extending from edges144. Lips152guide housing assembly60when shifting vertically upward and falling vertically downward within post assemblies140.

As best seen inFIGS. 6 and 7, when assembling present invention10to perform exercise, reinforced section30receives either distal end of barbell assembly20. For illustrative purposes, reinforced section30is shown receiving distal end22′. Although not illustrated, it is noted that reinforced section32receives the other distal end of barbell assembly20to complete the configuration as seen inFIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, interior cavities of reinforced sections30and32are coated with a high-friction material to prevent any movement/sliding of barbell assembly20when exercising or otherwise moving barbell assembly20.

FIG. 6illustrates a first alternate embodiment for base frame assembly160. Each base frame assembly180is secured to its respective post assembly140at bottom end148. Base frame assembly180comprises base184. Supporting post186extends downwardly to base184. Extending in opposite directions from supporting post186are mounting posts188. Mounting posts188extend transversally with respect to base184, and in a preferred embodiment, are inclined slightly upwardly to easily receive weights and/or weight plates W thereon. In a preferred embodiment, base184is padded with rubber, or a rubber-like material, to protect a surface when base frame assemblies180rest thereon. The rubber bottom has rounded edges to allow rocking motions and to facilitate when moving.

It is noted that some weights and/or weight plates W may have different inner diameters, whereby they are traditionally mounted onto a typical barbell assembly20. If necessary, an adapter may be used to accommodate the inner diameters of weights and/or weight plates W to snuggly fit onto mounting posts188if desired.

FIG. 7illustrates a second alternate embodiment for base frame assembly160. Each base frame assembly200is secured to its respective post assembly140at bottom end148. Base frame assembly200comprises frame202and base204. Supporting post206is rigidly mounted onto base204and extends upwardly a predetermined distance without reaching an interior top end section of frame202. Supporting post206receives weights and/or weight plates W thereon. Frame202is wide enough to allow for weights and/or weight plates W to be placed on and removed from supporting post206. In a preferred embodiment, base204is padded with rubber, or a rubber-like material, to protect a surface when base frame assemblies200rest thereon. The rubber bottom has rounded edges to allow rocking motions and to facilitate when moving.

It is noted that some weights and/or weight plates W may have different inner diameters, whereby they are traditionally mounted onto a typical barbell assembly20. If necessary, an adapter may be used to accommodate the inner diameters of weights and/or weight plates W to snuggly fit onto mounting post206if desired. In addition, adapter40may optionally be utilized within reinforced sections30and32to accommodate different barbell assemblies20of various circumferences.

In operation, each handle92is actuated to cause its actuating extension100, and consequently actuating cables102, to retract locking members108from a protruding outwardly position through notches150and into apertures72, thus allowing barbell assembly20to move vertically within post assemblies140unobstructedly. It is noted that both locking assemblies120would be placed in an unlocked position, whereby each handle122is rotated until each locking end128is no longer obstructed by a respective notch150. Once a desired height is obtained, handles92are released to cause locking members108to again protrude outwardly through notches150by the spring force of springs106. And both locking assemblies120are again placed into the locked position to prevent barbell assembly20from falling vertically within post assemblies140, whereby each handle122is rotated until its respective notch150receives its respective locking end128. In this configuration, barbell assembly20is stationary. Thus, permitting a user to safely exercise by elevating present invention10vertically from a surface it stands upon, whereby locking members108, protruding outwardly through notches150, prevent barbell assembly20from shifting vertically upward within post assemblies140, and locking assemblies120prevent barbell assembly20from falling vertically downward within post assemblies140.

Present invention10therefore provides important functions for users/weightlifters. It allows a user/weightlifter to easily load and unload weights and/or weight plates W thereon. It serves to adjust and keep barbell assembly20stationary at various heights, depending on the exercise to be performed and accommodating each user/weightlifter's need to begin different exercises at different starting points. Present invention10also creates a lower limit stop, limiting how low barbell assembly20will travel before being relieved of the user/weightlifter's chosen added weight with weights and/or weight plates W. This serves to ensure that barbell assembly20bears extra weight only through any given exercise's range of motion, therefore reducing weight-lifting injuries by preventing barbell assembly20from landing on a user/weightlifter, whereby the base frame assemblies160,180, or200come to rest on a floor/surface.

Weightlifting exercises that may be performed with present invention10, include but are not limited to: bench press, inclined bench press, declined bench press, military presses, shoulder presses, back squats, and front squats.