Abstract:
A weightlifting system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first frame member that extends along a longitudinal axis, at least one pair of openings disposed along the longitudinal axis. The at least one pair of openings are generally L-shaped and include a first opening and a second opening. A front face is mounted to the first frame member and extending along the longitudinal axis.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/551,805, filed Jul. 18, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/409,428, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,257,233, which was filed Mar. 1, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/026,570, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,147,390, which was filed Feb. 14, 2011, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/326,095, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,918,771, which was filed on Jan. 5, 2006. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to a weightlifting system. 
         [0003]    Weightlifters perform various exercises for the purpose of developing particular muscles throughout the body. These exercises can be performed through the use of free weights, such as barbells, or with machines. Many weightlifters prefer free weights because free weights permit the lifter to perform the exercises in a natural motion while utilizing pure body leverage in performing the exercise. This facilitates isolation of particular muscle groups and simulates actual athletic sports motions. Oftentimes it is desirable to simulate the range of motion of free weights within a controlled environment. Most machines however are limited to a two dimensional plane of movement. Although effective, numerous machines are required as each machine is typically dedicated to only a few or a single exercise. 
         [0004]    Machines are also relatively limited in the amount of weight which is contained within the machines stack of plates. As such, machines are undesirable for power lifting and for the training of powerful weightlifters who may find the stack of plates to be less than their capabilities. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A weightlifting system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first frame member that extends along a longitudinal axis. At least one pair of openings is disposed along the longitudinal axis. The at least one pair of openings are generally L-shaped and include a first opening and a second opening. A front face is mounted to the first frame member and extends along the longitudinal axis. 
         [0006]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing weightlifting system, the first opening includes a first first opening portion through a first face of the first frame member a second first opening portion through a second face of the first frame member. 
         [0007]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of either of the foregoing weightlifting systems, the second opening includes a first second opening portion through the first face and a second second opening portion through a third face of the first frame member. 
         [0008]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing weightlifting systems, a bracket assembly is engageable with the first opening and the second opening. 
         [0009]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing weightlifting systems, the bracket assembly at least partially straddles the first frame member. 
         [0010]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing weightlifting systems, a lock opening is disposed through the front face at a horizontally staggered location relative to the first opening and the second opening. 
         [0011]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing weightlifting systems, a lock opening is disposed through the front face and between each of a multiple of opposed pairs of openings. 
         [0012]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing weightlifting systems, a bracket assembly includes a first mount plate and a second mount plate. The first mount plate engages a first L-shaped opening of the at least one pair of openings and the second mount plate engages a second L-shaped opening of the at least one pair of openings. 
         [0013]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing weightlifting systems, the front face is a separate part from the first frame member. 
         [0014]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing weightlifting systems, the front face is configured to indicate a height of the at least one pair of openings. 
         [0015]    A weightlifting system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a weight bar frame rack having a first frame member that extends along a longitudinal axis. At least one opposed pair of openings is disposed along the longitudinal axis. Each opening of the at least one opposed pair of openings is generally L-shaped and a front face is offset from the at least one opposed pair of openings. 
         [0016]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing weightlifting system, a bracket assembly has a mount that straddles the first frame member to engage the at least one opposed pair of openings. 
         [0017]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of either of the foregoing weightlifting systems, the front face is mounted to the first frame member. 
         [0018]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing weightlifting systems, a weight arm system has a bracket assembly engageable with the at least one opposed pair of openings and an omni directional pivot system mounted to the bracket assembly. 
         [0019]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing weightlifting systems, the front face includes a strip mounted to the first frame member and vertically extending along the longitudinal axis. 
         [0020]    A weightlifting system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first frame member that extends along a longitudinal axis. A multiple of opposed pairs of openings are formed in the first frame member and spaced along the longitudinal axis. Each of the multiple of opposed pairs of openings are generally L-shaped. A front face establishing a stepped surface at a first face of the first frame member. 
         [0021]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing weightlifting system, a bracket assembly has a mount that includes a first mount plate and a second mount plate spaced from the first mount plate. The mount straddles the first frame member such that each of the first mount plate and the second mount plate are engageable relative to at least two opposed pairs of openings of the multiple of opposed pairs of openings. 
         [0022]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing weightlifting systems, the front face is a strip attached to the first frame member. 
         [0023]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing weightlifting systems, the front face extends across each of the multiple of opposed pairs of openings. 
         [0024]    In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing weightlifting systems, a lock opening is disposed through the front face at a position vertically between a first pair of openings and a second pair of openings of the multiple of opposed pairs of openings. 
         [0025]    The various features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a weightlifting system with an incline arm system attached thereto; 
           [0027]      FIG. 1B  is a weightlifting system with a decline arm system attached thereto; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is an expanded view of the weightlifting frame rack of  FIGS. 1A and 1B ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view of an opening in a weightlifting system frame rack upright; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4A  is an example of the incline arm system in use; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4B  is an example view of the decline arm system in use; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of an incline arm system; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a decline arm system; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6A  is a side view of the incline arm illustrated in  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 6B  is a top view of the incline arm system illustrated in  FIG. 5A   
           [0036]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a bracket subassembly utilized for the incline arm system of  FIG. 5A  and the decline arm system of  FIG. 5B ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7B  is a rear view of the bracket subassembly illustrated in  FIG. 7A . 
           [0038]      FIG. 7C  is a side view of the bracket subassembly illustrated in  FIG. 7A . 
           [0039]      FIG. 7D  is a front view of the bracket subassembly illustrated in  FIG. 7A ; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 7E  is a sectional view of the pivot assembly of  FIG. 7D  taken along line  7 E- 7 E. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrates a perspective view of a weightlifting system  10  which includes a weight bar frame rack  12  for mounting a multitude of various weight arm systems  14 . The frame rack  12  includes a multitude of openings O along an upright frame member  16  which receives the weight arm system  14  which may be located at various positions along the frame member  16 . Each opening O is separated from the next by approximately four inches to provide significant incremental adjustment, however, any separation will be usable with the weightlifting system  10 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each upright frame member  16  defines a longitudinal axis A which extends vertically relative to the ground. The upright frame member  16  is generally rectilinear in shape and can be manufactured of tubing which is rectangular in cross-section. The upright frame member  16  includes a front face  18  and a first and second side face  20 ,  22 . The upright frame member  16  includes a multiple of opposed pairs of openings O along the longitudinal axis A, each of the opposed pairs of openings O including a first opening Oa and a second opening Ob. 
         [0043]    Each opening Oa, Ob is generally L-shaped and spans the intersection of the front face  18  and one of the side faces  20 ,  22 . In this non-limiting embodiment, the first opening Oa spans the front face  18  and the side face  20  and the second opening Ob spans the front face  18  and the side face  22 . In other words, each opening O cuts through the corner of the upright frame member  16 . Each opening O includes a first opening portion O′ in the front face  18  generally transverse to the longitudinal axis A along a transverse opening axis T and a second opening portion O″ through the respective side face  20 ,  22  generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A along a parallel opening axis P. In this non-limiting embodiment, the first opening Oa defines a first first opening portion Oa′ through the front face  16  generally transverse to the longitudinal axis A along the transverse opening axis T and a second first opening portion Oa″ through the first side face  20  generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A along the parallel axis P while the second opening Ob defines a first second opening portion Ob′ through the front face  16  generally transverse to the longitudinal axis A and a second second opening portion Ob″ through the second side face  22  generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A along the parallel axis P. That is, the first opening portions O′ are along the axis T and opening portions O′ and O″ are generally perpendicular if laid flat ( FIG. 3 ). Preferably, each opening O includes relatively large corner radiuses. 
         [0044]    The openings O are arranged in horizontally opposed pairs of openings Oa, Ob perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A (best seen in  FIG. 3 ). That is, each pair of openings O includes a first opening Oa located through the front face  18  and the first side face  20  and a second opening Ob located through the front face  18  and the second side face  22  such that the openings Oa, Ob are aligned when viewed from one of the side faces  20 ,  22  (best seen in  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0045]    A lock opening  24  is located through the front face  18  between each vertically separated pair of openings Oa, Ob. Each lock opening  24  is displaced parallel to the longitudinal axis A and is generally square in shape. It should be understood that other shapes are contemplated as within the scope of this disclosure. Preferably, the lock opening  24  is longitudinally staggered above each pair of openings Oa, Ob. For further understanding of other aspects of the rack system, attachment thereto and associated components thereof, attention is directed to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/326,099, filed Jan. 5, 2006 and entitled: WEIGHTLIFTING SUPPORT ASSEMBLY, which is assigned to the assignee of the instant disclosure and which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. 
         [0046]    The weight arm system  14  may include various arm systems such as an incline arm system  26  ( FIG. 1A ) or a decline arm system  28  ( FIG. 1B ). The incline arm system  26  typically permits exercises which develop legs, hips, chest, shoulder and arm muscles amongst other muscles ( FIG. 4A ) while the decline arm system  28  typically permits core exercises ( FIG. 4B ). It should be understood that such exercises are exemplarily only and that other exercises may be performed—all of which are beneficially improved through the omni directional movement facilitated by the omni directional pivot system  30  through which the weight arm system  14  are mounted. The omni directional pivot system  30  combines the improved neuromuscular development typical of free weights exercises within the controlled environment typical of a machine. It should be understood that although a particular frame arrangement is illustrated in the disclosed embodiment, other arrangements are also contemplated as within the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 5A , a left hand incline arm system  26 L generally includes a bracket assembly  32 , a weight arm  34 , a weight horn  36 , a handle  38  and a stop  40 . The weight arm  34  may be of various configurations depending upon the desired exercises which are to be performed therewith. For example, a left hand decline arm system  28 L ( FIG. 5B ) includes a weight arm  34 D which locates the weight horn  36 D and the handle  38 D at generally opposite ends as compared to the incline arm system  26  which locates the weight horn  36  and handle  38  generally toward one end. It should be understood that although left arms are disclosed in the illustrated embodiment right arms ( FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  2 A,  2 B) are likewise constructed. 
         [0048]    The weight arm  34  is mounted to the bracket assembly  32  through the omni directional pivot system  30  which permits the weight arm  34  to pivot about a first axis A and a second axis B. The first axis A is defined along the length of the bracket assembly  32  while the second axis B is transverse thereto (also illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B ). The combination of the movement about the first and second axis A, B relative bracket assembly  32  permits the novel omni directional movement (such as shown in  FIG. 4A ). 
         [0049]    The stop  40  can be a tubular structure mounted to the weight arm  34  to support the weight arm  34  when in a rest position (illustrated in  FIG. 4 ). The bracket assembly  32  also includes a bumper  42  which receives the stop  40  when the weight arm  34  is in the rest position. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 7A , the bracket assembly  32  may be common to both the incline arm system  26  ( FIG. 5A ) and the decline arm system  28  ( FIG. 5B ). The bracket assembly  32  includes a mount  44  which is generally U-shaped in cross-section. The mount  44  includes a first mount plate  46  opposed to and generally parallel with a second mount plate  48 . The mount plates  46 ,  48  extend generally perpendicularly from a central mount plate  50  to form the generally U-shape. Preferably, the mount  44  is manufactured from a single, integral U-channel member. 
         [0051]    A multitude of mount studs  52  (six shown;  FIG. 7B ) extend from an inner surface of the mount plates  46 ,  48  to engage the openings O ( FIG. 2 ). The first stud  52   a  extends from the first mount plate  46  and is directly opposed to a second stud  52   b  which extends from an inner surface of the second mount plate  48  along a common axis S 1 . Likewise, the third stud  52   c  and the fourth stud  52   d  are located along a common axis S 2  while the fifth stud  52   e  and the sixth stud  52   f  are located along a common axis S 3 . The axes S 1 , S 2 , S 3  are spaced to correspond with the distance between the openings O ( FIG. 1A ). The studs  50   a - 50   f  are relatively significant solid members which mount through the mount plates  46 ,  48  with fasteners or the like. 
         [0052]    A release knob assembly  55  is mounted to the central mount plate  50  such that a biased latch member  52  extends therethrough. The latch member  52  can include a pin which is biased by a spring  56  ( FIG. 7C ) or the like such that the latch member  54  extends through a latch aperture  58  ( FIG. 7B ) within the central mount plate  50  to engage the lock opening  24  ( FIG. 2 ). The release knob assembly  55  is actuated by pulling a knob  60  to retract the latch member  52  toward and at least partially through the central mount plate  50  over the bias of the spring  56 . 
         [0053]    The omni directional pivot system  30  can be formed directly from the central mount plate  50 . That is, a first mount arm  62  and a second mount arm  64  are cut out of bent away from the central mount plate  50  to provide an exceedingly robust structure. 
         [0054]    An arm attachment mount  66  can be welded to a pivot pin  68  (also illustrated in  FIG. 7D ) which is mounted between the arms  62 ,  64 . The arm attachment mount  66  includes apertures  67  which receive fasteners  72  such as bolts to pivotally attach the weight arm for pivotal movement about an arm pin  73  which defines axis B (also shown in  FIGS. 6B and 7E ). The pivot pin  68  includes a cylindrical bearing  70  ( FIG. 7E ) attached to the arms  62 ,  64  with fasteners  72  to define the axis A. The arm attachment mount  66  includes a centering device  74  such as a resilient pivot bumper which assists in centering the weight arm  34  but does not restrict pivotal movement. The centering device may provide at least some force feedback to the user. 
         [0055]    In use, a desired arm system is selectively attached to a desired position along the weight bar frame rack  12  by locating the studs  52   a - 52   f  adjacent to openings O at a desired height. The bracket assembly  32  is pushed toward the upright frame member  16  such that the studs  52   a - 52   f  are located into the first opening portions O′ ( FIG. 2 ). The studs  52   a - 52   f  are then guided downward by the second opening portion O″. Concurrent therewith, the latch member  54  is pushed at least partially through the central mount plate  50  over the bias of the spring  56  by interaction with the front face  18  of the upright frame member  16 . As the studs  52   a - 52   f  slide down toward the bottom of the second opening portions O″ the latch member  54  encounters an adjacent lock opening  24 . When the studs  52   a - 52   f  reach the bottom of the second opening portions O″, the latch member  54  is biased into the lock opening  24  by the spring  56 . The bracket assembly  32  is thereby securely locked into place. Notably, the bracket assembly  32  is supported upon the studs  52   a - 52   f  which provide an exceedingly robust support structure. The interaction between latch member  54  and lock opening  24  only locks the bracket assembly  32  at a desired position. 
         [0056]    To remove the bracket assembly  32 , the knob  60  is retracted to overcome the bias of the spring  56  to retract the latch member  54  from the lock opening  24 . The bracket assembly  32  is then lifted up and out of the openings O. As the openings O include corners with significantly large radii, the studs  52   a - 52   f  are readily guided thereby. 
         [0057]    It should be understood that relative positional terms such as “forward,” “aft,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” and the like are with reference to the normal operational attitude and should not be considered otherwise limiting. 
         [0058]    The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A worker of ordinary skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could come within the scope of this disclosure. For these reasons, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this disclosure.