Abstract:
A monolift weightlifting weight support adaptor having weight bar receiving subassemblies that are selectively engagable to a standard weight rack.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14,459,666, entitled “Weight Training Apparatus and Method of Using” filed Aug. 14, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference.  
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Art 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to weightlifting equipment, and more particularly to a support hook assembly for resting a weight bar. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    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. The support assembly also often operates to spot the lifter and prevent the free weight from being dropped past a particular point. 
         [0006]    Between “sets” free weights are rested upon a support assembly which mounts to a weight bar frame rack. The support assembly is also adjustable relative to the frame rack to locate the weight at a height desired for a particular lifter. Conventional support assemblies are typically posts or hooks which engage the frame rack at one of a multitude of locations. 
         [0007]    Athletic trainers throughout the country have begun to realize the critical role strength training plays with regard to their athlete&#39;s goals of overall physical fitness. A problem arises when gyms have limited funding, space, or both. For example, squatting is considered one of the best methods for gaining strength. However, squatting heavier weights can cause notable strain and even injury on knees, hips and lower back. Maneuvering 500 pounds off a rig and back several steps to be able to safely drop into a squat position can be awkward and dangerous. A  much safer option is to simply remove the hooks holding the bar and drop straight into the squat position, rise and reengage the hooks. 
         [0008]    Prior art solutions to this problem include “monolift” weight training devices. While functional, prior art devices are large, stand-alone structures that usually operate hydraulically. Unfortunately, many gyms cannot afford the expense of such machines or have to sacrifice floor space to pair a prior art monolift with the weight training/pull-up rig that is already present on the gym floor. 
         [0009]    Thus, a need exists for a weight support assembly that supports a significant amount of weight, and can be easily retrofit to be securely lockable to an existing weight training/pull-up rig.  
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    The present invention attaches to an existing pull-up rig for the purpose of safely squatting heavy weight without putting undue stress on the athlete&#39;s body. For example, the present invention can be attached to an existing weight training rig with a pull-up bar just beneath the existing pull-up bar. The present invention incorporates a cross member to hang two supporting arms just inside the rig&#39;s uprights. The arms have adjustable J-hooks which support the barbell. Once an athlete is in position, a spotter uses a lever arm off to the side of the rig to pull the supporting arms, and corresponding J-hooks out of the way. The athlete performs their squat(s), the spotter puts the arms back in place, by releasing the lever arm, and the barbell is returned to its original position.  
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention, but are for explanation and understanding only. In the drawings: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  shows a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight lifting weight support assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight lifting weight support assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight lifting weight support assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  shows a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cross member support subassembly according to the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  shows a pair of rear perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a cross member support subassembly according to the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cross member support subassembly according to the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a cross member support subassembly according to the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a cross member support subassembly according to the present invention.  
           [0020]      FIG. 9  shows a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cross member lever arm according to the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cross member lever arm according to the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  shows a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a vertical weight support according to the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a vertical weight support according to the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12 a    shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a vertical weight support according to the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a vertical weight support according to the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  shows a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight bar hook according to the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight bar hook according to the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight bar hook according to the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  shows a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight bar hook according to the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight bar hook  pin according to the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight bar hook pin according to the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  shows a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight bar hook pin according to the present invention.  
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    The present invention will be discussed hereinafter in detail in terms of the preferred embodiment according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instance, well-known structures are not shown in detail in order to avoid unnecessary obscuring of the present invention. 
         [0034]    The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. 
         [0035]    All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. In the present description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0036]    Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific  dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0037]    Referring first to  FIG. 1 , there is shown front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of weight lifting weight support assembly  1000  according to the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , weight support assembly  1000  of the present invention generally comprises a pair of cross member supports  100 , cross member  200 , cross member lever arm  300 , support arms  400 , weight bar holding “J hooks”  500 . 
         [0038]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 1 , cross member supports  100  are removably attached to a standard pull-up rig of the type commonly seen in gyms or CrossFit locations. Cross member  200  is a generally cylindrical (preferably metal) bar that is removably and rotatably attached to cross member supports  100 . Lever arm  300  is selectively rotatably attached to one end of cross member  200 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , lever arm  300  may be horizontally or vertically oriented relative to apparatus  1000 . 
         [0039]    Referring next to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a front view of an exemplary embodiment of weight lifting weight support assembly  1000  according to the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 2 , weight support assembly  1000  of the present invention generally comprises a pair of cross member supports  100 , cross member  200 , cross member lever arm  300 , support arms  400 , weight bar holding “J hooks”  500 . 
         [0040]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 2 , cross member supports  100  are removably attached to a standard pull-up rig of the type commonly seen in gyms or CrossFit locations. Cross member  200  is a generally cylindrical (preferably metal) bar that is removably and rotatably attached to cross member supports  100 .  
         [0041]    Lever arm  300  is selectively rotatably attached to one end of cross member  200 . When statically engaged, as shown in  FIG. 2 , to cross member  200 , lever arm  300  is used to rotate cross member  200  about its longitudinal axis. Support arms  400  are fixedly attached to cross member  200 . Support arms  400  comprise means for selectively receiving hooks  500  for holding a weight bar. As is apparent from  FIGS. 1-3 , support arms  400  rotate about the longitudinal axis of cross member  200  when lever arm  300  is used to rotate cross member  200 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight lifting weight support assembly according to the present invention. As shown again in  FIG. 3 , weight support assembly  1000  of the present invention generally comprises a pair of cross member supports  100 , cross member  200 , cross member lever arm  300 , support arms  400 , weight bar holding “J hooks”  500 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  shows a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of cross member support  100  according to the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 4 , cross member support  100  comprises a base plate  160  to which is attached a generally elongated cuboid shaped extending member  170  having a recessed groove  140  for receiving cross member  200 . As shown in  FIG. 4  and in  FIG. 6 , groove  140  generally comprises a vertical opening  147  a horizontal slot  142 , and a vertical trough  143 . Preferably, cross member support  100  is made of a steel or other common metal for gym equipment. Support  100  may be cast or welded together. Cross member support  100  further comprises a truss  150  disposed between base  160  and extending member  170  of cross member support  100 . 
         [0044]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 4 , plate  160  is generally shaped like an extruded rectangle having a first side and a second side. Truss  150  and extending member  170  are attached to plate  160  on said first side of plate  160 . Various connecting pieces  110 ,  120 , and  130  are attached to  the second side of plate  160  to attach cross member supports  100  to a weight training rig or the like. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  FIG. 5  (which shows a pair of rear perspective views of cross member support  100 ), and  FIG. 6  (which shows a side view of an cross member support  100 ), the various connecting pieces include dowel pin  110  and “L” hooks  120  and  130 , which are adapted to cooperatively releasably engage commonly known gym weight training racks.  FIGS. 7 and 8  further illustrate top and front views respectively of cross member support  100 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  show front perspective and side views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of cross member lever arm  300  according to the present invention. As illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , lever arm  300  comprises a generally elongated cylindrical steel rod preferably further comprising a handle  310 . As first shown in  FIG. 1 , lever arm  300  is selectively rotatably or statically attached to cross member  200  of apparatus  1000  of the present invention. 
         [0046]    Referring next to  FIG. 11 , there is shown a top perspective view of vertical weight support  400  according to the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , weight support  400  generally comprises a mostly flat elongated cuboid shape with one curved end. Weight support  400  is preferably constructed from steel and may be machined, casted, or otherwise formed into the desired shape. Weight support  400  further comprises a plurality of key holes  410  having a generally circular base and elongated slot which form “tear drop” shaped key holes. 
         [0047]    Referring next to  FIG. 12  and to  FIG. 13 , there is shown a top view of weight support  400  and a side view of weight support  400 , respectively. As illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , weight support  400  further comprises a partially capturable pin  420 , as shown in  FIG. 12 a   , which presents a front view of vertical weight support  400  and pin  420 . 
         [0048]    Returning again to  FIG. 2 , in the preferred embodiment of the invention, a pair of  weight supports  400  are attached to cross member  200  by laying the curved ends of each weight support  400  over cross member  200  and dropping captured pins  420  through corresponding holes through cross member  200 . 
         [0049]      FIGS. 14-20 , show several views are presented of weight bar hook  500  and pins  510 . As further illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 , weight bar hooks  500  are attached via pins  510  placed through teardrop holes  410  of weight support arms  400 . In function, apparatus  1000  is operated by releasably attaching apparatus  1000  to a weight rack (not shown) of common design. Referring again to  FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 , when lever arm  300  is engaged with cross member  200 , as lever arm  300  is rotated cross member  200  also rotates. A common weight bar (not shown), having a desired amount of plate like weights on either side, is placed on weight bar hooks  500  when supports  400  are in the lowered position illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0050]    The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations, combinations, modifications, or equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. It should be understood, therefore, that the above description is of an exemplary embodiment of the invention and included for illustrative purposes only. The description of the exemplary embodiment is not meant to be limiting of the invention. A person of ordinary skill in the field of the invention or the relevant technical art will understand that variations of the invention are included within the scope of the claims.