Patent Publication Number: US-2022219035-A1

Title: Spotting device for supporting a weightlifting barbell

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/136,351, filed Jan. 12, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Many popular weightlifting exercises involve a user being disposed under a barbell loaded with plate weights on a weightlifting bench. There are many benefits to performing muscular strength exercises while disposed under a barbell loaded with plate weights, and these benefits increase with lifting as heavy of a weight as possible over a given number of repetitions (e.g., usually 10 or less). Because of the advantage of lifting progressively heavier weights, there is an increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries and a possibility that a user could get “pinned” under the barbell. Normally, a user has another individual, also known as a spotter, ready to assist with lifting the barbell in case the user gets too exhausted to further lift the barbell or gets “pinned” under the barbell. The spotter serves to ensure the safe completion of a lift. However, many users workout alone without the use of a spotter. 
     Current products are available on the market that aim to decrease the risks involved with working out without a spotter. Many of these products require bulky expensive systems that constrain the barbell to a large frame and/or include static stops that could interfere with a workout or only hold up the barbell after the user has already been injured. The barbell being constrained makes for a more awkward workout and the large size of such a system occupies a large amount of space. Other products require attachment to the ceiling or include a combination of products, for example one to hold up the barbell and a special weightlifting bench that can be lowered when a user pushes on a pedal with their foot to engage an actuator. 
     None of the aforementioned products can be easily integrated into a user&#39;s preexisting weightlifting set up and/or require power or actuators. Thus, a need exists for a simple spotting device that can effectively protect the user from injuries and being “pinned” under the barbell while not requiring a bulky system, restraining the barbell, or needing actuators or other additional components. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various implementations include a spotting device for supporting a weightlifting barbell, the spotting the device including a base and an arm. The base has a base body, at least one foot, and a base longitudinal axis. The base body has a first end and a second end opposite and spaced apart from the first end of the base body. The at least one foot is coupled to the second end of the base body. The arm has an arm body, a coupler, and an arm longitudinal axis. The arm body has a first end and a second end opposite and spaced apart from the first end of the arm body. The first end of the arm body is coupled to the coupler, and the coupler is couplable to a portion of a weightlifting barbell. One of the first end of the base body and the second end of the arm body defines a body opening extending at least partially through the one of the base body or the arm body, and the other of the second end of the arm body and the first end of the base body is slidably disposed within the body opening. 
     In some implementations, the coupler defines a coupler opening and a central axis. In some implementations, the coupler opening extends through the coupler perpendicularly to the arm longitudinal axis. 
     In some implementations, the coupler includes two coupler protrusions and a central axis. In some implementations, each coupler protrusion partially extends circumferentially around the central axis of the coupler. In some implementations, the coupler protrusions are biased toward a radially inward position and is urgable toward a radially outward position. 
     In some implementations, the device further includes a locking pin. The base and the arm each define at least one locking pin opening. Each locking pin is disposable within the at least one locking pin opening of the base and the at least one locking pin opening of the arm such that the arm and the base are coupled by the locking pin. In some implementations, the at least one locking pin opening of the arm extends perpendicularly to the arm longitudinal axis, and the at least one insert opening of the base extends perpendicularly to the base longitudinal axis. In some implementations, the at least one locking pin opening of the one of the base body and the arm body includes at least two openings. 
     In some implementations, the other of the arm body and the base body includes a radially slidable protrusion. The radially slidable protrusion is biased toward a radially outward position and is urgable toward a radially inward position, and the one of the base body and the arm body defines at least one protrusion opening. In some implementations, the at least one protrusion opening of the one of the base body and the arm body includes at least two protrusion openings. In some implementations, the radially slidable protrusion is biased toward the radially outward position by a spring force. 
     In some implementations, a guide protrusion extends radially inwardly from the body opening, the other of the arm body and the base body defines a longitudinally extending guide slot, and the guide protrusion is slidably disposable within the guide slot. 
     In some implementations, the at least one foot extends radially outwardly. In some implementations, the at least one foot includes at least two feet. In some implementations, the at least one foot includes three or more feet. 
     In some implementations, the coupler opening is circular. In some implementations, the coupler opening has a diameter between 20 mm to 55 mm. In some implementations, the diameter of the coupler opening is 25 mm or more. In some implementations, the diameter of the coupler opening is 28.5 mm or more. In some implementations, the diameter of the coupler opening is 50 mm or more. 
     In some implementations, the base and arm are slidably coupled between a first position and a second position. The device has a first length as measured from the central axis of the coupler to the at least one foot in the first position and a second length as measured from the central axis of the coupler to the foot in the second position. The first length is at least two feet, and the second length is five feet or less. 
     In some implementations, an inner surface of the body opening includes a low friction coating. 
     In some implementations, the device includes a plastic. In some implementations, the device includes a metal. 
     In some implementations, the device further includes a locking clamp fixedly coupled to the one of the first end of the base body and the second end of the arm body. The locking clamp is releasably couplable to the other of the second end of the arm body and the first end of the base body when the other of the second end of the arm body and the first end of the base body is disposed within the body opening. In some implementations, the locking clamp includes a post clamp. 
     In some implementations, the base further includes a base hub. The second end of the base body is coupled to the base hub and the at least one foot is coupled to the base hub. In some implementations, the at least one foot is releasably couplable to the base hub. In some implementations, the base hub has a first side wall and a second side wall opposite and spaced apart from the first side wall. The first side wall defines a base hub opening. The second end of the base body is disposed within the base hub opening such that the second end of the base body abuts the second side wall. 
     In some implementations, the base body has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the base longitudinal axis. The arm body has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the arm longitudinal axis. 
     Various other implementations include a system including two or more of the devices disclosed herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Example features and implementations are disclosed in the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a system of spotting devices supporting a weightlifting barbell, according to one implementation. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the implementation of one of the spotting devices of the system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the implementation of one of the spotting devices of the system shown in  FIG. 1  not extended. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the implementation of one of the spotting devices of the system shown in  FIG. 1  fully extended. 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed side view of a coupler of a spotting device, according to another implementation. 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed side view of a coupler of a spotting device, according to another implementation. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a spotting device, according to another implementation. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the spotting device shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a spotting device, according to another implementation. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the spotting device shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIGS. 11-13  are perspective views of the system of spotting devices shown in  FIG. 1  in use. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a spotting device for supporting a weightlifting barbell, according to another implementation. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the locking clamp of the spotting device of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the base hub of the spotting device shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of the components of the spotting device of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein provide for a spotting device that includes an arm and a base and is capable of supporting a weightlifting barbell. The arm includes a coupler that is couplable to a sleeve of a barbell. Either the base or the arm defines a body opening that the other of the base or the arm is slidably disposable within such that the spotting device is adjustable to a range of different heights. The spotting device protects a user from being injured or “pinned” under a barbell during free weight exercises. The spotting device can be adjusted to a predetermined minimum height, which is selected to be equal to or greater than the distance from the user and the ground. As the barbell is lowered, the feet of the spotting device contact the ground as the barbell contacts, or prior to the barbell contacting, the user such that the spotting device supports the barbell. Thus, if a user is unable to lift the barbell, the spotting device supports the barbell above the user such that the user does not become “pinned” under the barbell and can remove himself/herself from beneath the barbell. The spotting device can also be used in a system with two spotting devices, one on each sleeve of the barbell, such that the barbell is balanced. 
     Various implementations include a spotting device for supporting a weightlifting barbell, the spotting the device including a base and an arm. The base has a base body, at least one foot, and a base longitudinal axis. The base body has a first end and a second end opposite and spaced apart from the first end of the base body. The at least one foot is coupled to the second end of the base body. The arm has an arm body, a coupler, and an arm longitudinal axis. The arm body has a first end and a second end opposite and spaced apart from the first end of the arm body. The first end of the arm body is coupled to the coupler, and the coupler is couplable to a portion of a weightlifting barbell. One of the first end of the base body and the second end of the arm body defines a body opening extending at least partially through the one of the base body or the arm body, and the other of the second end of the arm body and the first end of the base body is slidably disposed within the body opening. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a system of two spotting devices  100  disposed on and supporting a weightlifting barbell  190 .  FIGS. 2-4 and 11-13  illustrate the same implementation of the spotting device  100 . The spotting device includes a base  110 , an arm  150 , and a locking pin  180 . 
     The base  110  includes a base body  112 , two feet  130 , and a base longitudinal axis  128 . The base body  112  is a cylindrical structure that has an outer surface  114 , an inner surface  116 , a first end  118 , and a second end  120  opposite and spaced apart from the first end  118 . The inner surface  116  of the base body  112  defines a body opening  140  that extends along the base longitudinal axis  128  through a portion of the base body  112 . The body opening  140  starts at the first end  118  of the base body  112  and extends toward the second end  120  of the base body  112 . The inner surface  116  of the base body  112  also includes a base guide  124  that extends radially inwardly from the inner surface  116  of the base body  112  into the body opening  140 . The outer surface  114  of the base body  112  further defines a base locking pin opening  126  that extends perpendicularly to the base longitudinal axis through the base body to the inner surface of the base body. In other implementations, the outer surface of the base body defines multiple base locking pin openings, or the base locking pin opening or openings do not extend through the base body. 
     Although the base body shown in  FIGS. 1-4 and 11-13  is cylindrical, in other implementations, the base body is a rectangular, hexagonal, triangular, or any other closed shape prism. While the body opening only extends through a portion of the base body shown in  FIGS. 1-4 and 11-13 , in other implementations, the body opening extends from the first end of the base body to the second of the base body. In other implementations, the inner surface of the base body does not include a base guide or includes multiple base guides. In other implementations, the inner surface of the body further includes a low friction coating. 
     Each of the two feet  130  of the base  110  are coupled to the second end  120  of the base body  112  and are disposed opposite each other relative to the base longitudinal axis  128 . Each foot  130  includes a first portion  132  and a second portion  134  that are integrally coupled such that the foot  130  is generally “L” shaped. The first portion  132  extends perpendicularly to the base longitudinal axis  128 . The second portion  134  extends from the first portion  132  and parallel to the base longitudinal axis  128 . The length of the first portion  132  is greater than the length of the second portion  134 . In other implementations, the length of the first portion is the same as or less than the length of the second portion. In other implementations, the feet include a first portion but not a second portion. 
     In some implementations, the base includes one circular foot that extends radially outwardly from the second end of the base body such that it forms a stand to support the base body. In other implementations, the base includes one foot, three feet, or any number of feet to enable the base to stand upright when supporting the barbell. While the feet  130  in the spotting device  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-4 and 11-13  are generally “L” shaped, in other implementations, the feet can be curved or in any shape that can effectively support the spotting device when the spotting device is disposed on the ground and is supporting a weightlifting barbell. 
     The arm  150  of the spotting device  100  includes an arm body  152 , a coupler  170 , and an arm longitudinal axis  168 . The arm body  152  is a cylinder that has an outer surface  154 , a first end  158 , and a second end  160  opposite and spaced apart from the first end  158 . The outer surface  154  of the arm body  152  defines eight arm locking pin openings  166  that extend perpendicularly to the arm longitudinal axis  168  through the arm body  152 . The eight arm locking pin openings  166  are axially spaced apart from each other along the arm body  152 . The outer surface  154  of the arm body  152  further defines an arm guide slot  164  that starts at the first end  158  of the arm body  152  and extends axially along the outer surface  154  of the arm body  152  to the second end  160  of the arm body  152 . 
     The second end  160  of the arm body  152  is slidably disposed within the body opening  140  of the base  110  such that the arm guide slot  164  is aligned with the base guide  124  and a portion of the arm body  152  is disposed within the body opening  140  of the base  110 . The base guide  124  is disposed within the arm guide slot  164  and prevents circumferential rotation of the arm  150  relative to the base  110  such that the arm body  152  is only axially slidable within the body opening  140  of the base body  112 . 
     In other implementations, the outer surface of the arm body defines one, two, three, or more arm locking pin openings. While the arm body shown in  FIGS. 1-4 and 11-13  defines an arm guide slot, in other implementations, the outer surface of the arm body does not define an arm guide slot. Also, in other implementations, the arm body is a rectangular, hexagonal, triangular, or any other closed shape prism that corresponds to the shape of the base body. 
     The first end  158  of the arm body  152  is integrally coupled to the coupler  170 , and the coupler  170  is couplable to a sleeve  192  of a weightlifting barbell  190 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The coupler  170  is a tube with an inner surface  172  that defines a coupler opening  174  and has a central coupler axis  176 . The coupler opening  174  is circular and extends through the coupler  170  perpendicularly to the arm longitudinal axis  168 . The coupler opening  174  also extends perpendicularly to the first portion  132  of the feet  130 . The diameter of the coupler opening  174  is 50 mm, although in other implementations, the coupler opening ranges from 25 mm or more, 28.5 mm or more, 50 mm or more, or anywhere within the range of 20 mm to 55 mm. In some implementations, the inner surface of the coupler also includes a low friction coating such that the sleeve of the barbell can be easily inserted through the coupler opening. The coupler  170  is disposed on the sleeve  192  of the barbell  190  between a barbell bearing/bushing  194  and a weight plate  196  such that the central coupler axis  176  and the barbell  190  are coaxial. The spotting device  100  and weight plate  196  are further secured onto the barbell with a clamp  198 . 
     The locking pin  180  is a small cylindrical bar with a loop handle  182 . The loop handle  182  allows for easy removal and placement of the locking pin  180 . The locking pin  180  is removably disposable within the base locking pin openings  126  and the arm locking pin openings  166 . 
     The base locking pin opening  126  and the arm locking pin openings  166  are alignable. In  FIGS. 1-4 and 11-13 , the arm  150  and the base  110  are fixedly coupled by the locking pin  180  being disposed within the base locking pin opening  126  and a first arm locking pin opening  166 . When the locking pin  180  is removed from the base locking pin opening  126  and the first locking pin opening  166 , the arm body  152  is free to be moved axially relative to the base body  112  such that the base locking pin opening  126  can be aligned with another of the arm locking pin openings  166 . Once aligned with a second arm locking pin opening  166 , the locking pin  180  can be disposed within the base locking pin opening  126  and the second the arm locking pin opening  166  to prevent the axial movement of the arm body  152  relative to the base body  112 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the length of the portion of the arm body  152  that is disposed within the body opening  140  of the base  110  is adjustable at increments defined by the arm locking pin openings  166 . The height of the spotting device  100 , as measured from the central coupler axis  176  to the first portion  132  of the foot  130 , can range from a first height L 1  to a second height L 2  feet depending on the length of the portion of the arm body  152  that is disposed within the body opening  140  of the base  110 . The first height L 1  of the device  100 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , is two feet, and the second height L 2  of the device  100 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , is five feet. However, in other implementations, the L 1  can be as low as one foot, and L 2  can range anywhere between one foot to five feet. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate two alternative implementations of a coupler  270 ,  370 . In  FIG. 5 , the coupler  270  includes two coupler protrusions  278  and a coupler central axis  276 . The two coupler protrusions  278  are integrally formed and partially extend circumferentially around the central axis  276  of the coupler  270 . The two coupler protrusions  278  do not circumferentially extend completely around the central axis  276  of the coupler  270  and can be resiliently urged radially outwardly. A weightlifting barbell  290  can be pressed against the ends of the two coupler protrusions  278  to urge the coupler protrusions  278  radially outwardly such that the barbell  290  can be inserted through the gap and into the coupler  270  coaxial with the coupler central axis  276 . Once the barbell  290  is disposed between the coupler protrusions  278 , the coupler protrusions  278  resiliently move radially inwardly to retain the barbell. 
     In  FIG. 6 , the coupler  370  also includes two coupler protrusions  378  and a coupler central axis  376 , but the two coupler protrusions  378  are coupled to each other by a spring  379 . The spring  379  biases the coupler protrusions  378  radially inwardly toward a radially inward position, but the coupler protrusions  378  are radially urgable to a radially outward position that compresses the spring  379  such that the barbell  390  can be inserted through the gap and into the coupler  370  coaxial with the coupler central axis  376 . Once the barbell  390  is disposed between the coupler protrusions  378 , the spring  379  biases the coupler protrusions  378  radially inwardly to the radially inward position to retain the barbell  390 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate another implementation of the spotting device  400  in which the arm body  452  has an inner surface  456  that defines the body opening  440 . The body opening  440  starts at the second end  460  of the arm body  452  and extends toward the first end  458  of the arm body  452  along the arm longitudinal axis  468  through a portion of the arm body  452 . The first end  418  of the base body  412  is slidably disposed within the body opening  440  of the arm body  452  such that at least a portion of the base body  412  is disposed within the body opening  440  of the arm body  452 . The arm locking pin opening  466  is defined by the outer surface  454  of the arm body  452  and extends perpendicularly to the arm longitudinal axis  468  through the arm body  452  to the inner surface  456  of the arm body  452 . The outer surface  414  of the base body  412  further defines base locking pin openings  426  (not shown) that extend perpendicularly to the base longitudinal axis  428  through the base body  414  to the inner surface  416  of the base body  412 . The locking pin  480  fixably couples the arm body  452  and the base body  412  relative to each other such that at least a portion of the base body  412  is fixably disposed within the body opening  440  of the arm body  452 . Although the body opening  440  only extends through a portion of the arm body  452  in the implementation illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , in other implementations, the body opening  440  extends from the first end  458  of the arm body  452  to the second end  460  of the arm body  452 . 
     In another implementation of the spotting device  500 , illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the inner surface  516  of the base body  512  again defines the body opening  540 , but the outer surface  554  of the arm body  552  now includes a radially slidable protrusion  584 . The base body  512  defines three protrusion openings  586 . The radially slidable protrusion  584  is biased toward a radially outward position by a spring force and is slidably disposable within each of the protrusion openings  586 . The radially slidable protrusion  584  can be urged radially inwardly such that the radially slidable protrusion  584  is no longer disposed within a first protrusion opening  586 . The arm body  552  is then free to be moved axially relative to the base body  512  such that the radially slidable protrusion  584  is aligned with another of the protrusion openings  586 . Once aligned with a second protrusion opening  586 , the biasing spring force of the radially slidable protrusion  584  causes the radially slidable protrusion  584  to move radially outwardly through the second protrusion opening  586  to prevent the axial movement of the arm body  552  relative to the base body  512 . 
     Although the base body  512  shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  include three protrusion openings  586 , in some implementations, the base body defines one, two, or any number of protrusion openings. In other implementations, the inner surface of the arm body defines the body opening, the outer surface of the arm body defines at least one protrusion opening, and the outer surface of the base body includes the radially slidable protrusion. 
     Also, in other implementations, the spotting device can include multiple radially slidable protrusions, both a radially slidable protrusion and a locking pin, or any other securing mechanism that is capable of preventing axial movement of the arm body relative to the base body such that spotting device can support a weightlifting barbell. 
     The implementations of spotting devices  100 ,  400 ,  500  shown in  FIGS. 1-4 and 7-13 , each weigh twenty-five pounds. The weight of each spotting device  100 ,  400 ,  500  can be added to the weight of the barbell and weights when calculating the total weight being lifted. In some implementations, the weight of each spotting device ranges from five pounds to forty-five or more pounds in standard increments (e.g., standard barbell weight increments, such as five pounds, ten pounds, twenty pounds, or forty-five pounds) based on the necessary strength of the spotting device for a given amount of weight the barbell and weights to be supported and the strength of the potential user. The arm, base, and locking pin can comprise a metal, plastic, any combination thereof, or any material strong enough to effectively support a weightlifting barbell. 
       FIGS. 14-17  show a spotting device  600  for supporting a weightlifting barbell, according to another implementation. The device  600  shown in  FIGS. 14-17  is similar to the devices shown in  FIGS. 1-13 , except for the features discussed below. 
     The base body  612  of the base  610  of the device  600  shown in  FIGS. 14-17  has a first end  618 , a second end  620  opposite and spaced apart from the first end  618 , an outer surface  614  extending between the first end  618  and the second end  620 , and an inner surface  616  spaced radially inwardly from the outer surface  614 . The arm body  652  of the arm  650  also has a first end  658 , a second end  660  opposite and spaced apart from the first end  658 , an outer surface  654  extending between the first end  658  and the second end  660 , and an inner surface  656  spaced radially inwardly from the outer surface  654 . The arm  650  has a coupler  670  coupled to the first end  658 . The base body  612  has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the base longitudinal axis  628 , and the arm body  652  of the arm  650  has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the arm longitudinal axis  668 . The first end  618  of the base body  612  defines a body opening  640  that also has a circular cross-sectional shape in the plane perpendicular to the base longitudinal axis  628 . The arm body  652  has an outer diameter sized such that the arm body  652  is slidably disposable within the body opening  640 . The circular cross-sections of the base body  612  and arm body  652  are stronger than a square cross-section by weight, providing for a strong but lighter weight device. 
     In other implementations, the second end of the arm body defines the body opening having a circular cross-sectional shape in the plane perpendicular to the arm longitudinal axis, and the base body has an outer diameter sized such that the base body is slidably disposable within the body opening. 
     Unlike the devices shown in  FIGS. 1-13 , the device  600  shown in  FIGS. 14-17  does not include a locking pin. The device  600  shown in  FIGS. 14-17  includes a locking clamp  626  fixedly coupled to the first end  618  of the base body  612 . The locking clamp  626  includes a post clamp axially aligned with the base opening  640  defined by the first end  618  of the base body  612 . The locking clamp  626  extends circumferentially around the outer surface  654  of the arm body  652  when the arm body  652  is disposed within the body opening  640 . The locking clamp  626  includes a cam lock  666  that is actuatable to reduce the inner circumferential length of the locking clamp  626  such that the locking clamp  626  is releasably couplable to the arm body  652  when the second end  660  of the arm body  652  is disposed within the body opening  640 . The locking clamp  626  can be used to couple the arm body  652  to the base body  612  at any desired axial position of the arm body  652  relative to the base body  612  such that the distance from the central axis  676  of the coupler  670  of the arm  650  to the feet  630  of the base  610  is selectively variable. 
     Although the locking clamp  626  shown in  FIGS. 14-17  is a post clamp, in other implementations, the device can include a locking clamp that is any type of clamp capable of releasably coupling the arm body to the base body. In implementations in which the arm body defines the base opening, the locking clamp is fixedly coupled to the second end of the arm body and is releasably couplable to the base body. In some implementations, the device can include any other locking device disclosed herein. 
     The base  610  of the device  600  also includes a base hub  632  for coupling the base body  612  to the two feet  630 . The base hub  631  has a first side wall  632 , a second side wall  633  opposite and spaced apart from the first side wall  632 , a first hub end  634 , and a second hub end  635  opposite and spaced apart from the first hub end  634 . The first side wall  632  defines a base hub opening  636 , the first hub end  634  defines a first hub end opening  637 , and the second hub end  635  defines a second hub end opening  638 . The base hub opening  636  is sized such that the second end  620  of the base body  612  is disposable within the base hub opening  636 . When the second end  620  of the base body  612  is disposed within the base hub opening  636 , the second end  620  of the base body  612  can abut the second side wall  633  of the base hub  631  to distribute the forces exerted on the base body  612  directly to the ground. Because the force from the base body  612  is distributed to the ground, the two feet  630  of the base  610  do not suffer as much from wear and are used mostly for stability. 
     The base  610  of the device  600  shown in  FIGS. 14-17  also includes two support brackets  642 . Each of the two support brackets  642  are coupled to the outer surface  614  of the base body  612  and to a portion of the first side wall  632  of the base hub  631 . The support brackets  642  provide stability against any torque exerted on the base body  612  to strengthen the coupling of the base body  612  to the base hub  631 . 
     The first hub end opening  637  and the second hub end opening  638  of the base hub  631  are each sized such that one of the two feet  630  can be disposed within each of the first hub end opening  637  and the second hub end opening  638 . The base hub  631  defines fastener openings  642  that are alignable with fastener openings  642  defined by each of the feet  630  when the feet  630  are disposed within the first hub end opening  637  and the second hub end opening  638 . A fastener can be disposed within the aligned fastener openings  639  defined by the base hub  631  and feet  630  to couple the feet  630  to the base hub  631 . This allows the feet  630  to be decoupled from the base hub  631  for more compact storage, shipping, etc. 
     The base  610  of the device  600  shown in  FIGS. 14-17  also includes non-slip, protective pads  644  on the bottom surfaces of the second side wall  633  of the base hub  631  and of the feet  630 . The pads  644  reduce damage to surfaces on which the device  600  is set. The pads  630  also reduce slipping of the device  600  when the device  600  is set on a surface. 
     Although the base  610  of the device  600  shown in  FIGS. 14-17  includes two feet  630 , in other implementations, the base of the device can include any number of feet and the base hub can include any number of ends each defining any number of openings in which the feet can be disposed. In some implementations, the base hub defines openings in any orientation to allow for the feet to extend in any predetermined configuration. Although the base body  612  shown in  FIGS. 14-17  is permanently coupled to the base hub  631 , in other implementations, the base body and base hub are separate components and are releasably couplable to each other. The feet  630  and base hub  631  shown in  FIGS. 14-17  are separate components and are releasably couplable, but in other implementations, the feet and the base hub are permanently coupled to each other. 
     A number of example implementations are provided herein. However, it is understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is used synonymously with the term “including” and variations thereof and are open, non-limiting terms. Although the terms “comprising” and “including” have been used herein to describe various implementations, the terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” can be used in place of “comprising” and “including” to provide for more specific implementations and are also disclosed. 
     Disclosed are materials, systems, devices, methods, compositions, and components that can be used for, can be used in conjunction with, can be used in preparation for, or are products of the disclosed methods, systems, and devices. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these components may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a device is disclosed and discussed each and every combination and permutation of the device, and the modifications that are possible are specifically contemplated unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also specifically contemplated and disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this disclosure including, but not limited to, steps in methods using the disclosed systems or devices. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed, it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific method steps or combination of method steps of the disclosed methods, and that each such combination or subset of combinations is specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed.