Smith machine

Abstract

A Smith machine comprising: a stand and a barbell mounting mechanism connected to the stand, wherein the barbell mounting mechanism is configured to slide along a length of the stand. A barbell is rotatably connected to the barbell mounting mechanism and a catch is fixed to the barbell. The catch is configured to selectively engage the stand as the barbell rotates. The Smith machine can further comprise a safety mechanism removably connected to the stand at a predetermined position along the length of the stand. Upon connecting the safety mechanism to the stand, the barbell mounting mechanism cannot slide along the length of the stand below the predetermined position of the safety mechanism.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 594,173, filed October 30, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to weight training equipment. Specifically, this invention relates to a Smith machine in which a barbell is selectively fixed to a column during its rotation. Background Technology

[0004] Strength training involves physical activities designed to improve physical strength. It often involves lifting weights, and in these cases is commonly referred to as weight training. Compared to machines, free weight training requires the user to engage multiple muscle groups to maintain balance and stabilize the weight. However, free weight training poses a greater risk to both the user and the environment if the user loses control.

[0005] The Smith machine was developed as a way to improve safety in weight training. A Smith machine consists of a barbell fixed within vertical rails, allowing only vertical or near-vertical movement. Parallel to these steel rails is a second vertical structure to which the barbell can be secured in multiple locations via holes or hooks that allow the barbell to engage. Therefore, the barbell on a Smith machine does not need to be returned to the support after a set of repetitions: it can be secured at any point. This is considered safer for weightlifters without a supervisor, as they can easily lock the barbell in place by simply twisting their wrists if the weight is too heavy. Various Smith machines exist, each designed to offer certain advantages and disadvantages depending on the specific exercise the machine is intended to perform.

[0006] Therefore, there is still a need for a Smith machine that can fix the load to the frame in an improved way to enhance functionality and safety. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention includes a Smith machine in which a barbell is selectively fixed to a column as it rotates.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a Smith machine includes: a column; a barbell mounting mechanism connected to the column and configured to slide along the length of the column; a barbell rotatably connected to the barbell mounting mechanism; and a locking hook secured to the barbell and configured to selectively engage the column when the barbell rotates.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the post defines a plurality of slits at predetermined positions along the length of the post, and the locking hook includes a bushing configured to move into a selected slit as the barbell rotates to hold the barbell at a selected height corresponding to the selected slit.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the barbell is pivotable relative to the barbell mounting mechanism.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the barbell mounting mechanism includes a body that defines a hole through which the barbell extends.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the bearing is located within the body, and the distal end of the barbell is contained within the bearing, such that the bearing rotatably connects the barbell to the barbell mounting mechanism. In some specific embodiments, the bearing is a rubber ball bearing.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the body of the barbell mounting mechanism includes a plate surrounding the upright, and the plate defines two holes through which the barbell extends.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the Smith machine further includes a safety mechanism removably connected to the column at a predetermined position along the length of the column, wherein, after the safety mechanism is connected to the column, the barbell mounting mechanism cannot slide along the length of the column below the predetermined position of the safety mechanism.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the safety mechanism includes a body and a stop pin pivotally connected to the body, the stop pin being configured to selectively engage the column.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the safety mechanism includes a buffer configured to absorb impacts from the barbell mounting mechanism on the safety mechanism as the barbell mounting mechanism slides along the length of the post to a predetermined position of the safety mechanism.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, a Smith machine includes: a column including a guide rail extending along the length of the column; a barbell mounting mechanism connected to the column and configured to slide along the guide rail; a barbell rotatably connected to the barbell mounting mechanism; a locking hook secured to the barbell and configured to selectively engage the column as the barbell rotates; and a safety mechanism connected to the column and configured to slide along the guide rail.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the upright defines a plurality of slits at predetermined positions along the length of the upright; the locking hook includes a bushing configured to move into a selected slit as the barbell rotates to hold the barbell at a selected height corresponding to the selected slit; and the safety mechanism includes a body and a stop pin pivotally connected to the body, the stop pin being configured to selectively engage a predetermined slit to secure the safety mechanism at a predetermined position along the length of the upright.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, a Smith machine includes: a frame including a ground beam extending from a front portion of the frame to a rear portion of the frame, and an upper beam extending from the front portion of the frame to the rear portion of the frame. The Smith machine also includes a sliding mechanism comprising: a lower guide rail operably connected to the lower beam of the frame; an upper guide rail operably connected to the upper beam of the frame; and a column extending between the lower and upper guide rails, the column being slidably connected to the upper and lower guide rails, the column defining a plurality of notches at predetermined positions along its length. The Smith machine also includes a safety mechanism including a body and a stop pin pivotally connected to the body, the stop pin being configured to selectively engage predetermined notches to secure the safety mechanism at predetermined positions along the length of the column. The Smith machine also includes a barbell mounting mechanism removably connected to the column, the barbell mounting mechanism being configured to slide along the length of the column. The Smith machine also includes a barbell rotatably connected to the barbell mounting mechanism. The Smith machine further includes a locking hook secured to the barbell, the locking hook including a bushing configured to move into a selected cut as the barbell rotates to hold the barbell at a selected height corresponding to the selected cut. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary Smith machine manufactured according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Perspective views of the upper and lower left sides of the Smith machine shown separately;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the left sliding mechanism shown separately;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a sectional view of the upper part of the left sliding mechanism shown separately;

[0024] Figure 5This is a sectional view of the lower part of the left sliding mechanism shown separately;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a front perspective view of the column of the left sliding mechanism shown separately;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a rear perspective view of the column of the left sliding mechanism shown separately;

[0027] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 and Figure 7 The front perspective sectional view of the column of the left sliding mechanism, taken by line AA in the middle;

[0028] Figure 9 It is along Figure 6 and Figure 7 The rear perspective section view of the column of the left sliding mechanism, taken by line AA in the middle.

[0029] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A front perspective view of an exemplary barbell mounting mechanism for a Smith machine, showing the barbell secured to the right upright via the barbell mounting mechanism;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a front perspective view of the locking hook attached to the barbell, shown separately.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a front perspective view of the U-shaped plate of the barbell mounting mechanism, shown separately.

[0032] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 Rear perspective view of the barbell mounting mechanism;

[0033] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 The Smith machine is shown as a front perspective view of the safety mechanism connected to the column;

[0034] Figure 15 It is shown separately. Figure 14 A front perspective view of the security structure;

[0035] Figure 16 This is a front perspective view of another exemplary safety mechanism manufactured according to the present invention and shown as being connected to a column;

[0036] Figure 17 It is not connected to the column. Figure 16 A front perspective view of the security structure;

[0037] Figure 18 This is a front perspective view of another exemplary safety mechanism manufactured according to the present invention and shown as being connected to a column;

[0038] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of another exemplary Smith machine manufactured according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 20 It is shown separately. Figure 19 A perspective view of the upper left side of the Smith machine;

[0040] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 The opposite side perspective view of the upper part, in which a portion of the upper beam is removed to show the trolley running along the track contained within the upper beam;

[0041] Figure 22 It is shown separately. Figure 19 A perspective view of the lower left side of the Smith machine;

[0042] Figure 23 yes Figure 19 A front perspective sectional view of the column of the Smith machine;

[0043] Figure 24 yes Figure 19 A front perspective view of an exemplary barbell mounting mechanism for a Smith machine, showing the barbell secured to the right upright via the barbell mounting mechanism;

[0044] Figure 25 It is along Figure 24 A sectional view of the barbell mounting mechanism taken from line BB in the image;

[0045] Figure 26 This is a front perspective view of the locking hook attached to the barbell, shown separately.

[0046] Figure 27 This is a perspective view of the rubber bearing shown separately;

[0047] Figure 28 It is along Figure 27 A cross-sectional view of a rubber bearing taken by line CC in the diagram;

[0048] Figure 29 It is shown separately. Figure 24 A perspective view of the main body of the barbell mounting mechanism;

[0049] Figure 30 It is shown separately. Figure 24 A perspective view of the counterweight loading rod of the barbell mounting mechanism;

[0050] Figure 31 yes Figure 24 Rear perspective view of the main body of the barbell mounting mechanism, with a portion of the main body removed to show the linear bearing guide contained within the main body;

[0051] Figure 32 It is shown separately. Figure 24A perspective view of the linear bearing guide of the barbell mounting mechanism;

[0052] Figure 33 yes Figure 19 The Smith machine is shown as a front perspective view of the safety mechanism connected to the column;

[0053] Figure 34 It is shown separately. Figure 33 Bottom perspective view of the security structure;

[0054] Figure 35 It is along Figure 34 The cross-sectional view of the safety mechanism is taken from line DD in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The present invention includes a Smith machine in which a barbell is selectively fixed to a column as it rotates.

[0056] First refer to Figure 1 In one exemplary embodiment, the Smith machine 100 manufactured according to the present invention includes a frame 200 having two ground beams 210, a lower crossbeam 220 extending between and connecting the two ground beams 210, two front posts 230 extending upward from each of the two ground beams 210, two rear posts 240 extending upward from each of the two ground beams 210, two upper beams 250 extending between the upper ends of the two rear posts 240 and the two front posts 230 and connecting the upper ends of the two rear posts 240 and the two front posts 230, an upper crossbeam 260 extending between and connecting the two rear posts 240, and a front crossbeam 270 (in the form of an upper tie rod) extending between and connecting the two front posts 230. The exact configuration of the frame 200 is not limited and can vary depending on the specific design and function intended.

[0057] The Smith machine 100 also includes two sliding mechanisms 300 operably connected to each side of the Smith machine 100 to allow the corresponding upright 400 to move back and forth relative to the frame 200. As will be discussed in further detail below, a barbell mounting mechanism 600 is provided for selectively securing the barbell 500 to the upright 400, and a safety mechanism 700 is provided to prevent the barbell 500 from moving below a set minimum height.

[0058] In particular, regarding the sliding mechanism 300, it is still referenced. Figure 1 But now we also refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3The sliding mechanism 300 on the left side of the Smith machine 100 includes an upper guide rail 310 extending substantially along the upper beam 250 of the frame 200 between the front post 230 and the rear post 240, and a lower guide rail 320 extending substantially along the ground beam 210 between the front post 230 and the rear post 240. The specific manner in which the upper guide rail 310 and the lower guide rail 320 are connected to the respective beams 250, 210 is not limited and can be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0059] The upper bearing sleeve 312 is configured to move along the upper guide rail 310, and the lower bearing sleeve 322 is configured to move along the lower guide rail 320. In particular, see also reference now. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Each of the bearing sleeves 312 and 322 defines a passage through which corresponding guide rails 310 and 320 pass, thereby allowing the bearing sleeves 312 and 322 to move along the length of the guide rails 310 and 320. A column 400 is operatively connected to the upper bearing sleeve 312 and the lower bearing sleeve 322 and extends between the upper bearing sleeve 312 and the lower bearing sleeve 322 to also move along the length of the guide rails 310 and 320. Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, tubes 314 and 324 extend from each of the bearing sleeves 312 and 322, and the column 400 is connected to these tubes 314 and 324.

[0060] Although the above description is made with reference to the sliding mechanism 300 on the left side of the Smith machine 100, the sliding mechanism 300 on the right side of the Smith machine 100 is configured and operates in essentially the same way.

[0061] The specific manner in which the columns are allowed to move back and forth relative to the frame is not limited and can be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as discussed further below. For example, and now referring to... Figure 19 In another exemplary embodiment, the Smith machine 3100 manufactured according to the present invention includes the features described above. Figure 1 The frame 200 is substantially similar to the frame 3200 (i.e., Figure 19 The frame 3200 shown also has two ground beams 3210, a lower crossbeam 3220, two front columns 3230, two rear columns 3240, two upper beams 3250, an upper crossbeam 3260, and a front crossbeam 3270.

[0062] The Smith machine 3100 also includes two sliding mechanisms 3300 operably connected to each side of the Smith machine 3100 to allow the corresponding column 3400 to move back and forth relative to the frame 3200. It is worth noting that, with... Figure 1 Compared to the Smith machine 100 shown, Figure 19The Smith machine 3100 shown also includes an additional crossbeam 3402 that extends between and connects the tops of the two columns 3400 to improve stability.

[0063] Still referencing Figure 19 But now we also refer to Figure 20 and Figure 21 The upper end of the sliding mechanism 3300 on the left side of the Smith machine 3100 includes a trolley 3310 with a steel wheel 3320 that runs along a track 3330 that extends along the interior of an upper beam 3250. For this purpose, the upper beam 3250 defines an elongated hole 3252 through which a plate 3340 extends, connecting the trolley 3310 to a column 3400.

[0064] Now for reference Figure 22 The lower end of the sliding mechanism 3300 on the left side of the Smith machine 3100 includes a tab 3350 that protrudes downward from the bottom of the column 3400 and is located within a slot 3212 defined in the ground beam 3210. In this way, the entire weight of the column 3400 is supported by a trolley 3310 at the upper end of the sliding mechanism 3300, where the tab 3350 and the slot 3212 act as guides to prevent unnecessary lateral movement of the column 3400 while allowing the column 3400 to move freely back and forth. Again, although the above description refers to the sliding mechanism 3300 on the left side of the Smith machine 3100, the sliding mechanism 3300 on the right side of the Smith machine 3100 is configured and operates in substantially the same manner.

[0065] Regarding the exemplary column 400, now refer to Figures 6-9 Each column 400 of the Smith machine 100 defines a plurality of cuts 410 at a predetermined height, i.e., at predetermined positions along the length of the column 400. A guide rail 420 is also provided, which extends substantially uninterrupted along the length of the column 400. Figures 8-9 As best shown, in some embodiments, as will be further discussed below, the guide rail 420 includes two circular protrusions 422 extending along the length of the column. In the exemplary column 400, the cutout 410 is defined on the front side of the column 400, and the guide rail 420 is disposed on the rear side of the column 400. However, other configurations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, such as including the cutout on the rear side of the column and / or including the guide rail on any side where no cutout exists.

[0066] As previously described, the exemplary Smith machine 100 includes a barbell mounting mechanism 600 for selectively securing a barbell 500 to a post 400. Specifically, the barbell mounting mechanism 600 is connected to the post 400 and configured to slide along the length of the post 400. Referring now to... Figures 10-13 An exemplary barbell mounting mechanism 600 includes a body (in the form of a U-shaped plate 610) that wraps around a post 400 and defines two holes 612 at either end of the U-shaped plate 610 (e.g., ...). Figure 12 As shown), the barbell 500 extends through the two holes 612. The locking hook 520 is positioned along the barbell 500 so as to be located between the two holes 612 of the U-shaped plate 610. The locking hook 520 is preferably fixed to the barbell 500 to prevent the locking hook 520 from rotating relative to the barbell 500 (i.e., the locking hook 520 will rotate with the barbell 500).

[0067] like Figure 11 As best shown, the locking hook 520 includes two curved plates 522 that together form a Y-shape, and a bushing 524 extends between the two ends of the curved plates 522. The barbell 500 is rotatable within the hole 612 of the U-shaped plate 610, such that the barbell 500 is rotatably connected to the barbell mounting mechanism 600. Therefore, the user can selectively rotate the barbell 500 and the attached locking hook 520, allowing the bushing 524 of the locking hook 520 to move in and out of the cutout 410 of the column 400. Figure 10 As shown, when the bushing 524 of the locking hook 520 is located within the selected cut 410 of the column 400 (i.e., the locking hook 520 has selectively engaged the column 400), the barbell 500 is held at a selected height corresponding to the selected cut 410.

[0068] like Figure 12 As best shown, inside the U-shaped plate 610 are a plurality of guides 620 that define a substantially circular channel 622. Figure 13 As shown, the circular protrusion 422 of the guide rail 420 passes through the circular channel 622 of the guide member 620, thereby allowing the barbell mounting mechanism 600 to move freely along the length of the column 400 while firmly holding the barbell mounting mechanism 600 to the column 400. Of course, the specific shape of the protrusion 422 and the channel 622 is not limited, as long as they work together to secure the barbell mounting mechanism 600 to the column 400 while allowing the guide member 620 of the barbell mounting mechanism 600 to slidably engage with the guide rail 420.

[0069] For example, and now refer to Figure 23 In another exemplary embodiment, the guide track 3420 has an hourglass-shaped cross-section, as shown below. Figure 31 and Figure 32 Further discussion reveals that the guide rail 3420 is configured to pass through... Figure 19 The corresponding channel 3622 defined in the linear bearing guide 3620 used in the barbell mounting mechanism 3600 and safety mechanism 3700 of the exemplary Smith machine 3100 shown.

[0070] Still referencing Figure 19 The exemplary Smith machine 3100 shown is shown, but now a specific reference is made. Figures 24-31 The barbell mounting mechanism 3600 of this exemplary embodiment includes a substantially enclosed body 3610, which includes a plate 3611 that wraps around a post 3400, and a barbell 3500 that extends through the plate 3611.

[0071] like Figure 26 As best shown, the locking hook 3520 is preferably fixed to the barbell 3500 to prevent the locking hook 3520 from rotating relative to the barbell 3500 (i.e., the locking hook 3520 would rotate with the barbell 3500), and the locking hook 3520 includes two curved plates 3522 that together form a Y-shape, and a bushing 3524 extending between the two ends of the curved plates 3522. The locking hook 3520 is positioned along the barbell 3500 to extend through an opening 3612 defined in the top of the body 3610 of the barbell mounting mechanism 3600.

[0072] and Figures 10-12 The barbell 500 and barbell mounting mechanism 600 in the exemplary embodiment shown are different in that... Figures 24-25 In the exemplary barbell mounting mechanism 3600 shown, the barbell 3500 does not extend continuously through the body 3610 of the barbell mounting mechanism 3600. Instead, as shown... Figure 25 As best shown, the barbell 3500 extends through a hole 3614 on one side of the body 3610, and the distal end 3510 of the barbell 3500 is inserted into a bearing 3530 fixed within the body 3610 of the barbell mounting mechanism. The barbell 3500 is thus rotatably connected to the barbell mounting mechanism 3600.

[0073] In this exemplary embodiment, reference is now made to Figure 27 and Figure 28The bearing 3530 is a rubber ball bearing (e.g., a KHRRCSM206-18 embedded bearing manufactured by Asahi Bearings, headquartered in Osaka, Japan), which includes an inner ring 3532 receiving the distal end 3510 of the barbell 3500, an outer ring 3534 engaging with the body 3610 of the barbell mounting mechanism 3600, and a plurality of balls 3536 located between the inner ring 3532 and the outer ring 3534. Of course, other bearings may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The exemplary rubber bearing 3530 advantageously provides sufficient flexibility to allow the barbell 3500 to pivot slightly within the bearing 3530 and to allow some non-axial hinge of the barbell 3500 relative to the barbell mounting mechanism 3600. For this purpose, the hole 3614 on the side of the body 3610 of the barbell mounting mechanism 3600 is sized to allow the barbell 3500 to move a predetermined amount relative to the barbell mounting mechanism 3600, for example, a rotation of approximately 5°. Advantageously, the non-rigid connection between the barbell 3500 and the main body 3610 of the barbell mounting mechanism 3500 prevents jamming or jamming that may occur when the user rotates the barbell 3500 to engage or disengage the barbell mounting mechanism 3600 from the column 400. Furthermore, the additional degrees of freedom of movement, namely pitch and yaw, provide the user with a more natural weightlifting experience.

[0074] In any case, the user can selectively rotate the barbell 3500 and the attached locking hook 3520 so that the bushing 3524 of the locking hook 3520 can be moved into and out of the cutout 3410 of the column 3400 in essentially the same manner as discussed above.

[0075] Refer again Figure 24 and Figure 25 But now we also refer to Figure 29 and Figure 30 Since the barbell 3500 does not extend through the main body 3610 of the barbell mounting mechanism 3600, in this embodiment, the additional counterweight loading rod 3550 is fixed to the extension 3618 of the main body 3610 of the barbell mounting mechanism 3600.

[0076] Now for reference Figure 31 and Figure 32The exemplary barbell mounting mechanism 3600 has a linear bearing guide 3620 inside its main body 3610, which defines an hourglass-shaped channel 3622 through which the hourglass-shaped guide rail 3420 of the column 3400 passes. The exemplary linear bearing guide 3620 is an HG series heavy-duty ball-type linear guide manufactured and sold by HIWIN Motion Control and System Technology Co., Ltd., headquartered in Taichung City, Taiwan Province, China. Of course, other linear bearing guides may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0077] In operation, for each of the Smith machines 100, 3100 of the exemplary embodiments discussed above, the user approaches the barbell 500, 3500 to begin the exercise once the locking hooks 520, 3520 are engaged with the barbell mounting mechanisms 600, 3600 (i.e., the bushings 524, 3524 are contained within the cutouts 410, 3410 of the uprights 400, 3400). Then, while the user rotates the barbell 500, 3500 forward (i.e.,...), Figure 1 and Figure 19 Slightly lift the barbells 500 and 3500 (counterclockwise) to remove the bushings 524 and 3524 from the cuts 410 and 3410 of the columns 400 and 3400. At this point, the user can vertically move the barbells 500 and 3500 and the connected barbell mounting mechanisms 600 and 3600 along the length of the columns 400 and 3400. The columns 400 and 3400 can move back and forth via the aforementioned sliding mechanisms 300 and 3600. This allows the barbells 500 and 3500 to move in two dimensions, thus providing greater freedom of movement during exercises such as squats. The user can return the barbells 500 and 3500 to the desired height with the corresponding cuts 410 and 3410 and rotate the barbells 500 and 3500 backward (i.e., Figure 1 and Figure 19 The bushings 524 and 3524 are moved clockwise into the selected cutouts 410 and 3410 defined in the columns 400 and 3400. When the user subsequently releases the barbells 500 and 3500, the weight of the barbells 500 and 3500 is held by the barbell mounting mechanisms 600 and 3600. Of course, the initial height of the barbells 500 and 3500 (i.e., their position along the length of the columns 400 and 3400) can be set by the user before starting the workout according to the user's body type and intended workout.

[0078] As previously described, the exemplary Smith machine 100 also includes a safety mechanism 700 that prevents the barbell 500 from moving below a set minimum height. Specifically, the safety mechanism 700 is removably connected to the column 400 at a predetermined position along the length of the column 400 and is configured to slide along the length of the column 400. Referring now to... Figures 14-15 The exemplary safety mechanism 700 includes a body 710, which in this embodiment is a U-shaped plate enclosing a column 400, similar to a barbell mounting mechanism 600. The safety mechanism 700 includes two levers 720 pivotally connected to the ends of the U-shaped plate 710 by screws 730 and locking nuts 732. A stop pin 740 extends between the two levers 720, and thus is pivotally connected to the body 710 via a linkage mechanism in the form of the two levers 720. Figure 14 As shown, the stop pin 740 of the safety mechanism 700 can selectively engage (i.e., move in and out) the notch 410 of the column 400 by rotating the lever 720.

[0079] like Figure 15 As best shown, the safety mechanism 700 includes a plurality of guides 750 that define substantially circular channels 752 that slidably engage circular protrusions 422 of guide rails 420 in a manner similar to that of guides 620 of the barbell mounting mechanism 600 described above. In operation, the user can move the safety mechanism 700 to a desired height and rotate a stop pin 740 into a selected cutout 410 defined in the column 400 to attach the safety mechanism 700 to the column 400. The safety mechanism 700 thus defines a minimum height below which the barbell mounting mechanism 600 (and the attached barbell 500) cannot travel. This minimum height can be selected to prevent injury to the user from losing control of the barbell 500 and / or to prevent the weight (not shown) at the end of the barbell 500 from impacting the floor. For this purpose, the safety mechanism 700 also includes a buffer 760 configured to absorb the force of the barbell mounting mechanism 600 impacting the safety mechanism 700.

[0080] exist Figures 14-15 In the exemplary safety mechanism 700 shown, the buffer 760 is located on the upper surface of the body 710. However, in other embodiments, the buffer 760 may be located on other parts of the safety mechanism. For example, and now referring to... Figures 16-17 In another exemplary safety mechanism 1700, a buffer 1760 is located on a plate 1720 extending outward from the front of the safety mechanism 1700. Figures 16-17The exemplary safety mechanism 1700 shown still includes a U-shaped body 1710 surrounding the column 1400. However, instead of two separate levers, a plate 1720 is pivotally connected to the end of the U-shaped plate 1710 by screws 1730 and a locking nut (not shown). A stop pin 1740 extends between the sides of the plate 1720, thus the stop pin 1740 is engaged with... Figures 14-15 The stop pin 740 shown is pivotally connected to the body 1710 in essentially the same manner. (As shown) Figure 17 As shown, the stop pin 1740 of the safety mechanism 1700 can selectively engage (i.e., move in and out) the notch 1410 of the column 1400 by rotation of the plate 1720. When the safety mechanism 1700 is engaged within the notch 1410, the buffer 1760 faces upward and is positioned to absorb the impact of the barbell mounting mechanism 600 on the safety mechanism 1700. Advantageously, Figures 16-17 The forward-extending plate 1720 of the exemplary safety mechanism 1700 also provides a convenient handle for the user to rotate the plate 1720 to move the stop pin 1740 into and out of the desired cutout 1410 of the column 1400.

[0081] However, the specific shape of the plate is not limited. For example, and now refer to Figure 18 In another exemplary safety mechanism 2700, the stop pin (not shown) is located entirely below plate 2720, which is also smaller than... Figure 17 The plate shown is 1720. Furthermore... Figure 18 The plate 2720 includes two handles 2722 extending forward from the plate 2720. The user can grip the handles 2722 to more easily rotate the plate 2720, thereby moving the stop pin 2740 into and out of the desired cut 2410 of the post 2400.

[0082] In other exemplary embodiments, the safety mechanism may be designed such that the user pulls the plate to remove the stop pin from the notch, rather than requiring the user to rotate the stop pin to remove it from the notch. Now refer to Figures 33-35 , Figure 19 The exemplary Smith machine 3100 shown also includes a safety mechanism 3700 comprising a body 3710 and a plate 3720. The body 3710 is a U-shaped plate surrounding a post 3400, and the plate 3720 has a buffer 3750. A stop pin 3740 extends between the sides of the plate 3720, and, as shown... Figure 34 and Figure 35 As best as possible, the linear bearing guide 3620 is also provided within the safety mechanism 3700 to allow the body 3710 to move along the guide rail 3420 of the column 3400.

[0083] For example Figure 34 and Figure 35As shown, plate 3720 passes through each side of body 3710 ( Figure 34 and Figure 35 A set of levers 3721a and 3721b (showing only one side) are connected to the body 3710, and these levers are pivotally connected to both the body 3710 and the plate 3720. Due to the linkage mechanism of the two sets of levers 3721a and 3721b, when the plate 3720 is pulled backward (i.e., away from the body 3710), the stop pin 3740 rises slightly and is also pulled backward along with the plate 3720. This movement allows the stop pin 3740 to move into and out of the cutout 3410 of the column 3400 by pulling rather than rotating the plate 3720.

[0084] The plate 3720 in this exemplary embodiment also includes a handle 3722 to facilitate a user's gripping and pulling of the plate 3720. Furthermore, as... Figure 34 and Figure 35 As shown, spring 3724 extends between rear lever 3721b and body 3710 to bias plate 3720 toward body 3710. Therefore, the user can move plate 3720 rearward simply by releasing handle 3722, and stop pin 3740 retracts and engages cutout 3410 of post 3400. Also as... Figure 34 and Figure 35 As shown, rod 3726 extends between the sides of the plate to prevent the front lever 3721a from rotating excessively.

[0085] If a user pulls handle 3722 to disengage safety mechanism 3700 from post 3400, but then releases handle 3722 when stop pin 3740 is not aligned with cutout 3410, safety mechanism 3700 will simply fall along the length of post 3400 until it reaches the next lower cutout 3410. At this point, spring 3724 will force stop pin 3740 into cutout 3410 and automatically re-engage safety mechanism 3700 to post 3400. To facilitate this operation, in the exemplary safety mechanism 3700, a friction member (not shown) is disposed within body 3710 to contact post 400. This friction member provides sufficient resistance to adequately slow the descent of safety mechanism 3700, thereby preventing the possibility that the falling safety mechanism 3700 will pass through cutout 3410 without time for spring 3724 to force stop pin 3740 into cutout 3410. The specific dimensions, shape, and material of the friction component are not limited and can be easily determined by those skilled in the art to provide the desired resistance.

[0086] Furthermore, and again refer to Figure 19 and Figure 22 The stop 3440 extends from the bottom of the column 3400. This stop ensures that the safety mechanism 3700 cannot descend below the point where the stop pin 3740 can engage the lowest cut 3410 of the column 3400.

[0087] Finally, as Figure 19 As shown, the exemplary Smith machine 3100 also includes a locking mechanism 3442 positioned along each of the two front posts 3230, which can selectively secure the post 3400 to the front post 3230 and prevent the post 3400 from moving back and forth. In this exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism 3442 includes a hook that can rotate downward and enter one of the cutouts 3410 of the post 3400, but other methods of securing the post 3400 to the front post 3230 are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0088] Although the above description pertains to a barbell with a counterweight plate that the user can add, those skilled in the art will readily understand how to modify the above implementation to suit any known resistance loading method, including, for example, counterweights, magnetic resistance, or elastic band resistance.

[0089] Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the teachings of the invention or the scope of the appended claims. This detailed description, particularly the specific details of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, is given primarily for clarity and should not be construed as creating unnecessary limitations, as modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A Smith machine, comprising: Columns; A barbell mounting mechanism connected to the upright, the barbell mounting mechanism being configured to slide along the length of the upright; A barbell, which is rotatably connected to the barbell mounting mechanism; as well as A locking hook is attached to the barbell and is configured to selectively engage the upright as the barbell rotates.

2. The Smith machine according to claim 1, wherein, The upright defines a plurality of slits at predetermined positions along the length of the upright, and the locking hook includes a bushing configured to move into a selected slit as the barbell rotates to hold the barbell at a selected height corresponding to the selected slit.

3. The Smith machine according to claim 1, wherein, The barbell is pivotable relative to the barbell mounting mechanism.

4. The Smith machine according to claim 1, wherein, The barbell mounting mechanism includes a body that defines a hole through which the barbell extends.

5. The Smith machine according to claim 4, wherein, The bearing is located within the body, and the distal end of the barbell is contained within the bearing, such that the bearing rotatably connects the barbell to the barbell mounting mechanism.

6. The Smith machine according to claim 5, wherein, The bearing is a rubber ball bearing.

7. The Smith machine according to claim 1, wherein, The main body of the barbell mounting mechanism includes a plate surrounding the upright, and the plate defines two holes through which the barbell extends.

8. The Smith machine of claim 1, further comprising a safety mechanism removably connected to the column at a predetermined position along the length of the column, wherein, After the safety mechanism is connected to the column, the barbell mounting mechanism cannot slide along the length of the column below the predetermined position of the safety mechanism.

9. The Smith machine according to claim 8, wherein, The safety mechanism includes a body and a stop pin connected to the body via a linkage mechanism, the stop pin being configured to selectively engage the column.

10. The Smith machine according to claim 8, wherein, The safety mechanism includes a buffer configured to absorb the impact of the barbell mounting mechanism on the safety mechanism when the barbell mounting mechanism slides along the length of the post to a predetermined position of the safety mechanism.

11. A Smith machine, comprising: A column, the column including a guide rail extending along the length of the column; A barbell mounting mechanism connected to the upright, the barbell mounting mechanism being configured to slide along the guide rail; A barbell, which is rotatably connected to the barbell mounting mechanism; A locking hook, which is fixed to the barbell and configured to selectively engage the upright as the barbell rotates; as well as A safety mechanism connected to the column and configured to slide along the guide rail.

12. The Smith machine according to claim 11, wherein, The column has multiple cuts defined at predetermined positions along its length; The locking hook includes a bushing configured to move into a selected cut as the barbell rotates to hold the barbell at a selected height corresponding to the selected cut; and The safety mechanism includes a body and a stop pin pivotally connected to the body, the stop pin being configured to selectively engage a predetermined notch to secure the safety mechanism at a predetermined position along the length of the column.

13. A Smith machine, comprising: The framework includes: A ground beam extending from the front of the frame to the rear of the frame, and An upper beam extending from the front of the frame to the rear of the frame; The sliding mechanism includes: A lower guide rail, which is operably connected to the lower beam of the frame. An upper guide rail, which is operably connected to the upper beam of the frame, A column extending between the lower guide rail and the upper guide rail, the column being slidably connected to the upper guide rail and the lower guide rail, the column defining a plurality of slits at predetermined positions along the length of the column; A safety mechanism comprising a body and a stop pin pivotally connected to the body, the stop pin being configured to selectively engage a predetermined notch to secure the safety mechanism at a predetermined position along the length of the post. A barbell mounting mechanism, removably connected to the upright, the barbell mounting mechanism being configured to slide along the length of the upright; A barbell, rotatably connected to the barbell mounting mechanism; and A locking hook, which is secured to the barbell, includes a bushing configured to move into a selected cut as the barbell rotates to hold the barbell at a selected height corresponding to the selected cut.

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