Self spotting barbell press

Abstract

A self-spotting safety bench press is composed of an adjustable bench and uprights located on either side of the bench adjacent the lifters upper body. Lifting arms extend from the uprights into the barbell's pathway and have the ability to slide up and down to contact the barbell and decrease the weight exerted on the exerciser. A single hydraulic cylinder in conjunction with a pulley system provides force to each lifting arm, which is depressed below the barbell's path before use. When assistance is needed, the exerciser releases a hydraulic restrictor valve causing the arms to ascend removing a user-determined amount of weight from the barbell. If the total amount of weight is not chosen to be removed the user can continue performing repetitions with machine assistance. A second restrictor valve allows only upward movement should the exerciser fail. A third flow restrictor valve adjusts the rate of arm travel. An air charged hydraulic accumulator provides the hydraulic pressure to the cylinder.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] (1) Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention generally relates to free weight exercise equipment, and in particular to an improved self-spotting bench press. [0003] (2) Description of the Prior Art [0004] The use of barbells, i.e., free weights, for conditioning and enhancement of the body's musculature is widely practiced by a variety of people. Often, these people prefer to weight lift in the privacy of their home, and when they feel like weight lifting. [0005] Most often weight training is executed with a spotter, i.e., someone who can assist the lifter when they become fatigued or are having difficulty or are about to drop the weight. Style, communication, consistency and reaction time are all factors that vary when being spotted. These factors are major deterrents to using a human spotter. However, to weight lift without a spotter may be dangerous to the weight lifter. There is a significant danger of serious injury due to fatigue o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0027] a. To provide a new and novel safety device or apparatus for an individual engaged in the activity of weight lifting.

[0028] b. To provide a new and novel device that acts instead of a spotter (eliminates need for spotter).

[0029] c. To provide a device that enables the lifter to easily adjust the rate at which the device assists (raises the weight from) the lifter.

[0030] d. To provide a device that enables the lifter to easily adjust the amount of assistance provided by the machine.

[0031] e. To provide a device easily set up that can either assist in lifting the weight or lift the weight in its entirety.

[0032] f. To provide a device that when actuated, enables the lifter to continue performing repetitions while being assisted.

Problems solved by technology

However, to weight lift without a spotter may be dangerous to the weight lifter.

There is a significant danger of serious injury due to fatigue or improper technique unless a spotter is present to grab the barbell to prevent the barbell from dropping on the weight lifter.

This danger exists in situations from private to professional weight lifting.

While this device removes the weight it does so at considerable cost since multiple cylinders and the hydraulic components to support them are required.

While this device removes the weight from the lifter's chest, it utilizes cables attached to the lifting weight that increase setup time and can cause increased or decreased resistance due to contact with the barbell.

This device lacks the ability to adjust the amount of assist, and rate of lift to each lifter's preference.

Prior art using upright mounted hydraulic cylinders risk cylinder damage and hydraulic leaks due to this tendency.

f. Not enabling the lifter to continue repetitions while being assisted by the spotting device and still having the ability to lock the spotting device preventing the weight from falling on or crushing the lifter.

This is more costly and discourages their use in private homes.

j. Not enabling the lifter to use the device with a human spotter.

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