Machine for Performance of Front Squat Exercises

Abstract

A weight horn is supported on a bearing housing that slides along two vertical guide rails. The upper and lower ends of the vertical guide rails are connected to tubular sleeves that slide along horizontal guide rails, which are enclosed by a rectangular frame. A roller pad extends from the opposite side of the weight horn, perpendicular to the horizontal guide rails and over a platform containing an adjustable seat, calf support and foot pads. The weight lifter performs the movement by standing upright with his / her legs positioned between the calf support and foot pads, wrapping his / her arms around the roller pad, and squatting onto the seat. The combination of vertical and horizontal guide rails allows the weighted roller pad to travel a curved path downward and backward as the lifter descends into the squat position. The dual rail configuration for both the vertical and horizontal guide rails prevents jamming of the mechanisms if the weight lifter twists his / her torso during the squat.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to the field of exercise equipment, and more particularly to weighted exercise machines.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In doing a conventional front squat movement, a barbell is typically supported against the chest / shoulder area of the front torso. As currently performed, the front squat movement demands that the weight lifter manually grip and hold the barbell against his / her body, typically in the cross-armed fashion, as depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,932. While a shoulder harness, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,398, can also be used, it still requires that the barbell be manually gripped. In both cases, a slip of the lifter's hands can cause him / her to lose control of the barbell, resulting in potential injury. A principal objective of the present invention is to provide a safer, more efficient means for doing front squat exercises.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0003]In the present invention, a weight ho...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a weight lifting device that uses both vertical and horizontal guide rails to allow the weighted roller pad to move in a curved path. This allows the device to follow a smooth path while the lifter squats and stands. The dual rail configuration prevents the mechanisms from getting jammed due to twisting of the lifter's torso. Additionally, the roller pad can also rotate axially or revolve around a swivel arm for more multi-directional movement. This invention is designed to improve the weight lifting process by making it more smooth and efficient.

Problems solved by technology

In both cases, a slip of the lifter's hands can cause him / her to lose control of the barbell, resulting in potential injury.

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