Smith machine

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a Smith machine having a pair of reversible bottom support brackets mountable in a first position such that an upright assembly is in a first upwardly extending orientation or a second position such that the upright assembly is in a second upwardly extending orientation in order to vary a lifting angle of the Smith machine and a pair of upright assemblies providing safety latches mountable each in a forward facing orientation or a rearward facing orientation such that a user can select a rotation to lock a lifting bar in place.

Description

Smith Machines

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 435,719, filed on December 28, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to exercise machines commonly known as Smith machines. Background Technology

[0004] The Smith machine is a common weightlifting / fitness device. It acts as a safety system for those lifting heavy weights by providing multiple vertical push positions to hold the barbell. Smith machines are commonly used for squats, standing lifts, and bench presses. They also stabilize the barbell during lifting and help prevent the user from dropping it on themselves. Essentially, a Smith machine resembles a cage that provides a defined lifting path for a heavy barbell. It has a series of vertical notch-like resting positions where the barbell (or barbell latch or lever) can be placed, allowing the user to stop at multiple lifting heights and position the barbell in one of the notches as needed. Smith machines typically have a locking mechanism that allows the user to lock the barbell at the desired vertical height by simply rotating a locking lever attached to the bar into any of these vertical notches.

[0005] Typically, the lifting path in a barbell Smith machine is either a straight vertical path (i.e., 90 degrees to the ground) or a slightly angled vertical path (usually 83 degrees to the ground). Different people prefer different vertical path angles. Unfortunately, the vertical lifting angle is defined by the geometry of the specific Smith machine used by different people. In short, some Smith machines have one vertical lifting angle, while others have different vertical lifting angles.

[0006] Instead, it is expected that a single Smith machine can be shipped to customers, with machine parts that can be assembled in different configurations, allowing users to select their desired lifting angle when they assemble the machine for the first time.

[0007] Secondly, some Smith machines lock the barbell lever into the push position in the vertical notch by rotating the top of the barbell forward. Conversely, other Smith machines lock the barbell lever into the appropriate position in the vertical notch by rotating the top of the barbell backward. There is no standardization in the industry. Half of the machines operate in one way, and the other half in another.

[0008] Instead, the goal is to provide a single Smith machine that can be shipped to customers, with machine parts that can be assembled in different configurations, so that when users assemble the machine for the first time, they can choose how to rotate the barbell to lock it in its resting position. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In a preferred aspect, the system provides a Smith machine comprising:

[0010] (a) A pair of upright assemblies;

[0011] (b) A pair of support assemblies, wherein each support assembly is connected to one of the pair of upright assemblies;

[0012] (c) A pair of rotatable bottom support brackets, wherein each rotatable bottom support bracket connects one of the upright assemblies to one of the support assemblies, and

[0013] Each of the reversible support brackets can be installed in a first position, such that the upright assembly is in a first upward extension orientation, or in a second position, such that the upright assembly is in a second upward extension orientation.

[0014] Each of the upright assemblies can be mounted on a forward-facing orientation or a rearward-facing orientation; and

[0015] (d) A lifting rod that spans between the pair of upright assemblies.

[0016] In one preferred aspect, the first upward extension is oriented at 90 degrees to the surface of the base plate. In another preferred aspect, the second upward extension is oriented at 83 degrees to the surface of the base plate.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom support bracket is generally L-shaped.

[0018] In the preferred embodiment, each upright assembly includes:

[0019] A lever support frame having a series of lever support push positions;

[0020] A barbell sliding column, which is positioned parallel to and spaced apart from the lever support frame;

[0021] A slider, located on the barbell sliding post, the slider supporting one end of the barbell; and

[0022] A locking lever, sized to accommodate any of the series of lever rest positions on the lever rest holder, wherein rotation of the barbell rotates the locking lever into one of the series of lever rest positions; and

[0023] A counterweight system that provides an upward force on the slider on the barbell sliding column.

[0024] Preferably, the counterweight system includes a pair of pulleys, a weight, and a cable passing through the pair of pulleys (all housed within the main body of the upright assembly). The cable is connected to the weight and the slider.

[0025] One advantage of this system is that users can assemble identical components to construct a Smith machine with either a first lifting angle (e.g., 90 degrees) or a second lifting angle (e.g., 83 degrees). This way, the manufacturer only needs to manufacture and supply the same components to all customers, who then select their preferred lifting angle based on how they assemble the components the first time.

[0026] The second advantage of this system is that users assemble identical components to construct the Smith machine, where the barbell can be locked at a vertical height by rotating it forward or backward, depending on the user's decision. This way, the manufacturer only needs to manufacture and supply the same components to all customers, who choose their preferred locking rotation based on how they assemble the components the first time. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the Smith machine system, which has a lifting angle of 83 degrees and a series of forward-facing push notches.

[0028] Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the Smith machine in Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 3 is a front elevation view of the Smith machine shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0030] Figure 4 is a rear elevation view of the Smith machine shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0031] Figure 5 is a top plan view of the Smith machine shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0032] Figures 6A and 6B show alternative lifting angles achieved by placing a bottom support bracket. (Figure 6A corresponds to the device in Figures 1 to 5, and Figure 6B corresponds to the device in Figure 9).

[0033] Figure 7 is a side elevation view of the system, in which various components have been removed to show the different lifting angles achieved by placing the bottom support bracket.

[0034] Figure 8A is a perspective view of one of the upright assemblies.

[0035] Figure 8B is a side elevation view corresponding to Figure 8A, in which the outer side of the assembly is removed to show the internal components.

[0036] Figure 9 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of the Smith machine system, which has a 90-degree lifting angle and a series of forward-facing push-down notches.

[0037] Figure 10 is a side elevation view of a third embodiment of the Smith machine, which has a 90-degree lifting angle and a series of rearward-facing push-down notches.

[0038] Figure 11 is a side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of the Smith machine, which has a lifting angle of 83 degrees and a series of rearward-facing push-down notches.

[0039] Figures 12A and 12B illustrate the alternative lifting angle achieved by placing a bottom support bracket in the second embodiment.

[0040] Figure 13 is a side elevation view of the embodiments of Figures 12A and 12B, in which various components are removed to show different lifting angles achieved by placing a bottom support bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figures 1 to 6A illustrate a first preferred embodiment of the Smith machine system, which has a lifting angle of 83 degrees and a series of forward-facing push notches, as described below.

[0042] The Smith machine 10 preferably includes a pair of upright assemblies 20 and a pair of support assemblies 30. Each support assembly 30 is connected to one of the pair of upright assemblies 20. According to the system, a pair of reversible, generally L-shaped bottom support brackets 40 are provided, and each reversible bottom support bracket 40 connects one of the upright assemblies 20 to one of the support assemblies 30, as shown. Importantly, each reversible support bracket 40 can be mounted in a first position (Figures 1 to 6A) such that the upright assembly is in a first upward extension orientation, or in a second position (Figures 6B, 9, and 10) such that the upright assembly is in a second upward extension orientation. In a preferred aspect, the first upward extension orientation is at 90 degrees to the base plate surface, and the second upward extension orientation is at 83 degrees to the base plate surface. In alternative embodiments included in the system, the second upward extension orientation can be from 80 to 85 degrees.

[0043] As best seen in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the system preferably includes a top assembly 50 for securing two upright assemblies 20 parallel to each other in a vertically extended position, as shown. The top assembly 50 can connect the upper portions of the upright assemblies 20 together, or connect the upper portions of the support assembly 30 together, or even connect the upper portions of both the upright assemblies 20 and the support assembly 30 together, all within the scope of this system.

[0044] As can also be seen, the upright assemblies 20 can each be mounted facing forward (Figures 1 to 6B, 9, 12A and 12B) or facing backward (Figures 10 and 11). As defined herein, "facing forward" means when the resting / pushing notch 70 faces the front of the machine (e.g., Figures 1 to 6B, 9, 12A and 12B), and "facing backward" means when the resting / pushing notch 70 faces the rear of the machine (e.g., Figures 10 and 11). A lifting bar 80 is also provided spanning between the pair of upright assemblies 20.

[0045] Figures 6A and 6B show alternative lifting angles achieved by placing a bottom support bracket. (Figure 6A corresponds to the device in Figures 1 to 5, and Figure 6B corresponds to the device in Figure 9).

[0046] Figure 7 is a side elevation view of the system, with various components removed to demonstrate the different lifting angles achieved by placing the bottom support bracket 40. In this example, support bracket 40B is the support bracket 40 installed in the positions shown in Figures 1 to 6B, 9, 11, 12A, and 12B, resulting in a lifting angle of 90 degrees (86.5 ± 3.5 degrees). Similarly, in this example, support bracket 40A is the support bracket 40 installed in the positions shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0047] Figure 8A is a perspective view of one of the upright assemblies, and Figure 8B is a side elevation view corresponding to Figure 8A, wherein the outer side of the assembly is removed to show the internal components. Preferably, each upright assembly 20 includes a lever rest bracket 71 having a series of lever rest push positions or notches 70.

[0048] The barbell slide post 90 is positioned parallel to and spaced apart from the lever rest seat 70. The slider 90 preferably moves up and down along the barbell slide post 90 and supports one end of the barbell 80. The locking lever 96 is sized to receive into any of a series of lever rest positions 70 on the lever rest seat 71. Rotation of the barbell 80 rotates the locking lever 94 into one of the series of lever rest positions 70. Thus, in operation, when the user has positioned the barbell 80 at the desired height, the barbell 80 can be simply rotated so that the locking lever 96 rotates into the appropriate position, thereby holding the barbell 80 at the desired height. A slider stop 95 is also preferably located at the bottom of the barbell slide post 90 to stop the downward movement of the slider 92 when the slider 92 rests on top of the slider stop 95.

[0049] The upright assembly 20 preferably further includes a counterweight system 100 that provides an upward force on a slider on the barbell slider 90. The counterweight system 100 includes a pair of pulleys 102 and 104, a weight 106, and a cable 108 passing through the pair of pulleys, the cable 108 being connected to the weight 106 and the slider 92. As seen in Figure 8A, the pulleys 102 and 104, the weight 106, and the cable 108 can all be housed within the main body of the upright assembly 20 (wherein, as the barbell 80 descends, the cable 108 is gradually pulled out of the main body of the upright assembly).

[0050] Figure 9 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of the Smith machine system, which has a 90-degree lifting angle and a series of forward-facing notches 70. Figure 10 is a side elevation view of a third embodiment of the Smith machine, which has a 90-degree lifting angle and a series of rearward-facing push notches. The user assembling the system simply decides whether they want the notches 70 to face forward (Figure 9) or backward (Figure 10) when assembling the system. As can be seen, the upright assembly 20 can be easily bolted into either position (using the same placement of the bottom support bracket 40).

[0051] When in the position shown in Figure 9, the user rotates the top of the barbell 80 in a backward direction to lower the lower lever 96 into the notch 70. Conversely, when in the position shown in Figure 10, the user rotates the top of the barbell 80 in a forward direction to lower the lever 96 into the notch 70. This gives the user the advantage of being able to choose their preferred locking rotation direction (i.e., forward or backward) when first assembling the system.

[0052] Figure 11 is a side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of the Smith machine, which has a lifting angle of 83 degrees and a series of rearward-facing recesses 70. In this embodiment, the upward assembly 20 is installed in the same position as in Figure 10, but the position of the bottom support bracket 40 is reversed.

[0053] Figures 12A and 12B illustrate alternative lifting angles achieved by placing the bottom support bracket 45 in a second embodiment. Figure 13 is a side elevation view of the embodiments of Figures 12A and 12B, in which various components are removed to show different lifting angles achieved by placing the bottom support brackets 45A or 45B.

Claims

1. A Smith machine comprising: (a) A pair of upright assemblies; (b) A pair of support assemblies, wherein each support assembly is connected to one of the pair of upright assemblies; (c) A pair of foldable bottom support brackets, wherein each foldable bottom support bracket connects one of the upright assemblies to one of the support assemblies, and wherein each foldable support bracket can be mounted in a first position such that the upright assembly is in a first upward extension orientation, or mounted in a second position such that the upright assembly is in a second upward extension orientation, wherein the first upward extension orientation is angled to the second upward extension orientation, and wherein the upright assemblies can each be mounted in a forward orientation or a rearward orientation; and (d) a lifting rod that spans between the pair of upright assemblies.

2. The Smith machine of claim 1, further comprising: (e) A top assembly that holds the upright assemblies parallel to each other in a vertically extended position.

3. The Smith machine of claim 2, wherein the top assembly connects the upper portion of the upright assembly or the upper portion of the support assembly together.

4. The Smith machine of claim 1, wherein the first upward extension is oriented at 90 degrees to the surface of the base plate.

5. A Smith machine comprising: (a) A pair of upright assemblies; (b) A pair of support assemblies, wherein each support assembly is connected to one of the pair of upright assemblies; (c) A pair of rotatable bottom support brackets, wherein each rotatable bottom support bracket connects one of the upright assemblies to one of the support assemblies, and wherein each rotatable support bracket can be mounted in a first position such that the upright assembly is in a first upward extension orientation, or mounted in a second position such that the upright assembly is in a second upward extension orientation, and wherein the upright assembly can be mounted in a forward orientation or a rearward orientation respectively; and (d) a lifting rod that spans between the pair of upright assemblies, wherein the second upward extension is oriented at 80 to 85 degrees to the surface of the base plate.

6. The Smith machine of claim 5, wherein the orientation is at 83 degrees to the base plate surface.

7. The Smith machine of claim 1, wherein the bottom support bracket is generally L-shaped.

8. A Smith machine comprising: (a) A pair of upright assemblies; (b) A pair of support assemblies, wherein each support assembly is connected to one of the pair of upright assemblies; (c) A pair of rotatable bottom support brackets, wherein each rotatable bottom support bracket connects one of the upright assemblies to one of the support assemblies, and wherein each rotatable support bracket can be mounted in a first position such that the upright assembly is in a first upward extension orientation, or mounted in a second position such that the upright assembly is in a second upward extension orientation, and wherein the upright assembly can be mounted in a forward orientation or a rearward orientation respectively; and (d) a lifting bar spanning between the pair of upright assemblies, wherein each upright assembly includes: a lever rest seat having a series of lever rest pressing positions; a barbell sliding post positioned parallel to and spaced apart from the lever rest seat; a slider located on the barbell sliding post supporting one end of the barbell; and a locking lever sized to receive into any of the series of lever rest pressing positions on the lever rest seat, wherein rotation of the barbell rotates the locking lever into one of the series of lever rest pressing positions; And a counterweight system that provides an upward force on the slider on the barbell sliding column.

9. The Smith machine of claim 8, wherein the counterweight system comprises: A pair of pulleys; a heavy object; and a cable that passes through the pair of pulleys, the cable being connected to the weight and the slider.

10. The Smith machine of claim 9, wherein the pulley, the weight, and the cable are all housed within the upright assembly.

11. The Smith machine of claim 8, further comprising: A slider stop, located at the bottom of the barbell sliding column, is used to stop the downward movement of the slider.

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