Smith machine

Abstract

A smith machine includes a vertical post and a bar mount mechanism connected to the vertical post in which the bar mount mechanism configured to slide along a length of the vertical post. A weight bar is rotationally connected to the bar mount mechanism, and a latching hook is fixed to the weight bar. The latching hook is configured to selectively engage the vertical post upon rotation of the weight bar. The smith machine can further include a safety mechanism removably connected to the vertical post at predetermined positions along the length of the vertical post. Upon connecting the safety mechanism to the vertical post, the bar mount mechanism is unable to slide along the length of the vertical post below the predetermined position of the safety mechanism.

Description

SMITH MACHINERELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 594,173, filed October 30, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to weight training equipment. In particular, the present invention relates to smith machines in which a weight bar is selective secured to a vertical post upon rotation of the weight bar.BACKGROUND

[0003] Strength training involves the performance of physical exercises that are designed to improve physical strength. Strength training often involves the lifting of weight, and in those instances is often referred to as weight training. Free weights, as compared to machines, require the user to engage a plurality of muscle groups to maintain balance and stabilize the weights. However, free weights come greater risk to the user and environment should the user lose control.

[0004] Smith machines were developed as a one way to improve the safety of weight training. Smith machines consists of a barbell that is 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 at a variety of locations through the inclusion of holes or hookswhich the barbell can engage. As such, the barbell of the Smith machine need not be re-racked after a set of repetitions: it can be secured at any point. This supposedly makes it safer for those who lift without a spotter, as one only needs to twist the wrist in order to lock the barbell in place in the event that the weight becomes too great. A variety of smith machines exist with designs that provide for certain advantages and disadvantages depending on the particular exercise intended for the machine.

[0005] Therefore, there remains a need for a smith machine with an improved means of securing the weights to the frame to improve functionality and safety.SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention includes smith machines in which a weight bar is selective secured to a vertical post upon rotation of the weight bar.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a smith machine comprises a vertical post; a bar mount mechanism connected to the vertical post, the bar mount mechanism configured to slide along a length of the vertical post; a weight bar rotationally connected to the bar mount mechanism; and a latching hook fixed to the weight bar, the latching hook configured to selectively engage the vertical post upon rotation of the weight bar.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the vertical post defines a plurality of cutouts at predetermined positions along the length of the vertical post and the latching hook includes a bushing configured to move into a selected cutout upon rotation of the weight bar to maintain the weight bar at a selected height corresponding to the selected cutout.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the weight bar is able to pivot relative to the bar mount mechanism.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the bar mount mechanism includes a main body which defines a hole through which the weight bar extends.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, a bearing is positioned within the body and a distal end of the weight bar is contained within the bearing such that the bearing rotationally connects the weight bar to the bar mount mechanism. In some particular embodiments, the bearing is a rubber ball bearing.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the main body of the bar mount mechanism includes a plate which wraps around the vertical post and the plate defines two holes through which the weight bar extends.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the smith machine further comprises a safety mechanism removably connected to the vertical post at predetermined positions along the length of the vertical post, wherein, upon connecting the safety mechanism to the vertical post, the bar mount mechanism is unable to slide along the length of the vertical post below the predetermined position of the safety mechanism.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the safety mechanism includes a main body and a stop pin pivotally connected to the main body, the stop pin configured to selectively engage the vertical post.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the safety mechanism includes a bumper configured to absorb an impact of the bar mount mechanism upon the safety mechanism when the bar mount mechanism slides along the length of the vertical post to the predetermined position of the safety mechanism.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, a smith machine comprises a vertical post including a guide track that extends along a length of the vertical post; a bar mount mechanismconnected to the vertical post, the bar mount mechanism configured to slide along the guide track; a weight bar rotationally connected to the bar mount mechanism; a latching hook fixed to the weight bar, the latching hook configured to selectively engage the vertical post upon rotation of the weight bar; and a safety mechanism connected to the vertical post, the safety mechanism configured to slide along the guide track.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the vertical post defines a plurality of cutouts at predetermined positions along the length of the vertical post; the latching hook includes a bushing configured to move into a selected cutout upon rotation of the weight bar to maintain the weight bar at a selected height corresponding to the selected cutout; and the safety mechanism includes a main body and a stop pin pivotally connected to the main body, the stop pin configured to selectively engage a predetermined cutout to secure the safety mechanism at a predetermined position along the length of the vertical post.[0018| In some exemplary embodiments, a smith machine comprises a frame including a floor beam extending from the front of the frame to the rear of the frame, and an upper beam extending from a front of the frame to a rear of the frame. The smith machine further comprise a slide mechanism including a lower rail operably connected to the lower beam of the frame, an upper rail operably connected to the upper beam of the frame, and a vertical post extending between the lower rail and the upper rail, the post slidably connected to the upper rail and the lower rail, the vertical post defining a plurality of cutouts at predetermined positions along a length of the vertical post. The smith machine further comprises a safety mechanism including a main body and a stop pin pivotally connected to the main body, the stop pin configured to selectively engage a predetermined cutout to secure the safety mechanism at a predetermined position along the length of the vertical post. The smith machine further comprise a bar mountmechanism removably connected to the vertical post, the bar mount mechanism configured to slide along the length of the vertical post. The smith machine further comprise a weight bar rotationally connected to the bar mount mechanism. The smith machine further comprise a latching hook fixed to the weight bar, the latching hook including a bushing configured to move into a selected cutout upon rotation of the weight bar to maintain the weight bar at a selected height corresponding to the selected cutout.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary smith machine made in accordance with the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an upper portion and a lower portion of the left side of the smith machine of FIG. 1 shown in isolation;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the left side slide mechanism shown in isolation;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an upper portion of the left side slide mechanism shown in isolation;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a lower portion of the left side slide mechanism shown in isolation;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the post of the left side slide mechanism shown in isolation;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the post of the left side slide mechanism shown in isolation;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a front perspective sectional view of the vertical post of the left side slide mechanism take along line A-A in FIGS. 6 and 7;

[0027] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective sectional view of the vertical post of the left side slide mechanism take along line A-A in FIGS. 6 and 7;

[0028] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an exemplary bar mount mechanism of the smith machine of FIG. 1 shown with the weight bar secured to the right side vertical post via the bar mount mechanism;

[0029] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a latching hook connected to the weight bar shown in isolation;[0030| FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a u-shaped plate of the bar mount mechanism shown in isolation;

[0031] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the bar mount mechanism of FIG. 10;

[0032] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a safety mechanism of the smith machine of FIG. 1 shown connected to a vertical post;

[0033] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the safety mechanism of FIG. 14 shown in isolation;

[0034] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of another exemplary safety mechanism made in accordance with the present invention and shown connected to a vertical post;

[0035] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the safety mechanism of FIG. 16 unconnected to the vertical post;

[0036] FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of another exemplary safety mechanism made in accordance with the present invention and shown connected to a vertical post;

[0037] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another exemplary smith machine made in accordance with the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an upper portion of the left side of the smith machine of FIG. 19 shown in isolation;

[0039] FIG. 21 is an opposite perspective view of the upper portion of FIG. 20 with a portion of the upper beam removed to show a carriage which runs along a track contained within the upper beam;

[0040] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a lower portion of the left side of the smith machine of FIG. 19 shown in isolation;[0041| FIG. 23 is a front perspective sectional view of the vertical post of the smith machine of FIG. 19;

[0042] FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of an exemplary bar mount mechanism of the smith machine of FIG. 19 shown with the weight bar secured to the right side vertical post via the bar mount mechanism;

[0043] FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the bar mount mechanism taken along line B-B in FIG. 24.

[0044] FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of a latching hook connected to the weight bar shown in isolation;

[0045] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the rubber bearing shown in isolation;

[0046] FIG. 28 is a sectional view of the rubber bearing taken along line C-C in FIG. 27;

[0047] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the main body of the bar mount mechanism of FIG. 24 shown in isolation;

[0048] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the weight loading bar of the bar mount mechanism of FIG. 24 shown in isolation;

[0049] FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the main body of the bar mount mechanism of FIG. 24 with a portion of the main body removed to show the linear bearing guide contained within the main body;|0050] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the linear bearing guide of the bar mount mechanism of FIG. 24 shown in isolation;

[0051] FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of a safety mechanism of the smith machine of FIG. 19 shown connected to a vertical post;[0052| FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the safety mechanism of FIG. 33 shown in isolation;

[0053] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the safety mechanism taken along line D-D in FIG. 34.DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0054] The present invention includes smith machines in which a weight bar is selective secured to a vertical post upon rotation of the weight bar.

[0055] Referring first to FIG. 1, in one exemplary embodiment, a smith machine 100 made in accordance with the present invention includes a frame 200 that has two floor beams 210, a lower cross member 220 extending between and connecting the two floor beams 210, two front posts 230 extending upward from each of the two floor beams 210, two rear posts 240 extending upward from each of the two floor beams 210, two upper beams 250 extend between and connecting upper ends of the two rear posts 240 and the two front posts 230, an upper cross member 260 extending between and connecting the two rear posts 240, and a front cross member 270 (here in the form of a pull-up bar) extending between and connecting the two front posts230. The exact configuration of the frame 200 is not limited and can vary depending on the particular design and functionality intended.

[0056] The smith machine 100 further includes two slide mechanisms 300 operably connected to each side of the smith machine 100 which allow for a corresponding vertical post 400 to move forward and backward relative to the frame 200. As will be discussed in further detail below, a bar mount mechanisms 600 is provided for selective securing a weight bar 500 on the vertical posts 400, and a safety mechanisms 700 is provided which prevents the weight bar 500 from moving below a set minimum height.

[0057] With respect to the slide mechanisms 300 in particular, and referring still to FIG. 1, but now also to FIGS. 2 and 3, the slide mechanism 300 on the left side of the smith machine 100 includes an upper 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 rail 320 extending substantially along the floor beam 210 between the front post 230 and the rear post 240. The particular means of connecting the upper and lower rails 310, 320 to the respective beams 210, 250 is not limited and can vary without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0058] An upper bearing sleeve 312 is configured to move along the upper rail 310 and a lower bearing sleeve 322 is configured to move along the lower rail 320. In particular, and referring now additionally to FIGS. 4 and 5, each of the bearing sleeves 312, 322 define a passage through which the respective rails 310, 320 pass allowing the bearing sleeves 312, 322 to move along the length of the rails 310, 320, and the vertical post 400 is operably connected to and extend between the upper bearing sleeve 312 and the lower bearing sleeve 322 to likewise move along the length of the rails 310, 320. Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, a tube314, 324 extends from each of the bearing sleeves 312, 322 and the vertical post 400 is connected to these tubes 314, 324.[0059J Although the above description was made with reference to the slide mechanism 300 on the left side of the smith machine 100, the slide mechanism 300 on the right side of the smith machine 100 is configured and operates in substantially the same way.

[0060] The particular means of allowing the vertical posts to move forward and backward relative to the fame is not limited and can vary without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as discussed further below. For example, and referring now to FIG. 19, in another exemplary embodiment, a smith machine 3100 made in accordance with the present invention includes a frame 3200 substantially similar to the frame 200 described above with reference to FIG. 1 (i.e., the frame 3200 shown in FIG. 19 also has two floor beams 3210, a lower cross member 3220, two front posts 3230, two rear posts 3240, two upper beams 3250, an upper cross member 3260, and a front cross member 3270.

[0061] The smith machine 3100 further includes two slide mechanisms 3300 operably connected to each side of the smith machine 3100 which allow for a corresponding vertical post 3400 to move forward and backward relative to the frame 3200. Of note, as compared to the smith machine 100 shown in FIG. 1, the smith machine 3100 shown in FIG. 19 further includes an additional cross member 3402 that extends between and connects a top portion of the two vertical posts 3400 to improve stability.|0062] Referring still to FIG. 19, but now also to FIGS. 20 and 21, the upper end of the slide mechanism 3300 on the left side of the smith machine 3100 includes a trolley 3310 with steel wheel 3320 that run along a track 3330 extending along an interior of the upper beam 3250. Tothis end, the upper beam 3250 defines an elongated hole 3252 through which a plate 3340 extends which connects the trolley 3310 to the vertical post 3400.[0063J Referring now to FIGS. 22, the lower end the slide mechanism 3300 on the left side of the smith machine 3100 includes a tab 3350 that projects downwardly from the bottom of the vertical post 3400 and rides within a slot 3212 defined in the floor beam 3210. In this way, the entire weight of the vertical post 3400 is carried by the trolley 3310 at the upper end of the slide mechanism 3300 with the tab 3350 and slot 3212 functioning as a guide to prevent unwanted lateral movement of the vertical post 3400 while allowing the vertical post 3400 to freely move forward and backward. Once again, although the above description was made with reference to the slide mechanism 3300 on the left side of the smith machine 3100, the slide mechanism 3300 on the right side of the smith machine 3100 is configured and operates in substantially the same way.

[0064] With respect to the exemplary vertical posts 400, and referring now to FIGS. 6-9, each of the vertical posts 400 of the smith machine 100 define a plurality of cutout 410 at predetermined heights, i.e., predetermined positions along the length of the vertical post 400. A guide track 420 is also provided which extends substantially unbroken along the length of the vertical post 400. As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 8-9, in some embodiments, the guide track 420 includes two round protrusions 422 that extend along the length of the vertical post, as will be discussed further below. In the exemplary vertical post 400, the cutouts 410 are defined on a front side of the vertical post 400 and the guide track 420 is provided on a rear side of the vertical post 400. However, other configurations are possible, such as including cutouts on a rear side of the vertical post and / or including the guide track on any of the side where the cutouts are not present without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0065] As previously mentioned, the exemplary smith machine 100 includes bar mount mechanisms 600 for selective securing a weight bar 500 on the vertical posts 400. In particular, the bar mount mechanisms 600 are connected to the vertical posts 400 and configured to slide along a length of the vertical post 400. Referring now to FIGS. 10-13, the exemplary bar mount mechanism 600 includes a main body, here in the form of a u-shaped plate 610 which wraps around the vertical post 400 and defines two holes 612 (shown in FIG. 12) at either end of the u- shaped plate 610 through which the weight bar 500 extends. A latch hook 520 is positioned along the weight bar 500 so as to be between the two holes 612 of the u-shaped plate 610. The latch hook 520 is preferably fixed to the weight bar 500 so as to prevent rotation of the latch hook 520 relative to the weight bar 500 (i.e., the latch hook 520 will rotate along with the bar 500).|0066] As perhaps best shown in FIG. 11, the latch hook 520 includes two bent plates 522 which collectively form a y-shape and a bushing 524 extends between the two ends of the bent plates 522. The weight bar 500 is able to rotate within the holes 612 of the u-shaped plate 610 such that the weight bar 500 is rotationally connected to the bar mount mechanism 600. Accordingly, a user is capable of selectively rotating the weight bar 500 and attached latch hook 520, such that the bushing 524 of the latch hook 520 can move in and out of the cutouts 410 of the vertical post 400. As shown in FIG. 10, when the bushing 524 of the latch hook 520 is within a selected cutout 410 of the vertical post 400 (i.e., the latch hook 520 has selectively engaged the vertical post 400) the weight bar 500 is maintained at a selected height corresponding to the selected cutout 410.

[0067] As perhaps best shown in FIG. 12, on an inside of the u-shaped plate 610 are multiple guides 620 which define substantially round channels 622. As shown in FIG. 13, the roundprotrusions 422 of the guide track 420 pass through the round channels 622 of the guides 620 to thereby allow the bar mount mechanism 600 to freely move along the length of the vertical post 400 while securely maintain the bar mount mechanism 600 to the vertical post 400. Of course, the particular shape of the protrusions 422 and channels 622 is not limited so long as they collectively operate to secure the bar mount mechanism 600 to the vertical post 400 while allowing the guides 620 of the bar mount mechanism 600 to slidably engage the guide track 420.

[0068] For example, and referring now to FIG. 23, in another exemplary embodiment, the guide track 3420 has an hourglass cross sectional shape which, as discussed further below with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32, is configured pass through a corresponding channel 3622 defined in the linear bearing guide 3620 used in the bar mount mechanism 3600 and safety mechanism 3700 of the exemplary smith machine 3100 shown in FIG. 19.

[0069] Referring still to the exemplary smith machine 3100 shown in FIG. 19, but referring now specifically to FIGS. 24-31, the bar mount mechanisms 3600 of this exemplary embodiment includes a substantially enclosed main body 3610 which includes a plate 3611 that wraps around the vertical post 3400 and through which the weight bar 3500 extends.

[0070] As perhaps best shown in FIG. 26, the latch hook 3520 is preferably fixed to the weight bar 3500 so as to prevent rotation of the latch hook 3520 relative to the weight bar 3500 (i.e., the latch hook 3520 will rotate along with the bar 3500), and the latch hook 3520 includes two bent plates 3522 which collectively form a y-shape and a bushing 3524 extends between the two ends of the bent plates 3522. The latch hook 3520 is positioned along the weight bar 3500 so as to extend through an opening 3612 defined in a top of the main body 3610 of the bar mount mechanism 3600.

[0071] Unlike the weight bar 500 and bar mount mechanism 600 of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-12, in the exemplary bar mount mechanism 3600 shown in FIGS. 24-25, the weight bar 3500 does not extend all of the way through the main body 3610 of the bar mount mechanism 3600. Rather, and as perhaps best shown in FIG. 25, the weight bar 3500 extends through a hole 3614 on one side of the main body 3610, and a distal end 3510 of the weight bar 3500 is inserted into a bearing 3530 that is secured within the main body 3610 of the bar mount mechanism. The weight bar 3500 is thereby rotationally connected to the bar mount mechanism 3600.

[0072] In this exemplary embodiment, and referring now to FIGS. 27 and 28, the bearing 3530 is a rubber ball bearing (e.g., KHRRCSM206-18 Cartridge Bearing manufactured by Asahi Bearings, with its head office in Osaka Japan) that includes an inner ring 3532 which accepts the distal end 3510 of the weight bar 3500, an outer ring 3534 which engages the main body 3610 of the bar mount mechanism 3600, and a plurality of ball bearings 3536 positioned between the inner ring 3532 and the outer ring 3534. Of course, other bearings can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The exemplary rubber bearing 3530 advantageously provides enough flexibility to allow the weight bar 3500 to pivot slightly within the bearing 3530 and allow for some non-axial articulation of the weight bar 3500 relative to the bar mount mechanism 3600. To this end, the hole 3614 in the side of the main body 3610 of the bar mount mechanism 3600 is sized to allow a predetermined amount of movement of the weight bar 3500, e.g., about a 5° rotation, relative to the bar mount mechanism 3600. Advantageously, the non-rigid connection between the weight bar 3500 and the main body 3610 of the bar mount mechanism 3500 prevents sticking or binding that may otherwise occur when a user is rotating the weight bar 3500 to engage or disengage the bar mount mechanism 3600 to the vertical post400. Furthermore, the additional degrees of freedom of movement, i.e., pitch and yaw, provide for a more natural weight lifting experience for users.[0073J Regardless, a user is capable of selectively rotating the weight bar 3500 and attached latch hook 3520, such that the bushing 3524 of the latch hook 3520 can move in and out of the cutouts 3410 of the vertical post 3400 in substantially the same manner as discussed above.

[0074] Referring once again to FIGS. 24 and 25, but now also to FIGS. 29 and 30, as the weight bar 3500 does not extend all of the way through the main body 3610 of the bar mount mechanism 3600, in this embodiment, an additional weight loading bar 3550 is secured to an extension 3618 of the main body 3610 of the bar mount mechanism 3600.

[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 31 and 32, inside of the main body 3610 of the exemplary bar mount mechanism 3600 is a linear bearing guide 3620 which defines an hourglass shaped channel 3622 through which the hourglass shaped guide track 3420 of the vertical post 3400 passes. The exemplary linear bearing guide 3620 is a HG Series Heavy Load Ball Type linear guideway manufactured and sold by HIWIN Motion Control and System Technology, with a global headquarters in Taichung, Taiwan. Of course, other linear bearing guides can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0076] In operation, for each of the exemplary embodiments smith machines 100, 3100 discussed above, to begin an exercise a user approaches the weight bar 500, 3500 when the latch hook 520, 3520 is already engaging the bar mount mechanism 600, 3600 (i.e., the bushing 524, 3524 is contained within a cutout 410, 3410 of the vertical post 400, 3400). The user then raises the bar 500, 3500 slightly while rotating the bar 500, 3500 forward (i.e., counter-clockwise in FIGS. 1 and 19) to move the bushing 524, 3524 out from the cutout 410, 3410 of the vertical post 400, 3400. At this point, the user can move the bar 500, 3500 and connected bar mountmechanism 600, 3600 vertically along the length of the vertical posts 400, 3400. The vertical posts 400, 3400 can move forward and backward by way of the slide mechanism 300, 3600 describe above. This allows the weight bar 500, 3500 to move in two dimensions, thereby providing a greater degree of freedom while performing an exercise, such as squats. A user can return the bar 500, 3500 to a desired height with a corresponding cutout 410, 3410 and rotate the bar 500, 3500 backward (i.e., clockwise in FIGS. 1 and 19), to move the bushing 524, 3524 into the selected cutout 410, 3410 defined in the vertical post 400, 3400. When a user then releases the bar 500, 3500, the weight of the bar 500, 3500 is held by the bar mount mechanism 600, 3600. Of course, the starting height of the weight bar 500, 3500 (i.e., it’s position along the length vertical post 400, 3400) can be set by the user prior to beginning an exercise, depending on the size of the user and the intended exercise.|0077] As previously mentioned, the exemplary smith machine 100 also includes safety mechanisms 700 which prevent the weight bar 500 from moving below a set minimum height. In particular, the safety mechanisms 700 are removably connected to the vertical posts 400 at predetermined positions along the length of the vertical post 400 and configured to slide along a length of the vertical post 400. Referring now to FIGS. 14-15, the exemplary safety mechanism 700 includes a main body 710, which in this embodiment is a u-shaped plate that wraps around the vertical post 400 similar to the bar mount mechanism 600. The safety mechanism 700 includes two levers 720 pivotally connected to the ends of the u-shaped plate 710 via screws 730 and lock nuts 732. A stop pen 740 extends between these two levers 720 and as such, the stop pen 740 is pivotally connected to the main body 710 via a linkage in the form of the two levers 720. As shown in FIG. 14, the stop pin 740 of the safety mechanism 700 is capable of selectivelyengage (i .e., moving in and out of) the cutouts 410 of the vertical post 400 via rotation of the levers 720[0078J As perhaps best shown in FIG. 15, the safety mechanism 700 includes multiple guides 750 which define substantially round channels 752 to which slidably engage the round protrusions 422 of the guide track 420 in a manner similar to the guides 620 of the bar mount mechanism 600 described above. In operation, a user can move the safety mechanism 700 to a desired height and rotate the stop pin 740 into a selected cutout 410 defined in the vertical post 400 to connect the safety mechanism 700 to the vertical post 400. The safety mechanism 700 thereby defines a minimum height below which the bar mount mechanism 600 (and connected bar 500) is unable to travel. The minimum height can be chosen to prevent injury should a user lose control of the bar 500 and / or to prevent weights (not shown) on the ends of the weight bar 500 from hitting the floor. To this end, the safety mechanism 700 further includes a bumper 760 configured to absorb the force of the bar mount mechanism 600 impacting the safety mechanism 700.

[0079] In the exemplary safety mechanism 700 shown in FIGS. 14-15, the bumper 760 is positioned on an upper surface of the main body 710. However, in other embodiments, the bumper 760 may be located on other portions of the safety mechanism. For example, and referring now to FIGS. 16-17, in another exemplary safety mechanism 1700, the bumper 1760 is position on a plate 1720 which extends outward from the front of the safety mechanism 1700. The exemplary safety mechanism 1700 shown in FIGS. 16-17 still includes a u-shaped main body 1710 that wraps around the vertical post 1400. However, instead of two separate levers, the plate 1720 is pivotally connected to the ends of the u-shaped plate 1710 via screws 1730 and lock nuts (not shown). A stop pen 1740 extends between the sides of the plate 1720 and as such,the stop pen 1740 is pivotally connected to the main body 1710 in substantially the same manner as the stop pen 740 shown in FIGS. 14-15. As shown in FIG. 17, the stop pin 1740 of the safety mechanism 1700 is capable of selectively engage (i.e., moving in and out of) the cutouts 1410 of the vertical post 1400 via rotation of the plate 1720. When the safety mechanism 1700 is engaged within the cutout 1410, the bumper 1760 faces upward and is positioned to absorb the impact of the bar mount mechanism 600 upon the safety mechanism 1700. Advantageously, the forward extending plate 1720 of the exemplary safety mechanism 1700 shown in FIGS. 16-17 also provides a convenient handhold for a user to rotate the plate 1720 causing the stop pen 1740 to move into and out of the desired cutouts 1410 of the vertical post 1400.

[0080] However, the particular shape of the plate is not limited. For example, and referring now to FIG. 18, in another exemplary safety mechanism 2700, the stop pin (not shown) is positioned entirely below the plate 2720 which it also smaller than the plate 1720 shown in FIG. 17. Furthermore, the plate 2720 in FIG. 18 includes two handles 2722 which extend forward from the plate 2720. A user can grasp the handles 2722 to more easily rotate the plate 2720 causing the stop pen 2740 to move into and out of the desired cutouts 2410 of the vertical post 2400.

[0081] In yet other exemplary embodiments, rather than having a user rotate the stop pen to remove it from the cutout, the safety mechanism can be design such that the user pulls on a plate to remove the stop pen from the cutout. Referring now to FIGS. 33-35, the safety mechanism 3700 provided with the exemplary smith machine 3100 shown in FIG. 19 also includes a main body 3710 that is a u-shaped plate that wraps around the vertical post 3400 and a plate 3720 upon which there is a bumper 3750. A stop pin 3740 extends between the sides of the plate 3720, and, as perhaps best shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, a linear bearing guide 3620 is also providedwithin the safety mechanism 3700 to allow the main body 3710 to move along the guide track 3420 of the vertical post 3400.[0082J As also shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the plate 3720 is connected to the main body 3710 by a set of levers 3721a, 3721b on each side of the main body 3710 (only one shown in FIGS. 34 and 35) which are pivotally connected to both the main body 3710 and the plate 3720. Due to the linkage of the two sets of levers 3721a, 3721b, when the plate 3720 is pulled backwards (i.e. away from the main body 3710), the stop pin 3740 is slightly raised and also pulled backward along with the plate 3720. This motion allows the stop pin 3740 to move in and out of the cutouts 3410 of the vertical post 3400 by pulling rather than rotating the plate 3720.

[0083] The plate 3720 in this exemplary embodiment additionally includes a handle 3722 to facilitate a user in grasping an pulling the plate 3720. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, springs 3724 extend between the rearward levers 3721b and the main body 3710 to bias the plate 3720 towards the main body 3710. Accordingly, a user need only let go of the handle 3722 for the plate 3720 to move backward and the stop pin 3740 to move back into and engage of the cutouts 3410 of the vertical post 3400. As also shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, a rod 3726 extends between the sides of the plates to stop the forward levers 3721a from over rotating.

[0084] In the event that a user pulls the handle 3722 to disengage the safety mechanism 3700 from the vertical post 3400 but then the user lets go of the handle 3722 when the stop pin 3740 is not aligned with a cutout 3410, the safety mechanism 3700 will simply fall along the length of the vertical post 3400 until it reaches the next lower cutout 3410 at which point the springs 3724 will force the stop pin 3740 into the cutout 3410 and automatically reengage the safety mechanism 3700 to the vertical post 3400. In order to facilitate this operation, in the exemplary safety mechanism 3700, a friction member (not shown) is provided within the main body 3710so as to be in contact with the vertical post 400. This friction member provides sufficient resistance to slow the fall of safety mechanism 3700 sufficiently to avoid the possibility of a dropped safety mechanism 3700 travelling past a cutout 3410 without time for the springs 3724 to force the stop pin 3740 into the cutout 3410. The particular, size, shape, and material of the friction member is not limited and can readily be determined by one skilled in the art to provide a desired resistive force.

[0085] Furthermore, and referring once again to FIGS. 19 and 22, a stop 3440 extends from a bottom portion of the vertical post 3400. This stop ensure that the safety mechanism 3700 cannot pass below the point where the stop pin 3740 can engage the lowest cutout 3410 of the vertical post 3400.

[0086] Finally, as shown in FIG. 19, the exemplary smith machine 3100 further includes a locking mechanism 3442 positioned along each of the two front posts 3230 which can selective secure the vertical posts 3400 to the front posts 3230 and prevent the forward and backward movement of the vertical posts 3400. In this exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism 3442 include a hook that can rotate down and into one of the cutouts 3410 of the vertical posts 3400, but other means of securing the vertical posts 3400 to the front posts 3230 are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0087] Although the above description refers to a weight bar to which weight plates can be added by the user, a person of ordinary skill in the art would readily understand how to modify the above described embodiments to function with any known means of resistance loading including, for example, a weight stack, magnetic resistance, or banded resistance.

[0088] One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional embodiments are also possible without departing from the teachings of the present invention or the scope of the claimswhich follow. This detailed description, and particularly the specific details of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, is given primarily for clarity of understanding, and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A smith machine comprising: a vertical post; a bar mount mechanism connected to the vertical post, the bar mount mechanism configured to slide along a length of the vertical post; a weight bar rotationally connected to the bar mount mechanism; and a latching hook fixed to the weight bar, the latching hook configured to selectively engage the vertical post upon rotation of the weight bar.

2. The smith machine of claim 1, wherein the vertical post defines a plurality of cutouts at predetermined positions along the length of the vertical post and the latching hook includes a bushing configured to move into a selected cutout upon rotation of the weight bar to maintain the weight bar at a selected height corresponding to the selected cutout.

3. The smith machine of claim 1, wherein the weight bar is able to pivot relative to the bar mount mechanism.

4. The smith machine of claim 1, wherein the bar mount mechanism includes a main body which defines a hole through which the weight bar extends.

5. The smith machine of claim 4, wherein a bearing is positioned within the body and a distal end of the weight bar is contained within the bearing such that the bearing rotationally connects the weight bar to the bar mount mechanism.

6. The smith machine of claim 5, wherein the bearing is a rubber ball bearing.

7. The smith machine of claim 1, wherein main body of the bar mount mechanism includes a plate which wraps around the vertical post and the plate defines two holes through which the weight bar extends.

8. The smith machine of claim 1, further comprising a safety mechanism removably connected to the vertical post at predetermined positions along the length of the vertical post, wherein, upon connecting the safety mechanism to the vertical post, the bar mount mechanism is unable to slide along the length of the vertical post below the predetermined position of the safety mechanism.

9. The smith machine of claim 8, wherein the safety mechanism includes a main body and a stop pin connected to the main body via a linkage, the stop pin configured to selectively engage the vertical post.

10. The smith machine of claim 8, wherein the safety mechanism includes a bumper configured to absorb an impact of the bar mount mechanism upon the safety mechanism when the bar mount mechanism slides along the length of the vertical post to the predeterminedposition of the safety mechanism.

11. A smith machine comprising: a vertical post including a guide track that extends along a length of the vertical post; a bar mount mechanism connected to the vertical post, the bar mount mechanism configured to slide along the guide track; a weight bar rotationally connected to the bar mount mechanism; a latching hook fixed to the weight bar, the latching hook configured to selectively engage the vertical post upon rotation of the weight bar; and a safety mechanism connected to the vertical post, the safety mechanism configured to slide along the guide track.

12. The smith machine of claim 11, wherein the vertical post defines a plurality of cutouts at predetermined positions along the length of the vertical post; wherein the latching hook includes a bushing configured to move into a selected cutout upon rotation of the weight bar to maintain the weight bar at a selected height corresponding to the selected cutout; and wherein the safety mechanism includes a main body and a stop pin pivotally connected to the main body, the stop pin configured to selectively engage a predetermined cutout to secure the safety mechanism at a predetermined position along the length of the vertical post.

13. A smith machine comprising: a frame includinga floor beam extending from the front of the frame to the rear of the frame, and an upper beam extending from a front of the frame to a rear of the frame; a slide mechanism including a lower rail operably connected to the lower beam of the frame, an upper rail operably connected to the upper beam of the frame, a vertical post extending between the lower rail and the upper rail, the post slidably connected to the upper rail and the lower rail, the vertical post defining a plurality of cutouts at predetermined positions along a length of the vertical post; a safety mechanism including a main body and a stop pin pivotally connected to the main body, the stop pin configured to selectively engage a predetermined cutout to secure the safety mechanism at a predetermined position along the length of the vertical post; a bar mount mechanism removably connected to the vertical post, the bar mount mechanism configured to slide along the length of the vertical post; a weight bar rotationally connected to the bar mount mechanism; and a latching hook fixed to the weight bar, the latching hook including a bushing configured to move into a selected cutout upon rotation of the weight bar to maintain the weight bar at a selected height corresponding to the selected cutout.

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