A weightlifting system

Abstract

A weightlifting system comprising a weight-supporting elongate bar or barbell 20 and two braking means 50, each actuatable between a first position, whereby it grips a guide means 40, preferably a cab

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a weightlifting system, and in particular a weightlifting system for use in the home and, more especially, this invention relates to a device for safely braking a weighted barbell for solo use, and a system for the displacement and retention of weighted dumbbells. Background

[0002] Weightlifting is a popular form of exercise, and professional gymnasiums, or gyms, will include apparatus to assist with weightlifting. Such equipment will include benches and racks for supporting a user and / or weights for lifting. There is a significant market also for weightlifting equipment that can be used at home. However, the use of such weightlifting equipment at home can be dangerous. For example, a user may move heavily weighted bars repeatedly above their body, and this could cause harm if the weighted bars are dropped, or the user could sustain injury if they lose control of the equipment. One such weightlifting exercise is called a bench press, where a user lies on their back on a bench with weights supported on a rack above them. The user then removes the weight from the rack and “presses” it above their chest, before returning it to the rack. A further exercise is called a squat, whereby the user removes the weights from a rack at shoulder height and supports the weight across their shoulders, where they then bend their legs to raise and lower the weight. Clearly, whilst squatting or bench pressing weights, they could become injured or drop the weight. A common method of achieving safety at a gym while lifting weights is to use a “spotter” who is a person who watches the user and catches the bar if the user is in danger. However, a home user may not have a spotter to hand and will wish to exercise alone.

[0003] There are safety devices for use particularly with home weightlifting equipment. One such device is known as a “power cage’” in which adjustable bars are attached to a rigid frame just over shoulder width apart at a selectable height in order to catch the weighted bar at a specified height if it falls. However, this is a large, bulky, impractical device that requires manual operation and selection. It also still requires that the device undergo substantial blunt force if a heavily weighted bar is dropped.

[0004] Another machine to improve safety is known as a Smith machine. This is a weighted barbell slidably mounted on a vertical rail with a series of teeth and a movement detention device which is disengaged from the teeth by the user rotating the bar with their wrists. The means that the user is required to strain their wrist, and potentially still ‘drop’ the weight a distance before movement of the weight is arrested. While a Smith machine prevents a full drop of the weighted barbell like a power cage, the weights can only be moved along the slidably mounted bar which prevents the free movement, and therefore many of the weight-training advantages, of the weighted barbell enjoyed by the power cage. Use of a Smith machine does not work the full range of muscles of the user as compared to using free weights.

[0005] There is a further issue with home gym equipment in terms of storage. A multigym, that is a gym that combines a number of different items of equipment with which to undertake a number of different exercises, can take up a lot of space, and users may have to convert a room or garage specifically to house the equipment. Multigyms may comprise a number of different weight benches and cables, usually connected to an adjustable stack of weights. In order to have a full range of exercises available to them, a user may also purchase peripheral equipment just as dumbbells and kettlebells, which take up further space.

[0006] It is an aim of the present invention to overcome these problems and to provide a weightlifting system that can safely be used at home. Summary of Invention

[0007] In a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a weightlifting system comprising: an elongate bar for supporting weights disposable on opposed ends thereof; and at least one guide means; and braking means disposed on the elongate bar and connected to the guide means; wherein the braking means are actuatable between a first position whereby the braking means grip the guide means and prevent the elongate bar moving relative to the guide means, and a second position whereby the braking means is released from the guide means to permit the elongate bar moving relative to the guide means.

[0008] The present invention is advantageous because it allows for movement of the elongate bar that is controllable by the user by actuating the braking means, which can then prevent the elongated bar from falling and potentially damaging the device or harming the user.

[0009] Further, the weightlifting system may comprise two guide means connected to two braking means, the guide means and braking means being disposed at opposed ends of the elongate bar. Further, the or each guide means may comprise a cable suspended within a frame. The cable may be vertically suspended between top and bottom frame elements. The cable may be rigid or may be flexible. The cable may be longer than the distance between the top and bottom frame elements so that the cable includes a degree of slack. Advantageously, a degree of slack means that the elongate bar cannot be simply moved in one direction, as with a Smith machine. This will enable the user to engage a greater range of muscles to support the bar.

[0010] Further, the braking means may comprise an aperture. Further still, the guide means may extend through the aperture.

[0011] Further, the braking means may be biased to the first position to secure the elongate bar relative to the guide means until actuated by a user to the second position. Advantageously, were a user to slip or lose their grip, the braking means will be actuated in the first position and prevent the elongate bar from falling.

[0012] Further, the opposed braking means may be connected by a single lever. Further still, depressing the lever may actuate both braking means from the first position to the second position. This will enable a user to easily operate both braking means with single leave that may run parallel to the elongate bar, meaning that they can position their hands at different positions along the bar and still actuate the braking means.

[0013] The braking means may comprise at least one rod. Further still, the at least one rod may be attached to the lever and the or each braking means. Further still, the at least one rod may comprise a cam follower.

[0014] Further, the or each braking means may comprise at least one brake shoe. Further still, the cam follower may be attached to the at least one brake shoe. Further still, the at least one brake shoe may be moveable from a first position to a second position. Further still, the brake shoe may be disposed in first position disposing the braking means in the first position, and the brake shoe may be disposed in the second position disposing the braking means in the second position.

[0015] Further, the at least one brake shoe may comprise at least one fixed shoe and a plurality of engagement shoes. Further still, the plurality of engagement shoes may each comprise a gripping surface for gripping the guide means.

[0016] Further, the plurality of engagement shoes may be rotatably attached to the at least one fixed shoe via a plurality of rotatable attachment means disposed thereon.

[0017] Further, the cam follower may be attached to the plurality of engagement shoes. Further still, the cam follower may actuate the plurality of engagement shoes from moving between a first and a second position; the at least one brake show being disposed in the first position when the engagement shows are in the first position, and the at least one brake show being disposed in the second position when the engagement shows are in the second position.

[0018] Further, the cam follower may comprise a plurality of apertures. Further still, the at least one fixed shoe may comprise a plurality of apertures. Further still, the plurality of engagement shoes may comprise an engagement means disposed through the apertures on the at least one fixed shoe and the cam follower.

[0019] Further, the plurality of apertures on the cam follower may be elongate and substantially horizontal. Further still, the plurality of apertures on at least one fixed shoe may be elongate and substantially curved outwards from an inner region to an outer region.

[0020] Further, the engagement means may be disposed in an inner portion of the apertures on the at least one fixed shoe and the cam follower when the plurality of engagement shoes are in the first position, and the engagement means may be disposed in an outer portion of the apertures on the at least one fixed shoe and the cam follower when the plurality of engagement shoes are in the second position.

[0021] Further, the weightlifting system may comprise an outerframe. Further still, the outer frame may be rectangular. Further still, the outer frame may comprise a plurality of side supports, a base support, and a top support.

[0022] Further, the weightlifting system may comprise an inner frame. Further still, the inner frame may be a Z-shaped frame. Further, the inner frame may be at least partially contained within the outer frame. Further, the inner frame may be attached to the outer frame. Further, the inner frame may be attached to the outer frame so the centre of the inner and outer frames align.

[0023] Further, the weightlifting system may comprise a seat. Further still, the seat may comprise at least one folding section. Further, the seat may be releasably and selectively attachable to the bottom of the inner frame via a seat attachment means. Further still, the seat attachment means may comprise at least one telescopically extendable leg. Further still, the seat attachment means may comprise a plurality of telescopically extendable legs. Further, the seat may comprise a seating section. Further, the seat may comprise a frame section. Further still, the frame section may extend forwards. Further still, the seating section may be disposed on top of the frame section.

[0024] Further still, the frame section may comprise at least one crossmember. Further still, the frame section may comprise a plurality of crossmembers. Further still, the cross-members may be disposed along the bottom portion of the frame section. Further still, the cross-members may be disposed along the front portion of the frame section.

[0025] Further still, the seating section may comprise a plurality of seating platforms. The plurality of seating platforms may be pivotally connected around a pivoting means. The pivoting means may be attached to the top of front portion of the frame section. Further still, each of the plurality of seating platforms may comprise a positioning means. The positioning means may engage with the cross-members to select a rotational angle for each of the plurality of seating platforms around the pivoting member.

[0026] Further still, the seat may rotate around the seat attachment means so that the seat can be disposed substantially vertically within the weightlifting system. When the seat is disposed vertically in a stored potion, the footprint of the weightlifting system is relatively narrow, certainly compared to prior art apparatus.

[0027] Further, the weightlifting system may comprise a pivot bar. Further still, the pivot bar may comprise a barbell. Further, the pivot bar may be pivotally mounted to the outer frame. Further still, the pivot bar may rotate between a vertical position and a horizontal position. Further still, the pivot bar may rotate forwards from the device in a forwards position. Further still, the pivot bar may have a weight mounting means disposed on a proximal end.

[0028] In a second non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a weightlifting system comprising: a support frame bearing a weight movement guide; a plurality of weight supporting means; wherein the plurality of weight supporting means are slidably displaceable along the weight movement guide; and a cable selectively engaged to one of the weight supporting means; the cable comprising a connector at one end thereof; wherein each of the plurality of weight supporting means may be selectively connectable to one another so that a user may select the number of weight supporting means to lift and wherein each weight supporting means releasably supports thereon a dumbbell and / or a kettlebell.

[0029] Advantageously, the second aspect of the present invention allows for the simultaneous storage of dumbbells and / or kettlebells on a compact piece of gym equipment, and their use as part of a weightlifting machine, saving space as compared to a series of stacked weigh plates, and a separate dumbbell / kettlebell storage rack. Further, a user may be able to select the weight to lift by either placing the dumbbell and / or kettlebell of desired weight onto the weight supporting means, or may selectively engage two or more weight supporting means to increase the weight to lift.

[0030] The cable may be attachable to the weight supporting means via one or more pulley arranged about the support frame to dispose the one end of the cable in a suitable position for a user. The connector may be connectable to a bar, handle or strap. Such bars, handles and straps are well known for use in weightlifting. Further, the cable may be selectively connectable to any of the plurality of weight supporting means. Further still, the weight supporting means disposed above that which the cable is releasably connected to may be displaceable along the weight movement guide when in use.

[0031] Further, the support frame may comprise an outer frame. Further still, the outer frame may be rectangular. Further still, the outer frame may comprise a plurality of side supports, a base support, and a top support. One or both side supports may each comprise the weight movement guide.

[0032] Further, the weightlifting system may comprise a pulley system. Further still, the pulley system may comprise one or more pulley arranged about the support frame, which may be releasably attached to any of the weight supporting means. Further still, the pulley may comprise a pulley attached to the top of the frame. Further still, the cable may be arranged through the pulley system. Further still, the cable may be attached to the pulley which is attached to the top of the frame. Further still, the cable may be attached to a bottom edge of the frame. Further still, the cable may be threaded around the bottom of a pulley releasably attached to the weight supporting means, and around the top of the pulley attached to the top of the frame. Further still, the connector may be attached to the opposite end thereof.

[0033] Further, the cable may be releasably attached to the bottom of the pulley. Further, the topmost weight retaining means may comprise a weight retaining means pulley. Further, the weight retaining means pulley may be releasably attachable to the topmost weight retaining means.

[0034] Further, the weight retaining means pulley may be releasably attachable to any of the plurality of weight retaining means. Further, the cable may travel around the underneath of the weight retaining means pulley. Further, the cable may travel around the top of the pulley.

[0035] Further, the plurality of weight retaining means may be displaceable along the weight movement guide via a weight retaining means movement means.

[0036] Further, the retention body of each of the plurality of weight retaining means may comprise a tray for engaging with the gripping portion of a dumbbell.

[0037] The weightlifting system may comprise both the first and second embodiment in a single machine. It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above have been given by way of example only and that modifications or combinations of features of the device in its various embodiments may be affected. The invention also extends to the individual components mentioned above, taken singly or in any combination. Description of the drawings

[0038] Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0039] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a system according to the present invention; and

[0040] Figure 2a shows a schematic view of a braking means; and

[0041] Figure 2b shows an isometric view of the braking means; and

[0042] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the braking means; and

[0043] Figure 4a shows a schematic view of the braking means, a plurality of engagement shoes in a first position; and

[0044] Figure 4b shows a schematic view of the braking means, the plurality of engagement shoes in a second position; and

[0045] Figure 5a shows a schematic view of the braking means and a cam in a first position; and

[0046] Figure 5b shows a schematic view of the braking means and the cam in a second position; and

[0047] Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the schematic view of the system according to the present invention, and a lever connecting a plurality of braking means; and

[0048] Figure 7 shows a schematic view of the schematic view of the system according to the present invention, with an outer and an inner frame; and

[0049] Figure 8 shows a side view of a schematic view of the schematic view of the system according to the present invention, with an outer and an inner frame shown in Figure 7; and

[0050] Figure 9 shows a schematic view of a weightlifting system; and

[0051] Figure 10 shows a schematic view of the plurality of weight mounting means; and

[0052] Figure 11 shows a schematic view of a folding seat; and

[0053] Figure 12 shows a side view of the schematic view of the folding seat shown in Figure 11; and

[0054] Figure 13 shows an isometric view of the weightlifting system in an unfolded position; and

[0055] Figure 14 shows an isometric view of the weighting system in a folded position. Detailed Description

[0056] This invention relates to a weightlifting system, and in particular this invention relates to a device for safely braking a weighted barbell, and a system for the displacement and retention of weighted dumbbells.

[0057] Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a weightlifting system according to the present invention, for safely braking a weighted barbell, generally indicated 10, comprising an elongate bar 20 for supporting weights (not shown) disposable on opposed ends 30 thereof; a guide means generally indicated 40; and braking means generally indicated 50 disposed on the elongate bar 20 and connected to the guide means 40. A lever generally indicated 60 is attached to the braking means 50 via a bracket 70, which is attached to a cam 80, which is in turn attached to a braking shoe generally indicated 90.

[0058] The braking means comprises the brake shoe 90, and the cam follower 82 is attached to the brake shoe 90 and the cam 80. The brake shoe comprises a plurality of fixed shoes 100 and a plurality of engagement shoes 110. The plurality of engagement shoes 110 comprise a plurality of upper fixed portions 120 and a plurality of lower rotatable portions 130. The plurality of fixed shoes 100 comprise an outer fixed shoe 140, a plurality of inner fixed shoes 150 and a supporting shoe 160 disposed between the engagement shoes 110 and the plurality of inner fixed shoes 150.

[0059] Referring to Figures 2a, 2b, and 3 there is shown the braking means 50, comprising the brake shoe 90 attached to a cam 80, which is attached to the bracket 70. The brake shoe 90 comprises the plurality of fixed shoes 100 and the plurality of engagement shoes 110. The plurality of engagement shoes 110 comprise the plurality of upper fixed portions 120 and the plurality of lower rotatable portions 130. The plurality of fixed shoes 100 comprise the outer fixed shoe 140, the plurality of inner fixed shoes 150. and the supporting shoe 160 disposed between the engagement shoes 110 and the plurality of inner fixed shoes 150. All of the fixed shoes 100 and engagement shoes 110 comprise a plurality of apertures 170 on an outer, lower region. These apertures 170 receive an attachment means 170, preferably a rod that will attach the shoes to each other, and about which the plurality of engagement shoes 110 will rotate.

[0060] The plurality of fixed shoes 100 comprise a ring-shape, the plurality of inner fixed shoes 150 and the supporting shoe 160 comprise a ring-shape with a cut-away section at the top 180. The plurality of upper fixed portions 120 and a plurality of lower rotatable portions 130 of the plurality of engagement shoes 110 are arranged circumferentially around central void 190.

[0061] The plurality of inner fixed shoes 150 comprise a cam shoe 200 and a pin guiding shoe 210. The cam shoe 200 comprises an aperture 220, beginning at the lower point of the perimeter of the central void 190 and extending to allow free movement of the cam 80 between a first and a second position. The supporting shoe 160 comprises an aperture 162, beginning at the lower point of the perimeter of the central void 190 and extending to allow free movement of the cam follower 82 between a first and a second position.

[0062] The cam 80 is attached to the cam follower 82, actuating the movement of the cam follower 82 from a first position as shown in Figures 3a and 4b to a second position as shown in Figures 4b and 5b and is guided by a cam guidance means. The cam guidance means comprises a flat plate 230 comprising an aperture through which the cam 80 travels. The cam guidance means is attached to the plurality of inner fixed shoes 150 and the supporting shoe 160 in the space created by the cut-away section 180 at the top thereof. The cam guidance means leaves the brake shoe with a vertical void at the top only on the plurality of engagement shoes 110.

[0063] The pin guiding shoe 210 comprises a plurality of guidance apertures 240. The plurality of guidance apertures 240 are disposed on a lower region of the pin guiding shoe 210. The plurality of guidance apertures 240 are elongate, and curve outwards from an end near the central void 190 to an outer edge of the pin guiding shoe 210.

[0064] A pin 250 is disposed through each of the engagement shoes 110, the support shoe 160, the cam follower 82, the cam shoe 200, and the pin guidance aperture 240 on the pin guiding shoe 210.

[0065] Referring to Figures 4a to 5b there is shown the braking means described above. The plurality of engagement shoes 110 are shown comprising the plurality of upper fixed portions 120 and the plurality of lower rotatable portions 130 arranged circumferentially around the central void 190. The plurality of upper fixed portions 120 do not move. The plurality of lower rotatable portions 130 each comprise an attachment means aperture for receiving the attachment means, and gripping means 260, preferably comprising teeth, on an inner region for gripping the guide means 40. A first, outer engagement shoe 110a comprises two opposed lower rotatable portions 130 which each comprise pin receiving apertures 240 on an inner region between the gripping means 260 and the attachment means aperture 170 for receiving an attachment pin (not shown). A second, outer engagement shoe 110b comprises two opposed lower rotatable portions 130 which each comprise a pin 250 projecting therefrom. Each pin 250 is disposed through the pin receiving aperture 240 on the lower rotatable portion 130 of the first, outer engagement shoe 110a, an aperture on the supporting shoe 160, the cam follower 82, the cam shoe 200, and the pin guidance aperture 220 on a pin guiding shoe 210.

[0066] Referring to Figures 4a and 5a, there is shown the braking means in a first position, in which the cam follower 82 has not been actuated by the lever 60, and is biased therein by a cam biasing means, preferably a spring (not shown) disposed between eh bracket 70 and the flat plate 230. The cam follower 82 is biased upwards herein, resulting in the pins being disposed in an inner, upper portion of the pin guidance aperture 240 on the pin guiding shoe 210. As such, the plurality of engagement shoes 110 are biased in a first position in which they are held together, in which the gripping means 260 would engage with the guiding means.

[0067] Referring to Figures 4b and 5b there is shown the braking means in the second position, in which the cam follower 82 has been actuated by the lever 60 and has been moved vertically downwards relative to the brake shoe 90. The cam follower 82 having engaged the pins 250, resulting in the pins 250 being disposed in an outer, lower portion of the pin guidance aperture 240 on the pin guiding shoe 210. As such, the plurality of engagement shoes 110 have been moved to a second position by the pins 250 travelling around the curvature of the pin guidance aperture 240. The plurality of engagement shoes 110 have been rotated outwards around the attachment means and would not engage with the guiding means 40.

[0068] The braking means is biased to the first position by the cam biasing means, and as such when the lever is no longer actuated by the user the cam will engage the pins 250 and move them around the curvature of the pin guidance aperture 240 to an inner, upper portion thereof and result in the plurality of engagement shoes 110 returning to the first position in which they are held together, in which the gripping means 260 would engage with the guiding means 40.

[0069] As such, the braking means are biased to being engaged by default and can only be disengaged by a user depressing the lever 60 and actuating the cam. When a user is no longer actively depressing the lever 60, the braking means are engaged.

[0070] Referring to Figure 6 there is shown the elongate bar 20, comprising with two braking means 50 as described above, on opposed sides of the elongate bar. The opposed braking means 50 are connected by a single lever 60, wherein a user depressing the lever 60 actuates the braking means from the first position to the second position.

[0071] Referring to Figures 7 to 9 there is shown a substantially rectangular outer frame. The outer frame comprises a plurality of side supports, a base support, and a top support.

[0072] The outer frame 400 comprises a plurality of weightlifting systems; comprising a supporting frame bearing a weight movement guide 402; a plurality of weight supporting means 410; the plurality of weight retaining means 410 are displaceable along the weight movement guide 402. A pulley 432 is attached to the top of the support frame 412, and a cable (not shown) can selectively engage and move of the weight retaining means 410 at a distal end of the cable via the at least one cable engagement pulley 420.

[0073] The cable is releasably attached to the bottom of the pulley 432 via the cable holding means 4322. The topmost weight retaining means 410 comprises a cable engagement pulley 420 which is releasably attachable to the topmost weight retaining means 410.

[0074] The cable is disposed around the bottom of the pulley 420 on the topmost weight retaining means 410 and around the top of the pulley 432 attached to the top of the support frame 412. The cable comprises a gripping means attachment means (not shown) at a proximal end. Each of the plurality of weight retaining means 410 each comprise a retention body 440 for retaining a dumbbell.

[0075] The plurality of weight retaining means 410 are selectively connectable to each other. The weight retaining means 410 above that which the cable is releasably connected to is displaceable along the weight movement guide 402 when the cable is actuated.

[0076] Each of the plurality of weight retaining means 410 comprises a retention body 440, preferably comprising a tray 442 for engaging with the gripping portion of a dumbbell.

[0077] Referring to Figure 7 the weightlifting system comprises a pivot bar 500, preferably comprising a barbell. The pivot bar 500 is pivotally mounted to the outer frame 404 via a pivot bar mounting means 502. The pivot bar 500 is rotatable between a vertical position and a horizontal position the pivot bar 500 rotating forwards from the device in a forwards position when in the horizontal position. The pivot bar 500 has a weight mounting means 504 disposed on a proximal end.

[0078] Referring to Figures 7 and 8 there is shown the weightlifting system comprising a Z-shaped inner frame 450. The inner frame 450 is least partially contained within and attached to the outer frame 400 so the centre of the inner 450 and outer 400 frames align.

[0079] The inner frame 450 comprises a plurality of projecting bars 452 which are telescopically retractable into the inner frame. The plurality of projecting bars 452 are releasably attachable to a bar 454. The bar 454 is releasably attachable to a plurality of cables 40 which extend from the bar to a floor. The plurality of cables 40 are disposed at opposite ends of the bar 454.

[0080] The cables 40 comprise a textured surface, which may optionally comprise a wound cable surface, a series of protrusions, a series of detents, or a patterned surface.

[0081] Referring to Figures 7, 8 and 10 the inner frame 450 comprises a plurality of weight mounting means 460 disposed partway up the inner frame, disposed vertically on top of each other and selectively connectable thereto via a weight mounting attachment means, 462 preferably comprising a chain and a releasable attachment means.

[0082] The inner frame 450 may comprise a plurality of vertical rails 464 on which the plurality of weight mounting means 460 are moveably mounted. This allows the plurality of weight mounting means 460 to move vertically along the rails 464 of the inner frame 450.

[0083] The uppermost weight mounting means 460 comprises a plurality of cross-members 466. The uppermost weight mounting means 460 comprises a plurality of lifting means (not shown), preferably comprising an elongate bar. The plurality of lifting means are spaced substantially shoulder width apart so that the user can easily push the weight mounting means up the plurality of vertical rails 464.

[0084] The plurality of weight mounting means 460 each comprise a plurality of weight mounting projections 468 extending horizontally from the weight mounting means 460, these weight mounting projections 468 can selectively store weights.

[0085] The plurality of weight mounting means 460 comprises a pulley system 470. A plurality of rear pulleys 472 are shown through which the weight mounting means cable (not shown) is threaded, a connector is attached to a proximal end thereof. The connector is releasably attachable to a number of gripping means such as a bar, rope, or any number of apparatus. This allows the user to effectively use the plurality of weight mounting means to store free weights, and to use them to pull down, and pull out the weights.

[0086] Referring to Figures 10 and 11 there is shown a seat 500. The seat comprises a plurality of folding sections 510; a seating section 512 and a frame section 514 respectively.

[0087] The frame section 514 extends forwards and comprises a plurality of vertical bars 5142, and a plurality of rear bars 5144 which curve down towards the floor at a distal end 5146. The frame section 514 also comprises a plurality of cross-members 516. The cross-members 516 are disposed between the plurality of vertical bars 5142, and between the plurality of rear bars 5144. The frame section 514 comprises a plurality of wheels 570, one at the base of each of the plurality of vertical bars 5142, and one at the distal end 5146 of each of the plurality of rear bars 5144.

[0088] The seating section 512 comprises a plurality of seating platforms 518. The plurality of seating platforms 518 are pivotally connected around a pivoting means 520 disposed at the top of the vertical bars 5142 of the frame section 514. Each of the plurality of folding sections 510 comprises a positioning means 530 which engages with the cross-members 516 to select a rotational angle for each of the plurality of folding sections 510 around the pivoting means 530. This allows the user to set an angle for both of the sections 510 so a number of muscle groups can be worked independently when using the weightlifting system.

[0089] Referring to Figures 13 and 14 there is shown the weightlifting system in a first position and a second position. In the first position shown in Figure 13 the plurality of projecting bars 452 are telescopically extended from the inner frame 450, and the seat 500 is releasably attached to the bottom 408 of the inner frame 450 via a plurality of seat attachment means 550, each comprising a telescopic leg 552. The seat 500 rotates around the seat attachment means 550. In the first position, the seat 500 is rotated so that the rear bars 5144 are substantially parallel with the floor.

[0090] In the second position shown in Figure 14 the plurality of projecting bars 452 are telescopically retracted into the inner frame 450, and the seat 500 is rotated so that the rear bars 5144 are substantially perpendicular to the floor, so that the seat 500 can be disposed substantially vertically within the weightlifting system. This allows the user to store the weightlifting means in a reduced volumetric space.

[0091] When the seat 500 is in the second position and the seating section 512 is substantially vertical the seat 500 is moveable from a first, unextended position and a second, extended position. The seat is moveable from the first, unextended position to the second, extended position via extension of the telescopic legs 552. This allows the user to perform a rowing exercise by holding the gripping means attached to the end of the cable wound around the bottommost of the plurality of rear pulleys 472 attached to the weight mounting means 460.

[0092] When sitting on the seat 500 in the first, unextended position the user can place their feet against the footrest 560, their back against the substantially vertical seating section 512, hold the gripping mans attached to the end of the cable wound around the bottommost of the plurality of rear pulleys 472, and push with their legs to extend the telescopic legs and move the seat 500 to the second, extended position. The seat 500 will return to the first, unextended position when the user stops applying force with their legs as the weight mounting means 460 will pull the user back to the first, unextended position as it moves down the vertical rails 464.The seat is on wheels 570 to permit smooth movement of the seat along the floor.

[0093] It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be affected. Other constructions for the pulleys, cables, weights, and bars may be employed. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention. The invention also 5 extends to the individual components mentioned and / or shown above, taken singly or in any combination.

Claims

1. A weightlifting system comprising:an elongate bar for supporting weights disposable on opposed ends thereof; andat least one guide means; andbraking means disposed on the elongate bar and connected to the guide means; whereinthe braking means are actuatable between a first position whereby the braking means grips the guide means and prevents the elongate bar moving relative to the guide means, and a second position whereby the braking means is released from the guide means and permits the elongate bar to move relative to the guide means.

2. A weightlifting system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising two guide means connected to two braking means, the guide means and braking means being disposed at opposed ends of the elongate bar.

3. A weightlifting system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the or eachguide means comprises a substantially disposed cable suspended within a frame.

4. A weightlifting system as claimed in any previous claim wherein the braking means comprises an aperture and wherein the guide means extends through the aperture.

5. A weightlifting system as claimed in any previous claims wherein the braking means is biased to the first position to secure the elongate bar relative to the guide means until actuated by a user to the second position.

6. A weightlifting system as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the opposed braking means are connected by a single lever, wherein depressing the lever actuates the braking means from the first position to the second position7. A weightlifting system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the braking means further comprises at least one rod attached to the lever and the or each braking means, the at least one rod comprising a cam follower.

8. A weightlifting system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the or each braking means further comprises at least one brake shoe, the cam follower being attached to the at least one brake shoe; the at least one brake shoe is moveable from a first position to a second position; the brake shoe being disposed in first position disposing the braking means in the first position, and the brake shoe being disposed in the second position disposing the braking means in the second position.

9. A weightlifting system according to claim 8 wherein the at least one brake shoe comprises at least one fixed shoe and a plurality of engagement shoes, the plurality of engagement shoes each comprising a gripping surface for gripping the guide means.

10. A weightlifting system according to claim 9 wherein the plurality of engagement shoes are rotatably attached to the at least one fixed shoe via a plurality of rotatable attachment means disposed thereon.

11. A weightlifting system according to claim 10 wherein the cam follower is attached to the plurality of engagement shoes, the cam follower actuating the plurality of engagement shoes from moving between a first and a second position; the at least one brake show being disposed in the first position when the engagement shows are in the first position, and the at least one brake show being disposed in the second position when the engagement shows are in the second position.

12. A weightlifting system according to claim 11 wherein the cam follower comprises a plurality of apertures, and the at least one fixed shoe comprises a plurality of apertures, and the plurality of engagement shoes comprise an engagement means disposed through the apertures on the at least one fixed shoe and the cam follower.

13. A weightlifting system according to claim 12 wherein the plurality of apertures on the cam follower are elongate and substantially horizontal, and the plurality of apertures on at least one fixed shoe are elongate and substantially curved outwards from an inner region to an outer region.

14. A weightlifting system according to claim 13 wherein the engagement means is disposed in an inner portion of the apertures on the at least one fixed shoe and the cam follower when the plurality of engagement shoes are in the first position, and the engagement means is disposed in an outer portion of the apertures on the at least one fixed shoe and the cam follower when the plurality of engagement shoes are in the second position.

15. A weightlifting system comprising:a support frame bearing a weight movement guide;a plurality of weight supporting means; wherein the plurality of weight supporting means are slidably displaceable along the weight movement guide; anda pulley attached to the top of the support frame; anda cable selectively engaged to one of the weight supporting means;the cable comprising a connector at an end thereof; whereineach of the plurality of weight supporting means may be selectively connectable to one another so that a user may select the number of weight supporting means to and wherein each weight supporting means releasably supports thereon a dumbbell and / or a kettlebell.

16. A weight displacement means for a multi-gym according to claim 15 wherein the cable is attachable to the plurality of weight supporting means are via at least pulley, optionally, via a plurality of pulleys.

17. A weight displacement means for a multi-gym according to claims 15 or 16 wherein the cable is attachable to any of the plurality of weight supporting means, the weight supporting means above that which the cable is releasably connected to being displaceable along the weight movement guide when in use.

18. A weight displacement means for a multi-gym according to claims 15 to 17 wherein the cable is releasably attached to the bottom of the pulley.

19. A weight displacement means for a multi-gym according to claim 15 to 18 wherein the topmost weight retaining means comprises a weight retaining means pulley.

20. A weight displacement means for a multi-gym according to claim 19 wherein the weight retaining means pulley is releasably attachable to the topmost weight retaining means.

21. A weight displacement means for a multi-gym according to claims 19 or 20 wherein the weight retaining means pulley is releasably attachable to any of the plurality of weight retaining means.

22. A weight displacement means for a multi-gym according to claims 19 to 21 wherein the cable travels around the underneath of the weight supporting means pulley.

23. A weight displacement means for a multi-gym according to claim 22 wherein the cable travels around the top of the pulley.

24. A weight displacement means for a multi-gym according to claim 23 wherein the plurality of weight supporting means are displaceable along the weight movement guide via a weight supporting means movement means.

25. A weight displacement means for a multi-gym according to claims 15 to 24 wherein the retention body of each of the plurality of weight supporting means comprises a tray for engaging with the gripping portion of a dumbbell.

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