49 results about "Weight lifters" patented technology

A retrofittable exercise data collection system and method of collection of data concerning the performance of weightlifters and the like which can be attached to a power rack used by weightlifters and detached after use or alternatively set up in freestanding arrangement in which by emitted electromagnetic radiation coupled detectors the movement of a barbell past such emitters may be detected and the speed of passage calculated by determining the interval between occlusion of the detector beams between adjacent detectors, the height of such occluded detectors being related to the portion of the musculature of the weightlifter that is undergoing extension or retraction during exercise.

An exercise data collection system and method of collection of data concerning the performance of weightlifters and the like which can be retrofitted for use with a power rack or half rack used by weightlifters and detached after use or alternatively set up in a freestanding arrangement, such as for use on a platform, in which by emitted electromagnetic radiation coupled detectors the movements of a barbell past such emitters is detected by the reflected emission and the speed of passage calculated by determining the interval between reflection of the detector beams between adjacent detectors, the height of such reflection beam being related to the portion of the musculature of the weightlifter that is undergoing extension or retraction during exercise.

A weight lifting power cage for use by a weight lifter includes a frame assembly including a pair of side frames and a rear lateral frame interconnecting the pair of side frames. A carriage is carried by the side frames and is movable simultaneously vertically and front to back. The carriage retains a weight bar mount for retaining a weight bar spanning between each side frame. The weight bar is movable by the carriage vertically and front to back. The movable carriage also carries a pair of vertical weight rack bars. An engagement mechanism enables the weight lifter to rack the weight bar from a weight lifting position without stepping forward or backward.

A weight lifting power cage for use by a weight lifter includes a frame assembly including a pair of side frames and a rear lateral frame interconnecting the pair of side frames. A carriage is carried by the side frames and is movable simultaneously vertically and front to back. The carriage retains a weight bar mount for retaining a weight bar spanning between each side frame. The weight bar is movable by the carriage vertically and front to back.. The movable carriage also carries a pair of vertical weight rack bars. An engagement mechanism enables the weight lifter to rack the weight bar from a weight lifting position without stepping forward or backward.

A weight training apparatus that simulates free weight lifting exercise. It allows the user to load regular Olympic plates to adjust weight resistance, and thereby eliminate the need to pick-up or replace a dumbbell set each time he wants to adjust the weight resistance. The apparatus comprises a cage like frame and a vertically adjustable table with arm extension supports with a series of handles and weight loadable pin attached to each arm. The arm extensions can swivel, rotate in a circular manner and independently to provide the feel of the unrestrained free motions many free weight lifters prefer when working with regular dumbbells or free weights.

An embodiment of a barbell and dumbbell safety spotting apparatus is a weight support cable (34a) wrapped around a rotating drum (44a) with the drum is mounted vertically above a weight lifter. The cables are connectable to a barbell assembly (24) or dumbbell assembly to provide reciprocating vertical movement of the weight assembly in a free-weight fashion. The drum has a ratcheting mechanism (55) that normally prevents downward movement of the weight assembly. The ratchet is connected to a user-operated control mechanism (28) so that the user can disengage the ratchet, allowing the weight assembly to be freely lowered. Other embodiments are described and shown.

A weightlifting rack includes a tower with a pair of arms terminating in catches to support a weighted bar. An actuator powered by an electric motor is connected to the arms to adjust the vertical position of the arms to accommodate different height weightlifters. After the bar is lifted from the catches, the catches can be pivoted rearwardly out of the way while the weightlifter performs exercises.

A free-weight bench (10) is provided having a safety assist device (12) for preventing injury to a weight lifter who repetitively lifts a barbell weight (16) including a weight bar (42). The safety assist device (12) includes a pair of spaced apart arms (32,34) oriented to permit the bar (42) to move along the length thereof, and a bar-sensing apparatus (45) comprising a plurality of sensors (46) on the arms (32,34) as well as a processor (60) programmed to determine at least one parameter related to the velocity of the bar (42) as it moves along the arms (32,34). Respective extensible supports (47) comprising fluid-actuated piston and cylinder assemblies (48,50) are located adjacent corresponding arms (32,34) and are controlled by the processor (60). In the event that a lifter loses control of the barbell weight (16) causing the latter to rapidly descend, the processor (60) receives bar-position signals from the sensors (46) and calculates a velocity-related parameter; the processor (60) then initiates operation of the supports (47) in order to arrest the downward descent of the barbell weight (16) to prevent injury to the lifter.

A weight lifting power cage for use by a weight lifter includes a floor frame assembly including a pair of side floor frames, a front lateral floor frame member, and a rear lateral floor member. A carriage is carried by the side floor frames and is movable simultaneously vertically and front to back. The carriage retains a weight bar mount for retaining a weight bar spanning between each side frame. The weight bar is movable by the carriage vertically and front to back. The movable carriage also carries a pair of vertical weight rack bars. An engagement mechanism enables the weight lifter to rack the weight bar from a weight lifting position without stepping forward or backward.

In several embodiments, an athletic garment is designed to store energy when a weight or load is lowered in order to assist the wearer to subsequently raise the load. In some embodiments, the garment provides seams which are curved in order to twist the garment fabric and thereby store energy therein. In one shirt embodiment, the sleeves extend perpendicularly forward of the torso and then converge toward a centerline of the shirt. In a second shirt embodiment, the sleeves extend perpendicularly forward of the torso for their entire length. In a weight lifter's suit embodiment, the curved seams extends from an armhole of a torso section to a location under the buttocks of the lifter. In another shirt embodiment, the arms extend forwardly of a vertical plane when the wearer is lying on the back in preparation for an arching bench press movement.

A free-weight bench (10) is provided having a safety assist device (12) for preventing injury to a weight lifter who repetitively lifts a barbell weight (16) including a weight bar (42). The safety assist device (12) includes a pair of spaced apart arms (32,34) oriented to permit the bar (42) to move along the length thereof, and a bar-sensing apparatus (45) comprising a plurality of sensors (46) on the arms (32,34) as well as a processor (60) programmed to determine at least one parameter related to the velocity of the bar (42) as it moves along the arms (32,34). Respective extensible supports (47) comprising fluid-actuated piston and cylinder assemblies (48,50) are located adjacent corresponding arms (32,34) and are controlled by the processor (60). In the event that a lifter loses control of the barbell weight (16) causing the latter to rapidly descend, the processor (60) receives bar-position signals from the sensors (46) and calculates a velocity-related parameter; the processor (60) then initiates operation of the supports (47) in order to arrest the downward descent of the barbell weight (16) to prevent injury to the lifter.

The present invention relates generally to exercising equipment, and more particularly, to an improved multi-use weight lifting apparatus. The present weight lifting apparatus comprises a frame (12), a vertical guide member (52), at least one horizontal guide member (46), a weight bearing bar (60), and a safety catch mechanism (70). This weight lifting apparatus allows a weight lifter to perform exercise with vertical and horizontal ranges of motion that simulate the natural motions of using free weights while providing safety mechanisms that are not available with free weights.

The present invention relates generally to exercising equipment, and more particularly, to an improved multi-use weight lifting apparatus. The present weight lifting apparatus comprises a frame (12), a vertical guide member (52), at least one horizontal guide member (46), a weight bearing bar (60), and a safety catch mechanism (70). This weight lifting apparatus allows a weight lifter to perform exercise with vertical and horizontal ranges of motion that simulate the natural motions of using free weights while providing safety mechanisms that are not available with free weights.

A device for retrofitting onto or incorporating into a conventional weightlifting machine is provided. The device includes a charge tank and a load tank and a set of hoses for communicating fluid between the tanks. The load tank rests atop a conventional weight stack, while the charge tank rests on the floor proximal to the weightlifting machine. A fluid control means is provided for alternatively filling the load tank with water stored in the charge tank and draining the fluid back into the charge tank from the load tank, as desired. Before an exercise, the load tank is filled with water using the fluid control means. During the exercise, the fluid control means is set to allow water to drain back into the charge tank. The flow rate is set, either manually or through the use of a computer-controller, so that the weight-lifter is lifting his maximum capacity of weight during each repetition.

Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for using an inclined weight bench for supporting free weights, being adjustable and customizable for allowing a weight lifter to work out on their own without a separate spotter. The device can have a multi-step spotters platform, a detachable bench assembly with a backside support frame positioned at 45 degree angle with variable adjustable inclination. The device can have a vertical support post fixed to a lateral ground support and dumbbell support frame having one horizontal beam. The device can have dumbbell cradles having enlarged surface areas that safely support and hold the weights, reinforced angled support braces with two feet members and adjustable seat with pin-locking fasteners. Also, a separate spotter can be used that sits on one of the steps and straddles the backrest to help the lifter raise and lower the free weights when needed.

An embodiment of a barbell and dumbbell safety spotting apparatus is a weight support cable (34a) wrapped around a rotating drum (44a) with the drum is mounted vertically above a weight lifter. The cables are connectable to a barbell assembly (24) or dumbbell assembly to provide reciprocating vertical movement of the weight assembly in a free-weight fashion. The drum has a ratcheting mechanism (55) that normally prevents downward movement of the weight assembly. The ratchet is connected to a user-operated control mechanism (28) so that the user can disengage the ratchet, allowing the weight assembly to be freely lowered. Other embodiments are described and shown.

In several embodiments, an athletic garment is designed to store energy when a weight or load is lowered in order to assist the wearer to subsequently raise the load. In some embodiments, the garment provides seams which are curved in order to twist the garment fabric and thereby store energy therein. In one shirt embodiment, the sleeves extend perpendicularly forward of the torso and then converge toward a centerline of the shirt. In a second shirt embodiment, the sleeves extend perpendicularly forward of the torso for their entire length. In a weight lifter's suit embodiment, the curved seams extends from an armhole of a torso section to a location under the buttocks of the lifter. In another shirt embodiment, the arms extend forwardly of a vertical plane when the wearer is lying on the back in preparation for an arching bench press movement.

A weightlifting system includes a spotter platform which flanks a weight bench. The spotter platforms provide a surface raised above the base upon which a spotter may stand. The spotter platform may be articulated to a vertical stowed position to clear an area on the base for other exercises. The spotter platforms also provide fixed receipt areas within which the weight bench is received to provide proper weightlifter positioning while minimizing any relative movement between the weight bench and the weight bar frame rack.

The recording device for weightlifting is removably attached to one end of the bar of a barbell set and holds a marking or tracing implement (e.g., chalk, whiteboard marker, laser pen, etc.) removably therein. A board (for use with a marking implement) or light recording screen (for use with an optical device) is positioned near the marking or tracing implement, the marking implement being in contact with the board. The weightlifter may then perform lifts while recording the path of the bar on the board or screen by means of the marking or tracing implement. The resulting trace enables the lifter and / or his or her coach, mentor, or assistant to determine accurately the path of the bar during the lift, thereby facilitating the determination of any corrections that might be needed to the form of the weightlifter during lifting exercises.

A weight-lifter bench is equipped with a removable body support pad having a multiplicity of body support cavities in the pad upper surface. These cavities mate with rear surfaces of the person's head and torso when the person is in a lithotomy position, e.g. when the person is performing a weight-lifting activity using the bench. The cavity surfaces conform to the body surface contours, such that essentially the entire rear surface of the person's torso is in contact with the pad. The pad provides a comfortable support surface, and an enhanced body support action that tends to minimize the potential risk for injury or fatigue.

In several embodiments, an athletic garment is designed to store energy when a weight or load is lowered in order to assist the wearer to subsequently raise the load. In some embodiments, the garment provides seams which are curved in order to twist the garment fabric and thereby store energy therein. In one shirt embodiment, the sleeves extend perpendicularly forward of the torso and then converge toward a centerline of the shirt. In a second shirt embodiment, the sleeves extend perpendicularly forward of the torso for their entire length. In a weight lifter's suit embodiment, the curved seams extends from an armhole of a torso section to a location under the buttocks of the lifter. In another shirt embodiment, the arms extend forwardly of a vertical plane when the wearer is lying on the back in preparation for an arching bench press movement.

A safety mechanism for weightlifting devices checks the uncontrolled descent of weights and / or other structures. Using aligned or other slots, a pawl or dog is biased against the surface containing such slots. In order to operate the weightlifting device, the pawl or dog must be actively disengaged from the slots. Exercise can then occur. However, should the weightlifter's grip relax and release the release lever, the associated biasing system forces the engagement end of the dog into one of the aligned slots halting the further downward travel of the associated weights in supporting structures. An associated weightlifting device is disclosed having a latching mechanism enabling securement of the device in a lowered position.

An exercise machine attachment is provided wherein the attachment may comprise a hook aperture attached to a joint wherein the joint defines bead chain apertures formed within the joint and extending directionally in an oblique or perpendicular manner. The attachment may further comprise first and second bead chains attached to the bead chain apertures. Also, each bead chain may comprise a plurality of beads which are sized and configured to be ergonomically fitted into a weight lifter's hand.

A chest and arm exercise device provides a chest spanning elastic member including a rubber sheet connected to a pair of elastic arm cuffs. A weight lifter's shirt includes a fabric body covering including an elastic chest spanning member and a pair of elastic sleeves or cuffs.

A portable bench press safety device for preventing injury to a weight lifter's head, face or neck which can be easily attached and removed without the need for tools from weight lifting benches of various sizes and dimensions.

An exercise machine attachment is provided wherein the attachment may comprise a hook aperture attached to a joint wherein the joint defines bead chain apertures formed within the joint and extending directionally in an oblique or perpendicular manner. The attachment may further comprise first and second bead chains attached to the bead chain apertures. Also, each bead chain may comprise a plurality of beads which are sized and configured to be ergonomically fitted into a weight lifter's hand.

A system and methods for a machine learning exercise belt comprising a belt, gyroscope, accelerometer, pressure sensor, electromyography (EMG) sensor and wireless adaptor, which may use machine learning algorithms and network communication to determine a weight lifter's form and intensity during exercise and provide feedback if they are performing an exercise with poor form, to help avoid injury and other consequences from poor form during weight lifting exercises.

A weight lifting power cage for use by a weight lifter includes a floor frame assembly including a pair of side floor frames, a front lateral floor frame member, and a rear lateral floor member. A carriage is carried by the side floor frames and is movable simultaneously vertically and front to back. The carriage retains a weight bar mount for retaining a weight bar spanning between each side frame. The weight bar is movable by the carriage vertically and front to back. The movable carriage also carries a pair of vertical weight rack bars. An engagement mechanism enables the weight lifter to rack the weight bar from a weight lifting position without stepping forward or backward.