Bench Press Bar Rack with Segmented Spotter Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy bench press equipment poses tripping hazards and interference risks for spotters, leading to potential injuries, and attempts to limit these hazards result in less sturdy bar rack structures that may fail under heavy weights.
Innovation Solution
A bench press apparatus with a bar rack structure that includes mirrored side structures coupled by a connection structure, providing rigidity and support, and a spotter platform that extends along the ends of the bench, allowing spotters to stand unimpeded and lift safely without leaning over.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If structure and supports are extended between the bench and bar rack structure, then the bar rack structure becomes sturdier and can support heavy weights, but this creates tripping hazards and interference points for spotters that may cause injury
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into multiple segments: vertical connection members extending from the bench end, horizontal connection members extending outward, and diagonal bracing members. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve strength through geometric arrangement rather than continuous material, reducing interference while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with members extending in multiple directions (vertical, horizontal, and diagonal) rather than simple linear extensions. This dimensional approach creates a rigid spatial framework that provides structural strength without requiring extensive material in any single plane, thereby reducing tripping hazards.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If structure and supports are limited between the bench and bar rack structure, then tripping hazards and interference points are reduced, but the bar rack structure becomes less sturdy and may fail under heavy weights
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is pre-configured with optimal geometric arrangements and bracing patterns during manufacturing, ensuring structural strength is built-in before use. This preliminary design eliminates the need for additional supports during operation, maintaining both safety and strength without requiring spotters to navigate around structural elements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the spotter stands adjacent to the end of the bench to avoid structure interference, then tripping hazards are avoided, but the spotter must lean over when lifting which heightens the risk of back injury
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is positioned and dimensioned to create an equipotential working zone where the spotter can stand upright at a safe distance from the bench end. The structure's horizontal and vertical members are arranged so that the spotter's natural standing position does not require leaning or bending, eliminating back injury risks while maintaining safety from structural interference.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and systems associated with bench press equipment are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a bench press apparatus may include a bench with a bar rack structure. The bar rack structure may include a first side structure located on a first side of the bench and a second side structure located on a second side of the bench, the first side of the bench being opposite to the second side of the bench. A connection structure may couple the first side structure to the second side structure and provide rigidity between the first side structure and the second side structure. The bench press apparatus may further include a platform located between the bench and a surface. The platform may extend along an end of the bench and at least a portion of the first side and the second side of the bench. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.