Plate-Loaded Press Clamp-Sleeve Range-of-Motion Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weight training machines do not allow users to customize the range of motion, leading to unnatural and potentially injurious arcing movements, especially when reaching beyond the normal range of motion to access handles.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a press partner clamp apparatus and sleeve device that can be removably attached to weight machines to modify the range of motion, including a C-shaped clamp for the arm side contact rod and a sleeve for the bumper, allowing users to customize the path of motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the exercise arm is pivotally mounted on the main frame with a fixed range of motion, then the machine structure is simple and stable, but the user cannot customize the range of motion leading to unnatural arcing movements and potential injury

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomizable range of motionVSAvoidmachine structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the range of motion adjustable rather than fixed. The exercise arm can be positioned at different angles and the range of motion can be modified during use, allowing users to customize their exercise path while maintaining a relatively simple overall machine structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the range of motion adjustment into separate adjustable components. The exercise arm is divided into segments that can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing users to customize the range of motion without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the handle is positioned far from the user to provide adequate space for movement, then the exercise can be performed with proper clearance, but the user must reach beyond the normal range of motion causing awkward hand or wrist positions and potential injury

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of handleVSAvoidhyperextension injury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamics by allowing the exercise arm to be positioned at adjustable angles. Users can set the arm at an angle that brings the handle within their natural reach range, eliminating the need to reach beyond the normal range of motion while still providing adequate space for the exercise movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by adjusting the specific position and angle of the exercise arm to match the user's anatomy and movement capabilities. This localized adjustment ensures the handle is positioned optimally for each user without requiring changes to the entire machine structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the exercise arm follows a fixed arcing path, then the machine mechanism is simple, but the movement does not accurately simulate natural body movement and can cause improper form

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural movement simulationVSAvoidmovement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by allowing the exercise arm to move through a customizable range of motion that can be adjusted to match natural body movement patterns. This enables the machine to simulate natural exercise movements more accurately while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by allowing users to adjust the range of motion and positioning parameters of the exercise arm. This enables customization of the movement path to match individual user needs and natural movement patterns without requiring complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12350541B1System and methods for facilitating the use of a weight press machine
Publication Date: 2025.07.08 HYPERTROPHY TECH LLC
  • US12350541B1 patent drawing
  • US12350541B1 patent drawing
  • US12350541B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A press partner system facilitates the use of a plate-loaded press machine. The system comprises a press partner clamp apparatus and a press partner sleeve device or apparatus, configured for installation on the press machine to modify the range of motion of a machine arm thereof. The clamp apparatus comprises a C-shaped lower portion attachable to a side arm contact rod of the machine arm, an upper block portion, and at least one clamp block extension. The press partner sleeve device or apparatus comprises a lower skirt portion attachable to a bumper of the press machine such that the press partner lower skirt portion fits over at least a portion of the bumper and the press partner sleeve device or apparatus extends beyond the bumper. The system may include a unitary press partner sleeve device, and/or a press partner sleeve apparatus comprising a plurality of components and a securement strap.