82 results about "Free weights" patented technology

An exercise apparatus that provides a complete body workout, folds up into a small footprint, and can be hidden inside of a closet or decorative cabinet. The apparatus has an arm assembly with two arms pivotally attached to a guide assembly that translates vertically within a frame assembly to a multitude of locations. At the free ends of the arms are cable ends that allow an exercise bar or handgrips to be attached to a resistance assembly. Rotating pulley assemblies there allow the cables to exit the arms freely. The cable ends move independently of each other, which simulates working out with free weights. A counterweight offsets the weight of the arm and guide assemblies to permit easy positioning of the arm assembly for different exercises. A counterweighted fold out seat assembly with lower member completes the versatile and compact workout station.

A self-spotting free weight device wherein the free weights are retained by arms which are pivotal in the horizontal plane of the arm and wherein the supporting arms are also pivotally supported from a support structure such that they move in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the free weights may be moved.

A self-spotting system for free weights enables the constructive use of such free weights without the need for a spotter. Using a free weight holder sliding along a rail, an adjacent free weight support provides and determines the lowermost travel of the associated free weight. In alternative embodiments, a parallelogram design for the free weight holder is set forth as well as a handle system which may optionally incorporate free weights and allow the use of the self-spotting system for single weights in conjunction with weights coupled to the handle system by a line or cable. Additionally, weight bar restraining and locking systems are set forth which provide secure means by which weightlifting bars can be secured into place, lowering the risk of slippage, dropping and the associated injury and damage that may occur when weights slip or fall.

The present invention is a seat height adjustment mechanism for exercise equipment having a seat. Examples of such exercise equipment include: stationary exercise bicycles; road or mountain type bicycles; resistance strength training supporting racks or platforms (e.g., preacher curl benches, military or shoulder press racks, etc.) for use with free weights; and resistance strength training machines that employ as resistance weight plates, deflectable members, elastic bands, springs, hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, etc. The mechanism comprises a member, a telescopic member, and an engagement member. The member extends upwardly and includes a rack. The telescopic member includes a first end telescopically received in the member and a seat end. The engagement member is coupled to the telescopic member and adapted to engage the rack.

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.

An exercise apparatus that provides a complete body workout, folds up into a small footprint, and can be hidden inside of a closet or decorative cabinet. The two arms rotate both horizontally and vertically, and move up and down, permitting the cable ends to be positioned anywhere from near the ground to well over head, thus allowing for infinite exercise variation. Cable ends that exit the arms freely and move independently of each other simulate working out with free weights. The counterweighted arms combined with convenient locking levers facilitate rapid and effortless arm repositioning. A counterweighted fold out seat assembly with leg extension completes the versatile and compact workout station.

An exercise machine providing self spotting for free weights while providing full range motion for free weight articulation.

The present invention relates to a free weight simulating, weightlifting system configured to allow the user to lift weights in a full range of motion while reducing shoulder joint pressure and having additional support safety. The system has a support base, sides that define the exercise area and guide rails that pivotally attach to the support base and barbell.

An apparatus for supporting a weight lifting dumbbell includes a riser and a cradle support arm pivotally attached to the riser at a first pivot connection. The cradle support arm may be selectively rotated around the first pivot connection between a raised position and a lowered position. The apparatus may also include a cradle for supporting a free weight. The cradle is pivotally connected to the cradle support arm at a second pivot connection. Moving the cradle support arm between the raised and lowered positions causes the second pivot connection to rotate around the first pivot connection in response to the cradle support arm being rotated around the first pivot connection. The apparatus may further include a cradle actuating link pivotally connected to the riser and the cradle. The cradle actuating link operates to cause the cradle to rotate counter to the rotation of the cradle support arm.

Surface stabilized safety enhanced free-weights and exercise methods that offer the benefits of free-weight resistance training, bodyweight exercises, and body positioning exercises with increased effectiveness, versatility, and safety.

Disclosed is an exercise apparatus for use in developing strength and flexibility in all muscular groups of a person's core as well as the major muscle groups of in the arms, legs and neck. The device uses an elastic ball and ball support to evenly distribute contact forces between the person's body and the device while preventing ball motion during stretching, exercising, and physical therapy. The exercise apparatus also comprises a torso support and a foot ladder to that are configured to provide stability and comfort to a user while enabling the user to undertake a multitude of optimal stretching, exercising and rehabilitation regimens. Additionally, the device may be used with free weights or elastic members. In some embodiments the exercise device further comprises elastic members comprised of elastic straps, wherein the exercise apparatus is configured to provide resistance directions, planes of motion, and range of motion to a user that are not achievable with other devices.