Exercise equipment safety apparatuses

Abstract

In one embodiment, an exercise apparatus includes a gas spring, first and second proximate uprights, as well as first and second distal uprights. First and second safety bars extend between and are connected respectively to the first proximate and distal uprights and to the second proximate and distal uprights. An elongated platform or bench is disposed above an elongated base and includes a seat portion rotatably connected to a back portion. The gas spring has a lower end pivotally mounted on the elongated base and an upper end adapted for attachment to each of a plurality of attachment locations located on the back portion of the elongated platform. An actuator is operably coupled to the gas spring and adapted to cause the gas spring to move from an extended position to a retracted position thereby lowering or retracting the back portion of the elongated platform.

1 . A weight bench apparatus for use with a support frame having first and second uprights, said support frame further having a first bar and a second bar wherein the first bar is coupled to the first upright, and wherein the second bar is coupled to the second upright, the weight bench apparatus comprising:
 an elongated base adapted for disposition generally adjacent to the first and second uprights of the support frame;   a base support extending generally upward from the elongated base;   an elongated platform disposed above the elongated base, wherein the elongated platform includes a seat portion rotatably connected to a back portion, wherein the seat portion is supported by the base support, and wherein the back portion has a plurality of attachment locations disposed in a generally longitudinal orientation;   a retractable device having an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the retractable device has a lower device end pivotally mounted on the elongated base and an upper device end adapted for attachment to any one of the plurality of attachment locations of the back portion of the elongated platform, and wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring; and   an actuator operably connected to the retractable device and adapted to cause the retractable device to move from the extended position to the retracted position.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the back portion of the elongated platform includes a fastening member and wherein the fastening member includes the plurality of fastening locations. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is a foot pedal and wherein the foot pedal is operably connected to the retractable device by a Bowden cable. 
   
   
       4 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a first proximate upright, a second proximate upright, a first distal upright, and a second distal upright;   a first bar extending between and connected to the first proximate upright and the first distal upright, and adapted to be positioned in a plurality of elevations;   a second bar extending between and connected to the second proximate upright and the second distal upright, and adapted to be positioned in a plurality of elevations;   an elongated base adapted for disposition generally adjacent to the first and second distal uprights;   a base support extending generally upward from the elongated base;   an elongated platform disposed above the elongated base, wherein the elongated platform includes a seat portion rotatably connected to a back portion, wherein the seat portion is supported by the base support, and wherein the back portion has a plurality of attachment locations disposed in a generally longitudinal orientation;   a retractable device having an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the retractable device has a lower device end pivotally mounted on the elongated base and an upper device end adapted for attachment to any one of the plurality of attachment locations of the back portion of the elongated platform and wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring; and   an actuator operably connected to the retractable device and adapted to cause the retractable device to move from the extended position to the retracted position.   
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the actuator is a foot pedal and wherein the foot pedal is operably connected to the retractable device by a Bowden cable. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 4  further comprising a plurality of collars connected to the first and second bars and adapted to slidably mate with the first and second proximate uprights and with the first and second distal uprights. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the first and second proximate uprights and the first and second distal uprights each define a plurality of holes disposed in a generally longitudinal array, wherein the plurality of holes is adapted to receive the first bar and the second bar for positioning the first bar and the second bar in the plurality of elevations respectively between the first proximate upright and the first distal upright and between the second proximate upright and the second distal upright. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 4  further wherein the back portion of the elongated platform includes a fastening member and wherein the fastening member includes the plurality of fastening locations. 
   
   
       9 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a first upright and a second upright;   a first bar extending from the first upright and adapted to be positioned in a plurality of elevations;   a second bar extending from the second upright and adapted to be positioned in a plurality of elevations;   an elongated base adapted for disposition generally adjacent to the first and second uprights;   a base support extending generally upward from the elongated base;   an elongated platform disposed above the elongated base, wherein the elongated platform includes a seat portion rotatably connected to a back portion, wherein the seat portion is supported by the base support, and wherein the back portion has a plurality of attachment locations disposed in a generally longitudinal orientation;   a retractable device having an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the retractable device has a lower device end pivotally mounted on the elongated base and an upper device end adapted for attachment to any one of the plurality of attachment locations of the back portion of the elongated platform and wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring; and   an actuator operably connected to the retractable device and adapted to cause the retractable device to move from the extended position to the retracted position.   
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the first bar and the second bar each comprises:
 an outer arm and an inner arm, wherein one of the first upright and the second upright extends between the outer and inner arms, wherein each of the outer and inner arms has a first arm portion and a second arm portion, wherein the first arm portion is in a generally horizontal orientation and the second arm portion extends in a generally lateral direction from the first arm portion;   a first connector member extending between and attached to the first arm portions of each of the outer and inner arms; and   a second connector member extending between and attached to the second arm portions of each of the outer and inner arms, wherein the one of the first upright and the second upright extends between the first and second connector members.   
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  further comprising at least one layer of resilient material attached to each of the first and second uprights,
 wherein the first connector member is adapted to abut the one of the first and second uprights in a first plurality of locations on the one of the first and second uprights,   wherein the second connector member is adapted to abut the one of the first and second uprights in a second plurality of locations on the one of the first and second uprights, and   wherein each of the first and second pluralities of locations is covered with the at least one layer of the resilient material.   
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein each of the first and second uprights includes a plurality of ledges disposed in a plurality of elevations, and wherein the second connector member is adapted to be seated on any one of the plurality of ledges. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein each of the first and second uprights defines a plurality of holes disposed in a plurality of elevations, the apparatus further comprising:
 a first brace having a first brace proximate end and a first brace distal end, wherein the first brace proximate end is slidably attached to the first upright, and wherein the first brace distal end is attached to the first bar; and   a second brace having a second brace proximate end and a second brace distal end, wherein the second brace proximate end is slidably attached to the second upright, and wherein the second brace distal end is attached to the second bar;   wherein each of the first and second bars includes a spring-loaded pin adapted to mate with any one of the plurality of holes, and wherein the spring-loaded pin is biased in a direction toward one of the first and second uprights.   
   
   
       14 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a first proximate upright, a second proximate upright, a first distal upright, and a second distal upright;   a first bar extending between the first proximate upright and the first distal upright;   a second bar extending between the second proximate upright and the second distal upright;   a plurality of collars connected to the first and second bars and adapted to slidably mate with the first and second proximate uprights and with the first and second distal uprights;   an elongated base adapted for disposition generally between the first and second distal uprights;   a base support extending generally upward from the elongated base;   an elongated platform disposed above the elongated base, wherein the elongated platform includes a seat portion rotatably connected to a back portion, and wherein the seat portion is supported by the base support;   a fastening member connected to the back portion of the elongated platform and having a plurality of attachment locations disposed in a generally longitudinal orientation;   a retractable device having an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the retractable device has a lower device end pivotally mounted on the elongated base, wherein the retractable device has an upper device end adapted for attachment to any one of the plurality of attachment locations of the fastening member and wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring; and   a foot pedal connected to the retractable device by a Bowden cable and adapted to cause the retractable device to move from the extended position to the retracted position.   
   
   
       15 . A method of exercising with a barbell, comprising the steps of:
 rotating a back portion of an elongated platform to a first position, wherein the elongated platform includes a seat portion rotatably connected to the back portion, wherein the seat portion is supported by a base support extending from an elongated base, and wherein the back portion is supported by a retractable device having a lower device end pivotally mounted on the elongated base and an upper device end adapted for attachment to each of a plurality of attachment locations on the back portion of the elongated platform;   reclining on the elongated platform;   lifting the barbell from a holding bracket mounted on a support frame having a first safety bar and a second safety bar, wherein the first and second safety bars are disposed in a generally horizontal orientation below the holding bracket and are adapted to be positioned on the support frame in a plurality of elevations below the holding bracket;   operating an actuator operably connected to the retractable device thereby causing the retractable device to move from an extended position to a retracted position, and thereby causing the back portion of the elongated platform to recline from the first position to a second position, wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring; and   placing the barbell on the first and second safety bars.   
   
   
       16 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 an elongated platform having a proximate platform end and a distal platform end;   a platform support extending generally downward from the distal platform end and rotatably attached to the distal platform end thereby permitting the proximate platform end to rotate between a first platform position and a second platform position;   a retractable device disposed generally below the elongated platform and abutting the elongated platform, wherein the retractable device has an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the elongated platform is in the first platform position when the retractable device is in the extended position, wherein the elongated platform is in the second platform position when the retractable device is in the retracted position and wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring;   an actuator operably connected to the retractable device and adapted to cause the retractable device to move from the extended position to the retracted position;   a first proximate upright, a second proximate upright, a first distal upright, and a second distal upright;   a first pulley rotatably attached to the first proximate upright and a second pulley rotatably attached to the second proximate upright;   a first cable having a first cable distal end, a first cable proximate end and a first cable middle portion, wherein the first cable distal end is connected to the first distal upright, wherein the first cable proximate end is connected to the proximate platform end, and wherein the first cable middle portion is movably supported by the first pulley;   a second cable having a second cable distal end, a second cable proximate end and a second cable middle portion, wherein the second cable distal end is connected to the second distal upright, wherein the second cable proximate end is connected to the proximate platform end, and wherein the second cable middle portion is movably supported by the second pulley;   wherein the first and second cables each are in a generally slack condition when the proximate platform end is in the first platform position and in a generally taut condition when the proximate platform end is in the second platform position.   
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the actuator is a foot pedal and wherein the foot pedal is operably connected to the retractable device by a Bowden cable. 
   
   
       18 . A method of exercising with a barbell, comprising the steps of:
 reclining on an elongated platform having a proximate platform end and a distal platform end, wherein the proximate platform end is adapted to rotate between a first platform position and a second platform position;   lifting the barbell from a holding bracket mounted on a support frame;   operating an actuator operably connected to a retractable device thereby causing the retractable device to move from an extended position to a retracted position, and thereby causing the proximate platform end to rotate from the first platform position to the second platform position, wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring;   placing the barbell on a first cable and a second cable when the proximate platform end is generally in the second platform position, wherein the first and second cables are in a generally slack condition when the proximate platform end is in the first platform position and in a generally taut condition when the proximate platform end is in the second platform position,   wherein the first and second cables each have a cable distal end, a cable proximate end and a cable middle portion, wherein the cable distal end is connected to one of a first upright and a second upright, wherein the cable proximate end is connected to the proximate platform end, and wherein the cable middle portion is movably supported by one of a first pulley and a second pulley.   
   
   
       19 . An exercise apparatus for use with an elongated platform, a retractable device and an actuator,
 wherein the elongated platform has a proximate platform end, a distal platform end, and a platform support extending generally downward from the distal platform end and rotatably attached to the distal platform end thereby permitting the proximate platform end to rotate between a first platform position and a second platform position;   wherein the retractable device is disposed generally below the elongated platform and abutting the elongated platform, wherein the retractable device has an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the elongated platform is in the first platform position when the retractable device is in the extended position and wherein the elongated platform is in the second platform position when the retractable device is in the retracted position;   wherein the actuator is operably connected to the retractable device and adapted to cause the retractable device to move from the extended position to the retracted position;   wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring,   
     the exercise apparatus comprising:
 a first proximate upright, a second proximate upright, a first distal upright, and a second distal upright, wherein the first and second distal uprights are spaced part from one another by a distance sufficient to permit the placement of the elongated platform between the first and second distal uprights; 
 a first inertia reel attached to the first proximate upright and a second inertia reel attached to the second proximate upright; 
 a first cable having a first cable distal end and a first cable proximate end, wherein the first cable distal end is connected to the first distal upright, wherein the first cable proximate end is connected to the first inertia reel, and wherein at least a portion of the first cable is adapted to wrap around the first inertia reel; and 
 a second cable having a second cable distal end and a second cable proximate end, wherein the second cable distal end is connected to the second distal upright, wherein the second cable proximate end is connected to the second inertia reel, and wherein at least a portion of the second cable is adapted to wrap around the second inertia reel. 
 
   
   
       20 . An exercise apparatus for use with an elongated platform, a retractable device and an actuator,
 wherein the elongated platform has a proximate platform end, a distal platform end, and a platform support extending generally downward from the distal platform end and rotatably attached to the distal platform end thereby permitting the proximate platform end to rotate between a first platform position and a second platform position;   wherein the retractable device is disposed generally below the elongated platform and abutting the elongated platform, wherein the retractable device has an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the elongated platform is in the first platform position when the retractable device is in the extended position and wherein the elongated platform is in the second platform position when the retractable device is in the retracted position;   wherein the actuator is operably connected to the retractable device and adapted to cause the retractable device to move from the extended position to the retracted position, and   wherein the retractable device is one of a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack and a gas spring,   
     the exercise apparatus comprising:
 a first proximate upright, a second proximate upright, a first distal upright, and a second distal upright, wherein the first and second distal uprights are spaced part from one another by a distance sufficient to permit the placement of the elongated platform between the first and second distal uprights; 
 a first ratchet spring assembly attached to the first proximate upright and a second ratchet spring assembly attached to the second proximate upright; 
 a first cable reel coupled to the first ratchet spring assembly and a second cable reel coupled to the second ratchet spring assembly; 
 a first cable having a first cable distal end and a first cable proximate end, wherein the first cable distal end is connected to the first distal upright, wherein the first cable proximate end is connected to the first cable reel, and wherein at least a portion of the first cable is adapted to wrap around the first cable reel; 
 a second cable having a second cable distal end and a second cable proximate end, wherein the second cable distal end is connected to the second distal upright, wherein the second cable proximate end is connected to the second cable reel, and wherein at least a portion of the second cable is adapted to wrap around the second cable reel. 
 
   
   
       21 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a first upright and a second upright;   a first support bar rotatably connected to the first upright and extending generally laterally away from the first upright;   a second support bar rotatably connected to the second upright and extending generally laterally away from the second upright;   wherein the first and second support bars each are adapted to rotate between a first bar position and a second bar position, wherein the first bar position is generally normal to an imaginary plane defined by the first and second uprights, and wherein the second bar position is at an angle in an outward direction from the first bar position by an amount between about 45° to about 270°;   a first bias element coupled to the first support bar and to the first upright and adapted to move the first support bar from the second bar position to the first bar position;   a second bias element coupled to the second support bar and to the second upright and adapted to move the second support bar from the second bar position to the first bar position; and   an actuator operably coupled to the first and second bias elements and adapted to cause the first and second bias elements to move the first support bar and the second support bar respectively from the second bar position to the first bar position.   
   
   
       22 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the first bias element is a first spring and wherein the second bias element is a second spring. 
   
   
       23 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the actuator is a foot pedal and wherein the foot pedal is operably connected to the first and second bias elements by a first Bowden cable and a second Bowden cable. 
   
   
       24 . The apparatus of  claim 23  wherein each of the first and second Bowden cables is connected to a cable stop, wherein the cable stop is operably connected to a latch, and wherein the latch is adapted to release the one of the first bias element and the second bias element for movement of one of the first support bar and the second support bar from the second bar position to the first bar position. 
   
   
       25 . An exercise safety apparatus for use with a first upright and a second upright, the exercise safety apparatus comprising:
 a first bracket adapted for detachable mounting on the first upright and a second bracket adapted for detachable mounting on the second upright;   a first support bar rotatably connected to the first bracket and extending generally laterally away from the first upright when the first bracket is detachably mounted on the first upright;   a second support bar rotatably connected to the second bracket and extending generally laterally away from the second upright when the second bracket is detachably mounted on the second upright;   wherein the first and second support bars each are adapted to rotate between a first bar position and a second bar position when the first and second brackets are detachably mounted on the first and second uprights respectively, wherein the first bar position is generally normal to an imaginary plane defined by the first and second uprights, and wherein the second bar position is at an angle in an outward direction from the first bar position by an amount between about 45° to about 270°;   a first bias element coupled to the first support bar and to the first bracket and adapted to move the first support bar from the second bar position to the first bar position;   a second bias element coupled to the second support bar and to the second bracket and adapted to move the second support bar from the second bar position to the first bar position; and   an actuator operably coupled to the first and second bias elements and adapted to cause the first and second bias elements to move the first support bar and the second support bar respectively from the second bar position to the first bar position.   
   
   
       26 . The apparatus of  claim 25  wherein the first bias element is a first spring and wherein the second bias element is a second spring. 
   
   
       27 . The apparatus of  claim 25  wherein the actuator is a foot pedal and wherein the foot pedal is operably connected to the first and second bias elements by a first Bowden cable and a second Bowden cable. 
   
   
       28 . The apparatus of  claim 27  wherein each of the first and second Bowden cables is connected to a cable stop, wherein the cable stop is operably connected to a latch, and wherein the latch is adapted to release the one of the first bias element and the second bias element for movement of one of the first support bar and the second support bar from the second bar position to the first bar position. 
   
   
       29 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a first upright and a second upright;   a first support bar rotatably connected to the first upright and extending generally away from the first upright;   a second support bar rotatably connected to the second upright and extending generally away from the second upright;   wherein the first and second support bars each are adapted to rotate between a first bar position and a second bar position, wherein the first bar position is generally normal to an imaginary plane defined by the first and second uprights, and wherein the second bar position is at an angle in an outward direction from the first bar position by an amount between about 30° to about 75° and wherein the second bar position further is at an angle in an upward direction from the horizontal by an amount between about 30° to about 75°; and   an actuator operably coupled to the first and second support bars and adapted to release the first and second support bars thereby permitting movement of the first and second support bars from the second bar position to the first bar position.   
   
   
       30 . The apparatus of  claim 29  wherein the actuator is a foot pedal and wherein the foot pedal is operably connected to the first and second support bars by a first Bowden cable and a second Bowden cable. 
   
   
       31 . The apparatus of  claim 30  wherein each of the first and second Bowden cables is connected to a cable stop, wherein the cable stop is operably connected to a latch, and wherein the latch is adapted to release the one of the first and second support bars for movement from the second bar position to the first bar position. 
   
   
       32 . An exercise apparatus for use with a barbell having a plurality of primary weights and having a secondary weight, the exercise apparatus comprising:
 a housing coupled to the barbell;   a release mechanism, wherein at least a portion of the release mechanism is disposed within the housing, wherein the release mechanism is adapted to receive a signal, and wherein the release mechanism is adapted to move from a first mechanism position to a second mechanism position upon receipt of the signal; and   an actuator adapted to transmit the signal for receipt by the release mechanism,   wherein the secondary weight is adapted to be releasably coupled to the release mechanism if the release mechanism is in the first mechanism position, and wherein the release mechanism is adapted to release the secondary weight when the release mechanism moves from the first mechanism position to the second mechanism position.   
   
   
       33 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 32  further comprising an electrical cable running through the barbell between the actuator and the housing, wherein at least a portion of the actuator is disposed on the barbell and wherein the actuator is adapted to transmit the signal to the release mechanism via the electrical cable. 
   
   
       34 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 32  wherein the signal is a wireless signal and wherein the actuator includes a transmitter adapted to wirelessly transmit the wireless signal for receipt by the release mechanism. 
   
   
       35 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 34  wherein at least a portion of the actuator is disposed on the barbell and wherein the actuator includes a manually operable button for initiating the transmission of the wireless signal. 
   
   
       36 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 34  wherein the actuator includes a foot pedal. 
   
   
       37 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 32  wherein the release mechanism comprises a latch and a solenoid,
 wherein the solenoid is operably coupled to the latch and is adapted to move from a first solenoid position to a second solenoid position,   wherein the latch has a latch first position and a latch second position, wherein the latch is adapted to hold the secondary weight when the latch is in the first latch position, and wherein the latch is further adapted to release the secondary weight when the latch is in the second latch position, and   wherein the latch is adapted to be held in the first latch position when the solenoid is in the first solenoid position, and wherein the latch is adapted to be in the second latch position when the solenoid is in the second solenoid position.   
   
   
       38 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 37  wherein the release mechanism further comprises an arm member and a rod,
 wherein the arm member is coupled to the solenoid and the rod and is adapted to move between a first arm position and a second arm position,   wherein the solenoid is adapted to move the arm member from the first arm position when the solenoid is in the first solenoid position to the second arm position when the solenoid moves to the second solenoid position,   wherein the arm member is adapted to move the rod between a first rod position when the arm member is in the first arm position to a second rod position when the arm member moves to the second arm position, and   wherein the rod is adapted to secure the latch in the first latch position when the rod is in the first rod position and to release the latch for movement to the second latch position when the rod is in the second rod position.   
   
   
       39 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 38  wherein the release mechanism further comprises a spring and wherein the spring is coupled to the rod and biases the rod in the direction of the first rod position. 
   
   
       40 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 38  wherein the release mechanism further comprises a collar for coupling the arm member to the rod, wherein the collar is pivotally attached to the arm member, wherein the rod extends through the collar, and wherein the collar is adapted to permit axial movement of the rod through the collar and radial movement of the rod within the collar. 
   
   
       41 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 38  wherein the release mechanism further comprises a wheel for coupling the arm member to the rod, wherein the wheel is rotatably coupled to the rod, wherein the wheel abuts the arm member and is adapted to rotate in response to movement of the arm member between the first aim position and the second arm position thereby causing the rod to move between the first rod position to the second rod position. 
   
   
       42 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 37  wherein the solenoid comprises a coil housing and a plunger extending from the coil housing,
 wherein the solenoid is operably coupled to the latch by the plunger,   wherein the solenoid is adapted to move the plunger between a first plunger position and a second plunger position,   wherein the first solenoid position is the first plunger position and the second solenoid position is the second plunger position, and   wherein the plunger is adapted to abut the latch and secure the latch in the first latch position when the plunger is in the first plunger position, and wherein the plunger is adapted to release the latch for movement to the second latch position when the plunger moves to the second plunger position.   
   
   
       43 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 42  wherein the solenoid further comprises a solenoid spring coupled to the plunger to bias the plunger in a direction away from the coil housing, and wherein the solenoid moves the plunger in a direction toward the coil housing when the solenoid moves the plunger from the first plunger position to the second plunger position.