PORTABLE SELF-CONTAINED MODULAR POWER RACK

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the following four co-pending U.S. provisional patent applications, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

[0002] (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/275,003 filed on Jan. 5, 2016;

[0003] (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/297,894 filed on Feb. 21, 2016;

[0004] (iii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/302,856 filed on Mar. 3, 2016; and

[0005] (iv) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/339,855 filed on May 21, 2016.

[0006] The present invention is directed to a racking system having a barbell or weight catch feature for safely performing exercises with a barbell or weightlifting bar. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a portable, self-contained modular weight catch safety rack for performing exercises with a barbell or weightlifting that can be readily moved and adjusted telescopically in height, width and depth to work in conjunction with any barbell lift and any weightlifting equipment.

[0007] When safely performing exercises with a barbell, especially exercises in which weight is positioned above a lifter's body, it is common practice to engage another person, known as a spotter, to watch and guard the lifter to prevent injury. Alternatively, certain safety equipment may be employed as a mechanical spotter such as a power rack, power cage, squat rack or half rack, to enable the lifter to safely perform barbell lifts and free weight barbell exercises without another person present. Such racks prevent the weight positioned above the lifter from falling or being dropped on to the lifter. However, existing racks are typically large and expensive pieces of equipment, often prohibitive to ownership in the cost of both materials and shipping. Additionally, existing power racks do not provide the lifter with sufficient space to perform common weightlifting maneuvers such a forward barbell lunge, do not work in conjunction with weight benches with attached barbell racks, and do not work in conjunction with smaller weightlifting bars, such as curl bars (i.e., EZ bars, hammer bars and hex bars), or other specialty bars (i.e., modified squat bars, cambered bars, and multi-grip bars).

[0008] What is needed is a portable, self-contained modular power rack that can be readily moved and adjusted to work in conjunction with any barbell lift and any weightlifting equipment. A further need exists for such a power rack of substantially less size and weight compared to existing power racks, thereby reducing the cost of shipping and materials while also allowing for the power rack to be moved and adjusted more easily.

[0009] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a power rack adjustable telescopically in height, width and depth to work in conjunction with any barbell lift and any weightlifting equipment, the power rack comprising: a first upright subassembly; a second upright subassembly; a third upright subassembly; a fourth upright subassembly; a first lateral subassembly, the first lateral subassembly releasably connecting the first and second upright subassemblies; a second lateral subassembly, the second lateral subassembly releasably connecting the first and fourth upright subassemblies; a third lateral subassembly, the third lateral subassembly releasably connecting the second and third upright subassemblies; and a weight safety catch releasably mounted on each of the first and second upright subassemblies; wherein the first and second upright subassemblies define an adjustable height of the power rack, the first lateral subassembly defines an adjustable width of the power rack, and the second and third lateral subassemblies define an adjustable depth of the power rack.

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a power rack adjustable telescopically in height, width and depth to work in conjunction with any barbell lift and any weightlifting equipment, the power rack comprising: a first upright subassembly including a first base section and at least one selectively telescoping first upright section; a second upright subassembly including a second base section and at least one selectively telescoping second upright section; a third upright subassembly including a third base section and at least one selectively telescoping third upright section; a fourth upright subassembly including a fourth base section and at least one selectively telescoping fourth upright section; a first footing assembly disposed at a bottom end of the first lateral subassembly and from which the first lateral subassembly extends upwardly, the first footing assembly moveable between a first retracted position and a first extended position; a second footing assembly disposed at a bottom end of the second lateral subassembly and from which the second lateral subassembly extends upwardly, the second footing assembly moveable between a second retracted position and a second extended position; a third footing assembly disposed at a bottom end of the third lateral subassembly and from which the third lateral subassembly extends upwardly, the third footing assembly moveable between a third retracted position and a third extended position; a fourth footing assembly disposed at a bottom end of the fourth lateral subassembly and from which the fourth lateral subassembly extends upwardly, the fourth footing assembly moveable between a fourth retracted position and a fourth extended position; a first lateral subassembly, the first lateral subassembly releasably connecting the first and second upright subassemblies; a first toggle mechanism mounted onto the second upright subassembly disposed proximate to the second footing assembly and moveable between a first engaged position and a first disengaged position; a second toggle mechanism mounted onto the third upright subassembly disposed proximate to the third footing assembly and moveable between a second engaged position and a second disengaged position; a third toggle mechanism mounted onto the fourth upright subassembly disposed proximate to the fourth footing assembly and moveable between a third engaged position and a third disengaged position; a first lateral subassembly having a first lateral telescoping extension section releasably connected at a first end to the at least one first lateral base section and releasably connected at a second end to one of the second upright subassembly or another first lateral base section that is releasably connected to the second upright subassembly; a second lateral subassembly having a second lateral base section releasably connected to the first upright subassembly, and a second lateral telescoping extension section releasably connected to the second lateral base section and the fourth upright subassembly; a third lateral subassembly having a third lateral base section releasably connected to the second upright subassembly, and a third lateral telescoping extension section releasably connected to the third lateral base section and the third upright subassembly; a mounting bracket releasably secured to each end of the second and third lateral subassemblies, the mounting bracket including a spring tab therein that is compressible against one internal side of the mounting bracket and biased toward the other internal side of the mounting bracket; and a weight safety catch releasably mounted on each of the first and second upright subassemblies; wherein: the first and second upright subassemblies define an adjustable height of the power rack, the first lateral subassembly defines an adjustable width of the power rack, and the second and third lateral subassemblies define an adjustable depth of the power rack; selectively telescoping the first and second upright subassemblies provides for setting and adjusting the adjustable height of the power rack; retracting the second footing assembly and engaging the first toggle extension mechanism makes the second upright subassembly moveable in a direction toward or away from the first upright subassembly thereby setting or adjusting the adjustable width of the power rack; retracting the third footing assembly and engaging the second toggle extension mechanism makes the third upright subassembly moveable in a toward or away from the fourth upright subassembly thereby setting or adjusting the adjustable width of the power rack, or in a direction toward or away from the second upright subassembly thereby setting and adjusting the adjustable depth of the power rack; retracting the fourth footing assembly and engaging the third toggle extension mechanism makes the fourth upright subassembly moveable in a direction toward or away from the first upright subassembly thereby setting or adjusting the adjustable depth of the power rack; selectively telescoping the first lateral telescoping extension section provides for setting and adjusting the adjustable width of the power rack; selectively telescoping the second lateral telescoping extension section provides for setting and adjusting the adjustable depth of the power rack; and selectively telescoping the third lateral telescoping extension section provides for setting and adjusting the adjustable depth of the power rack.

[0011] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a portable, self-contained power rack assembly, the assembly comprising a power rack, the power rack having, a first upright subassembly having a first footing releasably mounted therein, a second upright subassembly having a second footing releasably mounted therein, a third upright subassembly having a third footing releasably mounted therein, the third footing having a first caster releasably mounted therein, a fourth upright subassembly, having a fourth footing releasably mounted therein, the fourth footing having a second caster releasably mounted therein, a first lateral subassembly, the first lateral subassembly releasably connecting the first and second upright subassemblies, a second lateral subassembly, the second lateral subassembly releasably connecting the first and fourth upright subassemblies, a third lateral subassembly, the third lateral subassembly releasably connecting the second and third upright subassemblies, and a weight safety catch releasably mounted on each of the first and second upright subassemblies, the first and second upright subassemblies define an adjustable height of the power rack, the first lateral subassembly defines an adjustable width of the power rack, and the second and third lateral subassemblies define an adjustable depth of the power rack; a lid; a protective casing enveloping the power rack first and second upright subassemblies and the lateral subassemblies; and a bench subassembly having a bench box, a first side support and a second side support; wherein the bench subassembly provides a workout bench or other elevated surface to support weightlifting activities.

[0050] One embodiment of a portable, self-contained modular weight catch safety rack of the present invention provides a power rack that can be readily moved and adjusted telescopically in height, width and depth to work in conjunction with any barbell lift and any weightlifting equipment. The power rack of the present is of substantially less size and weight compared to existing power racks, thereby reducing the cost of shipping and materials while also allowing for the power rack to be readily assembled and disassembled, transported and stored. The power rack of the present invention is width-adjustable, depth adjustable and height adjustable. In addition, the power rack of the present invention provides a portable self-contained case that can be converted into a fully functional weightlifting bench, mattress, bench, table, or the like.

[0051] One embodiment of portable, self-contained modular weight catch safety rack of the present invention is a power rack as shown in FIG. 1 and is referred to herein as power rack 100. Another embodiment of portable, self-contained modular weight catch safety rack of the present invention is shown in FIG. 2 and is referred to herein as half rack 1100. Another embodiment of portable, self-contained modular weight catch safety rack of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3 and is referred to herein as hanging rack 1200.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, power rack 100 includes a first upright subassembly 10, a second upright subassembly 20, a third upright subassembly 30, and a fourth upright subassembly 40. In one embodiment, the first upright subassembly 10 is a rear right upright subassembly, the second upright subassembly 20 is a right left upright subassembly, the third upright subassembly 30 is a front left upright subassembly, and the fourth upright subassembly 40 is a front right upright subassembly. A first lateral subassembly 50 joins the first and second upright subassemblies 10 and 20. A second lateral subassembly 60 joins the first and fourth upright subassemblies 10 and 40. A third lateral subassembly 70 joins the second and third upright subassemblies 20 and 30. A weight catch mechanism such as a j-cup or barbell stop 102 is mounted on each of the first and second upright subassemblies 10 and 20 and provides a safety weight catch during the performance of weightlifting activities. The first and second upright subassemblies 10 and 20 define an adjustable height Ha of the power rack 100. The first lateral subassembly 50 defines an adjustable width Wa of the power rack 100. The second and third lateral subassemblies 60 and 70 define an adjustable depth Da of the power rack 100.

[0053] Details of the first upright subassembly 10 are presented in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D. The first upright subassembly 10 includes a footing assembly 12, an upright base 14A mounted in and extending upwardly from the footing assembly 12, a first height extension 14B and a second height extension 14C where the first height extension 14B and the second height extension 14C are telescoping height extensions selectively extending upwardly from the upright base 14A. A first tube sleeve 16A is provided between the upright base 14A and the first height extension 14B to promote sliding engagement therebetween. A second tube sleeve 16B is provided between the first height extension 14B and the second height extension 14C to promote sliding engagement therebetween. The first upright subassembly 10 further includes a first flange 15 extending either rearwardly or forwardly therefrom to which the first lateral subassembly 50 is mounted.

[0054] A fastener such as a first quick release pin 18A engages the upright base 14A and the first height extension 14B to releasably lock the two structural members at a desired height. A fastener such as a second quick release pin 18B engages the first height extension 14B and the second height extension 14C to releasably lock the two structural members at a desired height. The first tube sleeve 16A and the first quick release pin 18A are selectively sized to fully engage the upright base 14A and the first height extension 14B. The second tube sleeve 16A and the second quick release pin 18A are selectively sized to fully engage the first height extension 14B and the second height extension 14C.

[0055] The first upright subassembly 10 is adjustable from a fully retracted position P1R as shown in FIG. 5D having a fully retracted height H1R, to a fully extended position PIE as shown in FIG. 5C having a fully extended height H1E. In one embodiment, the fully retracted height H1R is in the range from about 24 inches to about 60 inches. In one embodiment, the fully retracted height H1R is in the range from about 36 inches to about 48 inches. In one embodiment, the fully retracted height H1R is about 41.25 inches. In one embodiment, the fully extended height H1E is in the range from about 84 inches to about 120 inches. In one embodiment, the fully extended height H1E is in the range from about 94 inches to about 106 inches. In one embodiment, the fully extended height H1E is about 100 inches.

[0056] Details view of the footing assembly 12 are shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The footing assembly 12 comprises one or more anti-tipping legs 12A extending outwardly from the power rack 100 having optional cover caps 12B installed thereon. The anti-tipping legs 12A are moveably linked to respective joint bars 12C with suitable fasteners such as clevis pins 12D. The joint bars 12C are moveably linked to a leg bracket 12E by a fastener such as a quick release pin 12F. By employing the quick release pin 12F, the footing assembly 12 may be moved from the retracted position P1R to the extended position HE as respectively shown in FIGS. 5D and 5C. When the power rack 100 is operational, the footing assembly 12 is in an extended position as shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A. When the power rack 100 is stowed, the footing assembly 12 is in a retracted position as shown in FIG. 5D.

[0057] Details of the second upright subassembly 20 are presented in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D. The second upright subassembly 20 includes a footing assembly 22, an upright base 24A mounted in and extending upwardly from the footing assembly 22, a first height extension 24B and a second height extension 24C where the first height extension 24B and the second height extension 24C are telescoping height extensions selectively extending upwardly from the upright base 24A. A first tube sleeve 26A is provided between the upright base 24A and the first height extension 24B to promote sliding engagement therebetween. A second tube sleeve 26B is provided between the first height extension 24B and the second height extension 24C to promote sliding engagement therebetween. The second upright subassembly 20 further includes a second flange 25 extending either rearwardly or forwardly therefrom to which the first lateral subassembly 50 is mounted.

[0058] A fastener such as a first quick release pin 28A engages the upright base 24A and the first height extension 24B to releasably lock the two structural members at a desired height. A fastener such as a second quick release pin 28B engages the first height extension 24B and the second height extension 24C to releasably lock the two structural members at a desired height. The first tube sleeve 26A and the first quick release pin 28A are selectively sized to fully engage the upright base 24A and the first height extension 24B. The second tube sleeve 26A and the second quick release pin 28A are selectively sized to fully engage the first height extension 24B and the second height extension 24C.

[0059] The second upright subassembly 20 is adjustable from a fully retracted position P2R as shown in FIG. 7D having a fully retracted height H2R, to a fully extended position P2E as shown in FIG. 7C having a fully extended height H2E. In one embodiment, the fully retracted height H2R is in the range from about 24 inches to about 60 inches. In one embodiment, the fully retracted height H2R is in the range from about 36 inches to about 48 inches. In one embodiment, the fully retracted height H2R is about 42.25 inches. In one embodiment, the fully extended height H2E is in the range from about 84 inches to about 120 inches. In one embodiment, the fully extended height H2E is in the range from about 94 inches to about 106 inches. In one embodiment, the fully extended height H2E is about 99.25 inches.

[0060] Details view of the footing assembly 22 are shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The footing assembly 22 comprises one or more anti-tipping legs 22A extending outwardly from the power rack 100 having optional cover caps 22B installed thereon. The anti-tipping legs 22A are moveably linked to respective joint bars 22C with suitable fasteners such as clevis pins 22D. The joint bars 22C are moveably linked to a leg bracket 22E by a fastener such as a quick release pin 22F. A rolling member, wheel or caster 22G is moveably linked to a caster bracket 22H via a grooved clevis pin 22I wherein the caster 22G is fixed in a direction toward the first upright subassembly 10. A toggle mechanism such as a toggle clamp 22J having a toggle extension 22K is moveably linked to the caster bracket 22H via a fastener such as a socket head cap screw 22L. When the power rack 100 is operational, the footing assembly 22 is in an extended position as shown in FIGS. 7A and 8A. When the power rack 100 is stowed, the footing assembly 22 is in a retracted position as shown in FIG. 7D. When the power rack 100 is operational, the toggle clamp 22J is in a disengaged or retracted position as shown in FIGS. 7A and 8A. By retracting the footing assembly 22 and engaging the toggle extension 22K, the caster bracket 22H is moved downwardly such that the caster 22G engages the flooring surface beneath the power rack 100 thereby making the second upright subassembly 20 moveable in a direction toward or away from the first upright subassembly 10 and varying the width Wa.

[0061] Details of the third upright subassembly 30 are presented in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D. The third upright subassembly 30 includes a footing assembly 32, an upright base 34A mounted in and extending upwardly from the footing assembly 32, a first height extension 34B and a second height extension 34C where the first height extension 34B and the second height extension 34C are telescoping height extensions selectively extending upwardly from the upright base 34A. A first tube sleeve 36A is provided between the upright base 34A and the first height extension 34B to promote sliding engagement therebetween. A second tube sleeve 36B is provided between the first height extension 34B and the second height extension 34C to promote sliding engagement therebetween.

[0062] A fastener such as a first quick release pin 38A engages the upright base 34A and the first height extension 34B to releasably lock the two structural members at a desired height. A fastener such as a second quick release pin 38B engages the first height extension 34B and the second height extension 34C to releasably lock the two structural members at a desired height. The first tube sleeve 36A and the first quick release pin 38A are selectively sized to fully engage the upright base 34A and the first height extension 34B. The second tube sleeve 36A and the second quick release pin 38A are selectively sized to fully engage the first height extension 34B and the second height extension 34C.

[0063] The third upright subassembly 30 is adjustable from a fully retracted position P3R as shown in FIG. 9D having a fully retracted height H3R, to a fully extended position P3E as shown in FIG. 9C having a fully extended height H3E. In one embodiment, the fully retracted height H3R is in the range from about 24 inches to about 60 inches. In one embodiment, the fully retracted height H3R is in the range from about 36 inches to about 48 inches. In one embodiment, the fully retracted height H3R is about 41.25 inches. In one embodiment, the fully extended height H3E is in the range from about 84 inches to about 120 inches. In one embodiment, the fully extended height H3E is in the range from about 94 inches to about 106 inches. In one embodiment, the fully extended height H3E is about 99.25 inches.

[0064] Details view of the footing assembly 32 are shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The footing assembly 32 comprises one or more anti-tipping legs 32A extending outwardly from the power rack 100 having optional cover caps 32B installed thereon. The anti-tipping legs 32A are moveably linked to respective joint bars 32C with suitable fasteners such as clevis pins 32D. The joint bars 32C are moveably linked to a leg bracket 32E by a fastener such as a quick release pin 32F. A rolling member, wheel or caster 32G is moveably linked to a caster mount 32O via a grooved clevis pin 32I. The caster mount 32O is moveably and rotatably linked to the extended caster bracket 32H by a grooved clevis pin 32M and a spring pin 32N wherein the caster 32G is rotatable to a direction toward the second upright subassembly 20 or the fourth upright subassembly 40. A toggle mechanism such as a toggle clamp 32J having a toggle extension 32K is moveably linked to the extended caster bracket 32H via a fastener such as a socket head cap screw 32L.

[0065] When the power rack 100 is operational, the footing assembly 32 is in an extended position as shown in FIGS. 9A and 10A. When the power rack 100 is stowed, the footing assembly 32 is in a retracted position as shown in FIG. 9D. When the power rack 100 is operational, the toggle clamp 32J is in a disengaged or retracted position as shown in FIGS. 9A and 10A. By retracting the footing assembly 32 and engaging the toggle extension 32K, the extended caster bracket 32H is moved downwardly such that the caster 32G engages the flooring surface beneath the power rack 100 thereby making the third upright subassembly 30 moveable in a direction toward or away from the fourth upright subassembly 40 and varying the width Wa, or in a direction toward or away from the second upright subassembly 20 and varying the depth Da.

[0066] Details of the fourth upright subassembly 40 are presented in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D. The fourth upright subassembly 40 includes a footing assembly 42, an upright base 44A mounted in and extending upwardly from the footing assembly 42, a first height extension 44B and a second height extension 44C where the first height extension 44B and the second height extension 44C are telescoping height extensions selectively extending upwardly from the upright base 44A. A first tube sleeve 46A is provided between the upright base 44A and the first height extension 44B to promote sliding engagement therebetween. A second tube sleeve 46B is provided between the first height extension 44B and the second height extension 44C to promote sliding engagement therebetween.

[0067] A fastener such as a first quick release pin 48A engages the upright base 44A and the first height extension 44B to releasably lock the two structural members at a desired height. A fastener such as a second quick release pin 48B engages the first height extension 44B and the second height extension 44C to releasably lock the two structural members at a desired height. The first tube sleeve 46A and the first quick release pin 48A are selectively sized to fully engage the upright base 44A and the first height extension 44B. The second tube sleeve 46A and the second quick release pin 48A are selectively sized to fully engage the first height extension 44B and the second height extension 44C.

[0068] The fourth upright subassembly 40 is adjustable from a fully retracted position P4R as shown in FIG. 11D having a fully retracted height H4R, to a fully extended position P4E as shown in FIG. 11C having a fully extended height H4E. In one embodiment, the fully retracted height H4R is in the range from about 24 inches to about 60 inches. In one embodiment, the fully retracted height H4R is in the range from about 36 inches to about 48 inches. In one embodiment, the fully retracted height H4R is about 42.25 inches. In one embodiment, the fully extended height H4E is in the range from about 84 inches to about 120 inches. In one embodiment, the fully extended height H4E is in the range from about 94 inches to about 106 inches. In one embodiment, the fully extended height H4E is about 99.25 inches.

[0069] Details view of the footing assembly 42 are shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. The footing assembly 42 comprises one or more anti-tipping legs 42A extending outwardly from the power rack 100 having optional cover caps 42B installed thereon. The anti-tipping legs 42A are moveably linked to respective joint bars 42C with suitable fasteners such as clevis pins 42D. The joint bars 42C are moveably linked to a leg bracket 42E by a fastener such as a quick release pin 42F. A rolling member, wheel or caster 42G is moveably linked to a caster bracket 42H via a grooved clevis pin 42I wherein the caster 42G is fixed in a direction toward the first upright subassembly 10. A toggle mechanism such as a toggle clamp 42J having a toggle extension 42K is moveably linked to the caster bracket 42H via a fastener such as a socket head cap screw 42L. When the power rack 100 is operational, the footing assembly 42 is in an extended position as shown in FIGS. 11A and 12A. When the power rack 100 is stowed, the footing assembly 42 is in a retracted position as shown in FIG. 11D. When the power rack 100 is operational, the toggle clamp 42J is in a disengaged or retracted position as shown in FIGS. 11A and 12A. By retracting the footing assembly 42 and engaging the toggle extension 42K, the caster bracket 42H is moved downwardly such that the caster 42G engages the flooring surface beneath the power rack 100 thereby making the fourth upright subassembly 40 moveable in a direction toward or away from the first upright subassembly 10 and varying the depth Da.

[0070] The first lateral subassembly 50 is shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B and includes a first base section 52A, a second base section 52B and a telescoping extension section 52C disposed between the first and second base sections 52A and 52B. A first tube sleeve 54A is provided between the first base section 52A and the extension section 52C. A second tube sleeve 54B is provided between the second base section 52B and the extension section 52C. A fastener such as a first quick release pin 56A engages the first base section 52A and the extension section 52C to releasably lock the two structural members. A fastener such as a second quick release pin 56B engages the second base section 52B and the extension section 52C to releasably lock the two structural members. The first lateral subassembly 50 further includes a first mounting flange 58A and a second mounting flange 58B. The first mounting flange 58A engages the flange 15 disposed on the first upright subassembly 10, and the second mounting flange 58B engages the flange 25 disposed on the second upright subassembly 20.

[0071] The second lateral subassembly 60 is shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B and includes a base section 62A a telescoping extension section 62B. A tube sleeve 64 is provided between the base section 62A and the extension section 62B. A fastener such as a quick release pin 66 engages the base section 62A and the extension section 62B to releasably lock the two structural members. As a result, the second lateral subassembly 60 defines a desired depth D1. In one embodiment, the extension section 62B defines one or more notches 67 into which respective extension rollers 68 are disposed to promote a sliding engagement between the base section 62A and the extension section 62B. A mounting bracket 104 is disposed at each end of the second lateral subassembly 60 and is releasably secured thereto with quick release pins 106. Each mounting bracket 104 defines an inward upper slot 104A, an inward outward slot 104B, and an outward slot 104C such that each mounting bracket 104 can traverse the respective tube sleeves and quick release pins disposed within an upright subassembly. Each mounting bracket 104 includes a spring tab 104D therein that is compressible against one internal side of the mounting bracket 104 and biased toward the other internal side of the mounting bracket 104. Thus, the mounting bracket 104 is selectively sized to accommodate the largest portion of an upright subassembly while contemporaneously sized to accommodate the smaller portions of the upright subassembly. As a result, the mounting bracket 104 and the respective upright subassembly and lateral subassembly do not oscillate or wobble during movement or adjustment of the mounting bracket 104 and the respective upright subassembly or lateral subassembly.

[0072] The third lateral subassembly 70 of the power rack 100 is identical to the second lateral subassembly 60 and thus is shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B as described above with reference to the second lateral subassembly 60.

[0073] While the first, second, third and fourth upright subassemblies 10, 20, 30 and 40 are shown and described as including telescoping sections, the present invention is not limited in this regard as the first, second, third and fourth upright subassemblies 10, 20, 30 and 40 may comprise a single component or tube or may comprise more than one component or tube releasably connected to each other such as for example by a press fit, threaded extensions, snap ring or retaining ring, spring pin and the like, without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. While the first, second and third lateral subassemblies 50, 60 and 70 are shown and described as including telescoping sections, the present invention is not limited in this regard as the first, second and third lateral subassemblies 50, 60 and 70 may comprise a single component or tube without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. While the first mounting flange 58A is shown and described as engaging the flange 15 disposed on the first upright subassembly 10, and the second mounting flange 58B is shown and described as engaging the flange 25 disposed on the second upright subassembly 20, the present invention is not limited in this regard as the first lateral subassembly 50 may be attached directly to the first and second upright subassemblies 10 and 20 such as for example by welding without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.

[0074] The power rack 100 of FIG. 1 is shown in a portable, self-contained configuration in FIGS. 15A, 15B and 16, and is referred to herein as power rack assembly 200. Power rack assembly 200 encases or houses the power rack 100 and includes a lid 210, a hinge 212, a protective casing such as a foam set 214 enveloping the first and second upright subassemblies 10 and 20 and the lateral subassemblies 50, 60 and 70, a bench subassembly 220 and a leveling leg 216 releasably secured thereto by a quick release pin 218. As shown in FIG. 17, a first foam section 214A encases the first lateral subassembly 50, a second foam section 214B encases the first upright subassembly 10, a third foam section 214C encases the second and third lateral subassemblies 60 and 70, and a fourth foam section 214D encases the second upright subassembly 20. As shown in FIG. 18, the bench subassembly 220 includes a bench box 222, a first side support 224, a second side support 226, and a leg sleeve 228. The bench box 222 provides a workout bench or other elevated surface to support weightlifting activities. The bench subassembly 220 is releasably secured to outwardly facing sides of the third and fourth upright subassemblies 30 and 40 by quick release pin 222. The power rack assembly 200 defines a total length Lt, a total width Wt and a total height Ht. In one embodiment, the total length Lt is about 60 inches, the total width Wt is about 24 inches and the total height is about 24 inches. In one embodiment, the total length Lt is about 43 inches, the total width Wt is about 11.5 inches and the total height is about 15.5 inches.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 19, in an optimal stowed configuration, the power rack assembly 200 defines a center of gravity point CG having a force Fcg at a distance Lcg from a contact point CP with the surface 300 to be traversed and below the respective axles 32I and 42I of the casters 32G and 42G of the third and fourth upright subassemblies 30 and 40 (FIGS. 10B and 12B). The power rack assembly 200 defines a lift force Fl required to raise a front end 200A of the power rack assembly 200 of off the surface 300 at a first lift point LP1 and a first distance Llp1 from the contact point CP. The power rack assembly 200 defines a rolling force F2 required to roll the front end 200A of the power rack assembly 200 over the surface 300 at a second lift point LP2 and a second distance Llp2 and a height Hlp2 from the contact point CP. In one embodiment, the power rack assembly 200 defines the center of gravity point CG is located at distance Lcg of about 311 mm (about 12.25 inches) having a force Fcg of about 285 pounds, and requires a lift force F1 of about 68 pounds to raise the front end 200A of the power rack assembly 200 of off the surface 300 at a first distance Llp1 of about 1311 mm (about 51.6 inches); and requires a rolling force F2 of about 37 pounds to roll the front end 200A of the power rack assembly 200 over the surface 300 at a second distance Llp2 of about 953 mm (about 37.5 inches) and a height Hlp2 of about 965 mm (about 38 inches).

[0076] The power rack 100 provides a power rack that can be readily moved and adjusted to work in conjunction with any barbell lift and any weightlifting equipment. The power rack 100 is of substantially less size and weight compared to existing power racks, thereby reducing the cost of shipping and materials while also allowing for the power rack 100 to be readily assembled and disassembled, transported and stored. The power rack 100 width-adjustable, height adjustable and depth adjustable thereby accommodating width, height and depth adjustments to accommodate any barbell lift and any weightlifting equipment. The power rack assembly 200 provides a portable self-contained case for the power rack 100 that can be converted into a fully functional weightlifting bench, mattress, bench, table, or the like.

[0077] The half rack 1100 shown in FIG. 2 is similar to the power rack 100 and like features are corresponding numbered preceded by “11”. The half rack 1100 includes first and second upright subassemblies 1110 and 1120, a first lateral subassembly 1150, and barbell stops 102. The half rack 1100 further includes stabilizing supports 1111 and 1121 respectively mounted beneath the first and second upright subassemblies 1110 and 1120.

[0078] The hanging rack 1200 shown in FIG. 3 is similar to the power rack 100 and like features are corresponding numbered preceded by “12”. The hanging rack 1200 includes first and second upright subassemblies 1210 and 1220, and barbell stops 102. The hanging rack 1200 further includes stabilizing supports 1211 and 1221 respectively mounted beneath the first and second upright subassemblies 1210 and 1220. The hanging rack 1200 further includes one or more lateral mount subassemblies 1250 removeably mounted to a wall or suitable upright supports. The second upright subassembly 1220 includes a lateral mount 1222 that slideably engages the lateral mount subassembly and is releasably secured therein defining the adjustable width Wa between the first and second upright subassemblies 1210 and 1220.

[0079] Any of the safety racks 100, 200 and 300 may further include a bar such as a pull-up bar 106, support extensions 108 and the like mounted thereon.

[0080] Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention, and further that the features of the embodiments described herein can be employed in any combination with each other. Thus, the elements of each of the Figures disclosed herein and their descriptions thereof can be used in any combination with each other. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.