Compact weightlifting system with safety cage

[0002] This invention relates to weight lifting, and in particular, to a weightlifting system with safety cage that can be configured into a compact size when not in use, e.g., for storage.

[0003] Weight lifting continues to increase in popularity. Today, weight lifting attracts participants having varying ages, abilities and goals. Participants seek both the general health benefits and the sports-specific performance gains that can be achieved through a disciplined weight training program. Many participants belong to health clubs that typically have a wide array of weight lifting equipment. Others prefer to exercise in their homes, e.g., because of convenience, cost or schedule.

[0004] Although high quality and effective weight lifting equipment is available, such equipment is usually too large and too expensive for most people to use in their home. A typical equipment line usually includes at least several pieces, with each piece being specifically designed for performing a single exercise. Thus, outfitting a home with an adequate array of this equipment is usually too expensive and requires too much space.

[0005] Some exercise systems have an integrated apparatus such that a variety of different exercises can be performed, but the apparatus takes up less space than individual pieces dedicated to a single exercise. Some of these systems, including, e.g., Bowflex, BodySmith, and Hoist are marketed for home users. In such systems, the resistance used for exercises is usually provided by tension elements or stacked weight plates. Some users, however, prefer the additional benefits of exercising with free weights (i.e., traditional barbells and plates) because doing so improves coordination and balance, as well as strength and endurance.

[0006] In a club environment, a participant performing a potentially dangerous lift with free weights (such as, e.g., a bench press or military press) can often locate someone to serve as a spotter. Some clubs also have “safety cages” designed to prevent a loaded barbell from crushing the user in the event of a failed lift. These safety cages allow users to perform the exercises safely without the assistance of a spotter. The safety cages found in clubs, however, are rigid structures, and they cannot be adapted for use in a full array of exercises nor conveniently reconfigured in a compact position.

[0007] It would be advantageous to provide a full-featured weight lifting system having an integrated safety cage suitable for using free weights in a wide range of exercises, yet able to be configured in a compact position, e.g., for storage in the home.

[0008] These and other advantages are provided by the compact weight lifting system of the present invention.

[0009] According to embodiments of the invention, the compact weight lifting system has a safety cage that can be reconfigured between at least compact (i.e., storage) and use positions. The safety cage has sides that are movable relative to a back or rear frame member of the safety cage, unlike conventional rigid safety cages.

[0010] To make the system compact, the sides are positioned closer to the rear frame member. To configure the safety cage for use, the sides are positioned to extend outward from the rear frame member, the sides and the rear frame member thereby defining an exercise space. In some embodiments, the sides can be spread outward (i.e., at an angle of more than 90 degrees relative to the rear frame member) or positioned at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the rear frame member.

[0011] The safety cage has elements, referred to below as “safety bars,” that can be positioned to prevent a weight load from crushing the user in the event that the user fails to complete a planned lift. The safety cage also supports weighted barbells and extra weight plates when not in use.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sides are pivotably attached to opposite ends of the rear frame member such that they can be folded against each other when the system is configured in a compact position. In other embodiments, the sides telescope relative to the rear frame member. In still other embodiments, the sides fold and telescope.

[0013] Some embodiments of the system include integrated barbell guiding elements (i.e., Smith machine functionality) to assist a user in keeping a loaded barbell level.

[0014] The safety cage serves as an overall framework through which cables for supporting weight are routed and to which various accessories can be coupled. Such accessories include, but are not limited to, a cable operated carriage coupled to the safety cage, a weight lifting bench, a leg exercise attachment, barbell holders, a chin-up/pull-up bar, dip handles, foot holders (for sit-up exercises), etc.

[0015] In addition, the system can be fitted with various peripheral equipment to enhance the user's exercise experience, including, e.g., an audio system, an exercise computer and/or a beverage holder.

[0016] The system can be configured to use constrained plate-type weights instead of or in addition to free weights.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a compact weightlifting system with a safety cage having folding sides, showing a loaded barbell supported on a rear frame member, a bench in a horizontal position for use, e.g., in a bench press exercise, and various peripheral equipment.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, except the bench is positioned in an upright position and the barbell is supported on front upright members of respective sides or side frame members of the safety cage.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, except the safety bars coupled to each of the side frame members are shown in a horizontal position, e.g., to protect a user from the weight of the barbell in a failed bench press attempt, and the bench rear and front portions are inclined.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the compact weight lifting system of FIG. 1 in a compact position suitable for storage with a right side frame member folded against the rear frame member and a left side frame member folded against the right side frame member.

[0021] FIG. 5A is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, except that a modified safety bar is shown in the horizontal position and the right and left side frame members are shown without a chin-up bar and in a spread apart configuration, e.g., to provide increased space for performing exercises such as sit-ups within the safety cage.

[0022] FIG. 5B is a plan view of the compact weight lifting system of FIG. 5A.

[0023] FIGS. 5C and 5D are perspective enlarged views of a locking pivot for the side frame members, which is shown in disengaged and engaged positions, respectively.

[0024] FIG. 6A is a simplified perspective view similar to FIG. 1, except showing the side frame members angled inwardly and with dip exercise hand grips attached to the front upright members.

[0025] FIG. 6B is a plan view of the compact weight lifting system of FIG. 6A, except showing the dip handles positioned to extend outward from the rear frame member.

[0026] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are rear side, plan and right side views, respectively, of the compact weight lifting system in a compact position, similar to FIG. 4.

[0027] FIG. 7D is an enlarged perspective view of a carriage shown in FIG. 1, with the exterior shrouds removed for clarity.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another system with Smith machine functionality and a safety cage that has a single rear upright frame member and telescopes into a compact position for storage.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective similar to FIG. 8, except showing the safety cage in a compact position with the front upright members positioned closer to the rear upright members.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another system with a safety cage having a single upright rear frame member similar to the second embodiment and pivoting side frame members similar to the first embodiment.

[0031] FIGS. 11A and 11B are right side and plan views of the system of FIG. 10.

[0032] FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective views of another safety cage system having Smith machine functionality in which the side frame members can be folded.

[0033] FIGS. 12C-12G are perspective detail views showing barbell holders suitable for systems with Smith machine functionality.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 10 configured in a compact position and showing an optional bench configuration.

[0035] FIGS. 14 and 15 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of another system having a safety cage with side frame members having extensions of different lengths and pivots aligned along a common axis.

[0036] FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C are perspective, front and plan views, respectively, of another system having a modified pivot design.

[0037] FIG. 16D is an enlarged perspective view of one of the pivots according to the modified design shown in FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C.

[0038] FIG. 16E is a plan view of the system of FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C in a compact position.

[0039] FIGS. 17 and 18 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of another system with a safety cage having side frame members that pivot and telescope relative to the rear frame member.

[0040] FIG. 19 is an additional plan view similar to FIG. 18, except showing the side frame members being telescoped relative to the rear frame member.

[0041] FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a joint at an upper junction of the right side frame member and the rear frame member in FIG. 17.

[0042] FIG. 21 is a plan view, respectively, of the safety cage of FIGS. 17 and 19 in a compact position.

[0043] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the safely cage in the position shown in FIG. 19.

[0044] FIGS. 23A and 24 are perspective views of another system having a safety cage with detachable side frame members shown in an assembled state for use, and in a compact position, respectively.

[0045] FIG. 23B is an enlarged perspective view of a saddle at an upper junction of the right side frame member and the rear frame member in FIGS. 23A and 24.

[0046] FIG. 25 is a plan view of the system shown in FIGS. 23A and 24, folded for compact storage.

[0047] FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C are perspective views, respectively, of a modified bench, shown in inclined, flat, and declined positions, respectively, suitable for use with the safety cage system.

[0048] FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C are perspective, right side and front side views, respectively of a preacher curl support suitable for use with the safety cage system.

[0049] FIGS. 28A and 28B are perspective views, in open and compact states, respectively, of a multi-position vertical carriage attachment suitable for use with the safety cage system.

[0050] FIG. 29 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, except that the modified bench is shown in a rearward position with the rear portion in an upright position and a multi-position vertical carriage is shown secured in place to the safety cage.

[0051] FIG. 30 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, except that the modified bench is shown in a rotated position and an offset vertical carriage is shown secured in place to the safety cage.

[0052] The invention is a compact modular weight lifting system with which a user can safely perform a complete range of lifting exercises to provide a total body workout. In embodiments described below, the system includes a support structure or safety cage that can be easily reconfigured between at least a compact position and a use position.

[0053] The safety cage has elements, e.g., safety bars, that can be positioned to prevent a weight load from crushing the user in the event that the user tires during the exercise. The safety cage also supports weighted barbells and extra weight plates when not in use. The safety cage serves as an overall framework through which cables for supporting weight are routed and to which various accessories can be coupled.

[0054] The system can include a bench coupled to the safety cage or a bench configurable for use independent of the safety cage (i.e., a free standing bench) or a bench that is both coupleable and configurable for independent use. When not required, the bench can be stored or moved out of the way. The bench is segmented such that it can be configured in a range of positions, including a flat position (e.g., for bench press exercises), inclined positions (e.g., for inclined press exercises), and an erect position (i.e., like a chair back, for shoulder press or other upper body exercises).

[0055] To permit the safety cage to be configured in a compact position, the sides are (1) folding (i.e., pivotable coupled to the back), (2) in telescoping relation to the back, (3) folding and telescoping, or (4) readily removable (i.e., without the use of tools) from the back. Safety cages with each of these types of sides are described below.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the system has a folding safety cage in which the sides of the cage fold flat against each other for compact storage of the system.

[0057] According to another embodiment, the system has a safety cage with barbell guiding elements (i.e., similar to a Smith machine) for assisting the user in positioning and guiding a barbell during an exercise (e.g., overhead press, squat or lunge exercises), and supporting the barbell when the user tires or the barbell is not in use. With a Smith machine arrangement, opposite ends of a barbell are held by holders that are coupled together such that they translate along a guiding member and can be locked in place at desired positions. In the second embodiment, the horizontal members of the safety cage telescope for compact storage of the system. In this embodiment, the rear frame member can have a single upright member

[0058] According to yet another embodiment, the system has a safety cage with a single rear upright member similar to the second embodiment, but the sides of the safety cage fold flat against each other for compact storage, similar to the first embodiment.

[0059] According to a further embodiment, the system has a safety cage with sides that pivot and telescope relative to the rear frame member.

[0060] According to a still further embodiment, the system has a safety cage with side frame members that are readily removable from the rear frame member, and the rear frame member has brackets for holding and locking the side frame members, e.g., when the safety cage is configured in a compact position for storage.

[0061] As illustrated, the various embodiments are shown with free weights (i.e., combinations of individual plates of standard weights), but constrained stacked-plate weights could be substituted.

[0062] Folding Safety Cage

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 1-7D, a compact weight lifting system 10 has a folding safety cage 12 with a rear frame member 14 and left and right side frame members 16a, 16b, respectively. The rear frame member 14 has a pair of rear uprights 20a, 20bthat are connected to each other by upper, intermediate and lower lateral members 22, 24, 26, respectively. Each of the uprights 20a, 20bis supported by a respective foot 28a, 28b.

[0064] Pivoting Safety Cage Side Frame Members

[0065] The left and right side frame members 16a, 16beach have an upper lateral member 30a, 30b, a lower lateral member 32a, 32b, and a front upright 34a, 34bextending therebetween. Each lower lateral member 32a, 32bhas an attached foot 35a, 35b, respectively, that is sized approximately the'same height as the feet 28a, 28b.

[0066] The left and right side frame members 16a, 16bare each pivotably connected to the rear frame member 14. Specifically, the left side frame member 16ais pivotably connected to the rear frame member 14 at the upper lateral member 30aby an upper pivot 36a, and at the lower lateral member 32aby a lower pivot 38a. Similarly, the right side frame member 16bis pivotably connected to the rear side 14 at the upper lateral member 30bby an upper pivot 36b, and at the lower lateral member 32bby a lower pivot 38b.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 4, the pivots 36a, 36band 38a, 38ballow the right side frame member 16bto be pivoted into contact with (i.e., “folded flat against”) the rear frame member side 14, and the left side frame member 16ato be folded flat against the right side 16b. Thus, the left side pivots 36aand 38aare spaced farther from the rear upright 20athan the right side pivots 36band 38bare spaced from the upright 20b. This is referred to below as the “offset pivot arrangement.”

[0068] The left and right side frame members 16aand 16bcan be pivoted through a range of positions with respect to the rear frame member 14. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the side frame members 16aand 16bcan be pivoted to a normal position approximately perpendicular to the rear frame member 14. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the side frame members 16aand 16bcan be pivoted to a “spread outward” position, e.g., to provide more room within the safety cage 12. As shown in FIGS. 6A and B, the side frame members 16aand 16bcan be pivoted inwardly to a “wedged” position, as may be desired for certain exercises.

[0069] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are respective rear side, plan and right side views showing the system 10 in a compact position. In one particular implementation, the footprint of the system in the compact position is about 18 inches by about 45 inches (and about 18 inches by about 55 inches with the vertical slider of FIG. 1). For safety and/or convenience, the side frame members can be pinned or cabled to a fixed surface such as a wall or otherwise locked in place when the system 10 is in a compact position (using, e.g., the pivot pins, other pins or any other suitable device).

[0070] A specific implementation of the upper left side pivot 36awith a locking feature is described with reference to FIG. 5B. The upper left side pivot 36aincludes a pivot plate 37awith a series of pivot plate holes 47a, a pivot pin 41aand a locking pin 43a. The pivot plate 37ais fixed to the rear frame member 14 at the junction of the rear upright 20aand the upper lateral member 22. The locking pin 43ais sized to extend through an anchor hole 45anear the end of the upper lateral member 30aand an aligned one of the pivot plate holes 47ain the pivot plate 37athat corresponds to a desired angle (e.g., about 135 degrees as shown in FIG. 5A) of the left side frame member 16a. A camming fastener 49a(see FIGS. 5C and 5D) is positioned over a lower end of the locking pin 43aand urged to a closed position to secure the upper lateral member 30aand the pivot plate 37atogether, thereby holding the left side frame member 16ain the desired position.

[0071] The upper right side pivot 36bis similar to the upper left side pivot 36a, except the pivot plate 37bis smaller because the pivot pin 41bis spaced closer to the anchor hole 45bto produce the offset pivot arrangement described above. It is also possible to configure the safety cage system 10 to pivot freely, thus avoiding the need to include the locking pivots 36a, 36b.

[0072] The lower pivots 38a, 38beach have a pivot pin that is aligned in the vertical direction with the respective one of the upper pivot pins 41 a, 41b.

[0073] Pivoting Safety Bars

[0074] The left and right side frame members 16a, 16bof the safety cage 12 also include respective safety bars 39a, 39b. The safety bars 39a, 39bare removably connected to the front uprights 34a, 34band the rear uprights 20a, 20b, respectively, such that they are suspended horizontally at various positions, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The safety bars 39a, 39bprevent a loaded barbell 99 from crushing a user, e.g., during a squat exercise (FIG. 2) or a bench press exercise (FIG. 3). Although not illustrated, it may be desirable in some applications to arrange the safety bars such that one or both of them are angled (either the same angle or different angles).

[0075] The safety bars 39a, 39bcan be pivoted from a horizontal position and secured in an upright position, as shown in FIG. 1. Referring to the left safety bar 39aaccording to the illustrated implementation, a lateral member 51ais pivotably attached by pins 53ato first flanges 55aand second flanges 57a. The first flanges 55aare positioned to straddle opposite sides of the upright 34a, and are pivotably secured by a pin 59aextending through holes in the first flanges 55aand the upright 34a. The second flanges are positioned to straddle the upright 34aat a higher position, and such that the shaft of a pin 61apasses through holes in the second flanges and contacts a side of the upright 43aas shown. The user can remove the pins and adjust the positions of the safety bars while he is within the safety cage 12.

[0076] One common type of conventional safety bars is rods that are inserted through aligned holes in the front and rear upright for each side. The position of such a rod cannot be changed from within the safety cage, e.g., during an exercise. Rather, the user must leave the safety cage and face the front upright to withdraw the rod and reinsert it in a different set of holes.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 5A, a safety bar 81a, 81bis particularly suited for use in applications where the side frame members 16a, 16bare pivoted at angles of other than 90 degrees with respect to the rear frame member 14. The end of the safety bar 81bthat connects with the front upright 34bis the same as described above for the safety bar 39b. The other end of the safety bar 81b, however, is pivotably connected to a safety bar receiver 83b. Essentially, the safety bar 81bhas a hole that can be positioned over a post on the receiver 83b. The safety bar 81bcan then pivot with respect to the receiver 83bas the side 16bis pivoted inwardly or outwardly from the perpendicular position. (By comparison, the safety bar 39bcan pivot with the side 16bthrough only a limited angular range.) The receiver 83bcan be positioned at different vertical positions on the rear upright 2.

[0078] Bench Pivotably Attached to Safety Cage

[0079] As indicated above, the safety cage 12 also serves as a framework to which other components are coupled. For example, a bench 40 can be pivotably connected to the intermediate lateral member 24 of the rear side 14. The bench 40 is hinged such that the rear back portion 42 can pivot upwardly relative to horizontal. A front seat portion of the bench 40 is supported by a pivoting bench foot 87. As shown in FIG. 1, a leg lift attachment 46 can be connected to the bench, if desired.

[0080] Specifically, with reference to FIG. 3, the bench 40 includes a main frame member 40athat supports the back portion 42 and the seat portion 44, as well as a support member 40bpivotably coupled to the back portion 42 and to the main frame member 40a(partially obscured by the safety bar 39a). As best shown in FIG. 3, the seat portion 44 is slidingly translatable relative to the main frame member 40ato a desired position (note the series of spaced apertures 40cshown along the length of the main frame member 40a). As can be seen by comparison between, e.g., FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, sliding the seat portion 44 relative to the main frame member 40achanges an inclination of the back portion 42 relative to the seat portion 44. In the illustrated implementation, the seat portion 44 can also be inclined relative to the main frame member 40a, in this case by repositioning a seat support member 44arelative to a support pin 44b.

[0081] As shown, e.g., in FIG. 2, the bench 40 can be pivoted upward and secured within the space between the uprights 20a, 20b, with the bench foot 87 pivoting flat against a rear surface of the bench, for performing exercises within the safety cage 12 that do not require a bench or for storage. Further details of the bench construction are described below.

[0082] Carriage Configured to Travel Along Safety Cage Upright

[0083] The system 10 also includes a cable supported rolling weight arrangement. Referring to FIG. 1, a carriage 50 is mounted to slidingly move in a vertical direction along the rear upright 20a. Thus, the carriage 50 travels along one of the structural members of the safety cage 12.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 7D, the carriage 50 has a frame 93adefining an approximately square opening sized slightly larger than the rear upright 20a. The frame 93ais fitted with wheels 93bon each of its four sides that contact the upright 20aso that the carriage rolls smoothly along the upright 20aas it translates.

[0085] The carriage 50 is attached to a first end 52bof a cable 52a, with the second end 52cbeing routed over a first pulley 55c, through an opening 54 near the upper end of the upright 20a, through the upper lateral member 22, over a second pulley 57, and out through an opening in the lower surface of the lateral member 22 approximately midway between the uprights 20a, 20b. The second end 52ccan be connected to an accessory, e.g., a lat bar 58. The pulley 57 may be mounted at least partially inside the upright 20a.

[0086] In operation, the user grasps each end of the lat bar 58 and sits on the bench 40. The user then pulls the lat bar 58 toward himself, thus moving the carriage 50 upward along the upright 20aagainst the weight carried by the carriage 50 and any resistance exerted by the cable and pulleys.

[0087] Another cable 60 extends from an opening 62 in the lower lateral member approximately midway between the uprights 20aand 20band around a pulley 60a. A portion of the cable 60 (concealed in the drawing) extends from the pulley through the lower lateral member 26, over one or more additional pulleys (including one near the opening 54 that is partially visible in FIG. 1), and through the upright 20a. The cable 60 is of sufficient length to allow its end to be drawn out of the upright 20aand attached to the carriage 50. When the cable 60 is not in use, this first end is stored on a projection (not shown) within the upper lateral member 22 near the opening 54. In use, with the first end of the cable 60 attached to the carriage 50, the other end is attached to an accessory, such as the leg lift attachment 46 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0088] The carriage 50 has a plate receiving bar 66 on which one or more weight plates can be added according to the particular exercise being performed. When the carriage 50 is not in use, it rests on a carriage rest 68.

[0089] In an alternative arrangement as shown in FIG. 30, the carriage 50 travels along separate upright rods 97 that are secured to the safety cage 12, rather than the upright 20a.

[0090] A multi-position carriage system 748 is described below in connection with FIGS. 28A-30.

[0091] Alternative Smith Machine Safety Cage with Folding Sides

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a safety cage system 710 has front uprights fitted with a Smith machine mechanism and folding safety side frame members, similar to the system 210 of FIGS. 10, 11A, 11B and 13.

[0093] Because the barbell is releasably secured, it can be easily removed to allow use of the system 710 for other exercises or to pivot the side frame members for storage. Except for the added Smith machine functionality, the system 710 is similar in construction and operation to the system 10 having the offset pivot arrangement described above.

[0094] The system 710 as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B is also fitted with a wishbone-shaped rear lateral member 725 that replaces the intermediate and lower lateral members 24, 26. With the bench 740 rotated to an upright position as shown in FIG. 12B and the lateral member 725 pivoted to an approximately horizontal position (approximately parallel to the floor), more space is available within the safety cage 712 than with the embodiments with the lateral members 24, 26. Also, the attached bench can be set in alternative positions by pivoting the lateral member 725 into a horizontal position. The lateral member 725 can, of course, be used with other embodiments.

[0095] Smith Machine Safety Cage with Telescoping Horizontal Members

[0096] A system 110 has a safety cage 112 that telescopes (as opposed to folding) to provide a compact footprint for easy storage, and the front uprights of the safety cage 112 are fitted with a Smith machine mechanism.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the safety cage 112 has a single rear upright 120 joined to a upper lateral member 121, which is joined to a curved upper lateral member 122. The sides 116aand 116bare fixed to a rear portion of the safety cage 112 and thus do not pivot in the horizontal plane. As in the case of the first embodiment, the system 110 includes a carriage 150 slidingly coupled to a frame member, i.e., the rear upright 120.

[0098] Horizontal Members of Safety Cage Telescope for Storage

[0099] The front uprights 134aand 134bjoin the ends of the curved upper lateral member 122. At the bottom, the uprights 134a, 134bare joined to telescoping lower lateral members 132a, 132b. Uprights 123a, 123bextend from positions rearward of the front uprights 134a, 134b, and are joined together by a rear lateral member 124. The front uprights 134a, 134bare joined to the uprights 123a, 123bby respective telescoping safety bars 139a, 139b. For storage, the safety cage 112 is slid horizontally by pushing the front uprights 134a, 134bin the direction A from the position shown in FIG. 8, with the members 139a, 139b, 132a, 132btelescoping through respective joints 141a, 141b, 143a, and 143b. In the same motion, the curved upper lateral member 122 also slides over the upper lateral member 121. As a result, the safety cage becomes configured for storage as shown in FIG. 9.

[0100] Barbell is Releasably Held in Smith Machine-type Barbell Holders

[0101] According to the Smith machine functionality of the system 110, barbell holders 180a, 180bare slidably movable along respective rods 182a, 182battached to the uprights 116a, 116b, respectively. The barbell holders 180a, 180b(1) support the weight of the barbell 99, (2) keep the barbell 99 level during movement, and (3) can be selectively locked in place at a desired height along the rods 182a, 182b. In contrast to conventional Smith machine arrangements, the barbell holders 180a, 182breleasably hold the barbell 99, such that the barbell 99 can be removed and used freely

[0102] As another benefit, the releasable bar holders 180a, 180bcan be repositioned to travel along and selectively engage an inner side of appropriately configured uprights 134a, 134b(i.e., directly opposite the side shown in FIG. 8), thus moving the position of the supported barbell within the safety cage 112. To provide this benefit, the uprights 134a, 134bcan be provided with two sets of openings (i.e., in the outer side as shown and in the hidden inner side).

[0103] A specific implementation of the barbell holders 180a, 180bis described in connection with FIGS. 8 and 12C-12G. The left barbell holder 180ais similar to the left barbell holder 180b, which is described in detail.

[0104] The barbell holder 180bis an assembly of three main components: (1) a bearing 802bmounted on the left end of a shaft 804 of the barbell 99; (2) a holding member 806b, which is shaped to receive and secure the bearing 802b, that holds the loaded barbell 99 and is constrained to move in the direction of the rod 182b; and (3) a hook 808battached to an inboard end of the bearing 802bthat rotates with the shaft 804 into engagement with a selected one of the series of spaced holes 810bformed in the outer surface of the upright 13

[0105] In use, from a position as shown in FIG. 8, the user grabs the shaft 804 with both hands between the hooks 808a, 808b, lifts the barbell slightly to disengage the hooks 808a, 808bfrom the engaged holes 810a, 810b, and rotates the shaft 804 slightly, thus keeping the hooks 808a, 808bdisengaged. With the shaft 804 in this position, the user performs repetitions of a lift by raising and lowering the barbell 99 while it is constrained to travel in the direction of the rods 182a, 182b.

[0106] When the user completes a desired number of repetitions or tires, the user can re-engage the hooks 808a, 808bwith appropriate holes 810a, 810b, thereby transferring the weight of the loaded barbell 99 from the user to the safety cage 112.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 12E, which shows that holder 180bwith the shaft 804 removed and a section of the bearing 802b, the bearing 802bhas an inner race 812bthat is sized to be fixed (e.g., by a press-fit, friction fit or welding) to the shaft 804 such that the inner race 812bdoes not rotate relative to the shaft 804. An inboard end of the inner race 812bhas a groove 814bwith opposing flat surfaces 816b(FIG. 12F) that receive the hook 808b.

[0108] An outer race 818bsurrounds and is rotatable relative to the inner race 812b. Needle bearings 819bare positioned between the inner race 812band the outer race 818b. At an outboard end 820b, the outer race has a circumferential groove 822bsized to engage the holding member 806b.

[0109] The holding member 806bhas a tubular guide portion 824b(see also FIG. 9) sized to slidingly engage the rod 182band an attached flange 826bwith a cut-out 828b(FIG. 12F) shaped to receive the groove 822bof the bearing 802b. Side walls of the groove 822bhelp minimize any possible lateral movement of the barbell 99. A first side 830bof the flange 826bhas a catch 832bthat can be pivoted over the cut-out 828band into contact with an opposite second side 834b(FIG. 12E). A lever 836bis pivotably connected to the second side 834b. The lever 836bhas a pivoting bail 838bsized to receive an end of the catch 832b.

[0110] When the barbell 99 is inserted in the cut-out 828b, the catch 832bis pivoted to the second side, the bail 838bis placed over the catch 832c, and the lever 836bis pivoted downwardly to secure the barbell 99 to the holding member 806b.

[0111] The hook 808bhas an upper engaging tip 841band a lower end 843bwith an opening 845b. The opening 845bhas parallel flat sides 847b(FIG. 12F) sized to engage the flat surfaces 816bof the inner race 812b. A collar 849bis attached to one end of the body of the hook at one side of the opening 845b, and can be pivoted to enclose to the opposite side of the opening 845band secured in place with a pin 851b(see, e.g., FIG. 12G) to secure the hook 808bto the inner race 812b.

[0112] To reposition the holders 180a, 180b, the barbell 99 with the bearings 802a, 802band hooks 808a, 808bis removed from the holding members 806a, 806b, the holding members are pivoted 180 degrees around the respective rods 182a, 182b(to face the interior of the safety cage), and the barbell 99 is replaced within the holding members.

[0113] Smith Machine Safety Cage System with Folding Sides

[0114] As shown in FIGS. 10, 11A, 11B and 13, a safety cage system 210 has front uprights fitted with a Smith machine mechanism (similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9) and folding safety sides (similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-7D).

[0115] The construction and operation of the safety cage system 210 are the same as for respective similar features of the safety cage systems 10 and 110 described above.

[0116] The safety cage 212 of the system 210 is configured from its open position (as shown, e.g., in FIG. 10) to its compact position (as shown in FIG. 13) by: (1) disconnecting the ends of the curved upper lateral member 222 from the front uprights 234a, 234b; (2) pivoting the curved upper lateral member 222/upper lateral member 221 downward about a pivot 221aagainst the rear frame member 214; (3) releasing the locking pivots 236a, 236b; (4) pivoting the right side frame member 216bagainst the pivoted members 222, 221; and (5) pivoting the left side frame member 216aagainst the pivoted right side frame member 216b.

[0117] Safety Cage System with Folding Sides and Aligned Pivots

[0118] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a system 310 has a safety cage 312 with folding sides, but the pivots are aligned along a common axis B. The sides have extension portions of unequal length that allow the sides to be folded flat to configure the safety cage 312 in a compact position.

[0119] A left side frame member 316ahas extension portions 317aextending approximately perpendicular from upper lateral member 330aand lower lateral member 332a. The upper and lower extension portions 317aare joined by an upright 320a′. The pivots 336a, 338aare positioned at the junctions between the respective extension portions 317aand the left side of the rear frame member 314.

[0120] A right side frame member 316bis similar, except the right side extension portions 317bare shorter than the left side extension portions 317a. The different lengths of the extension portions 317a, 317ballow the right side frame member 316bto be folded flat against the rear frame member 314, and the left side frame member 316ato be folded flat against the right side frame member 316b.

[0121] In another system 410, the pivots of a safety cage 412 with folding sides are also aligned along the axis B, as shown in FIGS. 16A-16E. In the system 410, however, the right side extension portions 417bare longer than the left side extension portions 417a(see FIG. 16C), such that the left side frame member 416ais folded flat against the rear frame member 414 and the right side frame member 416bis folded flat against the left side frame member 416a, to configure the safety cage 412 in a compact position (see FIG. 16E).

[0122] In the system 410, the uprights 420a, 420bare round (see FIG. 16D, which shows an enlarged view of the upper right pivot 436b), and the pivots 436a, 436b, 438a, 438bare sleeves 485 sized slightly larger than the uprights 420a, 420b, thus creating a bearing arrangement.

[0123] Safety Cage System with Folding and Telescoping Sides

[0124] As shown in FIGS. 17-22 a system 510 has a safety cage 512 with sides that pivot as well as telescope. The pivots in the system 510 are also aligned along the axis B. In the compact position, however, the sides do not overlap, but rather lie in the same vertical plane.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 20, each of the pivots 536a, 536b, 538a, 538bis a joint 590 having a hinge 591 with one portion attached (e.g., by welds or fasteners) to a sleeve 593. The other portion of the hinge 591 is attached to the rear frame member 514, thus allowing the joint 590 to pivot relative to the rear frame member 514.

[0126] The sleeves 593 are sized to slidingly receive the respective lateral members 530a, 530b, 532aand 532b, thus allowing these members to be telescoped relative to the joints 590.

[0127] To configure the safety cage 512 in a compact position: (1) the side frame members 516a, 516bare urged toward the rear frame member 514, thus causing the lateral members 530a, 530b, 532aand 532bto telescope or slide through the respective joints 590 (see FIG. 22); and (2) when the lateral members 530a, 530b, 532aand 532bhave been slid approximately halfway through the joints 590 (see FIGS. 19 and 22), the side frame members 516a, 516bare pivoted towards the rear frame member 514 (see FIG. 21).

[0128] Safety Cage System with Removable Sides

[0129] As shown in FIGS. 23A-25, a system 610 has a safety cage 612 with sides that can be readily removed, and the rear frame member has elements that receive and hold the sides when the safety cage 612 is configured in its compact position.

[0130] In the system 610, the rear frame member 614 has a saddle 694 attached at adjacent each upper and lower end of each upright 620a, 620b. Referring to FIG. 23B, each saddle 694 has a channel 695 dimensioned to receive the respective lateral members 630a, 630b, 632a, 632bwhen the safety cage is configured for use. Notches 696 in sides of each channel 695 define a space for receiving the lateral members. The notches 696 in the right side channels 695 are positioned closer to the rear frame member 614 than the notches 696 in the left side channels 695.

[0131] To configure the safety cage 612 in a compact position, (1) the right side frame member 616bis removed from the channels 695 of the respective saddles 694 and repositioned in the notches 696 of these channels to lie adjacent and approximately parallel to the rear frame member 614; (2) similarly, the left side frame member 616ais removed from the channels 695 in the other saddles 694, and positioned in the notches 696 to lie adjacent and approximately parallel to the right side frame member 616b(see FIGS. 24 and 25).

[0132] As shown in the figures, the side frame members 616a, 616bmay be pinned, clamped or otherwise secured when the safety cage 612 is configured for use or in its compact position.

[0133] Multi-Position Carriage System

[0134] The multi-position carriage system 748 shown in FIGS. 28A-29 is another cable supported rolling weight arrangement similar to the carriage 50 described above in connection with FIG. 1. With the system 748, the position of the carriage 750 can be selectively set along the length of the upper lateral members 30a, 30b. As a result, the point at which the cable extends downwardly can be moved to a position that is more centrally located within the safety cage 12.

[0135] As shown in FIGS. 28A-29, the carriage system 748 includes the carriage 750, the upright member 752 over which the carriage travels, and a lateral member 754 pivotably attached to the upper end of the upright, together with the associated cable and hardware. In operation, the lateral member 754 is extended as shown in FIG.28A, and the system 748 is secured in place (e.g., with pins), such as in the position shown in FIG. 29. The carriage 750 can then be loaded with weights and used similar to the carriage 50.

[0136] The system 748 is removable, e.g., when not in use or for storage, and the lateral member 754 can be pivoted against the upright member, as shown in FIG. 28B.

[0137] The carriage system 748 may be available as an optional accessory for a safety cage that is not fitted with the carriage 50.

[0138] Optional Accessories

[0139] As shown, e.g., in FIG. 1, any of the various systems described above may include an optional overhead bar 48 that is coupled at its ends to the upper lateral members 30aand 30b, respectively. The overhead bar 48 may be used, e.g., to perform chin-up and/or pull-up exercises.

[0140] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the described systems may include optional dip handles 71a, 71bremovably attached to the front uprights 34a, 34b, respectively. These handles may be grasped by the user to perform, e.g., dip exercises. The handles 71a, 71bmay be attached to extend toward the inside of the safety cage 12 (FIG. 6A) or toward the outside of the safety cage (FIG. 6B).

[0141] Referring to FIG. 1, a pair of barbell holders 73a, 73bcan be removably attached to the rear uprights 20a, 20b, respectively, to face the interior of the safety cage, or attached to the front uprights 34a, 34bto face the interior of the cage or away from the interior (FIG. 2).

[0142] A pair of foot loops 98 can be attached to the safety cage to assist a user in performing, e.g., sit-up exercises. As shown in FIG. 1, the foot loops can be attached to the lower lateral member 32a.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 4, the system 10 may include one or more lanyards 151 suited for securing the folded safety cage 12 to a nearby structure, e.g., a wall, to prevent it from tipping over if jarred.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 10, the bench 40 may be fitted with an optional rear foot 88 instead of being pivotably attached to the rear frame member 14. Together with the front foot 87, the rear foot 88 allows the bench 40 to be used independent of the safety cage 12, e.g., for exercises that a user prefers to perform outside of the safety cage 12, while retaining the ability to pivot the rear portion 42 relative to horizontal.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 5B, the opposing edges of the rear back portion 42 and the front seat portion 44 may have respective shaped sections 90 and 91. The sections 90 and 91 are shaped as shown to provide openings within which a user can position his legs while standing to secure his stance while performing certain exercises, e.g., military press, bicep curls, etc.

[0146] As shown in FIGS. 26A, 26B and 26C, a modified bench 840 can be used in place of the bench 40. The modified bench 840 has a pivoting rear portion 842, a front portion 844 and a supporting frame 846. The rear portion 842 can be pivoted upwardly (FIG. 26A), positioned horizontally (FIG. 26B) or pivoted downwardly (FIG. 26C). The bench 840 can be used as a stand-alone (FIGS. 26A, 26B and 26C) or as an integrated component of any of the safety cage systems.

[0147] FIG. 29 shows the modified bench 840 attached to a rear lateral member of the system 10 with the rear portion 842 pivoted to a nearly vertical position. FIG. 30 is similar to FIG. 29, except the modified bench has been pivoted rearwardly to free space within the safety cage 12 and the rear portion 842 is positioned in approximately the same plane as the front portion 844.

[0148] As shown in FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C, the systems may include an arm rest 108 used, e.g., in performing arm exercises, such as curls. The arm rest 108 has a pad 109amounted to an upright 109bthat is supported by a foot 109c. A mounting portion 109dis attached to the upright 109b. The mounting portion 109dcan be connected to the bench by inserting it into the open end of the frame member of the bench and securing it with a pin.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 1, the weight lifting system described above can be fitted with an integrated audio and/or visual system 101 (e.g., a stereo, TV and/or a computer) with a main unit 103 and loud speakers 105. The system 101 can be used to provide entertainment while exercising (e.g., by radio, TV, CD, DVD, etc.). If the system 101 includes a computer, it may include a dedicated application, e.g., to record exercise date (e.g., user, date, time, exercise, repetitions, sets, etc.), calculate certain parameters (e.g., total weight lifted, duration of workout, % of maximum lift, etc.) and/or allow the user to view data from past workouts.

[0150] Referring again to FIG. 1, the systems described above can also have an integrated beverage dispenser or beverage holder 107 for providing a source of liquid to the user during exercise. The holder 107 can be mounted to the safety cage 12 at any convenient location, such as an outer side of the right rear upright 20bas shown.

[0151] General Construction

[0152] In preferred embodiments, the various components of the system are made of steel or other suitable materials. As can be seen in the drawings, the system components can be made from square, rectangular and round tubing (e.g., the upright, rear lateral and bench frame members), as well as solid bar stock (e.g., the lateral members and safety sides of the side frame members), as appropriate. The edges of square and rectangular pieces may be rounded for convenience, safety and improved aesthetics.

[0153] As also seen in the drawings, many of the joints between the various rigidly connected members are formed with a pair of overlying gusset plates and through bolts (see, e.g., gusset plates 108 and bolts 109 in FIG. 1). Thus, the system can be at least partially disassembled, for shipping, transport, etc. As known to those of ordinary skill in the art, welding or other forms of attachment may also be used.

[0154] Having illustrated and described the principles of my invention with reference to several preferred embodiments, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. I claim all such modifications which fall within the scope and spirit of the following claims.