DESCRIPTION

Technical Field

The present invention discloses improved weightlifting assistance device, with safety feature implemented to the same device. The corresponding technical field is the field of exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices. More precisely, the technical field is oriented to devices used during user-manipulated weights, in particular devices for bench press exercises or similar designed for assistance features acting on the barbell and safety features as well.

Technical Problem

Everyone who has lifted weights has been in this position to need some help from the assistant, e.g., the spotter. Getting pinned or stuck under a barbell does not only happen to inexperienced lifters. Even the most skilled lifters have to face the reality that, when lifting a loaded barbell, many things may go wrong very fast. Self overestimation combined with fatigue, muscle cramps, loss of balance, or the bar slipping out of the lifter's hands are always part of the inherent risks. Therefore, skilled and experienced spotters which are fully focused on assisting the athlete are certainly the best solution for the observed problems. However, such persons are not available in every moment. Present invention offers a simple and reliable solution that can fully replace an assistant - the spotter, during the weightlifting.

Several technical problems addressed in the prior art are solved with the present invention. First technical problem solved with the present invention is that the said invention is almost immediately applicable to any squat racks or similar weightlifting frame as a self-spotting assistance and safety device. This device is not a part of the squat rack mechanism, or similar device, and do not cooperate mechanically with it, except that such device is removably fixed with it.

Secondly, the present invention is entirely structurally integrated invention that does not require any outer energy source, i.e., an electric or a hydraulic power supply during the action. Finally, the present assistance device is designed to be used in pair, where said pair of devices prevent the barbell to simply fall on the weightlifter and/or to help the weightlifter to finish the series of exercises by compensating the part of the weights via the energy stored within the said device. Both actions are performed by an activation mechanism designed to be activated solely by the barbell force on each paired device, by which the mechanical energy already accumulated in the said devices are used. So, the activation is extremely simple, without needs for an external foot or hand controls, that is common in the art.

All the features recited above are possible to perform with the specifically designed weightlifting assistance device that uses a locking gas spring as the energy storing means, activated via an integrated release pin thereto, with support of one or more linear guides that stiffens the mechanical construction. In the preferred design, the barbell holder, inserted in the movable top, engages or disengages the release pin, rendering the said invention flexible and intuitive for use.

State of the Art

The state of art is crowded with the documents which intend to solve the same technical problem, and which offer many variants of the self- spotting devices.

US patent US 4,249,726 for the invention EXERCISE BENCH SAFETY DEVICE, filed in the name of F. Reginald, teaches about the safety device for use in conjunction with a bench press. In '726 solution a pair of arms, which are controllable by the exerciser via the foot pedal that triggers motor, is connected with the hydraulic cylinder to rise the frame and the corresponding arms. Said '726 solution cannot be separated from the used rack and requires a foot activation.

US patent US 4,799,672 for the invention POWERLIFT COMPETITION SAFETY DEVICE, filed in the name of W. L. Barett, teaches about a weightlifting apparatus operable to support a barbell. Solution '672 comprises a pair of spaced-apart, substantially parallel vertical support members, where each support member bears synchronously and selectively movable, horizontally projecting spotting arms. Each spotting arm is coupled with a rod and cylinder assembly and each assembly is fluid activated for synchronous movement of said spotting arms.An actuator or switch is provided for actuating said assemblies. Again solution '672 cannot be separated from the used rack and requires, in the preferred embodiment, a foot activation.

US patent US 5,653,666 for the invention NEGATIVE RESISTANCE WEIGHTLIFTING APPARATUS, filed in the name of J. T. Pantoleon, teaches about yet another, very complicated, hydraulic operated assistance device that is activated via the hand switches.

US patent US 6,086,520 for the invention WEIGHT LIFTING SAFETY SYSTEM EMPLOYING CONSTANT FORCE SPRING, filed in the name of A. Rodriquez, discloses very interesting safety system that seems to contemplate about the same problems the present invention successfully solves. Solution '520 is also used as paired device, each device is positioned to support the barbell, if necessary, close to the athlete's arms. The disclosed system uses a jack screw, powered by the electric motor, that is foot activated. The drawbacks of '520 solution are the needs for an external power supply and the omnipresence of the foot activation, i.e., an absence of the sensors located close to used barbells. Furthermore, it seems that '520 solution is intended only for floor use, without flexibility to be fixed to any other rack. US patent US 6,746,379 for the invention SELF-SPOTTING SAFETY BENCH PRESS, filed in the name of W. M. BRAWNER, discloses in the preferred embodiment two-cylinder devices, where said cylinders engage protective arms. Said '379 cylinders are powered from the central hydraulic accumulator and the corresponding hydraulic lines, and again is foot activated.

US patent application US 2007/203003 A1 for the invention SELF SPOTTING BARBELL PRESS, filed in the name of W. M. Brawner, discloses yet another foot operated self-spotting barbell press. In the preferred embodiment, Ό03 solution transmits the mechanical energy from one hydraulic cylinder and the corresponding pulley-strings system to the arms, that renders the system complicated. Again solution Ό03 cannot be separated from the used rack and requires in preferred embodiment, a foot activation.

US patent US 7,591,771 for the invention APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING THE SAFE LIFTING OF FREE WEIGHTS, filed in the name of J. N. BOONE et al., discloses fully automated self-spotting device. Said device has two hydraulic cylinders, disposed within the dedicated rack, with the set of sensors disposed within the rack to spot the velocity-related parameters and the data processing means to control said cylinders. Furthermore, it requires substantial power to operate, it does not allow the lifting assistance, and it is not an easy affordable exercising device for the home use. On the contrary, the present invention seems to offer comparable features, and more flexibility regarding the instalment.

In view of the above cited documents, it seems that the disclosed invention is novel and inventive over the cited prior art, where '520 solution sems to be the closest prior art document.

Summary of the Invention

Present invention discloses a weightlifting assistance device suitable to be mounted on the dedicated squat rack. The device is formed from a base, a connector, a movable top, fixation frames, a fixation means designed specifically for the said rack, and a gas spring.

Within the said device, one or more linear guide bushings are locked into the base on one of their side. Said linear guide bushings extend parallelly toward the afore mentioned connector, where all guide bushings finally end. Each linear guide, which emerges from the corresponding liner guide bushing, ends connected to the movable top. Liner guides allow the said top to travel from the connector upward, and for the travel path defined by the used gas spring.

The bottom fixation frame extends from the base, and the top fixation frame extends from the connector. Both frames end into the fixation means which is designed to space apart all linear guides from the said fixation means.

The movable top is equipped with barbell holder which allows the said barbell holder to be locked within the said top at the desired position by using a locking means.

In order to perform the desired tasks, the gas spring is selected to be a locking gas spring. The used locking gas spring is formed from the outer cylinder, the piston rod, and the release pin capable to activate a valve mechanism via the force exerted to the release pin. The said force is transmitted via the valve actuator towards the valve that locks or unlocks the said locking gas spring in a manner that is common in the art.

The gas spring outer cylinder is nested within the base and the connector in a manner that the piston rod and the socket that is mounted thereto, are loosely inserted into the movable top. The release pin, positioned within the piston rod top, is than in direct mechanical contact with the movable top and the inserted barbell holder. When an outer force is exerted to the barbell holder in the base direction, it unlocks previously stored mechanical energy within the locking gas spring and enables the said assistance device to produce counterforce by extending the piston rod and movable top with the barbell holder attached thereto in the opposite direction of the applied outer force. It lasts for all times during which the said outer force is exerted, otherwise, in absence of the outer force the locking gas spring is locked.

In one variant of the invention, only one linear guide bushing is used where the corresponding linear guide is formed as the hollow body nested within the said linear guide bushing. The linear guide is capable to travel within the said guide bushing. The inner part of the said linear guide bushing is formed to receive the locking gas spring, which is further fixed to the base and situated centrally within the said linear guide bushing. In one sub-variant, the linear guide and the corresponding linear guide bushings are cylindrical bodies which are further equipped with one or more means which prevents a rotation of the said linear guide within the said linear guide bushing. In another sub-variant of the invention, the said means for rotation prevention is formed as the guide slit designed longitudinally over the guide. In this solution, the said guide slit cooperates with the connector that partially enters to the said slit and prevents the guide rotation and the movable top.

In the preferred variant of the invention, two or more linear guide bushings and the corresponding linear guides are used. The guides are distributed over the vertices of a regular polygon with n sides, n ³ 2, where the locking gas spring and its piston rod are situated at the center of the said regular polygon. This geometry allows a uniform force distribution to the said linear guides, which are connected with the piston rod at the movable top. In one preferred sub-variant, three or four linear guide bushings and the corresponding linear guides are used with the locking gas spring centrally situated among the said linear guides.

Regardless the variant, the barbell holder locking means is composed, preferably, from several locking bores machined on the barbell holder and the outer locking pin. The locking pin is inserted through the bore previously formed in the movable top, and said locking pin protrudes the desired locking bore and locks the barbell holder in desired position within the movable top. In addition, the fixation means is formed parallel with or inclined to the said guides which enables the movable top to travel parallel to the gravitational field. In some variant, the fixation means are formed with one or more fixation pins dimensioned to enter one or more fixation holes formed on the side frame of the corresponding squat rack. Said fixation means is equipped with at least one fixation profile for securing the fixation pins once being nested within the fixation holes. In yet another variant, the fixation means is fastened to the side frame by using the fixation holes which are capable to receive the bolts. The said bolts are formed from the fixation pins with the threads machined on their ends. The said bolts protrude the fixation holes and the corresponding nuts for the said bolts are used for securing the fixation means to the side frame.

The weightlifting assistance device, as defined above, is used in a pair of identical devices situated at the same height from the ground, detachably connected to the dedicated squat rack. The predetermined force, which depends on the selected locking gas spring characteristics, exerted on the barbell holders unlocks previously stored mechanical energy within the gas springs. This action enables the said assistance devices to produce joint counterforces, i.e., to act as: the safety devices preventing the barbell to simply fall on the weightlifter, or to help the weightlifter to finish the series of exercises by compensating the part of the weights via the energy stored within the said locking gas springs.

Description of Figures

Figure 1 depicts the generic squat rack with one weightlifting assistance device attached thereto and another device that has to be installed. Figure 2 depicts the weightlifting assistance device according to preferred embodiment.

Figure 3A shows the act of an activation and the subsequent Figures 3B and 3C show releasing of the mechanical energy stored into the device, that produces counterforce.

Figure 4 depicts A-A cross section of the device in the position depicted via Figure 3C.

Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D depict the weightlifting assistance device according to the second embodiment, Figure 5A shows the activation, and Figures 5B and 5C releasing of the mechanical energy stored into the device, that produces counterforce. Figure 5D depicts just another side view of the same device which is already depicted via Figure 5C.

Figure 6 depicts B-B cross section of the device in the position depicted via Figure 5C.

Figure 7 depicts the locking gas spring, as used within the cited invention. Figure 8A depicts the closed valve situation when the gas spring is locked, and Figure 8B open valve situation when the gas spring is activated.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figure 1 depicts the generic squat rack (90) with one weightlifting assistance device (10) attached thereto and another (10') that is in the instalment phase.

The generic squat rack (90) consists of the base frame (91), usually made of suitable metal, which enables the athlete to step, or enter, partially into the rack (90) space. Several side beams define the side frame (92) that emerges from the base frame (91) and ends into the top frame (93). Preferably, all frames are made of suitable metals or corresponding alloys. Such construction should render the rack (90) rigid and stable once the devices (10, 10') and a corresponding lifting weights are attached to the side frame (92).

Squat rack side frame (92) is equipped with the holes (99) to which the assistant devices (10, 10') are pinned, via their fixation means (19). The holes (99) are distributed along the mentioned side frame (92) beams, allowing the arbitrary height adjustment of the pair of devices (10, 10') at the frame (92).

Preferred embodiment

The preferred embodiment of the weightlifting assistance device (10) is depicted on Figure 2. The device (10) consists of the base (11), the connector (12) and the movable top (13). The role of the base (11) is to connect all elements at the bottom of the device (10), that are necessary for the device to operate, i.e., two or more linear guide bushings (15) that carry the corresponding linear guides (16), the bottom of locking gas spring (20) and the bottom fixation frame (18). Similarly, the connector (12) connects the same elements on their opposite ends, i.e., the said linear guide bushings (15) ends, the top the locking gas spring (20) and the top fixation frame (17). The resulting construction is very rigid. The base (11) and the connector (12) are made preferably from suitable metal alloys, i.e., aluminum alloys. Fixation frames (17, 18) end are connected to the device fixation means (19), designed to cooperate with the fixation holes (99), formed in the side frame (92) beams. In the preferred embodiment, fixation pin (19.1) is dimensioned to enter the desired fixation hole (99), while the fixation profile (19.2) is used for securing the fixation pin (19.1) once nested within the fixation holes (99). In one variant, it is possible to have two or more fixation pins (19.1) on one fixation means (19).

In yet another variant, it is possible to convert the fixation pins (19.1) into bolts by making threads on their ends. Such bolts can again protrude through the said fixation holes (99) and can be fixed to the side frame (92) beam by using adequate nuts.

The main role of the fixation means (19) is to space apart all linear guides (16) and other moving/working parts from the side frame (92), and to allow unobstructed functioning of the device (10) once attached to the squat rack (90).

In preferred embodiment depicted on Figure 2, linear guide bushings

(15) are made as hollow cylinders, where corresponding linear guides

(16) are formed as cylinders which diameters are slightly smaller than the corresponding inner linear guide bushing (15) diameters. Each linear guide (16) is capable to travel along the corresponding linear guide bushing (15) almost without friction, and along the main linear guide bushing axis. It is common in the art that the said bushing (15) is further equipped with the Teflon® ring to prevent lateral movement of the said linear guide (16) within the mentioned linear bushing (15) end, situated close to the connector (12).

In practice, it is natural to use two, three, four or even more identical linear guide bushings (15). Furthermore, the invention is not limited with the cross section of the linear guide bushings and the corresponding linear guides used. Linear guide bushings with rectangular cross section can be used equally well. Also, the various kinds of linear guide bushings can be mixed with cylindrical linear guide bushings, where each linear guide bushing type has its dedicated linear guide, applied on the very same device. Irrespective of the used geometry, the said linear guide bushings (15) and the corresponding linear guides (16) are made preferably from suitable metal alloys that are already use in the art.

Figure 4 depicts the cross-section A-A of the device (10), the way the base (11) connects guide bushings (15) and the corresponding linear guides (16) which are partially pulled out from the linear guide bushings (15) is clearly visible. Furthermore, locking gas spring (20) is also nested within the said base (11) and extends to the connector (12) which connects again the previously recited elements. In practice, it is natural to use two or more linear guide bushings (15) and the corresponding linear guides (16), where the said linear guides (16) and linear guide bushings (15) are distributed over the vertices of a regular polygon with n sides, n ³ 2. The "polygon" with n = 2 is basically a length with two vertices, n = 3 is triangle, etc. In the preferred embodiment, the locking gas spring (20) is situated at the center of the selected regular polygon, allowing a uniform outer force distribution to the said linear guides (16), which are connected with the piston rod (22) at the movable top (13).

The said movable top (13) is important part of the device (10) to function properly. All linear guides (16) and the piston rod (22) of the locking gas spring (20), but not the locking gas spring (20) per se, are connected to the said movable top (13) in a different way, as depicted on Figures 3B, 3C and 4.

For instance, the linear guides (16) ends are connected firmly to the said movable top (13). It can be done in a various way, by screwing, by gluing, by welding, or in any other way that is convenient in the art to result with the reliable and solid connection.

On the contrary, the piston rod (22) is connected somewhat differently. Firstly, the shock absorber (13.2), preferably rubber made, and the connection plate (13.3) are positioned in the way that piston rod (22) protrudes through them. Then the socket (13.1) is mounted over the end of the piston rod (22). Namely, it is common in the art that the end of the piston rod (22) is equipped with the thread. So, in preferred variant, socket (13.1) is screwed directly onto the piston rod (22) end, see Figure 4. Before mentioned shock absorber (13.2) and the connection plate (13.3) are used to loosely connect the said socket (13.1), and the corresponding piston rod (22) end, with the movable top (13). In the preferred variant it is performed with the screws that connect shock absorber (13.2), and connection plate (13.3) with the movable top. To achieve the above, it is evident that the connection plate (13.2) has to be equipped with the nest for receiving the said socket (13.1). The said nest diameter, formed in the connection plate (13.2) is slightly greater than the socket (13.1) diameter. This construction allows slight lateral movements of the top (13) and the corresponding nest, relative to the socket (13.1).

The socket (13.1) has on its top surface a bore through which the release pin (23), of the said piston rod (22), which is in the permanent contact with the movable top (13) inner surface, formed as the horizontal part, preferably in the form of a plate. Eventually, the additional spring can be inserted between the top of the socket (13.1) and the said inner surface of the movable top (13). This construction allows the pin (23) to be in permanent contact with the said inner surface of the movable top (13), see Figure 4.

It is possible to conceive the solution where the connecting plate (13.3) and shock absorber (13.2) are integrated into the same element. Also, the variant without the shock absorber (13.2), see Figure 6, is also feasible.

So, the locking gas spring (20), once activated, releases the mechanical energy stored within it, and pushes the piston rod (22) out of the cylinder (21) in a way that the said piston rod (22) lifts the movable top (13) up. This action is performed in the way that piston rod (22) acts on the socket (13.1) top surface, nested within the movable top (13), see Figure 4. The corresponding linear guides (16) allows the movable top (13) to travel along guides main axes that are formed parallel with the piston rod (22) main axis. In that way, the linear guides (16) prevent any lateral displacement of the said movable top (13) once being lifted from the connector (12) upward, as depicted via Figures 3B, 3C, via the locking gas spring (20) energy.

The movable top (13) is further equipped with the barbell holder (14), where the said barbell holder (14) is fixed within the said movable top (13) at the desired position, Figures 2 and 4. Barbell holder (14) is simply inserted and locked into the movable top (13). The role of barbell holder (14) is to be in direct contact with the barbell, if necessary, and to transmit the applied outer force to the movable top

(13) and the release pin (23) of the gas cylinder (20).

The barbel holder (14) fixation can be done in many ways. In the preferred embodiment, fixation is achieved with one of the locking bores (14.1), machined over the barbel holder (14), and the outer locking pin (14.2). The outer locking pin (14.2), once inserted through the bore, previously formed in the movable top (13) receiving part for the barbell holder (14), locks securely the barbell holder

(14) to the movable top (13). Namely, the pin (14.2) protrudes the movable top (13) and the selected locking bore (14.1) and locks the barbell holder (14) in the desired position within the movable top (13). The identical technical effect can be achieved by any other fixation system. For instance, it can be achieved with a simple fixation screw that is inserted through the bore formed on the top (13) in order to fix the barbell holder (14) within the movable top

(13) at the desired position. The technical role of the fiction means is just to allow a very precise tuning of the barbell holder position

(14) within the said movable top (13), and to prevent the barbel holder (14) rotation within the said movable top (13).

Second embodiment

The second embodiment is depicted via Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 6. It differs from the preferred embodiment in the fact that only one linear guide (16), with the corresponding guide bushing (15) is used. In practice, one hollow cylindrical linear guide bushing (15) forms the outer part of the device (10) and the inner part of the said device (10) wherein the gas cylinder (20) is nested. The corresponding linear guide (16), Figure 6, is formed as the hollow cylinder nested within the said cylindrical linear guide bushing (15). Said linear guide (16) is capable to travel within the said cylindrical linear guide bushing (15) with minimal friction and without rotation. Basically, said system (15, 16) is formed as three concentrically hollow cylinders, two cylinders forms the linear guide bushing (15), outer and inner, and a centrally positioned hollow cylinder forms a linear guide (16). In practice other geometries can also be used, i.e., the hollow guides with rectangular cross section or similar cross section. In all solutions and variants, which are obvious to the person skilled in the art, the used locking gas spring (20) is fixed to the base (11) and situated centrally to the inner part of the said linear guide bushing (15) regardless the used geometry.

In case of cylindrical geometry, the said embodiment is further equipped with one or more means which prevent a rotation of the said guide (16) within the said linear guide bushing (15). To prevent the rotation, the guide slit (16.1) is formed longitudinally over the guide (16), as depicted on Figure 5D. The said guide slit (16.1) cooperates with the connector (12) that partially enters to the said slit (16.1) and prevents the guide (16) rotation, as depicted in Figure 6. The prevention of rotation is needed to assure that the barbell holder (14) is always correctly positioned below the barbell.

The rest of the mechanism, i.e., the movable top (13), the corresponding socket (13.1) where the piston rod (22) is nested, the barbell holder (14) and its corresponding fixation means are the same as described earlier for the preferred embodiment. The role of fixation frames (17, 18) and the fixation means (19) is identical to those cited for the preferred embodiment.

Locking gas cylinder

The locking gas cylinder (20), that enables all the device (10) features are described on the Figures 7, 8A and 8B. Figure 7 discloses all essential parts of the locking gas cylinder (20). It consists of outer cylinder (21) that forms a main body. The movable part is the piston rod (22), that is connected with the piston (27) situated within the outer cylinder (21), and which is appropriately sealed with the piston seal (28). The piston (27) divides outer cylinder spacing into two parts; below is situated the first chamber (29), and the above the piston (27) is the second chamber. Said chambers (27, 29) communicate across the valve (30) situated within the said piston (27). The valve (30) is sealed to the piston (27) with the pair valve seals (32) in a way to prevent the gas leakage out of the cylinder (21), across the valve (30), during the cylinder (20) operations.

The front inner part of the outer cylinder (21) is equipped with the guide (25) for guiding the piston rod (22), and additionally sealed with the seal (26) that prevents the gas leakage from the second chamber (33). At the very end of the piston rod (22), a release pin (23) is formed. This release pin (23) can be pushed towards the piston rod (22) interior, where it pushes valve activator (24) that acts to the said valve (30). The situation when the release pin (23) is out from the piston rod (22) is depicted on Figure 8A, and the valve (30) is closed. The situation when the release pin (23) is pushed towards the piston rod (22) is depicted on Figure 8B, and the valve (30) is then open.

How ordinary gas spring works is well known in the art. It is nicely presented in the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNlmRRTvEMw. Basically, the difference in the piston (27) area which is oriented towards the second chamber (33) and the piston (27) area that is oriented towards the first chamber (29) is not the same. The fluid, i.e., highly compressed nitrogen gas within the cylinder creates force on each side of the piston (27). The said force is Force = Area x Pressure, and smaller area means the smaller force exerted to the piston (27). So, even when the pressure in the first chamber (29) is equal with the pressure within the second chamber (33) - i.e., when the valve (30) is open - the net force on the piston (27) still exists due to the obvious area differences. Said net force pushes the piston (27) upwards, towards the guide (25).This net force is almost constant over all piston (27) positions through the outer cylinder (21).

For, pushing the piston (27) downwards, the outer force, i.e., external work, should be applied over the traveled path, and the valve (30) should be opened, i.e., the release pin (23) should be pressed. This is the way the gas cylinder (20) accumulates mechanical energy and release it, if necessary, in a reverse process.

The locking ability is achieved once the valve (30) is closed. The closed valve creates the equilibrium process to occur, i.e., that the first chamber (29) pressure multiplied with the corresponding piston (27) area is equal with the second chamber pressure (33) multiplied with the piston (27) area oriented towards the said chamber. If the compressed gas pressures are rather high, the equilibrium are very quickly reached, as already known in the art.

This carefully selected locking gas cylinder (20) is essential for proper working of the device (10), we will describe below.

Working mode

The working mode is independent of the used embodiment. Figures 3A, 5A show the activation of the device (10). Down pressing the barbell holder (14), pushes the movable top (13) in the base direction (11). This action causes that the corresponding one or more guides (16) attached to the movable top (13) are moved toward the base (11), and the release pin (23) is also pressed into the piston rod (22), situated within the socket (13.1). Later activates the valve (30) within the locking gas cylinder (20). This action activates the locking gas spring (20) and results with the opposite counter force all the way the release pin (23) is pressed into the piston rod (22). This is depicted via Figures 3B, 3C, 5B and 5C. The movable top (13), and the corresponding barbell holder (14) elevates from the assistance device (10), locked to the side frame (92), using the mechanical energy previously stored within the locking gas cylinder.

For rather normal operation, a pair of devices (10, 10') as depicted on the Figure 1 should be used. If the weightlifter experienced an unexpected event during the weights lifting, the whole barbell with the weights will press both barbell holders (14, 14') of the devices (10, 10'). Then, the entire energy from the locking gas springs (20, 20') will be released in order to help the weightlifter to easily remove the barbell with the weights, by taking part of the weight which weightlifter experiences, producing the opposite force to the barbell gravity force.

In another example, it is possible to help the weightlifter to finish the series of exercises by compensating the part of the weights via the energy stored within the said locking gas springs. Namely, the weightlifter can let the barbell to press the barbell holders (14, 14') during the exercise. Then, this will produce the counterforce upward from the devices (10, 10') which will help the weightlifter to lifts the weights. If the weightlifter decides to make more than one repetition, that it will simply let the barbell to press devices (10, 10') downwards. Then, the weights will partially produce the necessary outer work for storing the energy into the locking gas springs (20, 20'). When the weightlifter starts again to lift the barbell with the weights, this energy will be released, in a constant manner, all the way the release pins (23, 23') are pressed into the corresponding piston rods (22, 22').

When the weightlifter finishes the exercise, the devices (10, 10') have to be re-activated. It is performed in the way that each device (10) is firstly pressed manually downwards by pressing the barbell holder (14) towards the base (11). This action causes that all line guides (16) retract in the corresponding line bushings (15), and the gas cylinder rod (22) comes in its lowest position. Then, the manual pushing force has to be abruptly removed from the barbell holder (14), that causes the locking gas cylinder (20) to be locked in this, e.g., lowest, position. Then, the entire device (10) is again ready to be used in any of the above cited examples, considering the fact that outer work stored operational mechanical energy into the device (10).

In the above-described way, the pair of devices (10, 10') is used as the assistance device, in a manner similar the spotter do. It is also possible to control the efficiency of the used gas springs (20, 20'), i.e., the produced devices (10, 10') counterforces - by adding the additional weights to their movable tops (13, 13'). In that sense, it is possible to lower the net counterforces produced by the gas springs (20, 20') for different exercises, if needed. The simplest way to perform the desired task is to add extra wights, in the form of weight rings, that can be attached to the movable tops (13, 13') in a way that is common in the art.

Industrial Applicability

The present invention discloses improved weightlifting assistance device, with safety feature implemented to the same device. Therefore, the industrial applicability is obvious. Used in a pair, the said assistance devices prevent the barbell to squeeze the weightlifter or helps the weightlifter to finish the series of exercises, compensating the part of the weights force.

Reference numbers

10 Assistance device

11 Base

12 Connector

13 Top

13.1 Socket

13.2 Shock absorber

13.3 Connection plate

14 Barbell holder

14.1 Locking bore

14.2 Locking pin

15 Linear guide bushing

16 Liner guide 16.1 Guide's Slit

17 Top fixation frame

18 Bottom Fixation frame

19 Fixation means Fixation pin Fixation profile Locking gas spring Outer cylinder Piston rod Release pin Valve activator Guide Seal Piston Piston seal First chamber Valve Channel Valve seal Second chamber Squat rack Base frame Side frame Top frame Fixation hole