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Free weight support deviceRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, User Manipulated Force Resisting Apparatus, Component Thereof, Or Accessory Therefor, Utilizing Weight Resistance, Including Stationary Support For Weight, Barbell SupportFree weight support device description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070082795, Free weight support device. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of free weight support devices, and more particularly to free weight support devices that pivotally retract to enable a weightlifter to perform strength training. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Strength training using free weights or other forms of resistance is an important aspect of a complete physical fitness regime. Physiologically, the benefits of strength training using weights include an increase in muscle size and tone, increased muscle strength, and increases in tendon, bone, and ligament strength. Moreover, strength-training has also been shown to improve psychological health as well, by increasing self-esteem, confidence and self-worth. [0003] When beginning an intensive exercise regime, many people retain the services of a skilled trainer to learn the proper techniques for utilizing the various dumbbells, barbells and other weightlifting equipment in a conventional gym facility. The term "dumbbell" is used herein to describe a free weight having a relatively short bar designed to be grasped with one hand by the weightlifter and lifted with one arm alone. Conversely, the term "barbell" is used herein to describe a free weight have a longer bar designed to be grasped with both hands by the weightlifter and lifted with both arms in unison. When lifting dumbbells and barbells, the skilled trainer will often act as a "spotter" or exercise partner to ensure that the weights do not accidentally drop on the weightlifter. Unfortunately, the costs associated with retaining the services of skilled trainers can be quite high resulting in many weightlifters opting to exercise alone. [0004] In order to continue to experience gains in the muscle size and tone, weightlifters must regularly increase the amount of weight on the dumbbells and barbells. For serious weightlifters, the amount of weight on a dumbbell or barbell can exceed 100 lbs and 300 lbs, respectively. Before commencing many exercises using free weights, such as a seated shoulder press or incline press, a weightlifter commonly rests the dumbbells on his thighs. When ready to perform the exercise, the weightlifter must raise or "kick" the dumbbells to the level of his head using his arms and legs. The action of raising the dumbbells before commencing the exercise requires a considerable amount of strength and energy which may cause the weightlifter to fatigue more easily during the exercise. Following the performance of the exercise, the fatigued weightlifter must return the dumbbell or barbells from the shoulder press position to the floor. Often weightlifters will simply drop the dumbbells or barbells which may cause costly damage to the gym floor. [0005] Moreover, given the difficulty associated with raising and balancing dumbbells or barbells without the aid of a "spotter", the potential for serious injury due to improper technique is very high. This danger is equally likely among both novice and professional weightlifters. [0006] A variety of "self-spotting" devices intended to improve the safety of weightlifting have been developed that incorporate stands to support the free weights. Such "self-spotting" stands are traditionally positioned adjacent to the shoulders of the seated weightlifter to facilitate the grasping of the dumbbells. These types of stands address the difficulty associated with raising the free weights to the level of the head without the need for a spotter. However, the static positioning of the stands adjacent to the weightlifter interferes with the movement of the weightlifter's arms during the actual performance of the exercise. To avoid such interference, the weightlifter must shift his body forwardly or rearwardly along the bench away from the stands. Following the performance of the exercise, the weightlifter must reposition his body adjacent to the stands in order to return the weights to stand. This shifting action may cause the weightlifter to lose his grip on the dumbbells or to injure his back. [0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a free weight support device for use with an exercise bench that is adapted to support the free weights prior to and after an exercise, and to pivotally adjust away from the weightlifter during the performance of the exercise so as not to interfere with the performance of an exercise. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The subject invention is directed to a free weight support device for use with an exercise bench that is pivotally positionable between a first and second position, and having a base, first and second vertical members pivotally coupled to the base and positioned on opposite sides of the bench, and a foot member coupled to the first and second vertical members and operable by one or more feet of weightlifter. The foot member being proximate to a front end of the bench and pivotally coupled to the base for pivotally adjusting the position of the first and second vertical members between a first position and a second position. When adjusted into the first position, the first and second vertical members are positioned generally vertically to support the weight of the free weights away from the weightlifter's arms. When adjusted into the second position, the first and second vertical members are pivotally positioned to permit the weightlifter to retrieve the free weights. [0009] In the first position the first and second vertical supports are positioned generally vertically to stably support the free weights by the weightlifter before and after weight training exercises. In the second position the first and second vertical supports are pivotally adjusted forwardly towards the weightlifter's arms to permit the retrieval of the free weights from the weight supports. Alternatively, in the second position the first and second vertical supports are pivotally adjusted rearwardly towards the weightlifter's arms permit the retrieval of the free weights from the weight supports. The advancement of the first and second vertical members between the first and second positions is in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the exercise bench. Alternatively, the advancement of the first and second vertical members between the first and second positions may be in a direction generally parallel to the transverse axis of the exercise bench. [0010] The subject invention is also directed to free weight support device having weight supports with notches to permit the retrieval and replacement of the free weight by the weightlifter. The weight supports may have generally arcuate interior surface for receiving the free weight. The interior surface may v-shaped. The interior surface may also be shaped to conform to the profile of the free weight. The first and second vertical supports may include an adjustment means for positioning said weight supports at a desired location on the first and second vertical supports. [0011] The subject invention is also directed to a free weight support device having a foot member having a bar which is pivotally coupled to the first and second vertical members at a pivot axis. The foot member may also include a stop means for releasably securing the first and second vertical members in the first position and second position. The stop means may be operable between an engaged position and a released position, whereby in the engaged position the stop means releasably secures the first and second vertical members in the first and second positions, and whereby in the released position the stop means permits the movement of the first and second vertical members between the first and second positions. The stop means may releasably secured by a ratchet member, a pneumatic member, a hydraulic member or a spring member. [0012] The subject invention is also directed to an exercise apparatus for use with free weights that is pivotally positionable between a first and second position, and having an exercise bench, a base, first and second vertical members pivotally coupled to the base and positioned on opposite sides of the bench, and a foot member coupled to the first and second vertical members and operable by one or more feet of weightlifter. The foot member being proximate to a front end of the bench and pivotally coupled to the base for pivotally adjusting the position of the first and second vertical members between a first position and a second position. When adjusted into the first position, the first and second vertical members are positioned generally vertically to support the weight of the free weights away from the weightlifter's arms. When adjusted into the second position, the first and second vertical members are pivotally positioned to permit the weightlifter to retrieve the free weights. [0013] In the first position the first and second vertical supports are positioned generally vertically to stably support the free weights by the weightlifter before and after weight training exercises. In the second position the first and second vertical supports are pivotally adjusted forwardly towards the weightlifter's arms to permit the retrieval of the free weights from the weight supports. Alternatively, in the second position the first and second vertical supports are pivotally adjusted rearwardly towards the weightlifter's arms permitting the retrieval of the free weights from the weight supports. The advancement of the first and second vertical members between the first and second positions is in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the exercise bench. Alternatively, the advancement of the first and second vertical members between the first and second positions may be in a direction generally parallel to the transverse axis of the exercise bench. [0014] The subject invention is also directed to an exercise apparatus having weight supports with notches to permit the retrieval and replacement of the free weight by the weightlifter. The weight supports may have generally arcuate interior surface for receiving the free weight. The interior surface may v-shaped. The interior surface may also be shaped to conform to the profile of the free weight. The first and second vertical supports may include an adjustment means for positioning said weight supports at a desired location on the first and second vertical supports. [0015] The subject invention is also directed to an exercise apparatus having a foot member having a bar which is pivotally coupled to the first and second vertical members at a pivot axis. The foot member may also include a stop means for releasably securing the first and second vertical members in the first position and second position. The stop means may be operable between an engaged position and a released position, whereby in the engaged position the stop means releasably secures the first and second vertical members in the first and second positions, and whereby in the released position the stop means permits the movement of the first and second vertical members between the first and second positions. The stop means may releasably secured by a ratchet member, a pneumatic member, a hydraulic member or a spring member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0017] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a free weight support device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with an exercise bench; [0018] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the free weight support device of FIG. 1 in a first position; [0019] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view showing the free weight support device of FIG. 1 in a second position; [0020] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the free weight support device of FIG. 1 in a second position; Continue reading about Free weight support device... Full patent description for Free weight support device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Free weight support device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Free weight support device or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Training apparatus and system Next Patent Application: Pressure compensating device for a roller Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Free weight support device patent info. 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