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Velocity weight training devices and methodRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, User Manipulated Force Resisting Apparatus, Component Thereof, Or Accessory Therefor, Utilizing Weight Resistance, Including Stationary Support For WeightVelocity weight training devices and method description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060040800, Velocity weight training devices and method. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to exercise training devices. In particular, the present invention relates to exercise training devices configured to allow a user to perform velocity weight training exercises. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Velocity weight training is a form of exercise founded on the physics principle: Power=Force.times.Velocity. Most weight lifters concentrate on "force" (e.g. total amount of weight to be lifted), and not much attention is given to the "velocity" portion of the equation. A velocity weight training regimen enables a weight lifter to use both aspects of the equation by, in effect, "throwing" or accelerating the weight away from their body, therefore placing more emphasis on the velocity portion of the above-referenced equation. [0003] Conventional velocity weight training techniques present certain problems. First, because the weight lifter requires a wide-open space for a "thrown" weight to travel and land, velocity weight training is not practical for most gymnasiums. Secondly, because the weight lifter in the conventional techniques literally throws the weight away from his/her body, he/she must gather and "reload" with another weight. These efforts dramatically increase time between repetitions and create difficult facility and equipment demands, therefore hindering the training process. [0004] To solve these problems, weight lifting machines have been developed for velocity weight training. For example, some machines are configured to "catch" the weight through claws associated with the weight support or electronic cable systems in close proximity to the release point or height of the repetition. The problem with such machines is that the lifter must rotate the bar carrying the weight or perform some other "release" action in order to literally release the weight support and prepare for another repetition. Again, such efforts hinder the training process. Moreover such mechanisms are expensive to manufacture and are subject to failure due to the relative stresses resulting from physical release and "catching" of the weight apparatus. [0005] Accordingly, there is a need for an exercise training device configured to allow a user to effectively throw weight through a working range of motion and to controllably and automatically dampen and direct the return of the weight to a convenient starting position. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide exercise training devices that address the problems associated with prior velocity weight training devices in practical and reliable manners. [0007] To achieve the foregoing and other objects in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an exercise training device for enabling a user to perform velocity weight training includes a frame, a weight support associated with the frame and a dampening assembly associated with the weight support. The dampening assembly may be configured to retard movement of the weight support through a reverse range of motion. [0008] To still further achieve the foregoing and other objects in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an exercise training device for enabling a user to perform velocity weight training includes a frame, a variable weight resistance associated with the frame and a dampening assembly associated with the weight resistance configured to retard movement of the weight resistance from the apex of a working range of motion through a reverse range of motion. [0009] To yet further achieve the foregoing and other objects in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a dampening assembly for use with exercise training equipment includes a base lever configured to be mounted on a stationary surface, a weight lever configured to be secured to a weight support and a dampener operably associated with the base lever and weight lever. The dampener may be configured to retard movement of the weight support through a reverse range of motion. [0010] Still other embodiments, combinations, advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following descriptions and illustrations wherein there are shown and described alternative exemplary embodiments of this invention for illustration purposes. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different aspects, objects and embodiments all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings, objects, and description should be regarded as illustrative and exemplary in nature only and not as restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: [0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a velocity training device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of the dampening assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and [0014] FIG. 3 is a front view of the exercise training device of FIG. 1 illustrating exemplary ranges of motion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] Turning now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numbers indicate the same or corresponding elements throughout the views, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an exercise training device 10 including a frame 20, a variable weight resistance or weight support 40 and a dampening assembly 60. The frame 20 and weight support 40 of exercise training device 10 may comprise any variety of variable weight resistance setups, such as conventional weight lifting equipment, for example, comprising a Smith machine, bench press, shoulder press, lateral pull down, rowing, etc. Thus, although the present invention has been described for use with a Smith machine, the exercise training device 10 and associated dampening assembly 60 according to the present invention are not limited to a Smith machine and could comprise any machine or combination of machine, such as, for example, a bench press, shoulder press, leg press, lateral pulldown, rowing, or any other leverage or plate loaded equipment. Variable weight resistance could similarly be provided with weight stacks in the form of one or more plates which can be engaged, along with an appropriate pulley system connected to user handles or a bar, hydraulic or pneumatic resistance arrangements or the like. [0016] As illustrated, a weight support 40 may be associated with frame 20. As illustrated in FIG. 1, frame 20 may comprise a Smith machine assembly comprising left and right vertical posts 22a-c and 24a-c, respectively, supported on horizontal surface 26. Vertical posts 22a-c and 24a-c may be secured at top and bottom via beam assemblies 28 and 30, respectively. In such an example, a weight bar 44 may be freely moveable between left and right vertical posts 22a-b and 24a-b and rest on arms 50. Weight bar 44 may support any amount of plated weight 46 or load. It should be understood, however, that in another embodiment wherein exercise training device comprises something other than a Smith machine, weight support 40 may comprise any apparatus configured to support any physical weight, including weight plates and/or an apparatus configured to apply resistance such as plastic or rubber rods commonly used with a BOWFLEX.RTM. machines or other machine incorporating rubber bands. In FIG. 1, weight bar 44 may comprise a standard 45 lb. bar made from solid steel, chrome, and/or aluminum. [0017] As will be discussed later herein, and as shown in FIG. 3, exercise training device 10 may comprises a variety of ranges of motion to enable performance of velocity weight training. For example, training device may comprise a working range of motion 90 including a lift range of motion 92 and a throw range of motion 94. At the top of the throw range 94 (or working range 90) is the apex 96. Training device 10 may also comprise a reverse range of motion 98 from the apex 96 to a starting point 50. As will be discussed, dampening assembly 60 may be configured to limit, retard and/or dampen weight support through the reverse range of motion 98. [0018] As discussed, the exercise training device 10 is illustrated as comprising a dampening assembly 60 interposed between the weight support 40 and a base mounted on a horizontal surface 26. As discussed later herein, while dampening assembly 60 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as being interposed between the weight support 40 and a horizontal surface 26, dampening assembly 60 may similarly be interposed between weight support 40 and frame 20 or any other location so as to retard and control the reverse range of motion of the weight support 40. [0019] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, dampening assembly 60 comprises a velocity assembly 62 and a control arrangement or dampener 80. The velocity assembly 62 may include, for example, a weight lever 64 having first and second ends 65 and 66, respectively, and a base lever 68 similarly having first and second ends 69 and 70, respectively. First ends 65 and 69 of weight lever 64 and base lever 68 may be pivotally mounted to or associated with one another at point C. As discussed later herein, first end 65 of weight lever 64 may further comprise plate 59 for pivotal mounting of piston arm 84 of dampener 80. Second end 66 of weight lever 64 may comprise a collar 55 with ball bearings, a bushing arrangement or similar bearing setup, and can be configured to pivotally receive a portion of the variable weight resistance such as weight bar 44. In addition, second end 70 of base lever 68 may be pivotally mounted to or associated with stationary base 72 at point D for support on exercise surface 26. Continue reading about Velocity weight training devices and method... Full patent description for Velocity weight training devices and method Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Velocity weight training devices and method 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. 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