Carriage Assembly and Weightlifting Assembly Including a Carriage Assembly

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/826,747, filed May 27, 2022, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/193,923, filed May 27, 2021, which prior applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

This disclosure relates to machines for weightlifting and other exercise, and more specifically to a weightlifting assembly configured to be moveable along a frame member and fixed in a plurality of different positions along the frame member, and weight racks including one or more of such assemblies.

Weight racks and other weightlifting equipment often make use of structures that may be mounted at different locations for different exercises, and in particular, at different heights from the ground surface. One example is an articulating arm, which may be placed at different positions and orientations for performing a wide variety of exercises. Moveable and adjustable assemblies for adjusting the mounting height of such equipment exist, but these assemblies suffer from disadvantages such as difficulty of adjustment and inability to support large amounts of weight that are used by dedicated weightlifters. Accessories for such articulating arms are also often found lacking in these and other areas.

The present disclosure is provided to address this need and other needs in existing adjustable assemblies and weight racks including such assemblies. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present disclosure is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an adjustable carriage assembly that includes a carriage defining a passage configured to receive a frame member therethrough such that the carriage is moveable along the frame member, and a locking structure configured for engaging the frame member to lock the carriage in position relative to the frame member. The locking structure includes a main pin connected to the carriage that is moveable between a locked position, where the main pin extends into the passage and is configured to engage the frame member to lock the carriage in position, and an unlocked position, where the main pin is retracted from the passage and is configured to disengage from the frame member, and an auxiliary pin connected to the carriage that is moveable between a locked position, where the auxiliary pin extends into the passage and is configured to engage the frame member to lock the carriage in position, and an unlocked position, where the auxiliary pin is retracted from the passage and is configured to disengage from the frame member. The main pin has a first engagement member configured to be manipulated by a user to move the main pin between the locked position and the unlocked position, and the auxiliary pin has a second engagement member configured to be manipulated by the user to move the auxiliary pin between the locked position and the unlocked position. The first engagement member is immediately adjacent to the second engagement member, and movement of both the main pin and the auxiliary pin to the unlocked positions allows movement of the carriage with respect to the frame member. At least one of the main pin and the auxiliary pin may be biased toward the locked position.

According to one aspect, the assembly further includes a handle assembly connected to the carriage and comprising a handle configured for gripping by a user.

According to another aspect, the first engagement member is positioned above the second engagement member.

According to a further aspect, the first engagement member has a same shape as the second engagement member when viewed from above.

According to yet another aspect, the assembly further includes a handle assembly connected to the carriage and having a first handle and a second handle configured for gripping by a user, where the first engagement member and the second engagement member are positioned between the first and second handles.

According to a still further aspect, the main pin has a main pin end configured to engage the frame member within the passage, and the auxiliary pin has an auxiliary pin end configured to engage the frame member within the passage, and the auxiliary pin has an offset configuration, such that auxiliary pin end and the main pin end are spaced farther apart than the first engagement member and the second engagement member.

According to an additional aspect the locking structure further includes a first collar piece having a proximal end connected to the carriage and receiving the first pin therethrough and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and a second collar piece connected to the distal end of the first collar piece, the second collar piece having a first opening receiving the first pin therethrough and a second opening receiving the second pin therethrough. In one configuration, the locking structure further includes a first biasing spring engaging the second collar piece and the first pin to bias the first pin toward the locked position, and a second biasing spring engaging the second collar piece and the second pin to bias the second pin toward the locked position.

According to another aspect, the first engagement member has a first pair of grips extending from opposite lateral sides of the first engagement member, and the second engagement member has a second pair of grips extending from opposite lateral sides of the second engagement member. In one configuration, each of the first pair of grips has a recess on a front side thereof, and each of the second pair of grips has a recess on a front side thereof.

Additional aspects of the disclosure relate to an adjustable carriage assembly configured to be adjustably mounted on a vertical, rectangular frame member, having first, second, third, and fourth sides, including a carriage defining a passage configured to receive the frame member therethrough, such that the carriage is moveable along the frame member, and a locking structure configured for engaging the frame member to lock the carriage in position relative to the frame member. The locking structure includes a first pin connected to the carriage that is moveable between a locked position, where the first pin extends into the passage and is configured to be received in a first hole on the first side of the frame member to lock the carriage in position, and an unlocked position, where the first pin is retracted from the passage and is configured to be removed from the first hole, and a second pin connected to the carriage that is moveable between a locked position, where the second pin extends into the passage and is configured to be received in a second hole on the first side of the frame member, located below the first hole, to lock the carriage in position, and an unlocked position, where the second pin is retracted from the passage and is configured to be removed from the second hole. Movement of both the first pin and the second pin to the unlocked positions allows movement of the carriage with respect to the frame member. In one configuration, at least one of the first pin and the second pin is biased toward the locked position.

According to one aspect, the assembly further includes a handle assembly connected to the carriage and having a handle configured for gripping by a user.

According to another aspect, the first pin has a first engagement member configured to be manipulated by a user to move the first pin from the locked position to the unlocked position, and the second pin has a second engagement member configured to be manipulated by the user to move the second pin from the locked position to the unlocked position, and the first engagement member is positioned immediately adjacent to the second engagement member. In one configuration, the first engagement member is positioned above the second engagement member. In another configuration, the first engagement member has a same shape as the second engagement member when viewed from above. In a further configuration, the assembly further includes a handle assembly connected to the carriage and having a first handle and a second handle configured for gripping by a user, where the first engagement member and the second engagement member are positioned between the first and second handles.

According to a further aspect, the first pin has a first engagement member configured to be manipulated by a user to move the first pin from the locked position to the unlocked position, and the second pin has a second engagement member configured to be manipulated by the user to move the second pin from the locked position to the unlocked position. The first pin has a first pin end configured to be received in the first hole, and the second pin has a second pin end configured to be received in the second hole, and the second pin has an offset configuration, such that second pin end and the first pin end are spaced farther apart than the first engagement member and the second engagement member.

According to yet another aspect, the locking structure further includes a first collar piece having a proximal end connected to the carriage and receiving the first pin therethrough and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and a second collar piece connected to the distal end of the first collar piece, the second collar piece having a first opening receiving the first pin therethrough and a second opening receiving the second pin therethrough. In one configuration, the locking structure further includes a first biasing spring engaging the second collar piece and the first pin to bias the first pin toward the locked position, and a second biasing spring engaging the second collar piece and the second pin to bias the second pin toward the locked position.

Further aspects of the disclosure relate to an adjustable carriage assembly that includes a carriage defining a passage configured to receive a frame member therethrough such that the carriage is moveable along the frame member, a handle assembly connected to the carriage and having a first handle configured for gripping by a first hand of a user and a second handle configured for gripping by a second hand of the user, and a locking structure configured for engaging the frame member to lock the carriage in position relative to the frame member. The locking structure includes a main pin connected to the carriage that is moveable between a locked position, where the main pin extends into the passage and is configured to engage the frame member to lock the carriage in position, and an unlocked position, where the main pin is retracted from the passage and is configured to disengage from the frame member, and an auxiliary pin connected to the carriage that is moveable between a locked position, where the auxiliary pin extends into the passage and is configured to engage the frame member to lock the carriage in position, and an unlocked position, where the auxiliary pin is retracted from the passage and is configured to disengage from the frame member. The main pin and the auxiliary pins are biased toward the locked positions. The main pin has a first engagement member configured to be manipulated by a user to move the main pin from the locked position to the unlocked position, and the auxiliary pin has a second engagement member configured to be manipulated by the user to move the auxiliary pin from the locked position to the unlocked position. T the first engagement member and the second engagement member are positioned to be engageable simultaneously by at least one of the first and second hands of the user while the user is gripping the first and second handles, and movement of both the main pin and the auxiliary pin to the unlocked positions allows movement of the carriage with respect to the frame member.

According to one aspect, the first engagement member is positioned immediately adjacent to the second engagement member.

According to another aspect, the first engagement member is positioned above the second engagement member. In one configuration, the first engagement member has a first pair of grips extending from opposite lateral sides of the first engagement member, and the second engagement member has a second pair of grips extending from opposite lateral sides of the second engagement member. In this configuration, each of the first pair of grips has a recess on a front side thereof, and each of the second pair of grips has a recess on a front side thereof. In another configuration, the first engagement member has a same shape as the second engagement member when viewed from above.

According to a further aspect, the locking structure further includes a first collar piece having a proximal end connected to the carriage and receiving the main pin therethrough and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and a second collar piece connected to the distal end of the first collar piece. The second collar piece has a first opening receiving the main pin therethrough and a second opening receiving the auxiliary pin therethrough. In one configuration, the locking structure also includes a first biasing spring engaging the second collar piece and the main pin to bias the main pin toward the locked position, and a second biasing spring engaging the second collar piece and the auxiliary pin to bias the auxiliary pin toward the locked position.

According to yet another aspect, the main pin has a main pin end configured to engage the frame member within the passage, and the auxiliary pin has an auxiliary pin end configured to engage the frame member within the passage, and the auxiliary pin has an offset configuration, such that auxiliary pin end and the main pin end are spaced farther apart than the first engagement member and the second engagement member.

Still further aspects of the disclosure relate to an adjustable carriage assembly configured to be adjustably mounted on a frame member, having opposed first and second sides, including a carriage defining a passage configured to receive the frame member therethrough, such that the carriage is moveable along the frame member. The carriage includes a first portion having a connection structure for connection of an implement, and a second portion positioned adjacent to the first portion, wherein a space is defined between the first portion and the second portion, and the second portion is independently moveable with respect to the first portion. The carriage also includes a first roller connected to the first portion and positioned on a first side of the passage, such that the first roller is configured to engage the first side of the frame member, and a second roller connected to the second portion and positioned on a second side of the passage, such that the second roller is configured to engage the second side of the frame member. The second roller is spaced a distance from the first roller, and the passage is defined between the first roller and the second roller. An adjustment structure is connected to the first portion and the second portion and configured for adjusting the space between the first portion and the second portion to change the distance between the first roller and the second roller. The adjustment structure includes a threaded member configured to adjust the space between the first portion and the second portion by threading engagement.

According to one aspect, the assembly further includes a locking structure configured for engaging the frame member to lock the carriage in position relative to the frame member, and the locking structure includes a retractable pin configured to releasably engage the frame member within the passage.

According to another aspect, the first portion is a front portion including a first pair of parallel side plates spaced laterally from each other, and the second portion is a rear portion including a second pair of parallel side plates spaced laterally from each other. In one configuration, the passage is further defined between at least one of the first pair of parallel side plates and the second pair of parallel side plates.

According to a further aspect, the carriage further includes a third roller connected to the first portion and positioned below the first roller on the first side of the passage, such that the third roller is configured to engage the first side of the frame member, and a fourth roller connected to the second portion and positioned below the second roller on the second side of the passage, such that the fourth roller is configured to engage the second side of the frame member. The fourth roller is spaced a distance from the third roller, and the passage is further defined between the third roller and the fourth roller. The adjustment structure is further configured for adjusting the space between the first portion and the second portion to change the distance between the third roller and the fourth roller.

According to yet another aspect, the assembly further includes a handle assembly connected to the carriage and comprising a handle configured for gripping by a user.

According to a still further aspect, the adjustment structure further includes a first adjustment plate connected to the first portion of the carriage and extending outward from the first portion of the carriage, and a second adjustment plate connected to the second portion of the carriage and extending outward from the second portion of the carriage, parallel to the first adjustment plate. The threaded member is configured to engage the first adjustment plate and the second adjustment plate to adjust the space between the first portion and the second portion by threading engagement. In one configuration, the adjustment structure further includes a first arm fixedly connected to the second adjustment plate and extending across the space between the first portion and the second portion. The first arm is configured for releasable connection to the first portion to fix the first and second portions in a desired position with respect to each other, such that releasing the releasable connection permits adjusting the space between the first portion and the second portion by the adjustment structure. In this configuration, the first adjustment plate may have a passage, where the first arm extends through the passage to connect to the first portion.

According to an additional aspect, the adjustment structure further includes a first arm fixedly connected to one of the first and second portions and extending across the space between the first portion and the second portion. The first arm is configured for releasable connection to the other of the first and second portions to fix the first and second portions in a desired position with respect to each other, such that releasing the releasable connection permits adjusting the space between the first portion and the second portion by the adjustment structure.

Other features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the attached drawings.

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail example embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. In the following description of various example structures according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, example devices, systems, and environments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

illustrate a first embodiment of a carriage assemblyfor connection to a frame member of a weight rack (not shown), such as the vertical member, e.g., as shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/294,664, filed Mar. 6, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.illustrate a weightlifting assemblythat includes the carriage assemblyofand an implementconnected to the carriage assembly. The carriage assemblyis configured to be adjustably mounted on a frame member (not shown) to permit sliding of carriage assemblyaxially along the frame memberand fixing of the carriage assemblyat a plurality of different axial positions, e.g., vertical positions along the frame member. The implementmay be an articulating implementconfigured for articulating movement in a weightlifting exercise in one embodiment, and may include structures to enable, assist, or complement such movement.

The carriage assemblyin the embodiment ofincludes a carriage body or carriagethat is moveably mounted on a frame member of a weight rack by one or more engaging structures. In one embodiment, the engaging structure(s)engage opposite sides or outer surfacesof the frame member. The engaging structure(s)ininclude rollersthat are positioned to engage front and rear outer surfaces or sidesof the frame member and define a passagethrough the carriage, such that the frame member extends through the passagein the carriage. It is understood that in some configurations, the rollersmay only engage the sidesof the frame memberat or proximate the corners. In this configuration, the frame member is surrounded on all sides by the carriage assemblyand is engaged on at least two sides (e.g., front and rear sides) by the carriage assembly. In another embodiment, the rollersmay be positioned on the left and right sidesof the frame member and may engage the left and right sides of the frame member. The carriage assemblyinhas four total rollers, with two rollers(upper and lower) on each side of the passage, i.e., two rollersmore proximate to a front of the carriage assemblyand two rollersmore proximate to a rear of the carriage assembly. Each of the rollershas an axle that defines an axis of rotation of the roller, and all of the rollersin this embodiment rotate freely on parallel axes. The carriageincludes a first or front portionand a second or rear portionthat are adjustably connected together, as described further herein. While the carriageinincludes front and rear portions,as discussed herein, the carriagemay include first and second portions that are laterally spaced from each other in another embodiment. The front portionincludes two side platesthat are parallel and spaced from each other, and one pair of the rollersis connected to the two platesand extend between the two plates. The rear portionincludes two side platesthat are parallel and spaced from each other, and may further include a rear plate or transverse platethat is connected to both platesand extends laterally between the platestransverse or perpendicular to both plates. The other pair of the rollersis connected to the two platesof the rear portionand extend between the two plates. The side platesand the rear plateindefine a recess or indentextending forwardly toward the passageto accommodate portions of a locking structuredescribed in greater detail herein. The carriagemay further include an additional front transverse platethat is connected to both platesof the front portionand extends laterally between the platestransverse or perpendicular to both plates. The front transverse platemay likewise have a recess or indentthat extends rearwardly toward the passagein this embodiment.

The platesdefine the lateral sides of the passagein this embodiment, with the rollersdefining the front and rear sides of the passage. The platesmay further define a portion of the lateral sides of the passagein one embodiment. The rollersprovide the points of moveable engagement between the carriage assemblyand the frame member in the embodiment of, and may provide the sole points of constant engagement between the carriage assemblyand the frame member in one embodiment. The rollersmay be made from a hard plastic (e.g., UHMW) or other polymer material in one embodiment, but may be made from other materials (e.g., aluminum or other metals) in another embodiment.

The rollersin the embodiment ofand the engagement of the rollerswith the frame memberare described and illustrated in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/294,664, filed Mar. 6, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein. In another embodiment, the rollersmay engage the frame memberin another manner. In a further embodiment, the carriage assemblymay include engaging structuresthat engage the frame memberin a different manner, and the frame membermay include complementary structures for such engagement. For example, the frame membermay include rails, flanges, grooves, lips, or other structures that are engaged by engaging structuresof the carriage assembly, such as rollers, wheels, clamps, etc. The carriage assemblyin the embodiment ofis configured to move by translation up and down along the frame member, and the rollersroll against the outer surfaces of the frame member during this movement. The frame member may have stops (not shown) near the bottom and/or the top of the frame member that prevent further movement of the carriage assembly.

The carriage assemblyis configured such that the spacing between the front portionand the rear portionis adjustable, and the front and rear portions,may be two separable, unitary structures in one configuration. As shown in, the carriage assemblyincludes an adjustment structureconnected to the front and rear portionsto enable such adjustment. The adjustment structureinincludes adjustment plates,extending outward from the outer surfaces of both of the side plates,on the front and rear portions,, respectively, with adjustment membersengaging the adjustment plates,to adjust the spacing between them. The adjustment plates,may be in the form of wings or flanges connected to the outer surfaces of the side plates,, respectively, by welding and/or other joining technique. The adjustment membersinare in the form of bolts or other threaded members that threadably engage holes in the adjustment plates,, such that rotation of the adjustment membersincreases or decreases the spacing between the adjustment plates,, thereby also increasing or decreasing the spacing between the front and rear portions,. The carriage assemblyalso includes a fixing structure for fixing the front and rear portions,in position relative to each other once the desired spacing has been reached via the adjustment structure. The fixing structure inincludes two armsthat are fixedly connected to the rear portionon opposite sides of the carriage, e.g., by welding to the rear adjustment plates, which are configured to fixedly engage the front portion. The armsineach extend across the gapbetween the front and rear portions,and through a passagein one of the front adjustment plates, and fastenerscan then fixedly and releasably connect the armsto the side platesof the front portion, thereby fixing the front and rear portions,in desired positions. The connection of the armsto the front portionis releasable, such that releasing the releasable connection permits adjusting the space between the front portionand the rear portionby the adjustment structure. Each armhas an elongated slot (not shown) to receive the fastener, which allows for a range of motion for different spacings. By increasing or decreasing the spacing between the front and rear portions,, the spacing between the front and rear pairs of rollersis increased or decreased to create the desired level of engagement with the frame member within the passage. In another embodiment, a different adjustment structuremay be used. The positions of the armsmay be reversed in another embodiment, such that the armsare fixedly connected to the front portionand releasably connected to the rear portion. The armsmay therefore be considered to be fixedly connected to one of the front and rear portions,and extending across the space between the front portion and the rear portion,. The armsare also configured for releasable connection to the other of the front and rear portions,to fix the front and rear portions,in a desired position with respect to each other.

The carriage assemblyinincludes a handle assemblyconnected to the carriageto provide a component (e.g., one or more handles) for gripping by the user to assist in movement of the carriage assemblyalong the frame memberand/or carrying the carriage assemblywhen not mounted on the frame member. The handle assemblyin one embodiment includes one or more handle mountsthat are connected to the carriageand handlesconnected to the handle mount(s). The handle mountsinare connected only to the rear portionof the carriage, e.g., by fixing to the side plates. The handle assemblyis shown and described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/294,664, filed Mar. 6, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein.

The carriage assemblyin one embodiment also includes a moveable and/or releasable locking structureconfigured for engaging the frame memberselectively locking the carriage assemblyin position with respect to the frame member. The locking structuremay include at least one retractable pin,configured to releasably engage the frame memberwithin the passage. In the embodiment of, the carriage assemblyincludes two axially moveable pins (a first or main pinand a second or auxiliary pin) that are configured to extend through a hole or holesin the frame memberto fix the carriage assemblyin position on the frame member. In one embodiment, the main pinis configured to extend through a different holein the same side of the frame memberthan the auxiliary pin, located above the holereceiving the auxiliary pin. This is shown in, which schematically illustrates the frame memberin broken lines. The pins,inare both spring loaded pins that extend through the rear plateof the carriage assembly. The pins,in this embodiment are axially moveable (i.e., by axial translation) between a locked position, where the pin,extends into the passageto engage the frame member, such as by being received in a holeof the frame member, and a free or unlocked position, where the pinis retracted and does not engage the frame member. The main pinhas a main pin endreceived in one of the holesin the locked position, and the auxiliary pinhas an auxiliary pin endreceived in another holelocated below the holereceiving the main pin end, as shown in. In one embodiment, the main and auxiliary pin ends,may be received in vertically adjacent or sequential holesalong the vertical length of the frame member, and in another embodiment, the main and auxiliary pin ends,may be received in vertically spaced holesthat are not adjacent or sequential along the vertical length of the frame member. The pins,are illustrated in the locked positions in, with the understanding that the pins,would be retracted rearwardly in the free positions, e.g., to the left in. The locked position and the free position for each pin,may therefore be considered an extended position and a retracted position, respectively, in the embodiment of. In the locked positions, the engagement between the pins,and the frame memberresists movement of the carriage assemblyalong the length of the frame member(e.g., vertically), and in the free positions, the carriage assemblyis free to move along the length of the frame member. It is understood that in the embodiment of, both the main and auxiliary pins,must be retracted to permit the carriage assemblyto move along the frame member.

In one embodiment, the main pinand/or the auxiliary pin may be biased toward the locked positions. The locking structureinincludes a collar assemblyconnected to the rear plateand housing and/or engaging springsor other biasing member(s) or mechanism(s) (see) configured to engage the pins,and bias the pins,toward the locked positions, i.e., toward the front of the carriage assemblyin the embodiment of. The collar assemblyinincludes a first collar piececonnected to the transverse plateat its proximal endA and having a distal endB opposite the proximal endA and a second collar piececonnected to the distal endB of the first collar piece(e.g., by a set screw). The first collar piecereceives the main pintherethrough, and the second collar piecehas openings to receive both the main and auxiliary pins,therethrough. The second collar piecealso abuts two springsthat are each engaged with one of the pins,to bias the pins,to the locked positions. In this configuration, the carriage assemblyis locked in position with respect to the frame memberunless the locking structureis manipulated to be released, e.g., by pulling both of the pins,to the free positions. In this configuration, the auxiliary pinacts as a safety mechanism to prevent unintentional movement of the carriage assemblyin the event that the main pinis inadvertently not properly engaged with the frame member. The auxiliary pinhas a smaller profile than the main pinin this configuration. The locking structurein one embodiment may also include a removable pin (not shown) that extends through both of the platestransversely and extends through the holesin the frame membertransverse to the pins,to further secure the carriage assemblyin position, such as shown and described in in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/294,664, filed Mar. 6, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein.

The carriage assemblyinhas the pins,located between the handlesof the handle assemblyand located at the midpoint between the handles. Each pin,may also include one or more actuation structures, which may be in the form of an engagement member configured to be manipulated by the user. The engagement members of both pins,ininclude gripsconfigured to facilitate manipulation of the pins,together while simultaneously gripping the handles. Each pin,in the embodiment ofhas an engagement member including an end piecehaving two gripsextending outward from left and right lateral sides at the rearward-most end of the pin,. The gripsin this embodiment are in the form of vertical flanges that extend laterally outward and curve forwardly at the distal endsto form recesseson the front sides of the grips. In this configuration, the gripsare configured to be engaged by the user's fingers, such that the user's fingers engage the distal endsand/or are received in the recessesto pull the respective pin,rearwardly to the free position when the user's hands are on the handles. Additionally, the gripsinare formed as part of two substantially T-shaped end piecesthat are each connected to the rear end of one of the pins,and has the gripsextending outwardly from both sides, with curved rear surfacesextending to the distal ends. This configuration creates an ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing form for the actuation structure of the pin,. The user is able to grip the handlesand actuate the pins,to the free positions by pulling on the gripswith one or more fingers, and the structure and positioning of the gripspermits the user to easily maintain his/her grip on the handlesand the gripsto lift or lower the carriage assembly. The gripsand the end pieceson both the main and auxiliary pins,inhave the same shapes when viewed from above and are immediately adjacent to one another, which facilitates simultaneous actuation of the pins,. The end pieceof the main pinis above and immediately vertically adjacent to the end pieceof the auxiliary pinin the embodiment of. The auxiliary pinmay have an offset configuration, such that the auxiliary pin endis spaced further from the main pin endthan the engagement members (e.g., end pieces) of the main and auxiliary pins,are spaced.

Movement of the carriage assemblyin the embodiment ofcan be accomplished by pulling the gripsof both pins,while gripping the handlesto retract the pins,, then raising or lowering the carriage assemblyto the desired position, and then releasing the pins,, which will be pushed back to the locked position by the springswhen the ends of the pins,are aligned with one of the holesin the frame member. The pins,inare positioned such that the main pinand the auxiliary pinare received in different holesin the frame member. As seen in, the length of the pins,are sufficient to extend into one of the holeson the frame member, but not sufficient to extend completely through the frame member. In another embodiment, either or both of the pins,may have increased length, with the understanding that this configuration may require greater travel distance for retraction of the pin(s),. By allowing the user to retract the pins,while gripping the handles, this configuration facilitates moving the carriage assembly, which may have significant weight, particularly if connected to an implement. Additionally, the configuration of the locking structurein this embodiment increases the safety of the carriage assembly, because the user will naturally be gripping the handleswhen retracting the pins,and will therefore be less likely to drop the carriage, and even if the user releases his/her grip on the handlesand the grips, the biasing mechanismwill cause the pins,to automatically engage the frame memberto lock the carriage assemblyin place again. Safety is further increased by the use of the auxiliary pinthat helps avoid inadvertent dropping of the carriage assembly.

In other embodiments, the locking structuremay have another configuration, including pins having other configurations or other types of mechanical locking structures, which may be configured to engage the holesin the frame memberand/or other structures of the frame member. For example, either or both of the pins,may include a retaining structure to retain the pin(s),in the hole and in connection with the frame member, including a detent, a tab, a cotter key, or other structure. As another example, the pin(s),may not be spring-biased, and may be in the form of a sliding pin with a retaining structure to lock the pin(s),in the locked position. In a further embodiment, the locking structuremay be configured to engage a frame memberwithout holes, and may include structures such as clamps, brakes, etc.

The carriage assemblyinis configured for connection to an implementin a pivoting or articulating configuration, such that the implementor a portion thereof can pivot or articulate with respect to the carriage assembly, as shown in. Various embodiments of implementscan be used in connection with the carriage assembly, including non-articulating implements. In one embodiment, the implementmay be a weightlifting armas shown in. The carriage assemblyand the implementhave connection structurefor connecting the implementto the carriage assembly. In the embodiment of, the connection structureincludes a pivot pin() inserted through a passagein the arm, and fasteners (e.g., bolts)are inserted into the pivot pinto mount the implementon the carriage assembly(see). The pivot pinin this embodiment extends through a bushing structurethat is mounted in the passageof the arm. The bushing structureis shown connected to the pivot pinin some of. As illustrated in, the side plateshave openingsfor connection of the pivot pin, and the openingin one of the side platesof the carriage assemblyis larger (the left openingin) than the openingin the other side plate(the right openingin). In this configuration, the entire pivot pincan be inserted through the larger opening, and the end of the pinabuts the inner surface of the opposite side plate. A washeris fitted over the larger openingto abut the other end of the pin. The armmay further be configured for connection of accessories for specific functionality, and the holesmay be used for connection of such accessories. Examples of such accessories are shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/294,664, filed Mar. 6, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein.

The carriage assemblyfurther includes a locking keythat extends through and engages both side platesof the carriageand the armto lock the armin the downward vertical position, as shown in. The side plateshave holesto receive the keytherethrough, and the keyis received through ordinary holesin the arm. The keyhas a hook or other engaging structureat one end to engage the side plate, and the keyextends through one of the holes in the armto prevent significant articulating movement of the arm. When not in use, the keycan be inserted through additional holesin the side platesthat are located in a position that does not result in engagement of the armand does not otherwise interfere with the use of the carriage assembly.

illustrate another embodiment of a carriage assembly, andillustrates another embodiment of a weightlifting assemblythat includes the carriage assemblyof. The carriage assemblyinand the weightlifting assemblyininclude substantially all of the same features and functionality as the carriage assemblyand the weightlifting assembly disclosed herein with respect to, and such features and functionality are not described again herein for the sake of brevity. These features are shown and identified with reference numbers in. It is understood that the embodiment ofmay not only include any or all of the features and functionality described herein with respect to, but any alternate or additional embodiments of such features and functionality described herein may also be used in connection with the embodiment of. The carriage assemblyinis configured for use with a square beam, e.g., a 3×3 inch beam, whereas the carriage assemblyinis configured for use with a rectangular beam, e.g., a 4×3 inch beam. Likewise, the weightlifting armof the implementinis a square (e.g., 3×3 inch) beam, and the weightlifting armof the implementinis a rectangular (e.g., 4×3 inch) beam.

Various embodiments of carriage assemblies and weightlifting assemblies have been described herein, which include various components and features. In other embodiments, the carriage assemblies and weightlifting assemblies may be provided with any combination of such components and features. For example, the locking structureand the adjustment structuremay be used together or separately, i.e., either the locking structureor the adjustment structuremay be used without the other. In one particular example, the locking structureor the adjustment structuremay be incorporated into a carriage assembly as shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/294,664, filed Mar. 6, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein. It is also understood that in other embodiments, the various devices, components, and features of the carriage assemblies and weightlifting assemblies described herein may be constructed with similar structural and functional elements having different configurations, including different ornamental appearances.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. The terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “rear,” “proximal,” “distal,” and the like, as used herein, are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention, unless explicitly specified by the claims. When used in description of a method or process, the term “providing” (or variations thereof) as used herein means generally making an article available for further actions, and does not imply that the entity “providing” the article manufactured, assembled, or otherwise produced the article. The term “approximately” as used herein implies a variation of up to% of the nominal value modified by such term, or up to 10% of a midpoint value of a range modified by such term. “Integral joining technique,” as used herein, means a technique for joining two pieces so that the two pieces effectively become a single, integral piece, including, but not limited to, irreversible joining techniques such as welding, brazing, soldering, or the like, where separation of the joined pieces cannot be accomplished without structural damage thereto. Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.