Monolift Assembly

This application is a nonprovisional of, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/638,123, filed Apr. 24, 2024, which prior application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Aspects of this disclosure relate generally to a monolift assembly for use with a weight rack, and, more particularly, to a monolift assembly having a gas cylinder for actuating movement of a pivoting weight support.

Individuals often exercise or train with weights to develop strength and endurance and improve their cardiovascular health. Users may perform squats using weights on a barbell seated on hooks on a rack. In some monolift assemblies, the hooks are fixed with respect to the rack, and in use the user lifts the barbell and walks out away from the rack before performing squat lifts. However, this configuration requires the user to move out of the way of the fixed hooks before performing the weightlifting exercise, which may be difficult and/or dangerous with heavy weights.

In other monolift assemblies, pivoting pieces with hooks at one end and counterweights at the other end may be pivotally secured to the rack, and a barbell with weights may be seated on and removed from the hooks. In use, when the user lifts the barbell, the counterweights cause the pivoting pieces to swing away from the barbell, allowing the user to perform squat lifts. However, the bulky counterweights on such monolift assemblies may project into the exercise space where users may inadvertently bump into them, potentially interfering with the weightlifting exercise and/or causing injury.

It would be desirable to provide a monolift assembly that reduces or overcomes some or all of the difficulties inherent in prior known devices. Particular objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this field of technology, in view of the following disclosure and detailed description of certain embodiments.

Generally, aspects of the present disclosure relate to a monolift assembly including a carriage assembly configured to be releasably and/or moveably secured to a post of a rack for weightlifting equipment, with a pivoting piece being pivotally connected to the carriage assembly with an engagement part at an end thereof, configured as a hook in some configurations. The monolift assembly uses a gas cylinder to exert a rotational force on the pivoting piece, such that when the weight support is not significantly loaded, the pivoting piece rotates to a rest position in which the engagement part does not project as far into the weightlifting area.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a monolift assembly that includes a carriage assembly with a mounting portion configured for mounting to a post and a supporting leg connected to the mounting portion and extending outward from the mounting portion, and a pivoting piece including a main body portion pivotably connected to the supporting leg of the carriage assembly at a pivot connection and an engagement part connected to the main body portion. The pivoting piece is pivotable between a rest position, where the engagement part is retracted, and a supporting position, where the engagement part is extended, such that the engagement part is configured for engaging and supporting a weighted article in the supporting position. The monolift assembly also includes a pressurized cylinder assembly having a first end engaged with the carriage assembly and a second end engaged with the pivoting piece at a location spaced from the pivot connection. The pressurized cylinder assembly includes a pressurized cylinder configured to exert a torque on the pivoting piece by fluid pressure within the pressurized cylinder to induce rotation of the pivoting piece about the pivot connection and bias the pivoting piece toward the rest position, such that the rest position is an equilibrium position of the pivoting piece. The pressurized pressurized cylinder may be a gas cylinder in one example.

According to one aspect, the pivoting piece further includes a nose extending forward from the main body portion beyond the pivot connection, and the engagement part is connected to the main body portion on an opposite side of the pivot connection from the nose. In one configuration, the second end of the pressurized cylinder assembly is engaged with the nose of the pivoting piece. In another configuration, the second end of the pressurized cylinder assembly is engaged with the main body portion of the pivoting piece below the pivot connection.

According to another aspect, the pressurized cylinder assembly is configured to exert the torque on the pivoting piece by exerting a pushing force on the pivoting piece. As one example, in a configuration where the second end of the pressurized cylinder assembly is engaged with the nose of the pivoting piece, the pressurized cylinder assembly may exert a pushing force.

According to a further aspect, the pressurized cylinder assembly is configured to exert the torque on the pivoting piece by exerting a pulling force on the pivoting piece. As one example, where the second end of the pressurized cylinder assembly is engaged with the main body portion of the pivoting piece below the pivot connection, the pressurized cylinder assembly may exert a pulling force.

According to yet another aspect, the carriage assembly further includes a first carriage plate and a second carriage plate spaced from each other, the first and second carriage plates each having a leg portion forming at least a portion of the supporting leg. The pivoting piece is positioned such that the main body portion extends between the first carriage plate and the second carriage plate and is pivotably connected to the leg portions of the first carriage plate and the second carriage plate. In one aspect, the carriage assembly may further include a connecting plate extending horizontally between the first carriage plate and the second carriage plate and defining at least a portion of a top surface of the carriage assembly, and the first end of the pressurized cylinder assembly may be connected to connecting plate at the top surface of the carriage assembly. In another aspect, the first carriage plate and the second carriage plate may each further include an arm portion forming part of the mounting portion of the carriage assembly, and the mounting portion may include a channel configured to receive the post, and the arm portions of the first carriage plate and the second carriage plate may define sides of the channel.

According to a still further aspect, the engagement part further includes a notch configured for receiving the weighted article when the pivoting piece is in the supporting position. The pivoting piece further includes a roller rotatably connected to the engagement part within the notch, and the roller is configured and positioned to support the weighted article when the weighted article is received in the notch, such that the weighted article rests on the roller.

Additional aspects of the disclosure relate to a monolift assembly including a carriage assembly having a mounting portion configured for mounting to a post and a supporting leg connected to the mounting portion and extending outward from the mounting portion, and a pivoting piece including a main body portion pivotably connected to the supporting leg of the carriage assembly at a pivot connection, a nose extending forward from the main body portion beyond the pivot connection, and an engagement part connected to the main body portion on an opposite side of the pivot connection from the nose. The engagement part includes a leg extending forward from the main body portion and a protrusion extending upward from the leg to define a notch, and the pivoting piece is pivotable between a rest position, where the engagement part is retracted, and a supporting position, where the engagement part is extended. The engagement part is configured for engaging and supporting a weighted article in the supporting position by receiving the weighted article within the notch when in the supporting position. The pivoting piece further includes a frame formed of a polymer material and defining portions of the main body portion, the nose, and the engagement part, including the leg and the protrusion, where the frame has a first recess and a second recess on opposite sides of the frame, a first side plate formed of a metallic material, the first side plate received in the first recess and extending into the main body portion, the nose, and the engagement part, including the leg and the protrusion, and a second side plate formed of the metallic material, the second side plate received in the second recess and extending into the main body portion, the nose, and the engagement part, including the leg and the protrusion. The frame separates the first side plate from the second side plate in this configuration. The frame also has a first lip extending outwardly around at least a portion of a periphery of the first recess and a second lip extending outwardly around at least a portion of a periphery of the second recess. The first lip extends around at least a portion of a periphery of the first side plate, and the second lip extends around at least a portion of a periphery of the second side plate.

According to one aspect, the monolift assembly further includes a pressurized cylinder assembly engaged with the carriage assembly and engaged with the pivoting piece at a location spaced from the pivot connection. The pressurized cylinder assembly includes a pressurized cylinder configured to exert a torque on the pivoting piece by fluid pressure within the pressurized cylinder to induce rotation of the pivoting piece about the pivot connection and bias the pivoting piece toward the rest position.

According to another aspect, the pivoting piece further includes a roller rotatably connected to the engagement part within the notch, and the roller is configured and positioned to support the weighted article when the weighted article is received in the notch, such that the weighted article rests on the roller.

According to a further aspect, the carriage assembly further includes a first carriage plate and a second carriage plate spaced from each other, the first and second carriage plates each having a leg portion forming at least a portion of the supporting leg. The pivoting piece is positioned such that the main body portion extends between the first carriage plate and the second carriage plate and is pivotably connected to the leg portions of the first carriage plate and the second carriage plate. In one aspect, the pivoting piece further includes a hooked plate connected to the frame and positioned between the first carriage plate and the second carriage plate. In this configuration, the hooked plate is a metallic plate extending from the main body portion through the leg and into the protrusion of the engagement part, around the notch.

Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a monolift assembly including a carriage assembly having a mounting portion configured for mounting to a post and a supporting leg connected to the mounting portion and extending outward from the mounting portion, a pivoting piece having a main body portion pivotably connected to the supporting leg of the carriage assembly at a pivot connection, a nose extending forward from the main body portion beyond the pivot connection, and an engagement part connected to the main body portion on an opposite side of the pivot connection from the nose, and a pressurized cylinder assembly having a first end engaged with the carriage assembly and a second end engaged with the pivoting piece at a location spaced from the pivot connection. The carriage assembly further includes a first carriage plate and a second carriage plate spaced from each other, the first and second carriage plates each having a leg portion forming at least a portion of the supporting leg and an arm portion forming part of the mounting portion of the carriage assembly. The mounting portion includes a channel configured to receive the post, and the arm portions of the first carriage plate and the second carriage plate define sides of the channel. The pivoting piece is positioned such that the main body portion extends between the first carriage plate and the second carriage plate and is pivotably connected to the leg portions of the first carriage plate and the second carriage plate. The engagement part has a leg extending forward from the main body portion and a protrusion extending upward from the leg to define a notch. The pivoting piece is pivotable between a rest position, where the engagement part is retracted, and a supporting position, where the engagement part is extended, such that the engagement part is configured for engaging and supporting a weighted article in the supporting position by receiving the weighted article within the notch. The pressurized cylinder assembly includes a pressurized cylinder configured to exert a torque on the pivoting piece by fluid pressure within the pressurized cylinder to induce rotation of the pivoting piece about the pivot connection and bias the pivoting piece toward the rest position, such that the rest position is an equilibrium position of the pivoting piece.

According to one aspect, the second end of the pressurized cylinder assembly is engaged with the nose of the pivoting piece, and the pressurized cylinder assembly is configured to exert the torque on the pivoting piece by exerting a pushing force on the nose of the pivoting piece.

According to another aspect, the second end of the pressurized cylinder assembly is engaged with the main body portion of the pivoting piece below the pivot connection, and the pressurized cylinder assembly is configured to exert the torque on the pivoting piece by exerting a pulling force on the main body portion of the pivoting piece.

According to a further aspect, the pivoting piece further includes a roller rotatably connected to the engagement part within the notch, and the roller is configured and positioned to support the weighted article when the weighted article is received in the notch, such that the weighted article rests on the roller.

According to yet another aspect, the pivoting piece further includes a frame formed of a polymer material and defining portions of the main body portion, the nose, and the engagement part, including the leg and the protrusion, where the frame has a first recess and a second recess on opposite sides of the frame, a first side plate formed of a metallic material, the first side plate received in the first recess and extending into the main body portion, the nose, and the engagement part, including the leg and the protrusion, and a second side plate formed of the metallic material, the second side plate received in the second recess and extending into the main body portion, the nose, and the engagement part, including the leg and the protrusion. In this configuration, the frame separates the first side plate from the second side plate. The frame further includes a first lip extending outwardly around at least a portion of a periphery of the first recess, and a second lip extending outwardly around at least a portion of a periphery of the second recess, such that the first lip extends around at least a portion of a periphery of the first side plate, and the second lip extends around at least a portion of a periphery of the second side plate.

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.

Referring to, a monolift assemblyis shown, which is configured for connection to a vertically extending postof a weightlifting assembly, as shown in. The monolift assemblyis configured to be removably attached to postas described in greater detail below. A pair of monolift assembliesmay be used, in one example, to support a weighted article such as a barbell for weightlifting exercises as described in greater detail below.

An example of a postto which the monolift assemblymay be configured for connection is illustrated schematically in. The postin this configuration is a hollow square or rectangular bar (e.g., 3×3 inches or 4×3 inches) formed of a front wall, a pair of opposed sidewalls, and a rear wall, surrounding and defining an interior cavity. The postmay include a plurality of post aperturesformed in one or more of the front wall, the sidewalls, and the rear wall.shows post aperturesformed in one of the sidewalls, with the understanding that the opposing sidewallhas corresponding aligned post apertures. The front walland the rear wallalso contain aligned post apertures. The post aperturesinare all circular, but in certain embodiments, some of the post aperturesmay be keyhole shaped. The postmay be formed of metal, such as steel, for example, but other suitable materials for the postmay be used, as recognized by those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.

The monolift assemblyin the embodiment ofand the monolift assemblyin the embodiment ofeach includes a carriage assembly, a pivoting weight support or pivoting piecepivotally secured to the carriage assembly, and a gas cylinder assemblyconnected to the carriage assemblyand the pivoting pieceand configured to apply a force to cause pivoting of the pivoting piece. Unless otherwise noted herein, the carriage assemblyand the pivoting piecemay be at least partially formed of metal, such as steel, but other suitable materials may be used, as recognized by those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. The pivoting pieceis configured to pivot between a rest position, as shown inand, and a supporting position, as shown in. The rest position is the equilibrium position of the pivoting piece, and the gas cylinder assemblyexerts a force and/or torque on the pivoting pieceto bias the pivoting piecetoward the rest position. When a weighted article is engaged with the pivoting piece, the force and/or torque exerted by the weighted article exceeds the force and/or torque exerted by the gas cylinder assembly, such that the pivoting piece pivots to the support position. It is understood that the monolift assemblymay have stop structures and other motion limiting structures to limit the range of motion of the pivoting piece. It is also understood that while a gas cylinder assembly(e.g., a pneumatic cylinder) is disclosed as an example herein, other types of pressurized cylinders that rely on fluid pressure to exert an inward (pulling) or outward (pushing) force can be used.

The carriage assemblygenerally includes a mounting portionconfigured for mounting to the postand a supporting legextending outward from the mounting portionfor connection to the pivoting piece. The carriage assemblymay include a first carriage plateand a second carriage platespaced from first carriage plate. Each of the first and second carriage plates,includes an arm portionthat forms part of the mounting portionand a leg portionextending forward from the arm portionto form part of the supporting leg. The arm portionsof the first and second carriage plates,are offset from each other laterally, such that each of the first and second carriage plates,are bent or angled inwardly with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the monolift assemblybetween the arm portionand the leg portion. Each of the arm portionsincludes a mounting hole, such that the mounting holes of the first and second carriage plates,are aligned with each other. In another embodiment, the leg portionsof the first and/or second carriage plates,may include a key slot (not shown) for receiving a key to lock the pivoting piecein position. The pivoting piecein such a configuration would also include a key slot to receive the key. An example of such a key locking arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023/0099317, filed Sep. 28, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The first and/or second carriage plates,may also include a key storage slot, as also described in US 2023/0099317.

The carriage assemblymay also include a connecting platethat extends laterally between the first and second carriage plates,and is fixedly connected to the first and second carriage plates,. The connecting platein the embodiment ofis formed as an inverted L-shaped plate with a vertical portionand a horizontal portion. The vertical portionextends between the two arm portionsof the first and second carriage plates,at the mounting portionto form a front wall of a channelconfigured to receive the post. The horizontal portionextends between the two leg portionsof the first and second carriage plates,to form a top surfaceof the carriage assembly. It is understood that the vertical portionand the horizontal portionmay be formed by two or more separate plates in another embodiment, e.g., the vertical portionbeing formed of a vertical plate and the horizontal portionbeing formed of a horizontal plate. The vertical portionalso has a rectangular slotat the bottom thereof, which may receive a portion of the pivoting pieceas described herein.

The mounting portionin the embodiment ofincludes a channeldefined by the two arm portionsof the first and second carriage plates,and the vertical portionof the connecting plate. The channelin this configuration is generally C-shaped. Protective plates or padsare connected to the inner surfaces of the arm portionsand the vertical portionto cover the surfaces of the channel. The protective platesmay be formed of a tough and resilient polymer material, such as a hard plastic or composite material, e.g., a molded plastic piece, to protect both the postand the surfaces of the carriage assemblyfrom damage. The mounting holeson the arm portionsalso extend through the corresponding protective plates. In this configuration, the monolift assemblyis mounted on the postby first engaging the mounting portionwith the postsuch that the postis received in the channel. In this position, a pin or other connector (not shown) is inserted through the mounting holesand a pair of post aperturesin the sidewallsof the post, which are aligned with the mounting holes. The mounting portionmay include additional mounting holesin one embodiment, such as a pair of longitudinally aligned mounting holesin each arm portionthat are spaced vertically from each other and spaced such that connectors can be received through both pairs of mounting holesand through two separate pairs of post aperturessimultaneously. In the position shown in, the front wallof the postengages the vertical portionof the connecting plate(or the protective platefixed thereon). It is understood that the front wall, the sidewalls, and the rear wallof the postare defined relative to the position of the monolift assembly, and that the definitions of these walls of the postmay change if the position of the monolift assemblyis changed.

The mounting portionin other embodiments may have a different configuration. For example, in one embodiment, the mounting portionmay use a fixed pin and cup arrangement, such as in a “J-cup” configuration as is known in the art. In another embodiment, the mounting portionmay incorporate rollers to allow the monolift assembly to be translated up and down along the post. An example of such a configuration is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,173,337, filed Mar. 6, 2019, and issued on Nov. 16, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Other mounting configurations may be used in other embodiments.

The supporting legextends forward from the mounting portionand supports the pivoting pieceat a pivot connectionformed by a pivot pinthat extends through the pivoting piece. A portion of the pivoting pieceis received between the leg portionsof the first and second carriage plates,. The horizontal portionof the connecting platealso forms a portion of the supporting legand terminates short of the distal ends of the leg portionsof the first and second carriage plates,, to provide room for the pivoting pieceto pivot above the top surfaceof the carriage assembly. The supporting leghas openingsin both of the carriage plates,for receiving the pivot pintherethrough.

The pivoting piecemay include a main body portionthat is pivotably connected to the carriage assemblyand an engagement partconfigured for engaging and supporting a weighted article such as a barbell. The engagement partis in the form of a hook that includes a legextending forward from the main body portionand a protrusionextending upwardly from the legto form a substantially J-shaped end of the pivoting piece. The main body portion, the leg, and the protrusiondefine a notchin the engagement partthat is configured to receive a barbell or other weighted article. In certain embodiments, the protrusionmay extend substantially perpendicular to the leg. The pivoting piecealso includes a nosepositioned at the opposite end of the main body portionfrom the engagement part, and extending on the opposite side of the pivot connectionfrom the engagement partand other portions of the pivoting piece. The nosemay provide some counterweight to the engagement partand the other portions of the main body pieceon the opposite side of the pivot connection, but in the embodiment of, the nosedoes not provide sufficient weight or leverage to operate as a counterweight as in some existing monolift assemblies. The pivoting piecehas a connection positioned on the noseand configured for connection to a gas cylinder assemblyas disclosed herein, which connection is formed by a pivot bracketin the embodiment of.

The pivoting pieceinincludes two side platesand a frameconnected to the two side platesand forming most or all of the outer peripheral surfaces of the pivoting piece. The side platesin this configuration are metal plates that reinforce the pivoting piece, and the side platesmay be connected by one or more additional metal pieces within the frame, as seen in. These additional metal pieces may be located at areas that benefit from increased structural reinforcement. For example, the pivoting pieceinincludes a pair of transverse plateslocated at the nose, on top and bottom sides of the pivot connection, and a hooked platelocated at and around the engagement part, which extends around all three sides (front, bottom, and rear) of the notchto reinforce the engagement part. In other words, the hooked plateextends downward along the lower end of the main body portion, forward along the leg, and upward along the protrusion. The framein this configuration is formed of a high strength plastic that protects the pivoting pieceand any components contacted by pivoting piecefrom damage, e.g., the weighted article supported by the pivoting pieceand/or the carriage assembly. The framemay be formed of multiple pieces in this configuration that are all fixed to the side platesto form the pivoting piece. The side platesand the frameboth have substantially J-shaped configurations and form portions of the main body portion(including the nose) and the engagement part(including the legand the protrusion). The side platesare exposed on the sides of the pivoting piecein this configuration, but the outer surfaces of the side platesare recessed with respect to the frame. In this configuration, the framehas recesseson opposite sides thereof, and a lipon each side of the frameextending outward around at least a portion of the periphery of the respective recess. The lipsmay extend around a majority of the periphery of the recesses, and in the embodiment ofextend around nearly the entire periphery of the recesses, including the entire peripheries of the noseand the main body portionof the pivoting piece. The side platesare received in the recessesof the frame, and the lipsextend around at least a portion of the periphery of the side plates. The lipsmay be substantially flush with the side platesin one embodiment, or the lipsmay extend outward beyond the side platesin another embodiment, such that the side platesare recessed with respect to the lips. The side plateshave openingsto receive the pivot pintherethrough at the pivot connection.

The pivoting pieceinfurther has a rollerrotatably connected to the engagement partwithin the notch, which is configured and positioned such that the weighted article rests on the rollerwhen the weighted article is received in the notchor otherwise engaged with the engagement part. The rollerinis rotatably mounted on the pivoting pieceby a boltextending through apertures,in the protrusionand the main body portion, respectively. These apertures,extend through the front and rear portions of the hooked platein the embodiment of, such that the boltengages the hooked plateto provide reinforcement to the mounting of the roller. The boltdefines an axis of rotation for rollerthat extends substantially parallel to the legand perpendicular or otherwise transverse to the surfaces of the protrusionand the main body portiondefining the notch. The boltengages the pivoting pieceby a threaded connection, as seen in. The rollerhas a contoured surface that is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation defined by bolt. The rollerin this embodiment has a circumferential recessthat is recessed radially inward from the adjacent portions of the rollerto receive a portion of the weighted article. The recesshas a smoothly curved contour. The protrusionand/or the main body portionmay engage the weighted article when received in the notchas well. Rotation of the rollerreduces friction and stress on the monolift assemblywhen moving the weighted article laterally, facilitating adjusting position of the weighted article while engaged with and supported by the pivoting piece.

In other embodiments, the pivoting piecemay be configured, in whole or in part, similarly to the pivoting pieces disclosed in previously-mentioned US 2023/0099317, which is incorporated by reference herein. For example, the pivoting piecemay have a construction as disclosed in US 2023/0099317 in one embodiment. As another example, the pivoting piecemay have a construction as disclosed herein, but with a weight support in the form of a fixed hook, such as disclosed in US 2023/0099317, rather than incorporating a roller. Other components and features of the disclosure of US 2023/0099317 may be incorporated into embodiments of the monolift assemblydisclosed herein.

The monolift assemblyofhas a gas cylinder assemblythat exerts a force on the pivoting pieceto bias the pivoting pieceto pivot so the engagement portionmoves rearwardly (counterclockwise in). The gas cylinder assemblyin this embodiment exerts a pushing force on the pivoting pieceto achieve this condition. In this embodiment, the gas cylinder assemblyhas a first endthat is connected to the carriage assemblyand a second endconnected to the pivoting piece. The second endof the gas cylinder assemblyis connected to the pivoting pieceat a point that is spaced from the pivot connectionand the pivot pin, such that the gas cylinder assemblyexerts a torque on the pivoting pieceto induce rotation about the pivot connection. The first endin the embodiment ofis a fixed end and is connected to a first bracketthat is fixed to the top surfaceof the carriage assembly. The first bracketis fixed to the horizontal portionof the connecting platein one embodiment. The second endin the embodiment ofis a moveable end that is moveable with respect to the fixed end and is connected to a second bracketthat is fixed to the noseof the main bodyof the pivoting piece. The gas cylinder assemblyexerts an outward force to push the second endaway from the first end, thereby exerting a force and a torque on the pivoting piece. In general, the second endof the gas cylinder assemblymay be fixed to the noseof the pivoting pieceor anywhere between the noseand the pivot connectionin various embodiments, in order to achieve a torque in the correct rotational direction. The connections between the first and second ends,and the first and second brackets,are pivoting connections created by a ball and socket arrangement, as seen in. The gas cylinder assemblyin this embodiment includes a pressurized gas cylinderconnected to the first endand a moveable pistonconnected to the second end. Moving the second endtoward the first endcauses the pistonto retract into the gas cylinder, such that the gas cylinderexerts an outward force on the pistonto push the pivoting piecetoward the rest position. In another embodiment, the arrangement of the gas cylinderand the pistonmay be transposed, such that the pistonis connected to the first endand the gas cylinderis connected to the second end.

When a weighted article is engaged with the engagement partof the pivoting piece, a force and a torque are exerted on the pivoting pieceto cause the pivoting pieceto pivot to the support position, where the engagement partcan more effectively support the weighted article. In the support position, shown in, the legand the rollerare both oriented approximately parallel to the ground, and the portions of the main body portionand the protrusiondefining the channelextend substantially straight upward, to provide the most secure support for the weighted article. For the pivoting pieceto pivot from the rest position to the support position, the pivoting piecepivots so the engagement portionmoves forwardly (clockwise in). It is understood that the pivoting piecewill pivot to the support position when the torque exerted by the weighted article exceeds the torque exerted by the gas cylinder assembly. When the weighted article is removed from the engagement part, the gas cylinder assemblycauses the pivoting pieceto pivot to the rest position, thereby minimizing the risk of the user inadvertently bumping into monolift assemblyduring use.

illustrate another example embodiment of a monolift assemblythat includes many components and features in common with the monolift assemblyinand functions in a somewhat similar manner. As such, the components, features, and functionality of the monolift assemblyinthat have already been described with respect to the embodiment ofmay not be fully described in detail herein, and corresponding components may not all be indicated by reference numbers in the drawing figures, for the sake of brevity and conciseness. In general, the monolift assemblyinis similar to that described previously, but uses a gas cylinder assemblythat exerts a pulling force on the pivoting piece, rather than a pushing force as in the embodiment of.

The carriage assemblyof the embodiment ofis generally similar or identical to the carriage assemblyin the embodiment ofin almost all aspects. The structures supporting the mounting configuration of the gas cylinder assemblyin the embodiment ofare different from those in the embodiment of. The carriage assemblyinhas a first bracketthat is fixed to the top surfaceof the carriage assembly, and a connecting platehaving a vertical portionand a horizontal portionthat defines the top surface. The first bracketin this embodiment is positioned farther forward than in the embodiment of, and is located at or near the front end of the horizontal portionof the connecting plate. The horizontal portionalso has an openingthat permits the gas cylinder assemblyto extend downward through the connecting plateto engage the pivoting piece. The openingin this embodiment is a semicircular-shaped hole that is cut in the horizontal portionof the connecting plate, but in another embodiment, the openingmay be differently configured, such as by having a different shape or being a complete gap within the structure of the connecting plate. Additionally, the first bracketis connected to the connecting platein this embodiment to extend across the opening, by having a portion received within the openingand engaging the connecting platewithin the opening.

Additional components in the embodiment ofare not illustrated in the drawings, but may be incorporated into this embodiment using the same or similar structures to the components of the embodiment of, or other embodiments. For example,do not illustrate any protective plates or padssurrounding the channelof the mounting portionof the carriage assemblyin. However, it is understood that the carriage assemblyofmay have protective plates or padssurrounding the channeland connected to the inner surfaces of the arm portionsand the vertical portionto cover the surfaces of the channel. Such padsmay be structured similarly to the padsillustrated inand described herein with respect to that embodiment. As another example, the carriage assemblyinis shown without a pivot pin, with the understanding that the carriage assemblyis designed to receive and use a pivot pinthat is similar or identical to the pivot pinin.

The pivoting pieceinalso has a structure that is generally similar or identical in most aspects to the pivoting piecein. In, the pivoting pieceincludes two side platesand one or more additional metal pieces connected to the side plates, including a hooked platelocated at the distal end of the engagement partaround the notch. The second bracketis connected directly to the hooked platein this configuration. The one or more additional metal pieces forming the structure of the pivoting piecein the embodiment ofmay also include a pair of transverse plateslocated at the nose, on top and bottom sides of the pivot connection, as similarly shown in. The pivoting piecein this embodiment also includes a frame similar to the frameof, connected to the two side platesand forming most or all of the outer peripheral surfaces of the pivoting piece, but the frame is not illustrated into show additional detail of the pivoting piece. Nevertheless, it is noted that, in this embodiment, the frame has an opening (not shown) on the rear side of the main body portionto permit the gas cylinder assemblyto extend through the frame to engage the hooked plate. In another embodiment, the gas cylinder assemblymay engage a different portion of the pivoting piece, and the frame may be differently configured.

The gas cylinder assemblyin the embodiment ofis configured such that the gas cylinder assemblyexerts a pulling force on the pivoting piece. Accordingly, the positions of the first endand the second endof the gas cylinder assembly, as well as their connections to the carriage assemblyand the pivoting piece, are arranged differently from the embodiment of.

The first endof the gas cylinder assemblyin the embodiment ofis a fixed end and is connected to the first bracket, which is fixed to the top surfaceof the carriage assembly. The first bracketis fixed to the horizontal portionof the connecting platein one embodiment. The second endof the gas cylinder assemblyin the embodiment ofis a moveable end that is moveable with respect to the fixed end and is connected to a second bracketthat is fixed to the main bodyof the pivoting pieceproximate the engagement part. In the embodiment of, the second endof the gas cylinder assemblyis fixed directly to the hooked plate, but the second endmay be fixed to other portions of the pivoting piecein other embodiments. The gas cylinder assemblyexerts an inward force to pull the second endtoward the first end, thereby exerting a force and a torque on the pivoting piece. In general, the second endof the gas cylinder assemblymay be fixed to the engagement partof the pivoting pieceor anywhere between the engagement partand the pivot connectionin various embodiments, in order to achieve a torque in the correct rotational direction. The connections between the first and second ends,and the first and second brackets,are pivoting connections created by a ball and socket arrangement, as seen in. The gas cylinder assemblyin this embodiment includes a pressurized gas cylinderconnected to the first endand a moveable pistonconnected to the second end. Moving the second endaway from the first endcauses the pistonto extend out of the gas cylinder, such that the gas cylinderexerts an inward force on the pistonto pull the pivoting piecetoward the rest position. In another embodiment, the arrangement of the gas cylinderand the pistonmay be transposed, such that the pistonis connected to the first endand the gas cylinderis connected to the second end.

When a weighted article is engaged with the engagement partof the pivoting piece, a force and a torque are exerted on the pivoting pieceto cause the pivoting pieceto pivot to the support position, where the engagement partcan more effectively support the weighted article. In the support position, shown in, the legand the rollerare both oriented approximately parallel to the ground, and the portions of the main body portionand the protrusiondefining the channelextend substantially straight upward, to provide the most secure support for the weighted article. For the pivoting pieceto pivot from the rest position to the support position, the pivoting piecepivots so the engagement portionmoves forwardly (clockwise in). It is understood that the pivoting piecewill pivot to the support position when the torque exerted by the weighted article exceeds the torque exerted by the gas cylinder assembly. When the weighted article is removed from the engagement part, the gas cylinder assemblycauses the pivoting pieceto pivot to the rest position, thereby minimizing the risk of the user inadvertently bumping into monolift assemblyduring use.

Various embodiments of monolift assemblies have been described herein, which include various components and features. In other embodiments, the monolift assemblies may be provided with any combination of such components and features. It is also understood that in other embodiments, the various devices, components, and features of the monolift assemblies described herein may be constructed with similar structural and functional elements having different configurations, including different ornamental appearances.

The monolift assemblyas disclosed herein provides benefits and advantages over existing monolift assemblies and similar articles for use in weightlifting. For example, the use of a gas cylinder to provide the force and torque to return the pivoting piece to the rest position avoids the need for a counterweight to achieve rotation back to the rest position. This provides increased safety and comfort in use, as such counterweights may project forward a significant distance, where they may be impacted by the user and cause injury or disruption of the weightlifting exercise. This also can reduce the overall weight of the monolift assembly. As another example, the mounting structure for the gas cylinder assemblyprovides a simple, effective, and durable configuration. As a further example, the structure of the pivoting pieceprovides a strong and durable construction that is efficient to manufacture and assemble. Still other benefits and advantages are recognizable by those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

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 terms “approximately” or “substantially” as used herein implies a variation of up to 10% of the nominal value or property 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.