Barbell Spotting Apparatus

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/425,642, filed Jan. 29, 2024, now U.S. Pat. No. 12,186,613, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/067,958, filed Dec. 19, 2022, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,883,711, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/368,177, filed Jul. 6, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,559,718, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/060,859, filed Oct. 1, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,090,523, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/887,110, filed May 29, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,881,894, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/853,973, filed May 29, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/882,486, filed Aug. 3, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/895,759, filed Sep. 4, 2019, and, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/923,683, filed Oct. 21, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The invention relates to weightlifting apparatus and in particular, a barbell spotting apparatus constructed in such a manner as to facilitate both the vertical and horizontal free movement of a loaded barbell.

The barbell-core equipment in any resistance training exercise program—has not materially evolved since its origins. Barbell training has successfully withstood the test of time despite two core shortcomings.

First, most, if not all, barbell users require a spotter for safety. This issue is of paramount concern for fitness facility operators. This is especially true for operators whose core facility is not a gym. Currently, operators of multifamily housing, hotels and office complexes face a unique challenge when offering fitness amenities to residents and guests. The need and desire to offer 24-hour gyms fully-equipped with traditional iron pumping equipment such as free-weight barbells and dumbbells is tempered by concerns of liability, noise, space, and risk of bodily injury. This results in fitness rooms becoming watered-down “workout rooms” rather than functional gyms. Prior efforts to eliminate the need for a spotter either force the user to adapt to a predetermined plane of vertical movement and/or restrict the horizontal movement because of interference from the machine itself. At present, fitness facility operators lack an apparatus which supports unencumbered traditional, free-weight training using loaded barbells.

The second core shortcoming is that the resting place of the barbell frequently differs from the starting position of the strength building motion. For example, the bench press exercise requires a loaded barbell be lifted over the lifter's head before starting the exercise. The axis of motion for the exercise is forward of the racking position. In fact, the racking position forces the lifter to place the loaded bar behind the axis of motion. This positioning of the barbell requires hyperextending the shoulders-a common source of injury, especially for older lifters. The required positioning of the barbell before beginning the exercise is more than an inconvenience. The efforts divert energy from the core movement, decrease the maximum weight that can be lifted, and increase risk of injury. Other exercises such as deadlifts require the fitness operator to purchase, store, and maintain stands to properly position a loaded barbell at the starting point of exercise motion.

There is a need in the art for a barbell spotting apparatus which addresses the shortcomings referenced above. Provided herein are embodiments of a barbell spotting apparatus having all the benefits of a free-floating, unconstrained barbell in both the horizontal and vertical axes with the safety of a dedicated spotting mechanism, while addressing safety, noise, and space concerns raised by typical barbell apparatus. The embodiments herein permit a loaded barbell to be in a starting position in line with the axis of motion of the lift to be performed.

In accordance with an embodiment, a barbell spotting apparatus permitting free-floating movement along both vertical and horizontal planes is disclosed having a frame having spaced-apart booms extending therefrom, at least one column, and two pairs of brake shoes coupled to the at least one column. In some embodiments there are two columns, with a pair of brake shoes coupled to each column. In other embodiments there may be one or more additional columns, or no columns. Each pair of brake shoes is operably coupled to a tensioning device. First and second cables are coupled at respective first ends to respective tensioning devices and routed, such as via pulleys, to depend from the respective frame booms and are coupled at respective second ends to a barbell bar. In further embodiments, cable winders may be provided, in lieu of the brake shoes, to provide braking. Also, the frame may be trestle-shaped having a spaced-apart legs supporting an upper frame.

Apparatus disclosed herein facilitate the free movement in both the vertical and horizontal planes of a suspended barbell from any frame such that the downward movement of the barbell can be attenuated or fully and immediately stopped.

The columns include tracks, which may be for example in the form of flanged edges, extending all or part of their length to engage and/or guide the brake shoes which keep the brake shoe aligned at all times. A bearing surface extending along all or a part of the column is preferably smooth to facilitate movement of the brake shoes when the brake shoes are not actuated.

In one or more embodiments the columns are tapered along all or part of their length. For example and not by way of limitation, the columns have sides sloped outward 8° from base to top end. The taper of the columns, in combination with limitations on the maximum opening of the brake shoes by virtue of the tensioning devices, creates a certain, positive stop at any point along the path of travel without the possibility of slippage along the columns. This is an improvement over the traditional “tooth and groove” apparatus which permits stopping only at distinct, discrete predefined points.

In certain other embodiments, the columns include a mechanical stop positioned to prevent the brake shoes from travelling beyond a certain height. The mechanical stop may be adjustable, such as but not limited to a series of openings at various heights through which a pin may be removably inserted. In still further embodiments, a mechanical stop may include a tapered mechanical stop column operably engaged to a further brake shoe assembly coupled to an adjustment handle. In this embodiment the tapered mechanical stop column allows the user to set the adjustable handle at any point along the path of travel. The user is not forced to select predefined, discrete points which may prove suboptimal. In the extremely unlikely event that a solenoid becomes stuck in the open, unbraked position, the mechanical stop will arrest downward movement beyond the set point selected by the user.

In certain embodiments utilizing the frame booms the aggregate weight of the column or columns may be in the range of from about 1,000-3,000 pounds. For example, in embodiments having two columns, each column may weigh from about 500 to about 1,500 pounds. In other embodiments each column weighs about 1,000 pounds. The weight and positioning of the columns in a rear portion of the frame permits the frame booms to extend well beyond the frame legs. For example, the frame booms may extend as far as three to six feet or more from the closest column. In a further embodiment the column or columns may be configured to be filled with water or sand to provide weight thereto. This allows for lighter-weight construction and transportation. With on-site filling of water or sand, the weight of the column or columns is increased to provide the desired level of counterweight.

The frame and column arrangement facilitates both the vertical and horizontal free movement of a barbell suspended from an overhead extension positioned a considerable distance from the main structure of the frame. Positioning of the column(s) provide(s) a counterweight able to withstand safe operation without anchorage to the prevailing grade. The considerable distance from the frame permits the user to interact with the barbell on both a vertical and horizontal plane in a free-floating manner without interference from the frame. The frame booms may be positioned at such height from the prevailing grade as to permit overhead movement of the loaded barbell above the user's head. Moreover, the weight of the column or columns acts as a counterweight in allowing the barbell to move forward of the frame booms, with moment generated by the weight of the barbell about the frame booms being counteracted by the weight of the columns. The unique construction of the frame permits this apparatus to provide a true free-weight experience. In addition, the unique construction avoids the need for fastening the apparatus to the ground or floor; an advantage for facilities which lease space.

Tensioning devices may be any suitable tensioning device, such as but not limited to a brake fork, friction brake, cable winder, etc.

In one embodiment the first cable may be routed from the tensioning device coupled to the brake shoe pair positioned at a front side of the frame through a series of sheaves or pulleys so that it extends from one frame boom and downward to be coupled to a barbell bar. The second cable may be routed from the second tensioning device coupled to the brake shoe pair positioned at a rear side of the frame through a series of sheaves or pulleys so that it extends from one frame boom and downward to be coupled to the barbell bar. The first and second cables are coupled to the barbell bar in a spaced-apart configuration so as not to interfere with the grip of a lifter. For example, the couplings may be located at or near the barbell collars.

Any suitable barbell such as but not limited to a conventional, unmodified Olympic or powerlifting barbell can be used in conjunction with the disclosed spotting apparatus.

The brake shoes are operably coupled to a brake actuator which may be pneumatic, hydraulic, motorized, or the like. The brake actuator may be mounted to one brake shoe of each brake shoe pair, and triggered by one or more sensors operable to detect one or more qualifying conditions, such as but not limited to: 1. a voice command; 2. a rate of descent that exceeds a predetermined downward velocity or acceleration of the barbell; 3. uneven ascent or descent of the barbell beyond a predetermined set point; 4. a time period of no movement; 5. eye or eyelid movement; 6. pressing of an emergency stop button; and, 7. detectable removal of a hand from the barbell. The brake actuator may be operably coupled to a solenoid which is coupled to one or more sensors for detecting any of the qualifying conditions.

In some embodiments the brake actuator is a pneumatic cylinder having a shaft extending therefrom and terminating in a ball transfer unit. The brake actuator is coupled to a pneumatic directional control solenoid valve. In one embodiment, the pneumatic cylinder in a resting, or unactuated, state urges the shaft against a bearing surface of the column, maintaining the pair of brake shoes in an unbraked state, disengaged from the column. In an unactuated state, the ball of the ball transfer unit permits a smooth rolling coupling between the column bearing surface and the shaft of the pneumatic cylinder. When the brake actuator is actuated, the shaft is retracted, engaging the brake shoes with the column, preventing downward movement of the barbell. This is an improvement over the traditional “tooth and groove” apparatus which permits stopping only at distinct, discrete predefined points.

One or more sensors or detectors operably coupled to the brake actuators, for example via a controller and solenoid, can be mounted to the frame in position to detect a qualifying condition requiring braking. For example, and not by way of limitation, one or more microphones may be positioned to receive a voice command or utterance. One or more eye or eyelid motion readers may be positioned on the apparatus. One or more accelerometers may be positioned to detect free-fall of one or both ends of the barbell. Cable counters may be positioned on both the left and right load bearing cables to detect an unduly rapid descent or an uneven ascent or descent as determined by a processor in evaluating the difference in readings between the left and right load bearing cables as measured by cable counters. One or more emergency stop buttons operably coupled to the brake actuators may be positioned on the frame.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical surface of the bar between the collars contains a grip sensor. Any suitable barbell grip sensor and/or sensor system may be employed, including but not limited to those disclosed in for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,537,182 and 6,749,538, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. A topcoat may be applied to the sensor material making the surface waterproof and offering very similar tactile properties to the native surface of an unmodified barbell. A particularly suitable grip sensor which utilizes a topcoat is found in co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/895,759, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. In embodiments which employ a grip sensor, the sensor is operably coupled to the solenoid as well as a visual control system.

In practice, with embodiments utilizing the brake shoes, when the apparatus is at rest, the downward force of the barbell is transmitted through the cable and pulleys, exerting a force tightening the tensioning device which in turn presses the brake shoes firmly against the column(s). The brake shoes are engaged. In the event pneumatic or hydraulic pressure or electrical power is lost, the brake shoes will engage and the downward movement of the barbell will halt.

In certain embodiments the apparatus includes cable winders which permit the barbell to be raised or lowered to a selected position. In these embodiments, with the apparatus at rest, the cable winders resist downward movement of the barbell.

In certain embodiments a barbell spotting apparatus is provided for exercise with unconstrained movement of a barbell, the barbell spotting apparatus including: a frame; a first cable guide supported by the frame to be movable in multiple axes relative thereto; a second cable guide supported by the frame to be movable in multiple axes relative thereto; a first cable connected to a first end of the barbell, the first cable being suspended from the first cable guide such that the first cable is movable in multiple axes in response to movement of the first end of the barbell; a second cable connected to a second of the barbell, the second cable being suspended from the second cable guide such that the second cable is movable in multiple axes in response to movement of the second end of the barbell; a first brake associated with the first cable, the first brake being actuatable from a rest state to a braking state, wherein, in the rest state, the first cable is extendible to allow downward movement of the barbell, and, wherein, in the braking state, the first cable is not extendible to restrict downward movement of the barbell; a second brake associated with the second cable, the second brake being actuatable from a rest state to a braking state, wherein, in the rest state, the second cable is extendible to allow downward movement of the barbell, and, wherein, in the braking state, the second cable is not extendible to restrict downward movement of the first cable; and, at least one detector configured to detect a qualifying condition during use requiring downward movement of the barbell to be restricted, wherein, upon detection of a qualifying condition, the at least one detector transmits an actuation signal to at least one of the first brake and the second brake, wherein, the first and second brakes are independently actuatable.

In certain embodiments a barbell spotting apparatus is provided for exercise with unconstrained movement of a barbell, the barbell spotting apparatus including: a frame; a first cable, suspended from the frame, connected to a first end of the barbell; a second cable, suspended from the frame, connected to a second of the barbell; a first brake associated with the first cable, the first brake being actuatable from a rest state to a braking state, wherein, in the rest state, the first cable is extendible to allow downward movement of the barbell, and, wherein, in the braking state, the first cable is not extendible to restrict downward movement of the barbell; a second brake associates with the second cable, the second brake being actuatable from a rest state to a braking state, wherein, in the rest state, the second cable is extendible to allow downward movement of the barbell, and, wherein, in the braking state, the second cable is not extendible to restrict downward movement of the first cable; and, at least one detector configured to detect a qualifying condition during use requiring movement of the barbell to be restricted, wherein, upon detection of a qualifying condition, the at least one detector transmits an actuation signal to at least one of the first brake and the second brake, wherein, with the first and second brakes being each in the rest state, the first and second cables allow the barbell to move in multiple degrees of freedom relative to the frame without contacting the frame, and, wherein, the first and second brakes are independently actuatable.

In certain embodiments a barbell spotting apparatus is provided for exercise with unconstrained movement of a barbell, the barbell spotting apparatus including: a frame having an elongated trolley support frame; a first trolley resting on the trolley support frame so as to be movable therealong; a second trolley resting on the trolley support frame so as to be movable therealong; a first cable connected to a first end of the barbell, the first cable being suspended from the first trolley; a second cable connected to a second of the barbell, the second cable being suspended from the second trolley; a first brake associated with the first cable, the first brake being actuatable from a rest state to a braking state, wherein, in the rest state, the first cable is extendible to allow downward movement of the barbell, and, wherein, in the braking state, the first cable is not extendible to restrict downward movement of the barbell; a second brake associated with the second cable, the second brake being actuatable from a rest state to a braking state, wherein, in the rest state, the second cable is extendible to allow downward movement of the barbell, and, wherein, in the braking state, the second cable is not extendible to restrict downward movement of the first cable; and, at least one detector configured to detect a qualifying condition during use requiring downward movement of the barbell to be restricted, wherein, upon detection of a qualifying condition, the at least one detector transmits an actuation signal to at least one of the first brake and the second brake, wherein, the first and second brakes are independently actuatable.

In certain embodiments a barbell spotting apparatus is provided for exercise with unconstrained movement of a barbell, the barbell spotting apparatus including: a frame including first and second overhanging booms; a first fork being pivotably mounted to the first boom; a second fork being pivotably mounted to the second boom; a first cable connected to a first end of the barbell, the first cable being suspended from the first fork; a second cable connected to a second of the barbell, the second cable being suspended from the second fork; a first brake associated with the first cable, the first brake being actuatable from a rest state to a braking state, wherein, in the rest state, the first cable is extendible to allow downward movement of the barbell, and, wherein, in the braking state, the first cable is not extendible to restrict downward movement of the barbell; a second brake associated with the second cable, the second brake being actuatable from a rest state to a braking state, wherein, in the rest state, the second cable is extendible to allow downward movement of the barbell, and, wherein, in the braking state, the second cable is not extendible to restrict downward movement of the first cable; and, at least one detector configured to detect a qualifying condition during use requiring downward movement of the barbell to be restricted, wherein, upon detection of a qualifying condition, the at least one detector transmits an actuation signal to at least one of the first brake and the second brake, wherein, the first and second brakes are independently actuatable.

In certain embodiments a barbell spotting apparatus is provided for exercise with unconstrained movement of a barbell, the barbell spotting apparatus including: a frame; a first cable connected to a first end of the barbell, the first cable being suspended from the frame; a second cable connected to a second of the barbell, the second cable being suspended from the frame; a rotatable first dual drum winch having first and second drums connected so as to rotate together, the first drum having a different diameter from the second drum, wherein the first cable is connected to the first drum; a rotatable second dual drum winch having first and second drums connected so as to rotate together, the first drum having a different diameter from the second drum, wherein the second cable is connected to the second drum; a first brake connected to the second drum of the first dual drum winch by a third cable, the first brake being actuatable from a rest state to a braking state, wherein, in the rest state, the third cable is free to move to allow the first dual drum winch to pay out the first cable to allow downward movement of the barbell, and, wherein, in the braking state, the third cable is not free to move restricting the first dual drum winch from paying out the first cable to restrict downward movement of the barbell; a second brake connected to the second drum of the second dual drum winch by a fourth cable, the second brake being actuatable from a rest state to a braking state, wherein, in the rest state, the fourth cable is free to move to allow the second dual drum winch to pay out the second cable to allow downward movement of the barbell, and, wherein, in the braking state, the fourth cable is not free to move restricting the second dual drum winch from paying out the second cable to restrict downward movement of the barbell; and, at least one detector configured to detect a qualifying condition during use requiring downward movement of the barbell to be restricted, wherein, upon detection of a qualifying condition, the at least one detector transmits an actuation signal to at least one of the first brake and the second brake, wherein, the first and second brakes are independently actuatable.

The weightlifter may interact with the barbell in the same manner as a conventional barbell. No accommodation or compromise is needed on the lifter's part. The weightlifter can perform any exercise involving vertical or horizontal movement of a conventional barbell, allowing for free movement of the barbell with multiple degrees of freedom. Exercises include but are not limited to squats, bench press, shoulder press, overhead press, leg thrusts, curls, etc. In addition, the overhead reach of the frame permits CrossFit™ exercises. The barbell is free to move both horizontally and vertically; the barbell is not affixed to a track. The barbell is suspended a substantial distance from the frame of the apparatus. This arrangement permits fluidity of movement. The machine conforms to the weightlifter, instead of the weightlifter conforming to the machine. A significant advantage is that the weightlifter starts the exercise with the loaded barbell in position to execute the productive, beneficial movement. For example, a bench presser can position themselves so that there is no need to extend the shoulders behind the head to position the weights and then begin the exercise. Similarly, the weightlifter ends the exercise at the natural conclusion of the productive movement, there is no need to re-rack the barbell or drop the loaded barbell on the floor. In addition, the apparatus of the subject invention provides for spotting for a person in a wheelchair or other disability, allowing for the barbell to be brought to a desired height for an exercise and suspension of the barbell at a height upon completion.

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the relative sizes of regions or features may be exaggerated for clarity. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another element, it can be directly coupled or connected to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly coupled” or “directly connected” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

In addition, spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the FIGs. With reference to, in accordance with an embodiment a barbell spotting apparatusis disclosed having a framehaving spaced-apart boomsandextending therefrom, columnsand, a first pair of brake shoes,coupled to columnand second pair of brakes shoes,coupled to column. One skilled in the art will recognize a single unitary column having the features of two separate columns,may be employed and still accommodate both pairs of brake shoes. Brake shoes,are coupled to a first end of tensioning device, and brake shoes,are coupled to a first end of tensioning device. Cableis coupled at a first end to tensioning deviceand routed via a series of pulleys, to depend from frame boomand coupled at a second end to a barbell barof barbell. One of the pulleysmay be located at the end of the frame boomto act as a cable guide for the cable, with the cablebeing suspended therefrom. Cableis coupled at a first end to tensioning deviceand routed via a series of pulleys to depend from frame boomand coupled at a second end to barbell bar. One of the pulleysmay be located at the end of the frame boomto act as a cable guide for the cable, with the cablebeing suspended therefrom. The cables,are coupled to the barbell barin a spaced-apart configuration so as not to interfere with the grip of a lifter. Boomsandmay be any suitable length.

Tensioning devices,as shown are in the form of a fork. Other tensioning devices such as but not limited to climbing brakes may be employed applying the same principle of operation, When the apparatus is at rest, the downward force of the barbellis transmitted through the cables,and pulleys, exerting a force tightening the tensioning devices,which in turn press the brake shoes,and,firmly against the respective columns,, preventing downward movement of the barbell. The brake shoes,and the brake shoes,are each configured as a caliper brake, configured to apply inward pressure.

The columns,are preferably identical in configuration. For purposes of brevity the following exemplary description of columnand its relationship and configuration with respect to brake shoes,applies equally to columnand its brake shoes,. With further reference to, the columnincludes flanges,, extending all or part of the length of the columnto engage and/or guide the brake shoes,which keep the brake shoes,aligned at all times. A bearing surfaceextending along all or a part of the columnis preferably smooth to facilitate movement of the brake shoes,when the brake shoes,are not actuated.

In one or more embodiments the columns,are tapered along all or part of their length. For example and not by way of limitation, the columns,have sides sloped outward 8° from base to top end. The taper of the columns,, in combination with limitations on the maximum opening of the brake shoes,,,by virtue of the tensioning devices,, creates a certain stop without the possibility of slippage along the columns,

The columns,may be made of any suitable material. Preferably, the columns,weigh several times the range of weight anticipated to be used for exercise (i.e., the weight of the barbellplus any weight (plates) mounted thereto). This allows for a counterweight effect with, not only a margin of safety, but also freedom to move ahead of the booms,, with any resulting increased moment being counteracted. In certain embodiments, and not by way of limitation, the aggregate weight of the columns,may be in the range of from about 1,000-3,000 pounds. For example, in embodiments having two columns, each column,may weigh from about 500 to about 1,500 pounds. In other embodiments each column,weighs about 1,000 pounds. In such embodiments the weight and positioning of the columns,in a rear portion of the frame permits the frame booms,to extend well beyond columns,and the rest of the supporting structures of the frame. For example, the frame booms,may extend as far as three to six feet from the closest column. The arrangement of the frameand columns,facilitates both the vertical and horizontal free movement of a barbellsuspended from an overhead extension positioned a considerable distance from the main structure of the frame. Placement of the columns,provides a counterweight able to withstand safe operation without anchorage to the prevailing grade. The considerable distance from the framepermits the user to interact with the barbellwithout interference from the frame. Moreover, the distance permits a user to face the apparatusduring lifting, allowing the user to see the apparatus and at least some of its safety features, and allowing the various sensors to detect user input as described below.

Any suitable barbellsuch as but not limited to a conventional, unmodified Olympic or powerlifting barbell can be used in conjunction with the disclosed spotting apparatus.

The apparatus may include one or more cable winders,, which may be operably coupled to a switch. The cable winders,may be for example electric, hydraulic or pneumatic motors, each having a pulley coupled to cables,, respectively. In the exemplary embodiments shown inthe cable winders are pneumatically controlled. The cable winders,may be employed to raise or lower the barbell. When the cable winders,are not engaged, for example, when the lifter is in control of the barbell, the cable winders,coast so that the cables move freely, adding de minimis resistance and providing no assistance to the lifter.

With further reference to, the brake shoes,and,are operably coupled to brake actuators,, respectively. It will be understood that although brake shoes,, actuatorand solenoid blockare not shown in, the description made in the context of brake shoes,, actuatorand solenoid blockapplies with equal force to brake shoes,actuatorand solenoid block. The brake actuators,may be pneumatic, hydraulic or motorized. The brake actuators,may be mounted to one brake shoe of each brake shoe pair, and triggered by a switch or detection by a sensor operable to detect one or more qualifying conditions, as discussed further below, such as, but not limited to, a voice command, detection of a predetermined downward velocity or acceleration of the barbell, uneven barbell movement, a time period of no movement, eye or eyelid movement, emergency stop switch, detectable removal of a hand from the barbell, or the like. With further reference to, switches/sensors may be operably coupled to a controller containing one or more processors operably coupled to a solenoid, which in turn activates the brake actuators,

In the non-limiting embodiments shown the brake actuators,are pneumatic cylinders operably coupled to solenoid blocks,, respectively. In accordance with one embodiment, electrical cablesoperably couple solenoid blocks,to a processor, which in turn may be coupled to a sensor or switch. Solenoid blocks,may be positioned in any suitable location, such as but not limited to adjacent or on one brake shoe of each pair.

The solenoid blocks,may include one or more valves for controlling flow of compressed air supplied via air lines. Suitable commercially available pneumatic cylinders include but are not limited to D-series heavy duty pneumatic cylinders from Nitra Pneumatics of Cumming, GA. The solenoid blocks,may be and/or include any suitable commercially available pneumatic control valve(s), such as but not limited to an AVS-5 series pneumatic directional control solenoid valve from Nitra Pneumatics, or the like. One skilled in the art will recognize the type of valves and solenoids employed in solenoid blocks,may depend on space considerations, load demand, etc. The solenoid blocks,are coupled via hosesto a pneumatic control boxand in some cases an electrical power source and control boxvia electrical linesto operate the valve(s) thereof.

Brake actuatorincludes a shaftextending therefrom and terminating in a ball transfer unit. In a resting, unactuated state, shaftextends from brake shoe actuator, urging a ball transfer unitagainst a bearing surfaceof the column, maintaining the pair of brake shoes,in an unbraked state, disengaged from the column. In an unactuated state, the ball of the ball transfer unitpermits a smooth rolling coupling between the column bearing surfaceand the shaft. When the brake actuatoris actuated, the shaftis retracted, engaging the brake shoes,with the column, preventing downward movement of the barbell.

The control boxes,may be any suitable control boxes, and include suitable controls. For example with reference to, in one embodiment, control boxhouses electronics including one or more processors operably coupled to sensors, switches and solenoids as described. The control boxfor example may include an IEC male chassis socket plug connector, one or more step down transformers, terminal blocks, voice control interface circuit board, host side processor, cable counter processor, accelerometer processor, camera/video interface circuit board, emergency stop processor, cable winder switch interface, etc. Power may be supplied to the control boxas well as any other components of the apparatusrequiring power by means of any suitable power source such as but not limited to a battery, AC or DC power source. The processors and circuit boards can be programmed in a variety of ways well known to those skilled in the art. For example, and not by way of limitation, one or more processors can be programmed so that if one of the sensors detects the barbellfree-falls more than a predetermined distance, such as but not limited to one foot, the brake shoes,,,are automatically engaged.

In some embodiments, control boxhouses pneumatic equipment, and may serve as a junction box for receiving supplied air and distributing it to pneumatic components. With reference to, control boxmay include a filter, regulator and valve manifold, from which plural pneumatic linesextend to various pneumatic components, such as solenoid blocksand, as well as to cable winder motorsand. With further reference to, dashed lines indicate exemplary, non-limiting pneumatic pathways. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art similar pathways and equipment may be employed for hydraulic motors. For electric motors, no supplied air or hydraulic fluid is required.

One or more sensors or detectors can be mounted to the framein position to detect conditions which trigger actuation of the brake actuators,. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, some or all of the sensors and switches disclosed herein may be powered via any suitable power source, such as but not limited to a battery, AC or DC power source. In addition, it will be recognized the sensors and switches may be coupled to a processor/control box either by wired or wireless connection. It will be further recognized that different embodiments of the apparatusmay include a variety of sensor combinations, and need not include each type of sensor. For example, and not by way of limitation, plural sensors of the same type, more than one type of sensor, only one type of sensor, etc. may be employed. In some embodiments there may be no sensors.

One or more microphones, e.g., microphones,and/or, may be positioned to receive a voice command or utterance. The processor associated with the microphones can be programmed with a “safe” word for example. When the microphone detects the safe word, the processor signals the solenoids,to actuate the brake actuators,. In the event that multiple apparatus are in use at the same venue, the processor is programmable so the fitness operator can set a unique “safe word” for each apparatus. Suitable commercially available microphones include for example a DA-350 Auto Array microphone from Andrea Electronics of Bohemia, NY. The microphone can be coupled to a signal processor such as but not limited to a DA-250Q Stereo Array Microphone Digital Signal Processor available from Andrea Electronics.

With further reference to, any suitable couplingcan be employed for coupling the cables,to the barbell bar, such as but not limited to an open swage socket, yoke or clevis coupled to a mounting plate. Suitable couplings are commercially available for example from Cleveland City Forge, Wellington, OH. In some embodiments the mounting platemay be or include a ball bearingas shown into operably engage the barbell bar. A ball bearingpermits the barbell barto rotate freely while the outer ring of the ball bearingremains static. One example of a suitable ball bearing is a stainless-steel, single-row, deep-groove ball bearing with a flanged outer ring commercially available from SKF USA Inc. of Lansdale, PA. In accordance with some embodiments, one or more microphonesmay be positioned on or near the barbell bar. For example, but not by way of limitation, a microphone hubmay include one or more microphonesand optionally one or more LED indicator(s)coupled to control boxsuch as via cable. The microphone hub, which may be any suitable material and may include a protective rubber coating, may be coupled to the mounting platesuch as by bolts, adhesive, etc. The use of a ball bearing coupled to the plateso that the barbell bar rotates freely while the outer bearing ring remains static ensures the microphonescoupled to the microphone hubwill always be positioned in a desirable location during a lifter's use of the barbell, e.g., near the head and mouth of the lifter, which is ideal for the voice control interface (VCI). The microphonesand signal processor may be as recited above. The LED indicator may be any suitable LED such as but not limited to Q-Series RGB LED indicators commercially available from APEM (www.APEM.com). The cablemay be any suitable cable operable to carry power and signals between the control boxand the microphone hub. In other embodiments, one or more microphone(s)may be positioned on either or both of cables,, directly or indirectly to plate(), the couplings(), the barbell bar(), etc. The placement of a microphone or array thereof in close proximity to the head of the weightlifter provides greater accuracy of the VCI as an input for the spotting apparatus.