Lifting Assistance Device For Exercise Bars

Abstract

An apparatus for mounting to an exercise rack for vertically moving an exercise bar from a first location to a second location, which includes a lift bar, a lift cable connected to the lift bar, a cable retractor and retractor controls. The lift bar includes an elongate spacer having left and right end sections and a lift hook mounted proximate each of the end sections. The lift hooks releaseably engage the exercise bar. The lift bar then supports the exercise bar while it is moved from the first location to the second location and is then disconnected from the exercise bar. The cable retractor is connected to the cable and moves the cable to cause the lift bar to be moved between the first and second locations. The retractor controls are electrically connected to the cable retractor and are used by a user for controlling the operation of the retractor.

Description

FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of exercise devices. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a lifting assistance device for use in connection with exercise bars, such as a barbell.

BACKGROUND

[0002] With initial reference to FIG. 1, there is provided an example of a typical exercise rack 100. An exercise bar B, such as a barbell, provided with or without weights W may be placed onto the exercise rack 100. The exercise rack 100 includes left and right spaced apart vertical posts 102, 104, pairs of mounting locations 106 provided along the length of the vertical posts, and left and right bar catches 108, 110 configured to be mounted to the vertical posts at the various mounting locations. The bar B can be placed into and supported by bar catches 108, 110 at any desired height as long as there is a mounting location 106 at the selected height. The mounting locations 106 in the left vertical post 102 are at equivalent distances away from the floor surface as the mounting location in the right vertical post 104. This ensures that that the bar B is horizontal when it is placed into the bar catches 108, 110. Maintaining the bar B in a horizontal orientation assists in ensuring that the weights W do not slide off of the bar, which could be a safety hazard.

[0003] The rack 10 may be used for a variety of exercises. Depending on the exercise, the height of the bar B may need to be adjusted. For example, the exercise bar B may be placed at a low position L in the rack 100, with respect to the floor surface, and used for bench press exercises. At other times, the exercise bar B may be placed at a higher position H in the rack 100, with respect to the floor surface, and used for squats or overhead press exercises. In addition to transitioning from one type of exercise to another, another reason that the bar B might be moved from a first position, such as a low position L, to a second position, such as a higher position H, is to accommodate multiple users of the rack 100 that are of varying heights.

[0004] To move the bar B from one height to another height, the bar B is first placed into bar catches 108, 110. Any weights W located on the bar B are then removed. The bar B is then removed from the bar catches 108, 110, and then the bar catches are moved from one height (e.g., low L) to another height (e.g., high H). Then the bar B is placed back into the bar catches 108, 110 and the weights W are then loaded back onto the bar. Carrying out this process can be repetitive and time consuming. Adjusting the height of the bar catches 108, 110 without first unloading the bar B may be possible. However, there is a likelihood of someone becoming seriously injured due to the heavy weight of the bar.

[0005] What is needed, therefore, is an apparatus for quickly and safely repositioning an exercise bar, particularly a bar loaded with weight, in an exercise rack from one height to another height.

SUMMARY

[0006] The above and other needs are met by a lifting assistance apparatus configured for mounting to an exercise rack for use in vertically moving an exercise bar from a first selected location to a second selected location. In a first major embodiment, the apparatus includes a lift bar, a lift cable mounted to the lift bar, a cable retractor and retractor controls. The lift bar is connected to the exercise bar, supports the exercise bar while it is moved from the first location to the second location, and is then disconnected from the exercise bar. The lift bar includes an elongate spacer having left and right end sections and a lift hook mounted proximate each of the end sections. In some cases, the lift cable is connected to the lift bar via the lift hook. In other cases, the cable is connected to the lift bar via the elongate spacer. The lift hooks are each configured for releasable engagement with the exercise bar so that the lift bar may be easily connected and disconnected from the exercise bar. The cable retractor is connected to the cable and moves the cable to cause the lift bar to be moved between the first and second locations. The retractor controls are electrically connected to the cable retractor and are used by a user for controlling the operation of the retractor.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the apparatus also includes a base member that is removably mounted to a portion of the exercise rack. The cable retractor is fixedly mounted to the base member. The base member includes a base member having left and right end sections and vertical members mounted proximate each of the end sections. The cable retractor is mounted to the base member. The vertical members are configured to mount to the exercise rack. In certain embodiments, the vertical members are configured for removable insertion into hollow internal areas of left and right vertical posts of the exercise rack. The top of each of the vertical posts have openings that enable access to the hollow internal areas. The vertical members are inserted into the vertical posts via these openings and are secured in the hollow internal areas. Once vertical members have been inserted into the vertical posts, the base member extends between the vertical posts. In another embodiment, the vertical members are configured for bolt-on attachment to the outer surface of the left and right vertical posts of the exercise rack. Once the vertical members have been bolted onto the vertical posts, the base member extends between the vertical posts.

[0008] The apparatus may also include a pulley for redirecting the lift cable. The pulley is located along the length of the cable between the cable retractor and the lift bar. In certain cases where the apparatus includes a pulley, the apparatus may also include first and second base members that are separately and removably mounted to portions of the exercise rack. The cable retractor is fixedly mounted to the first base member and the pulley is mounted to the second base member. In this way, the cable extends from the cable retractor located on the first base member, over the pulley located on the second base member and then to the lift bar.

[0009] In certain cases, each of the lift hooks is a J-shaped hook. The hook has a connection end that is rotatably connected to the elongate spacer. The hook also has a hook end that includes a hook section configured to support the exercise bar and a lower surface configured to contact the exercise bar as the lift hook is lowered. The lower surface is angled such that the lift hook rotates in a first direction when the lower surface contacts the exercise bar. The lift hook then rotates in a second direction after the lift hook is lowered below the exercise bar such that the hook section is located directly below the bar. The apparatus may further include hook positioners fixedly mounted to the elongate spacer adjacent each side of the lift hooks. The hook positioners position the lift hook at a desired location along the length of the elongate spacer and to prevent the lift hook from moving from the desired location. In some cases, the hook positioner is a collar that substantially encircles the elongate spacer. The collar is frictionally fixed at the selected location by a set screw that is passes through the collar and that contacts an outer surface of the elongate spacer.

[0010] The cable retractor may include a drum for taking up and letting out the cable when the drum is rotated, a connector shaft connected to the drum that rotates when the drum is rotated, and a motor for turning the connector shaft to cause the drum to rotate in order to take up or let out the cable for moving the lift bar in a first or second direction.

[0011] In some cases, the lift cable includes a left lift cable connected to the lift hook located at the left end of the elongate spacer and a right lift cable connected to the lift cable located at the right end of the elongate spacer. Both the left and right lift cables are connected to the cable retractor. The cable retractor may include a left drum for taking up and letting out the left cable, a right drum for taking up and letting out the right cable, a left connector shaft connected between the left drum and a motor, and a right connector shaft connected between the right drum and the motor. In that case, the motor turns both of the connectors and drums in order to take up or let out the cable for moving the lift bar in a first or second direction while maintaining the lift bar a horizontal orientation.

[0012] In a second major embodiment, the apparatus includes generally an exercise rack and an exercise bar lifter mounted to the rack. The exercise rack includes left and right spaced apart vertical posts, pairs of mounting locations provided along the length of the vertical posts, bar catches configured to be mounted to the vertical posts at the mounting locations and configured to provide vertical support for an exercise bar.

[0013] The exercise bar lifter may be connected to an exercise bar for vertically moving the exercise bar from a first selected location on the rack to a second selected location on the rack while the left and right bar catches are moved from the first location to the second location. The lift then places the exercise bar onto the repositioned bar catches and is disconnected from the exercise bar. The lifter includes a lift bar, a lift cable mounted to the lift bar, a cable retractor and retractor controls. The lift bar is connected to the exercise bar, supports the exercise bar while it is moved from the first location to the second location, and is then disconnected from the exercise bar. The lift bar includes an elongate spacer having left and right end sections and a lift hook mounted proximate each of the end sections. The lift hooks are each configured for releasable engagement with the exercise bar so that the lift bar may be easily connected and disconnected from the exercise bar. The cable retractor is connected to the cable and moves the cable to cause the lift bar to be moved between the first and second locations. The retractor controls are electrically connected to the cable retractor and are used by a user for controlling the operation of the retractor.

[0014] In some cases, the retractor controls are integrated into a vertical post of the rack. The rack may include one or more limit switches for deactivating the cable retractor once the exercise bar contacts any one of the switches in order to limit the range of movement of the exercise bar. The apparatus may also include a pulley for redirecting the lift cable, which pulley is located along the length of the cable between the cable retractor and the lift bar. In certain cases, the rack includes a front set of left and right vertical posts and rear set of left and right vertical posts. The cable retractor is mounted to the rear set of posts and the pulley is mounted to the front set of posts. Lastly, a constraint bar may be mounted to at least a portion of each of the left and right vertical posts of an exercise rack. The spacer bar is sufficiently wide enough such that the left and right end sections contact the constraint bars such that the spacer bar is prevented from swinging beyond the constraint bar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Further advantages of the disclosure are apparent by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a traditional exercise rack and weight bar with weights;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of an exercise rack with a bolt-on retrofit top-mounted lifting assistance apparatus having a single cable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of an exercise rack equipped with an insertable retrofit top-mounted lifting assistance apparatus having dual cables according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the exercise rack and lifting assistance apparatus shown along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a modified version of sectional view of FIG. 4 where components of the lifting assistance apparatus are mounted to front and back vertical posts of the exercise rack;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the rear base member having a motor and two drums shown in FIG. 5;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the front base member having two pulleys shown in FIG. 5;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of an exercise rack with an integrated bottom-mounted lifting assistance apparatus having dual cables according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a constraint bar mounted to a portion of a vertical post of an exercise rack for preventing a spacer bar of a lifting assistance device from swinging beyond the constraint bar; and

[0025] FIGS. 10-13 show a progression of a rotatable lift bar being mounted to a weight bar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] With reference now to FIG. 2, there is provided a lifting assistance apparatus 200 mounted onto an exercise rack 100 that may be used for vertically moving an exercise bar B (which may include weights W) from a first selected location L to a second selected location H, and vice versa. The lifting assistance apparatus 200 includes a lift bar 202 that supports the exercise bar B while it is moved from the first location to the second location. After the bar B has been moved to the second selected location, the lift bar 202 is disconnected from the exercise bar B and moved out of the way to allow users to perform exercises within the exercise area of the rack 100.

[0027] The lift bar 202 includes an elongate spacer 204 having a left end section and a right end section. Lift hooks 206 are mounted proximate each of the end sections and are configured for releasable engagement with the exercise bar B. The lift hooks 206 are spread apart from one another in order to securely hold the exercise bar B. Positioning the lift hooks 206 too closely together could result in an unsafe situation where the exercise bar B could potentially tip and fall. In this regard, there are at least two advantages to mounting the lift hooks 206 to the rigid elongate spacer 204. First, the elongate spacer 204 correctly spaces the lift hooks 206 apart from one another, which helps in avoiding the risk of the exercise bar B tipping over one hook or the other. In contrast, connecting separate hooks or other mounting devices without a spacer could result in a spacing that is too narrow. That spacing combined with the rigidity of the spacer 204 also provide for a balanced and stable lifting process that occurs without swaying the exercise bar B.

[0028] Preferably the lift hooks 206 rotate freely about the elongate spacer 204. A washer or lubricant may be placed between each of the lift hooks 206 and the elongate spacer 204 to facilitate easier rotation. The lift hooks 206 are fixedly positioned laterally along the length of the bar. The rotation of the lift hooks 206, combined with their shape, enables the lift hook to automatically engage the exercise bar B when the it is lowered onto the exercise bar. As shown best in FIGS. 10-13, each of the lift hooks 206 is a J-shaped hook having a connection end 238 that is rotatably connected to the elongate spacer 204. The lift hooks 206 further include a hook end 240 that has a hook section 242 configured to support the exercise bar B. The hook end 240 also includes a lower surface 244 that contacts the exercise bar 202 as the lift hook 206 is lowered (FIG. 10). The lower surface 244 is angled such that the lift hook 206 rotates in a first direction away from the exercise bar B (FIG. 11) when the lower surface contacts the exercise bar. The lift hook 206 then rotates in a second direction towards the exercise bar B (FIG. 12) after the lift hook is lowered below the exercise bar. After rotating towards the exercise bar B, the lift hook 206 should be directly below the bar. Raising the lift bar 202 (FIG. 13) then causes the lift hook 206 to engage and securely hold the exercise bar within the hook section 242.

[0029] Referring again to FIG. 2, lift hooks 206 are secured to the elongate spacer 204 at the desired locations by hook positioners 244. The hook positioners 244 are fixedly mounted to the elongate spacer 204 adjacent each side of each of the lift hooks 206. Each of the hook positioners 244 is a collar that substantially encircles the elongate spacer 204 and that is frictionally or mechanically fixed at the selected location on the spacer. For example, the hook positioner 244 may be fixed at any location along the elongate spacer 204 by a set screw that is passes through the collar and that contacts an outer surface of the elongate spacer. Alternatively, the hook positioners 244 may be designed to constrict onto the elongate spacer 204 by tightening a connector mounted to the hook positioner. Alternatively, a screw or other fastener may pass through the collar and into the elongate spacer 204.

[0030] The lifting apparatus 200 also includes a lift cable 208 that is mounted to the lift bar 202. The cable 208 may be positioned at a desired location by positioners (not shown) similar to the above-mentioned hook positioners 244. The purpose of the lift cable 208 is to raise and lower the lift bar 202. Thus, the cable(s) 208 have sufficient tensile strength to safely lift and securely hold several hundred pounds. One end of the lift cable 208 is mounted in the center of the elongate spacer 204 between the lift hooks 206. The opposite end of the lift cable 208 is connected to a cable retractor 210.

[0031] The purpose of the cable retractor 210 is to move the cable 208 to cause the lift bar 202 to be raised and lowered between the first location and the second location. The cable retractor 210 includes a drum 226 for taking up and letting out the cable 208 when the drum is rotated. The retractor 210 also includes a connector shaft 228 connected to the drum 226 that rotates when the drum is rotated. A motor 230 turns the connector shaft 228 to cause the drum 226 to also rotate. A bearing 246 maintains the stability and location of the connector shaft 228.

[0032] As a result, operating the motor 230 in one direction causes the lift bar 202 to be moved in one direction and operating the motor in the opposite direction causes the lift bar to be moved in the opposite direction. This is accomplished by retractor controls 212 that are electrically connected to the cable retractor 210 and enable a user to control the operation and direction of the cable retractor. These controls 210 are handheld by a user. Preferably, the controls are accessible and used only when the user is outside of the exercise area E between the vertical posts 102, 104. For example, the controls may be located such that the user must stand to the left or right sides of the exercise rack 100 away from the immediate vicinity of the exercise bar B. Using the controls 212 outside of the exercise area E would minimize the user's risk of injury in the event of a malfunction or other unexpected danger, such as if the weighted bar B were to fall.

[0033] The distance that the exercise bar B may be raised or lowered is restricted by limit switches 234, which are intended to prevent the bar B or the lift bar 202 from being carried too high or too low. For example, without limit switches 234, raising the exercise bar B too high could result in bar being lifted over the top of the exercise rack 100. The limit switch 234 is in electrical communication with the cable retractor 210. When closed, the limit switches 234 deactivate the cable retractor 210 and, therefore, cause movement of the lift bar 208 to cease automatically. The switch 234 is operated by the motion or presence of another object. In this particular case, the limit switch 234 may be configured to be activated (closed) by either coming into contact with either or the presence of the lift bar 208 or the exercise bar B. Switches 234 are shown just at the bottom of a front-facing surface of the left and right vertical posts 102, 104. However, similar switches may be located at the top of the vertical posts 102, 104 as well. These switches 234 are operated if the weight bar B is carried either too high or too low by the lift bar 202. Additionally, as discussed below, switches 234 may be located on the inward-facing surface of the vertical posts 102, 104 as well.

[0034] In this particular embodiment, the lifting assistance apparatus 200 is a retrofit variety that may be added onto existing racks 100 that previously required exercise bars B to be raised and lowered using traditional methods. Thus, the retrofit lifting assistance apparatus 200 shown includes a base member 214 that includes left and right ends sections and that may be removably mounted to a portion of the exercise rack 100. In some cases, the horizontal base member 214 may, itself, be directly mounted to the rack 100. However, in this particular case, vertical members 216 are fixedly mounted proximate each of the left and right end sections of the base member 214 and the vertical members are mounted to the exercise rack 100. It is very common for exercise racks to have vertical support posts 102, 104 that are formed by square or rectangular tubes. This retrofit version of the apparatus 200 is designed such that the vertical members can be mounted to the outside of these posts quickly and easily. To accomplish this, connectors 218, such as threaded bolts may be passed through both the rack 100 and the vertical members 216 and fixed with nuts 220.

[0035] In use, a single user may utilize the above-described lifting assistance apparatus 200 to quickly, safely and easily move a loaded exercise bar B from one height L to another height H (or vice versa) without unloading the bar and without the assistance of any other person. To accomplish this, the loaded exercise bar B is first placed into bar catches 108, 110. Using the retractor controls 212, the user causes the retractor 210 to lower the lift cable 208 so that the lift bar 202 is lowered to the exercise bar B. The rotatable lift hooks 206 securely engage with the lift bar 202. After the lift hooks 206 are engaging the lift bar 202, the user causes the retractor to raise the lift cable 208 and, at the same time, raise the exercise bar B. If the bar B is being raised from a low first position L to higher second position H, the bar is raised higher than the desired second position. This is so that the bar B may be lowered onto the bar catches 108, 110 located at the second position. The retractor 210 securely holds the weighted exercise bar B at that height. While the bar B is being held by the lift bar 202 and cable retractor 210, the user moves both of the bar catches 108, 110 to a higher pair of mounting locations 106 located at the second selected height. The bar B is then lowered down to the repositioned bar catches 108, 110. The lift bar 202 is then disengaged from the bar B and lifted out of the way so that exercises may be performed within the rack. To lower the exercise bar B from a high first position H to a low second position L, the process is substantially the same. One main difference is that the exercise bar B is required to be only slightly lifted initially. The bar B is required to be lifted just enough that the weight of the bar is no long on the bar catches 108, 110. The bar catches 108, 110 are then repositioned and the bar B is lowered to the new lower location.

[0036] In the lifting assistance apparatus 200 described above, a single lift cable 208 and a cable retractor 210 with a single motor 230 and a single drum 226 were provided. The single lift cable 208 was attached to the middle of the elongate spacer 204. Other configurations and mounting locations for the cable retractor 210 are also possible, depending on the type of exercise rack 100, the number of cables 208, etc. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of a retrofit lifting assistance apparatus 200 having a pair of lifting cables 208 that are attached at the left and right ends of the elongate spacer 204. In particular, the cables 208 are attached to the lift hooks 206 located at the ends of the lift bar 202 instead of the elongate spacer 204. The cable retractor 210 includes a separate drum 226 for winding each of the cables 208. A single motor 230 turns both drums 226. A connector shaft 228 extends outwards from the motor 230 to turn both drums 226 at the same time. The drums 226 are turned at the same time and at the same speed in order to take up or let out the cable 208 at the same pace. This ensures that both the left and right ends of the lift bar 202 are raised and lowered at the same rate. This is done to ensure that the lift bar 202 is maintained in a horizontal orientation.

[0037] Another key difference between the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and the present embodiment is the method for removably mounting the removable assistance apparatus 200 to the rack 100. In this case, the vertical members 216 of the listing assistance apparatus 200 are sized for removable insertion into hollow internal areas 222 of the left and right vertical posts 102, 104 of the exercise rack 100. The vertical members 216 are inserted into the internal areas 222 via openings 224 (FIG. 9) located at the top of each of the vertical posts 102 104 such that the base member 214 extends between the vertical posts. Bolts 218 pass through the vertical posts 102, 104, through the vertical members 216, and out the other side of the posts. The bolts 218 are secured in place by nuts 220. Alternatively, the nuts 220 and bolts 218 may be replaced by pins that pass through the vertical members and vertical posts.

[0038] The mounting location of the cable retractor 210 may change, depending on available space, style of rack 100, user preference, etc. FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating the mounting setup of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3. The embodiment shown has just a single pair of vertical posts 102, 104. Therefore, the cable retractor 210 is located entirely on the base member 214 above this pair of posts 102, 104. With this configuration and these components, there is a risk that the cable 208 will interfere with the base member 214 if the cable retractor 210 is placed too far rearward. Therefore, at least the drum 226 is positioned forward such that the cable descends downwards clear of the base member 214.

[0039] FIG. 4 also illustrates a bar catch 110 located at a first location L low on the exercise rack 100 and also a re-positioned bar catch (shown in dashed lines) located at a second location H high on the exercise rack.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a slightly modified version of FIG. 4, where the exercise rack 100 includes front and rear vertical posts 104A, 104B. In this particular view, only the right front post 104B and right rear post 104A are shown. However, the rack would also include left front and left rear posts as well. Additionally, a front base member 214B and a rear base member 214A are shown mounted to the top of the front and rear base members 214B, 214A. The front and rear base members 214B, 214A also include vertical members 216B, 216A, as previously discussed, which are inserted into the vertical posts 104B, 104A for the purpose of removably mounting the base members to the exercise rack. The components of the cable retractor 210 are divided between the front and the rear portions of the exercise rack. The motor 230 and the drums 226 are mounted to the rear base member 214A. The cable 208 extends forwards from the drum 226 and over the front base member 214B. A pulley 236 is provided on the front base member 214B for the purpose of redirecting the cable 208 over the base member and down to the lift bar 202.

[0041] Front views of the removable front and rear sections of the lifting apparatus 200 described above are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In FIG. 6, the rear base member 214A, which is mounted to the rear of the exercise rack, is shown. The motor 230, drums 226, and bearings 246 are mounted to the top surface of the base member 214A. Vertical members extend downwards from the bottom surface of the base member 214A. Similarly, in FIG. 7, vertical members 216B extend away from the bottom surface of the base member 214B. A pair of pulleys 236 are mounted to the top surface of the base member 214B. The pulleys 236 are aligned with the drums 226 shown in FIG. 6. Additionally, the pulleys 236 are located so that the cable is redirected over the front edge of the base member to the lift bar without any interference occurring. Note that the pulley 236 may be positioned to direct the cable behind the rear edge of the base member 214B, if such a configuration were necessary. Also, the orientation may be reversed so that the motor and drums are located on the front base member 214B and the pulley is located on the rear base member 214A, if such a configuration were necessary. It is also noted that the vertical members 216A, 216B may be mounted to the rack 100 in a bolt on fashion, as demonstrated in FIG. 2, or by being inserted into vertical posts 102, 104 of the rack, as demonstrated in FIG. 3. Additionally, a different connection method for mounting the vertical members to the rack may be utilized within the same device. For example, the rear vertical members 216A may be inserted into the rack 100, as shown in FIG. 3, and the front vertical members 216B may be bolted on, as shown in FIG. 2, or vice versa.

[0042] As shown above, the lifting assistance apparatus 200 may be provided in a retrofit form that is suitable for attachment to existing exercise racks 100. The materials used, sizes, etc. may be customized to accommodate difference sized racks. Additionally, it may be provided with a single base member or with more than one base member. This would enable the option of having the cable retractor be mounted either to the front or rear portion of the rack.

[0043] A factory or pre-installed version of the lifting assistance apparatus 200 is depicted in FIG. 8. In this case, the retractor controls 212 may be integrated into the internal areas 222 of either of the vertical posts 102, 104. The cabling C running between the cable retractor 210 and the retractor controls 212 may be hidden from view within these same internal areas 222.

[0044] One notable difference shown in this embodiment is the mounting location for the cable retractor 210. In addition to mounting to the top surface of the base member 214, components of the cable retractor 210 may also be mounted on the bottom, front or rear surfaces of the base member 214. Here, the cable retractor is shown mounted to the bottom surface of a base member 214. An advantage of mounting the cable retractor 210 below the base member 214 is that the cable 208 can extend directly downwards to the lift bar 202 without any portion of the rack 100 or the base member 214 interfering with its travel path. Another difference is the placement of the limit switches 236. In this case, the switches 236 have been placed on an inward-facing surface of the left and right vertical posts 102, 104. The switches 234 are operated by coming into contact with the lift bar 202. A final difference is the configuration of the motor 230 and drums 226 of the cable retractor 210. In this case, two connector shafts 226 are utilized that extend outwards in both directions away from the motor 230 and are connected to the drums 226. In some cases, it might be advantageous to use a separate motor 230 for turning each set of drums 226 and connector shafts 228 independently from one another.

[0045] A final optional feature illustrated in FIG. 9 is a constraint bar 248 that is used for limiting the motion of the lift bar 202 as it is raised and lowered. The constraint bar 248 is mounted to at least one of the left and right vertical posts 102, 104 (FIG. 1) of the exercise rack 100 or a portion thereof. The constraint bar 248 and the elongate spacer 204 are sized so that at least one end of the spacer contacts the constraint bar. In the version shown, the constraint bar 248 is located at the front edge of the vertical post 102 and the elongate spacer 204 extends beyond the constraint bar. As such, the elongate spacer 204 would be prevented from swinging past the front edge of the vertical past 102.

[0046] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A lifting assistance apparatus configured for mounting to an exercise rack for use in vertically moving an exercise bar from a first selected location to a second selected location, the apparatus comprising: a lift bar for supporting the exercise bar while it is moved from the first location to the second location and then being disconnected from the exercise bar, the lift bar having: an elongate spacer having left and right end sections; and a lift hook mounted proximate each of the end sections configured for releasable engagement with the exercise bar; a lift cable mounted to the lift bar; a cable retractor connected to the cable and configured to move the cable to cause the lift bar to be moved between the first and second locations; and retractor controls electrically connected to the cable retractor for controlling the operation of the retractor.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a base member that includes left and right end sections and that may be removably mounted to a portion of the exercise rack, wherein the cable retractor is fixedly mounted to the base member.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising vertical members mounted proximate each of the left and right end sections and that are configured to mount to the exercise rack.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the vertical members are configured for removable insertion into hollow internal areas of left and right vertical posts of the exercise rack via openings located in tops of the posts such that the base member extends between the vertical posts.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the vertical members are configured for bolt-on attachment to left and right vertical posts of the exercise rack such that the base member extends between the vertical posts.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pulley for redirecting the lift cable disposed along the length of the cable between the cable retractor and the lift bar.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising first and second base members that may be separately and removably mounted to portions of the exercise rack, wherein the cable retractor is fixedly mounted to the first base member and wherein the pulley is mounted to the second base member such that the cable extends from the cable retractor located on the first base member, over the pulley located on the second base member and then to the lift bar.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the lift hooks is a J-shaped hook having a connection end that is rotatably connected to the elongate spacer and a hook end having a hook section configured to support the exercise bar and having a lower surface configured to contact the exercise bar as the lift hook is lowered, wherein the lower surface is angled such that the lift hook rotates in a first direction when the lower surface contacts the exercise bar and the lift hook rotates in a second direction after the lift hook is lowered below the exercise bar such that the hook section is located directly below the bar.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising hook positioners fixedly mounted to the elongate spacer adjacent each side of the lift hooks, the hook positioners configured to position the lift hook at a desired location along the length of the elongate spacer and to prevent the lift hook from moving from the desired location.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the hook positioner is a collar that substantially encircles the elongate spacer and that is operable to be frictionally fixed at the selected location by a set screw that is passes through the collar and that contacts an outer surface of the elongate spacer.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cable retractor comprises: a drum for taking up and letting out the cable when the drum is rotated; a connector shaft connected to the drum that rotates when the drum is rotated; and a motor for turning the connector shaft to cause the drum to rotate in order to take up or let out the cable for moving the lift bar in a first or second direction.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lift cable comprises a left lift cable connected to the lift hook located at the left end of the elongate spacer, a right lift cable connected to the lift cable located at the right end of the elongate spacer, and wherein both the left and right lift cables are connected to the cable retractor.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the cable retractor comprises a left drum for taking up and letting out the left cable; a right drum for taking up and letting out the right cable; a left connector shaft connected between the left drum and a motor; and a right connector shaft connected between the right drum and the motor, wherein the motor turns both of the connectors and drums in order to take up or let out the cable for moving the lift bar in a first or second direction while maintaining a horizontal orientation.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lift cable is connected to the lift bar via the lift hook.

15. An exercise apparatus comprising: a rack having: left and right spaced apart vertical posts; pairs of mounting locations provided along the length of the vertical posts; left and right exercise bar catches configured to be mounted to the vertical posts via the mounting locations and configured to provide vertical support for an exercise bar; an exercise bar lifter mounted to the rack for use in connecting to an exercise bar, vertically moving the exercise bar from a first selected location on the rack to a second selected location on the rack while the left and right bar catches are moved from the first location to the second location, placing the exercise bar onto the repositioned bar catches and then disconnecting from the exercise bar, the lifter comprising: a lift bar having: an elongate spacer having left and right end sections; and a lift hook mounted proximate each of the end sections configured for releasable engagement with the exercise bar; a lift cable mounted to the lift bar; a cable retractor connected to the cable and configured to move the cable to cause the lift bar to be moved between the first and second locations; and retractor controls electrically connected to the cable retractor for controlling the operation of the retractor.

16. The exercise apparatus of claim 15 wherein the retractor controls are integrated into a vertical post of the rack.

17. The exercise apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a limit switch for deactivating the cable retractor once the exercise bar contacts the switch in order to limit the range of movement of the exercise bar.

18. The exercise apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a pulley for redirecting the lift cable disposed along the length of the cable between the cable retractor and the lift bar.

19. The exercise apparatus of claim 18 further wherein the rack comprises a front set of left and right vertical posts and rear set of left and right vertical posts and wherein the cable retractor is mounted to the rear set of posts and the pulley is mounted to the front set of posts.

20. The exercise apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a constraint bar mounted to at least a portion of each of the left and right vertical posts of an exercise rack, wherein the spacer bar is sufficiently wide enough such that the left and right end sections contact the constraint bars such that the spacer bar is prevented from swinging beyond the constraint bar.