Weight lifting spotting device

Abstract

A portable self spotting weight lifting safety apparatus comprising uprights positioned on either side of a weight lifting bench. Barbell support arms extending from the uprights and into the pathway of barbells. Rotating screws located in the uprights raise and lower the support arms. When assistance is necessary, the exerciser presses a foot actuated switch which in turn operates a motor to rotate the screws to raise the support arms.

1 . An self-spotting apparatus for supporting a barbell above a weight lifting bench comprising: 
 first and second uprights positionable on opposite sides of a weight lifting bench;    each of said uprights having a vertically adjustable barbell support, said barbell supports having a raised position and a lowered position;    means to move said barbell supports in between said raised and lowered position;    said means to move said barbell supports comprising a screw positioned within said uprights;    a motor constructed and arranged to rotate said screws upon activation of said motor;    said means to move said barbell supports is actuatable by a user.    
   
   
       2 . The self-spotting apparatus of  claim 1  wherein means are provided for translating rotary motion of one of said screws to the other said screw.  
   
   
       3 . The self-spotting apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said means for translating rotary motion comprises a shaft and bevel gears connecting said shaft and said screws.  
   
   
       4 . The self-spotting device of  claim 2  wherein said means for translating rotary motion comprises sprockets positioned on said screws and a chain connecting said sprockets.  
   
   
       5 . The self-spotting device of  claim 1  wherein base members are connected to the lowermost portions of said uprights.  
   
   
       6 . The self-spotting device of  claim 5  wherein said base members have wheels mounted thereon to support said device.  
   
   
       7 . The self-spotting device of  claim 6  wherein said wheel are retractable up and into said base members.  
   
   
       8 . An self-spotting apparatus for supporting a barbell above a weight lifting bench comprising: 
 first and second uprights positionable on opposite sides of a weight lifting bench;    each of said uprights having a vertically adjustable barbell support, said barbell supports having a raised position and a lowered position;    means to move said barbell supports in between said raised and lowered position;    said means to move said barbell supports comprising a screw positioned within said uprights;    a motor constructed and arranged to rotate said screws upon activation of said motor;    said means to move said barbell supports is actuatable by means positioned on said barbell supports.    
   
   
       9 . The self-supporting apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said means positioned on said barbell supports comprises pressure sensor switches.