Weightlifting Support Apparatus

Abstract

A weightlifting support apparatus comprises a frame assembly, a bench disposed thereon, a movable rack movably attached to said frame assembly, an actuation mechanism operatively coupled to said movable rack, and a control unit for selectively operating the actuation mechanism, The movable rack may support a barbell or heavy object thereon, and the actuation mechanism may impart a force on the movable rack to cause the rack to move in an upward or downward direction, thus assisting a user in lifting a barbell or heavy object when the user is incapable of lifting or moving the barbell or heavy object on his or her own. The apparatus reduces or eliminates the need for another person to standby while the user is lifting weights and improves the safety of the practice of lifting weights.

1 . A weightlifting support apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
 a frame assembly,   a bench disposed on said frame assembly,   a movable rack movably attached to said frame assembly,
 said movable rack comprising arms that extend from said frame assembly, which arms are capable of supporting a barbell or other heavy object thereon, 
   an actuation mechanism operatively coupled to said movable rack, and   a control unit for selectively operating the actuation mechanism,
 wherein said actuation mechanism may impart a force on said movable rack to cause said rack to move in an upward or downward direction while said movable rack is supporting said barbell or heavy object thereon. 
   
     
     
         2 . The support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said movable rack comprises at least one clamp and said frame assembly comprises at least one rack guide for allowing said movable attachment of said moveable rack to said frame assembly. 
     
     
         3 . The support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said movable rack comprises a pinion and said frame assembly comprises a rack for allowing movable attachment of said movable rack to said frame assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said actuation mechanism comprises a motorized hydraulic cylinder and piston. 
     
     
         5 . The support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said actuation mechanism comprises a manually-operated hydraulic cylinder and piston. 
     
     
         6 . The support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said actuation mechanism comprises a motorized slider crank. 
     
     
         7 . The support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said actuation mechanism comprises a motorized lead screw. 
     
     
         8 . The support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said frame assembly and movable rack are formed from tubular steel. 
     
     
         9 . The support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said frame assembly and movable rack are formed from tubular aluminum. 
     
     
         10 . The support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said movable rack comprises two arms, which arms are disposed on in parallel to one another and on opposite sides of said bench. 
     
     
         11 . The support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame assembly is configured to support the bench at an angle that is substantially parallel to the surface on which the support apparatus is placed. 
     
     
         12 . The support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame assembly is configured to support the bench at an angle such that the end of the bench that is proximate to the movable rack is above the end of the bench that is distal to the movable rack. 
     
     
         13 . The support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame assembly is configured to support the bench at an angle such that the end of the bench that is proximate to the movable rack is below the end of the bench that is distal to the movable rack. 
     
     
         14 . The support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame assembly is capable of adjusting the angle at which the bench is supported on said frame assembly.