Motorized weightlifting rack

Abstract

A weightlifting rack includes a tower with a pair of arms terminating in catches to support a weighted bar. An actuator powered by an electric motor is connected to the arms to adjust the vertical position of the arms to accommodate different height weightlifters. After the bar is lifted from the catches, the catches can be pivoted rearwardly out of the way while the weightlifter performs exercises.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A weightlifting rack for supporting a weighted bar, comprising:
 a base;   a pair of spaced apart arms extending from the base to support the bar; and   a powered system to move the arms upwardly and downwardly relative to the base.   
     
     
         2 . The rack of  claim 1  with the system includes a linear actuator. 
     
     
         3 . The rack of  claim 2  wherein the linear actuator is centered laterally on the base. 
     
     
         4 . The rack of  claim 2  with the system includes an electric motor operatively connected to the actuator. 
     
     
         5 . The rack of  claim 1  with the system includes a track on the base to guide movement of the arms. 
     
     
         6 . The rack of  claim 1  further comprising a suspension system to absorb shock to the powered system. 
     
     
         7 . The rack of  claim 6  wherein the suspension system includes at least one spring. 
     
     
         8 . The weightlifting rack of  claim 1  wherein the arms are connected so as to move in unison. 
     
     
         9 . The weightlifting rack of  claim 1  wherein the arms are pivotal between a first operative position and a second inoperative position. 
     
     
         10 . A method of adjusting the height of a weight lifting bar, comprising:
 setting the bar upon a pair of support arms; and then   moving the arms vertically with a powered assist to a selected height.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  with the powered assist includes a linear actuator to adjust the vertical position of the arms. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising using an electric motor to control the powered assist to raise and lower the arms. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising guiding the vertical arm movement along a track. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising absorbing shock to the power assist. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising moving the arms simultaneously with the powered assist. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising moving the arms forwardly to a use position and rearwardly to a non-use position. 
     
     
         17 . A weightlifting tower for supporting a weighted bar comprising:
 a frame having a pair of arms which are vertically adjustable along the frame and being adapted to hold the weighted bar;   a powered actuator to move the arms to a selected vertical position without removing the weighted bar.   
     
     
         18 . The weightlifting tower of  claim 17  further comprising a suspension system on the actuator to absorb shock from the weighted bar. 
     
     
         19 . The weightlifting tower of  claim 18  wherein the suspension system includes at least one spring. 
     
     
         20 . The weightlifting tower of  claim 17  wherein the powered actuator is a linear actuator. 
     
     
         21 . The weightlifting tower of  claim 17  further comprising an electric motor to extend and retract the linear actuator. 
     
     
         22 . The weightlifting tower of  claim 17  further comprising a track on the frame to guide movement of the actuator. 
     
     
         23 . The weightlifting tower of  claim 17  wherein the actuator is centered laterally on the frame. 
     
     
         24 . The weightlifting of  claim 17  wherein the actuator the arms extend forwardly from the frame and the actuator is spaced rearwardly from the arms. 
     
     
         25 . The weightlifting tower of  claim 17  wherein the actuator raises and lowers the arms together. 
     
     
         26 . The weightlifting tower of  claim 17  further comprising a handle operatively connected to the arms to extend and retract the arms between use and non-use positions, respectively.