Exercise Device Safety Apparatus

Abstract

A support member is connected to an exercise device, and extends upward from the connection point to a point above the exercise device. A kill switch is attached to the upper end of the support member. One or more connectors extend downward from the kill switch, and attaches to a body harness configured to be secured around a user's torso and/or other body part(s). In the event of a fall, the downward force created by the weight of the user triggers the kill switch, causing the operation of the exercise device to cease immediately. The length of the connector(s) should provide enough slack so that as the user moves, the kill switch is not falsely triggered the user's movement in performing various exercises. Likewise, the length of the connector(s) should be short enough to catch and suspend the user in the air in the event of a fall.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An exercise device safety apparatus, comprising:
 a. a support member, having a lower end and an upper end, wherein the lower end is connected to the exercise device, and wherein the upper end is positioned above the exercise device;   b. a kill switch in communication with the upper end of the support member;   c. at least one connector in communication with the kill switch, wherein the at least one connector extends downward from the kill switch; and   d. a body harness in communication with a lower end of the at least one connector, wherein the body harness is configured to be secured on a user's body.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise device safety apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a. a joiner selected from the group consisting of a clip, a hook, and a ring, configured to releasably connect an upper end of the at least one connector to the kill switch; and   b. a joiner selected from the group consisting of a clip, a hook, and a ring, configured to releasably connect the lower end of the at least one connector to the body harness.   
     
     
         3 . The exercise device safety apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body harness is a torso strap. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise device safety apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body harness is adjustable. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise device safety apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body harness is stretchable and resilient. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise device safety apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a weight sensor in communication with the kill switch, wherein the weight sensor is configured to measure an amount of downward force being exerted on the kill switch. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise device safety apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the kill switch comprises a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly communicate with the exercise device. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise device safety apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one connector is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of rope, elastic cord, and metal cable. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise device safety apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a height of the support member is adjustable.