Inclined Press

Abstract

The disclosed invention contemplates a lifting apparatus that utilizes traditional free weights which travel on an I-shaped inclined track. The overall frame of the unit is comprised of a base frame, vertical support frame, and a pair of I-shaped inclined tracks, which are sized to accommodate an athlete wishing to engage in standing upper body exercises. In particular, the I-shaped inclined track provides a path on which a weight slide housing travels via a unique roller mechanism. The invention also incorporates a pair safety stop mechanisms and pins, which allow the athlete to control the height from which the lift will begin, as well as preventing the weight bar and weight slide housing from falling below a certain predetermined point.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An inclined angle exercise machine operable from a standing position, comprising:
 a base frame;   a vertical support frame having an upper and lower end, wherein the vertical support frame is connected at its lower end to the base frame;   at least two inclined tracks, each having a first and second end, wherein the first ends are connected to the base frame and the second ends are connected to the vertical support frame, and wherein the inclined tracks share a plurality of openings correspondingly spaced along the length of each inclined track;   a footplate mounting assembly;   an angled footplate;   at least two weight slide housings having a track engaging portion and a weight bar engaging portion, wherein the track engaging portion operatively engages with the inclined tracks;   a plurality of rollers oriented within the track engaging portions of the weight slide housings which operatively engage with the inclined tracks;   at least one safety stop mechanism; and   a weight bar suitable for holding free weights.   
     
     
         2 . The inclined angle exercise machine of  claim 1  wherein:
 the footplate mounting assembly comprises two separate members, each member oriented and connected substantially parallel to the floor base frame, wherein a plurality of vertical teeth are spaced along the length of each of the horizontal members. 
 
     
     
         3 . The inclined angle exercise machine of  claim 1  wherein:
 the safety stop mechanism is connected to the inclined tracks, each having a first and second end, wherein the first ends serve as a contact face for the weight slide housing and the second ends serve to adjustably secure the safety stop mechanism as a whole to the inclined tracks. 
 
     
     
         4 . The inclined angle exercise machine of  claim 1  wherein:
 the weight bar is oriented transversely through each the weight slide housings having a first and second end with each end suitable for holding free weights.