US20160158591A1

US20160158591A1 - Weight training structures

Info

Publication number: US20160158591A1
Application number: US14/562,371
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher A. Early
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-12-05
Filing date: 2014-12-05
Publication date: 2016-06-09

Abstract

A weight training structure includes two exterior structures, a strut connected between the two exterior structures, two interior structures, and a lifting structure movably connected to the two interior structures and configured to support weight. Each exterior structure has a plurality of walls defining an internal portion. Each interior structure is positioned in the internal portion of and movably connected to one of the exterior structures. The lifting structure is movable between a raised position in which the lifting structure is not in contact with the two interior structures and a lowered position in which the lifting structure is in contact with the two interior structures forcing the two interior structures to move between an extended position and a retracted position in the internal portion of the two exterior structures. Other example embodiments of weight training structures, exterior structures, interior structures, lifting structures, etc. are also disclosed.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to weight training structures.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Weight training equipment is used by individuals for weight training. Weight training equipment typically includes various components such as a frame and a bench positioned adjacent the frame. Commonly, the frame is fixed in a particular position while the bench may be adjustable into a horizontal, an inclined, and/or a declined position.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments of weight training structures are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a weight training structure includes two exterior structures, a strut connected between the two exterior structures, two interior structures, and a lifting structure movably connected to the two interior structures and configured to support weight. Each exterior structure has a plurality of walls defining an internal portion. Each interior structure is positioned in the internal portion of and movably connected to one of the exterior structures. The lifting structure is movable between a raised position in which the lifting structure is not in contact with the two interior structures and a lowered position in which the lifting structure is in contact with the two interior structures forcing the two interior structures to move between an extended position and a retracted position in the internal portion of the two exterior structures.
In other exemplary embodiments, a weight training structure includes two exterior structures, a strut connected between the two exterior structures, two interior structures, and a lifting structure connectable to the two interior structures and configured to support weight. Each exterior structure includes a plurality of walls defining an internal portion and at least one pin extending between at least two walls of the plurality of walls. Each interior structure is positioned in the internal portion of and movably connected to one of the exterior structures. Each interior structure includes a spring configured to contact the at least one pin. The lifting structure is movable between a lowered position and a raised position forcing the two interior structures to move between a retracted position and an extended position in the internal portion of the two exterior structures.
In further exemplary embodiments, a weight training structure includes two exterior structures, a strut connected between the two exterior structures, two interior structures, at least one wheel positioned between the two exterior structures and the two interior structures, and a lifting structure connectable to the two interior structures. Each exterior structure includes a plurality of walls defining an internal portion. Each interior structure is positioned in the internal portion of and movably connected to one of the exterior structures. The lifting structure includes one or more resting pads configured to support weight. The lifting structure is movable between a lowered position and a raised position forcing the two interior structures to move between a retracted position and an extended position in the internal portion of the two exterior structures.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a portion of a weight training structure including two exterior structures and two interior structures positioned within and movably connected to the exterior structures according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the portion of the weight training structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of one exterior structure and one interior structure of FIG. 1 positioned within and movably connected to the exterior structure.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exterior structure and an interior structure separated from the exterior structure and including two adjustable pins according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the exterior structure and the interior structure of FIG. 4 where the interior structure is in its retracted position.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a lifting structure connectable to one or more interior structures of a weight training structure according to yet another example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of the lifting structure of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a safety grip of the lifting structure of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a portion of a beam including an opening for receiving a handle grip of the lifting structure of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a top view of an opening and a handle grip of the lifting structure of FIG. 6 with the handle grip rotated clockwise one hundred thirty-five degrees relative to the twelve o'clock position according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a top view of an opening and a handle grip of the lifting structure of FIG. 6 with the handle grip rotated clockwise forty-five degrees relative to the twelve o'clock position according to yet another example embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a handle grip including two pegs and a spring between the pegs according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a handle grip including a threaded end according to yet another example embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a top view of a lifting structure including one beam according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a weight training structure including the two exterior structures and the interior structures of FIG. 1 and the lifting structure of FIG. 6 according to yet another example embodiment.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a portion of a weight training structure 100 according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the weight training structure 100 includes two exterior structures 102, 104, a strut 106 connected between the two exterior structures 102, 104, and two interior structures 108, 110. The interior structures 108, 110 support a lifting structure (not shown) as further explained below. FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the exterior structure 102 of FIGS. 1 and 2.
Each exterior structure 102, 104 defines an internal portion 112, 114, respectively. For example, each exterior structure 102, 104 has four walls defining each internal portion 112, 114. Of the four walls of each exterior structure 102, 104, only two are shown in FIGS. 1-3. For example, FIGS. 1, 2, and/or 3 illustrate the walls 116, 118 of the exterior structure 102 and the walls 120, 122 of the exterior structure 104. As such, each exterior structure 102, 104 forms a rectangular (e.g., a rectangle, a square, etc.) cross-sectional shape. Alternatively, one of both exterior structures 102, 104 may include more or less walls if desired. For example, one exterior structure may include three walls (and form a triangular cross-sectional shape) and the other exterior structure may include five walls (and form a pentagonal cross-sectional shape).
Each interior structure 108, 110 is positioned in the internal portion 112, 114 of and movably connected to the exterior structures 102, 104, respectively. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the two interior structure 108, 110 move between a retracted position and an extended position in the internal portion 112, 114. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates the interior structures 108, 110 in the retracted position and FIG. 1 illustrates the interior structures 108, 110 at least partially in the extended position.
In the example embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the weight training structure 100 includes two pins 124, 126 extending between the walls 116, 118, 120, 122 of the exterior structures 102, 104, respectively. The pins 124, 126 may restrict movement of the interior structures 108, 110 when the structures 108, 110 are moved into a retracted position. Although FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate each exterior structure 102, 104 as including only one pin 124, 126, it should be apparent that one or both structures 102, 104 may include more than one pin or the like.
In some example embodiments, the pins 124, 126 are removably secured to each respective exterior structure 102, 104. For example, the pins 124, 126 may slide through various holes in the exterior structures 102, 104 to adjust the distance the interior structures 108, 110 travel within the exterior structures 102, 104. As such, the pins 124, 126 may be referred to as height adjustment pins. In other example embodiments, the pins 124, 126 may be secured (e.g., soldered, etc.) to each respective exterior structure 102, 104, may be a portion of each exterior structure 102, 104 (e.g., monolithically formed with the structures), etc.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, each interior structure 108, 110 includes a spring 128, 130, respectively, to contact (e.g., rest against, etc.) the pin 124, 126. In particular, the springs 128, 130 contact the pins 124, 126 via support plates connected to the springs. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the interior structures 108, 110 include upper support plates 132, 136 and lower support plates 134, 138 positioned below the upper support plates 132, 136. The lower support plates 134, 138 define a bottom end of the interior structures 108, 110. The springs 128, 130 are positioned adjacent a bottom portion of the interior structures 108, 110 and are coupled between its corresponding support plates.
In the example embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the support plates 132, 134, 136, 138 are sized to correspond to the exterior structures 102, 104. For example, the dimensions (e.g., the outer perimeter) of each support plate may be slightly less than the interior dimensions (e.g., the inner perimeter of the walls) of the exterior structures 102, 104. Additionally, the geometric shape of the support plates 132, 134, 136, 138 may correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the exterior structures 102, 104. As such, the support plates may include a substantially rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, etc. shape.
As the interior structures 108, 110 are moved from the extended position to the retracted position, the springs 128, 130 may compress between the upper support plates 132, 136 and the lower support plates 134, 138. For example, FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate the springs 128, 130 in different compressed states. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates the springs 128, 130 in a substantially compressed state while FIG. 1 illustrates the springs 128, 130 in a less compressed state compared to the springs of FIG. 3.
In the example embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the interior structures 108, 110 and the lifting structure (not shown) when supported by the interior structures may come to rest against the pins 124, 126 allowing the springs 128, 130 to absorb at least part of the energy of the moving interior structures and lifting structure. As a result, the springs 128, 130 may provide a safety spot for an individual using the weight training structure 100.
Although FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate the springs 128, 130 for absorbing energy, it should be apparent that another suitable device may be used in place of or in addition to one or both springs. Additionally, although FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate the springs 128, 130 coupled between its respective support plates, the springs 128, 130 may be coupled to the interior structures 108, 110 without the support plates, to the pins 124, 126, and/or another suitable location.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the weight training structure 100 includes wheels 140 positioned between each exterior structure 102, 104 and each interior structure 108, 110. Although not shown, the weight training structure 100 includes sixteen wheels 140, eight between each exterior structure 102, 104 and each interior structure 108, 110. More particularly, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the structure 100 includes two wheels between each wall (e.g., the walls 116, 118, 120, 122) and each interior structure 108, 110.
The wheels 140 of FIGS. 1-3 are connected to the interior structures 108, 110. More specifically, the wheels 140 are connected to vertically extending supports 142, 144 of the interior structures 108, 110. For example, the wheels 140 may be connected to the structures 108, 110 via mechanical fasteners such as screws, rivets, etc. As such, the wheels 140 move vertically with the interior structures 108, 110 as explained above.
In other example embodiments, the wheels 140 may be connected to an interior portion of the exterior structure 102, 104. In such example embodiments, the wheels 140 remain static at least in the vertical direction relative to movement of the interior structures 108, 110. In still other example embodiments, the wheels 140 may be placed between the interior structures 108, 110 and the exterior structure 102, 104 without connection to the interior structures 108, 110 and the exterior structure 102, 104.
The wheels 140, regardless of what they are connected to (or not connected to), may allow the interior structures 108, 110 to move between the retracted position and the extended position with greater ease. For example, the wheels 140 may contact the interior structures 108, 110 and/or the exterior structures 102, 104 to keep the interior structures 108, 110 substantially in the same vertical plane when the structures 108, 110 move as explained above. Additionally, the wheels may also rotate when in contact with the interior structures 108, 110 and/or the exterior structures 102, 104 to allow the interior structures 108, 110 to move with greater ease.
As shown in the example embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, each interior structure 108, 110 includes the vertically extending support 142, 144 and a U-shaped support 146, 148 extending from a top portion of the vertically extending support 142, 144. The vertically extending supports 142, 144 are coupled to the upper support plates 132, 136, respectively, and may support the wheels 140 as explained above. The U-shaped supports 146, 148 may support the lifting structure as further explained below. For example, and as shown best in FIGS. 2 and 3, the supports 146, 148 include vertically extending flanges restricting movement of the lifting structure in a horizontal direction.
In some example embodiments, the weight training structure 100 of FIGS. 1-3 may include a bench 150 adjustably connected to the two exterior structures 102, 104. For example, the bench 150 may be adjustably connected to the exterior structures 102, 104 via the strut 106. The bench 150 may be adjusted by manipulating a support structure 152 connected between the bench 150 and the strut 106. For example, a particular angle of the bench 150 may be adjusted by manipulating one or more removable fasteners (e.g., pins, screws, etc.) of the bench 150, the support structure 152, and/or the strut 106. The other end of the bench 150 is supported by vertical support 154 and may remain relatively stationary.
In some example embodiments, the bench 150 may be removed from the structure 100. For example, the bench 150 may be disconnected from the exterior structures 102, 104 thereby allowing an individual to use the structure 100 for various non-bench related exercises. In other embodiments, the bench 150 may be positioned adjacent the exterior structures 102, 104 without connecting the bench 150 to these structures. As such, the bench 150 may be a universal type bench not specifically designed for the structure 100.
FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate another example exterior structure 400 substantially similar to the exterior structures 102, 104 of FIGS. 1-3, but including two pins 424, 426 extending between walls of the exterior structure 400. Each pin 424, 426 may be substantially similar to the pins 124, 126 of FIGS. 1-3.
The pins 424, 426 may be removably secured to the exterior structure 400 to allow the distance the interior structure 108 travels within the exterior structure 400 to adjust as explained above. For example, the structure 400 may define various holes corresponding to the pins 424, 426. An individual may remove one or both pins 424, 426 from the structure 400 (e.g., from the holes), move one or both pins 424, 426 to other holes, etc. As such, the retracted position of the interior structure 108 may be adjusted as desired.
FIG. 6 illustrates an example lifting structure 600 that may be employed with a weight training structure (e.g., the weight training structure 100 of FIGS. 1-3) and FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a portion of the lifting structure 600 of FIG. 6 with resting pads attached to the lifting structure 600. For example, the lifting structure 600 may be movably connected to interior structures (e.g., the interior structures 108, 110 of FIGS. 1-3 and/or other suitable interior structures) as further explained below. As such, the lifting structure 600 may be movable between a lowered position and a raised position forcing the interior structures to move between a retracted position and an extended position as explained above.
As shown in FIG. 6, the lifting structure 600 includes two mirrored beams 602 (e.g., sometimes referred to portions) connected to each other with a connection bar 604. In particular, each beam 602 includes two holes 606 and the connection bar 604 includes four holes 608 corresponding to the holes 606 of each beam 602. After aligning the holes of the beams 602 and the connection bar 604, a fastener (e.g., a pin, screw, etc.) may be inserted through the holes 606, 608 to connect the two beams 602 together. Although, FIG. 6 illustrates each portion 602 and the connection bar 604 as including two holes 606 and four holes 608, respectively, it should be apparent that each portion 602 and/or the connection bar 604 may include more or less holes if desired.
In some example embodiments, the lifting structure 600 may be movably connected to allow a user to move the lifting structure 600 from a lowered position to a raised positioned and back to the lowered position. For example, the lifting structure 600 may be movable between a raised position in which the lifting structure 600 is not in contact with the interior structures and a lowered position in which the lifting structure 600 is in contact with the interior structures forcing the interior structures to move between the extended position and the retracted position as explained above. In such examples, each beam 602 of the lifting structure 600 may include a support structure 620 that makes contact with structure of the interior structures (e.g., the U-shaped supports 146, 148 of the interior structure 108, 110 shown in FIGS. 1-3) when the lifting structure 600 is moved to the lowered position.
Each support structure 620 may be sized to align with the structure of each interior structure. For example, each support structure 620 may be sized to fit between the vertically extending flanges of the U-shaped supports 146, 148 (as explained above) to at least somewhat restrict movement of the lifting structure 600 in a horizontal direction when the lifting structure 600 is moved to the lowered position.
As shown in FIG. 6, each support structure 620 includes a hexagonal shape for aligning with a portion of a corresponding interior structure. Alternatively, one or both support structures 620 may be any other suitable shape including, for example, rectangular, trapezoidal, etc.
In other example embodiments, the lifting structure 600 may be connected (e.g., attached, etc.) to the interior structures by aligning and fastening a portion of the lifting structure 600 with a portion of the interior structures. For example, the support structure 620 of each beam 602 may align with and fasten to the U-shaped supports 146, 148 shown in FIGS. 1-3. Additionally, each support structure 620 may be fastened (e.g., removably fastened, etc.) to the U-shaped supports 146, 148 via any suitable fastener (e.g., pins, screws, rivets, etc.).
In the example embodiment of FIG. 6, each beam 602 includes two beam segments 610, 612 and an opening 614 positioned between the segments 610, 612. Each opening 614 may receive a handle grip 616 (sometimes referred to as a handle bar).
The handle grips 616 of FIG. 6 may be removably connected to the lifting structure 600 within the opening 614. For example, the orientation of one or both handle grips 616 may be adjusted relative to the beams 602. As shown in FIG. 6, the handle grips 616 may be parallel with the beams 602. In other embodiments, the handle grips 616 may be perpendicular to the beams 602, at an angle less than ninety degrees, etc. For example, FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate other example orientations of the handle grips 616 within the opening 614. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the handle grip 616 may be rotated clockwise about one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees and about forty-five (45) degrees, respectively, relative to the twelve o'clock position.
In some embodiments, the lifting structure 600 may define various holes for receiving ends of the handle grips 616. For example, and as shown in FIG. 9, the lifting structure 600 may define six holes 618 (of which only two are shown) adjacent the opening 614. As such, each handle grip 616 may be moved to different positions by removing and inserting its ends into different holes 618 of the lifting structure 600.
The handle grips 616 may be any suitable handle grip that allows a user to move the lifting structure 600 between the lowered position and the raised position as explained above. For example, FIG. 12 illustrates one example handle grip 1216 that may be employed in the lifting structure 600. The handle grip 1216 includes two pegs 1218, 1220 and a spring 1222 positioned between the two pegs 1218, 1220 to bias each peg into one of the holes (e.g., the holes 618 of FIG. 9) as explained above.
In other embodiments, the holes 618 and the handle grips 616 may include corresponding threads or the like to secure the handle grips to the lifting structure 600. For example, FIG. 13 illustrates another example handle grip 1316 that may be employed in the lifting structure 600. The handle grip 1316 includes a threaded end 1318 to screw into a threaded hole (e.g., one of the threaded holes 618 of FIG. 9). The other end 1320 of the handle grip 1316 may be threaded or unthreaded (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13).
Referring back to FIG. 6, the lifting structure 600 includes a cross support 622 extending across each beam 602 in a substantially orthogonal direction. As shown in FIG. 6, each cross support 622 extends across a top surface of each beam 602. Alternatively, one or both cross supports 622 may extend across a bottom side of the beams 602. Each cross support 622 may be attached to a respective beam 602 via one or more fasteners (e.g., removably attached), a weld, etc. As further explained below, each cross support 622 may help support one or more resting pads 628.
Additionally, the lifting structure 600 may include safety grips 624 attached to and extending from one or more cross supports 622. For example, the safety grips 624 may be inserted into an end of the cross supports 622, may be removably fastened to the end of the cross supports 622, etc.
In the particular example of FIGS. 6 and 7, the safety grips 624 are attached to the end of the cross supports 622. For example, as shown best in FIG. 8, each safety grip 624 may be substantially “L” shaped. A bottom portion of one safety grip 624 may be attached to an end of a respective cross support 622 with fasteners such that the bottom portion extends beyond both sides of the cross support 622. A top portion of the safety grip 624 may extend upwardly away from the cross support 622 in a substantially orthogonal direction.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lifting structure 600 may support one or more resting pads 628. For example, the lifting structure 600 may include two resting pads 628, each of which may be connected to a respective beam 602 of the lifting structure 600. In particular, one or more fasteners (e.g., pins, screws, rivets, etc.) may be employed to attach each resting pad 628 to a respective support structure 620, the cross supports 622, and/or the safety grips 624 adjacent the resting pad. Although FIG. 6 illustrates the lifting structure 600 as supporting two resting pads 628, it should be apparent that more or less resting pads may be employed if desired.
As shown in FIG. 6, the resting pads 628 may support various kinds of weight 630. In some embodiments, the weight 630 may include plates (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6) and/or another suitable object. In other embodiments, the resting pads 628 may support one or more individuals. In such examples, the weight would include the weight of those individuals.
In some embodiments, the lifting structure 600 may include one or more features to balance the weight of the lifting structure 600. For example, the lifting structure 600 may include a peg connected to one or both beams 602. In the particular example of FIG. 6, the lifting structure 600 includes a peg 626 connected to one of the beams 602 for balancing the weight of the lifting structure 600. In the example embodiment of FIG. 6, the peg 626 includes a threaded end for screwing into an end the beam 602. In other embodiments, the peg 626 may be inserted into the end the beam 602 without threads or the like. In either example, the peg 626 may be removed from one beam 602 and connected to the other beam if desired. Additionally, although FIG. 6 illustrates the lifting structure 600 as including one peg 626, it should be apparent that another peg may be connected to the other beam.
Although FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the lifting structure 600 as including two portions 602, it should be apparent that a lifting structure may include more or less portions. For example, FIG. 14 illustrates another lifting structure 1400 substantially similar to the lifting structure 600 of FIGS. 6 and 7. The lifting structure 1400, however, includes one portion 1402 (e.g., sometimes referred to as a beam) and one resting pad 1428. The resting pad 1428 may be substantially similar to the resting pads 628 of FIG. 6. Additionally, the lifting structure 1400 includes the handle grips 616 of FIG. 6 extending generally perpendicular to the beam 1402.
FIG. 15 illustrates a weight training structure 1500 including the structure 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 supporting the lifting structure 600 of FIGS. 6 and 7. Although FIG. 15 illustrates a particular configuration of the structures 100, 600, any one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein may be employed in the weight training structure 1500 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments the weight training structure 1500 may include one or more exterior structures 400 of FIGS. 4 and 5. In other embodiments, the weight training structure 1500 may not include a bench.
The components of the weight training structures disclosed herein may include any suitable material. Additionally, the resting pads and/or the benches may include the same material or one or more different materials. For example, the resting pads and/or the benches disclosed herein may be formed of a foam material surrounded by leather. Further, other components such as the exterior structures, interior structures, the struts, etc. disclosed herein or at least portions thereof may include steel, a steel alloy, plastic, and/or another suitable material.
Additionally, although some of the components of the weight training structures are described as having particular shapes, sizes, configurations, etc., it should be apparent that the components may have any suitable shape, size, configuration, etc.
By utilizing the weight training structures, individuals may be able to lift weights without the need of a human spotter as explained above. Additionally, by lifting people and/or other nontraditional weights, individuals may enjoy a work out on the weight training structures disclosed herein more than on commonly known structures.
Further, the weight training structures disclosed herein include safety features for individuals sitting, lying, etc. on the resting pads. For example, the individuals may brace themselves by grasping the safety grips. Additionally, the springs of the interior structures may protect those individuals on the resting pads from harsh, abrupt, etc. contact between the interior structures and the exterior structures when the lifting platform is moved from the raised position to the lowered position as explained above.
Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A weight training structure comprising:

two exterior structures, each exterior structure having a plurality of walls defining an internal portion;

a strut connected between the two exterior structures;

two interior structures, each interior structure positioned in the internal portion of and movably connected to one of the exterior structures; and

a lifting structure movably connected to the two interior structures and configured to support weight, the lifting structure movable between a raised position in which the lifting structure is not in contact with the two interior structures and a lowered position in which the lifting structure is in contact with the two interior structures forcing the two interior structures to move between an extended position and a retracted position in the internal portion of the two exterior structures.

2. The weight training structure of claim 1 further comprising one or more resting pads connected to the lifting structure, the one or more resting pads configured to support said weight.

3. The weight training structure of claim 2 wherein the lifting structure includes at least one safety grip adjacent the one or more resting pads.

4. The weight training structure of claim 1 further comprising a bench adjustably connected to the two exterior structures.

5. The weight training structure of claim 1 further comprising at least one wheel positioned between said each exterior structure and said each interior structure.

6. The weight training structure of claim 5 wherein the at least one wheel is connected to said each interior structure.

7. The weight training structure of claim 5 wherein the at least one wheel includes eight wheels between said each exterior structure and said each interior structure.

8. The weight training structure of claim 5 wherein said each exterior structure includes at least one pin extending between at least two walls of the plurality of walls, and wherein the at least one pin is configured to restrict movement of said each interior structure.

9. The weight training structure of claim 8 wherein said each interior structure includes a spring configured to contact the at least one pin of said each interior structure, the spring configured to compress when the lifting structure is in the lowered position.

10. The weight training structure of claim 1 wherein the lifting structure defines two openings, the weight training structure further comprising at least two handle grips removably connected to the lifting structure within the two openings, respectively.

11. The weight training structure of claim 10 wherein the lifting structure defines threaded holes, and wherein each handle grip includes at least one threaded end configured to screw into one of the threaded holes.

12. The weight training structure of claim 10 wherein the lifting structure defines holes and wherein said each handle grip includes two pegs and a spring positioned between the two pegs to bias each peg into one of the holes.

13. The weight training structure of claim 1 wherein the lifting structure include a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion.

14. The weight training structure of claim 13 wherein the first portion defines a first opening, wherein the second portion defines a second opening, the weight training structure further comprising a first and second handle grip removably connected to the lifting structure within the first and second openings, respectively.

15. The weight training structure of claim 14 further comprising a first and second resting pad configured to support said weight, the first and second resting pad connected to the first and second portion of the lifting structure, respectively.

16. A weight training structure comprising:

two exterior structures, each exterior structure including a plurality of walls defining an internal portion and at least one pin extending between at least two walls of the plurality of walls;

a strut connected between the two exterior structures;

two interior structures, each interior structure positioned in the internal portion of and movably connected to one of the exterior structures, each interior structure including a spring configured to contact the at least one pin; and

a lifting structure connectable to the two interior structures and configured to support weight, the lifting structure movable between a lowered position and a raised position forcing the two interior structures to move between a retracted position and an extended position in the internal portion of the two exterior structures.

17. The weight training structure of claim 16 wherein the at least one pin includes two pins extending between at least two walls of the plurality of walls of said each exterior structure and wherein the spring is configured to contact at least one of the two pins.

18. The weight training structure of claim 16 wherein said each interior structure includes at least one support plate connected to the spring.

19. A weight training structure comprising:

two exterior structures, each exterior structure including a plurality of walls defining an internal portion;

a strut connected between the two exterior structures;

two interior structures, each interior structure positioned in the internal portion of and movably connected to one of the exterior structures;

at least one wheel positioned between said each exterior structure and said each interior structure; and

a lifting structure connectable to the two interior structures, the lifting structure including one or more resting pads configured to support weight, the lifting structure movable between a lowered position and a raised position forcing the two interior structures to move between a retracted position and an extended position in the internal portion of the two exterior structures.

20. The weight training structure of claim 19 wherein the at least one wheel includes eight wheels between said each exterior structure and said each interior structure.