Connector for weight lifting apparatus
View Patent ↗A connector for a weightlifting apparatus, the weightlifting apparatus having a sliding rail, and slots or lateral protrusions, the connector comprising a main body slidably attached to the sliding rail, a support arm having a support surface and extending outwardly from the main body, a rotational latching device having first and second opposing ends, the first opposing end for engaging the slots or lateral protrusions, and the second opposing end comprising a recess for receiving a barbell in a form-fit connection to achieve a rotationally rigid coupling such that rotation of the barbell is transferred to the rotational latching device, and a barbell lock to releasably lock the barbell in the recess. The support surface supports the barbell during free weight exercise when the barbell is not locked in the barbell lock, and when the first opposing end is engaged with the slots or lateral protrusions.
1. A connector for a weightlifting apparatus, the connector comprising:
a main body adapted to be slidably attached to a sliding rail of the weightlifting apparatus;
a support arm having a support surface and extending outwardly from the main body;
a rotational latching device having first and second opposing ends, the first opposing end adapted to engage slots or lateral protrusions of the weightlifting apparatus, and the second opposing end comprising a recess adapted to receive a barbell in a form-fit connection to achieve a rotationally rigid coupling such that rotation of the barbell is transferred to the rotational latching device; and
a barbell securing means connected to the second opposing end and adapted to releasably lock the barbell in the recess;
wherein the support surface is adapted to support the barbell during free weight exercise when the barbell is not locked by the barbell securing means, and when the first opposing end is engaged with the slots or lateral protrusions of the weightlifting apparatus.
2. The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the first opposing end of the rotational latching device is shaped like a hook.
3. The connector according to claim 1 , further comprising a sleeve adapted to be fastened on the barbell and having a shape corresponding to a shape of the recess.
4. The connector according to claim 3 , wherein the recess and the sleeve both have corresponding regular polygon shapes, preferably a quadratic or hexagonal shape.
5. The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the main body comprises an internal bore with a longitudinal boss or groove adapted to engage with a corresponding groove or boss arranged on the sliding rail, and wherein the sliding rail is adapted to be received in the internal bore.
6. A weightlifting apparatus comprising at least one sliding rail, at least one set of slots or lateral protrusions respectively corresponding to each sliding rail, and at least one connector, each connector comprising:
a main body adapted to be slidably attached to a respective one sliding rail of the weightlifting apparatus;
a support arm having a support surface and extending outwardly away from the main body;
a rotational latching device having first and second opposing ends, the first opposing end adapted to engage one set of the slots or lateral protrusions of the weightlifting apparatus, and the second opposing end comprising a recess adapted to receive a barbell in a form-fit connection to achieve a rotationally rigid coupling such that rotation of the barbell is transferred to the rotational latching device; and
a barbell securing means connected to the second opposing end and adapted to releasably lock the barbell in the recess;
wherein the support surface is adapted to support the barbell during free weight exercise when the barbell is not locked by the barbell securing means, and when the first opposing end is engaged with the one set of the slots or lateral protrusions of the weightlifting apparatus.