A weightlifting apparatus that supports a free weight barbell when activated using two counter-weight controlled support arms that are mechanically attached to a vertical support on a bench press system. The vertical supports each have a slide rail that is mechanically coupled to a locking assembly that acts to release the support arms using buttons. The support arms are attached to independent counterweights or springs by means of a cable. When released by a foot pedal these support arms are elevated by the counterweights. The support arms hold the barbell and prevent it from downward movement via the one-way locking assembly mounted to the support arms. The support arms work independently of one another so that a user may reset each support arm independently.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This U.S. non-provisional application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60/646,166, entitled "Weightlifting Spotting Machine," filed on Jan. 24, 2005, having at least one co-inventor in common with this application, which provisional Patent Application is herein incorporated by reference. This U.S. non-provisional application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/710,872, entitled "Weightlifting Spotting Machine with Springs," filed on Aug. 25, 2005, having at least one co-inventor in common with this application, which provisional Patent Application is herein incorporated by reference.
