Abstract
A self-supporting apparatus of varying dimensions, which occupies the gap between the bracket of a j-hook channel and the adjoining squat rack upright. Spacer body is appropriately sized to encompass the excess space existing between the back channel of an oversized j-hook and the back side of the smaller squat rack upright, thereby providing a generalized means of adapting a larger bracket such that it may be coupled to a rack or rig of smaller size.
Claims
1. A self-supporting apparatus of varying dimensions, which occupies the gap between the bracket of a j-hook channel and the adjoining squat rack upright, as described herein.
2. An apparatus of claim 1, either with or without side or rear engagement tabs.
3. An apparatus of claim 1, whether 3D printed, fabricated by injection molding or forging or machining, of plastic or metal, or other suitable material.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an oversized j-hook installed on the upright of the exercise rack, particularly illustrating the gap between the back leg of the j-hook channel and the upright, when an oversized j-hook is utilized.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a top-down view of the installed oversized j-hook of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention from the front-left, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the invention from the front-right, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the invention from the back-right, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the invention from the back-left, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the invention from the bottom-left, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the invention from the bottom-right, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the invention from the top-right, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the invention from the top-left, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention from the bottom-left, specifically illustrating the embodiment in which the rear engagement tab is removed.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the present invention properly installed to adapt an oversized j-hook to the undersized upright, from the back-left.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the present invention properly installed to adapt an oversized j-hook to the undersized upright, from the back-right.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a matched and mirrored pair of the invention, for use on both left and right j-hooks, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a matched and mirrored pair of the invention, for use on both left and right j-hooks, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Various embodiments and aspects of the inventions will be described with reference to details discussed below, and the accompanying drawings will illustrate various embodiments. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments of the present inventions.
[0031] Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “another embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.
[0032] Referring first to FIGS. 1-2, a typical j-hook 7 is generally illustrated in the installed position against the upright 10 of the exercise rack. FIG. 2 illustrates the side channel 8 and back channel 9 wrapping around the upright 10 to secure the j-hook 7 in place. As these figures illustrate an oversized j-hook 7 installed on an undersized upright 10, as previously described, the resulting gap 11 is hereby generally illustrated. It is this gap 11 that allows the j-hook 7 to slide forward under the weight of the barbell when an oversized j-hook is utilized.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 3-10, the j-hook adapter is illustrated from multiple perspectives according to one embodiment of the present invention. From the main body 1 of the adapter there extends laterally both a side overhang 2 and end overhang 3, positioned so as to extend over the top of the j-hook side 8 and back 9 channel when installed as in FIGS. 12 and 13. A side engagement tab 4 extends downward from the side overhang 2, which engages with the side channel 8 of the j-hook 7, thereby fixing the body 1 of the adapter in place and restricting it from movement in the lateral direction. An additional rear engagement tab 5 is illustrated in FIGS. 3-10 in the illustrated embodiment of the invention; this rear engagement tab 5 is optional with regard to its effect on the functionality and performance of the present invention.
[0034] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the functional utilization of the present invention. Benefit is achieved by placing the adapter 6 in a vertical orientation above the gap 11, oriented such that overhangs 2 and 3 are vertically positioned above the j-hook side 8 and back 9 channels, respectively. The adapter 6 is then lowered into the gap 11, whereupon overhangs 2 and 3 rest upon the tops of the side and back channels 8 and 9, with the side tab 4 fully engaged with side channel 8 to prevent lateral motion, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. If installed (not shown in FIGS. 12 and 13), the end tab 5 of the alternative embodiment will fully engage with the back channel 9.
