WEIGHT SPOTTER

Abstract

Described herein are examples of a device which includes a weight spotter configured to hold a free weight on a lower portion, and be attached to a structure, such as cross bar of exercise equipment or a shaft of a barbell. The weight spotter configured to allow a user to easily lift and replace the free weight from the structure while providing support and ease of use for the user.

Description

BACKGROUND

Strength training is an important aspect of maintaining physical fitness. Especially relevant as people age, the myriad of benefits to strength training continue to reveal themselves. From enhanced mobility, better flexibility, improved range of motion, decreased frailness, cardiovascular health and bone density—it is uncommon for any fitness plan to not include strength training. In addition, free weights are among the best ways to maintain strength training. Free weights provide additional challenge exercisers due to the freedom of motion provided by the free weights. Additionally, exercisers can also exercise a broad range of muscle groups using only a small set of free weights. An incredibly cost-effective way to stay fit, a simple set of free weights can provide a broad range of solutions to exercise the whole body. Free weights are also risky. Exercisers can drop the weights causing damage to property or body. Exercisers are also at risk if they improperly move while holding weights and may injure muscles, joints, or bones. The very freedom of free weights also makes them dangerous.

That danger is especially acute in spotting weights. Safely maintaining resting weights at an elevated resting position is essential for several strength training exercises. Oftentimes, the weights need to rest above the exerciser. For smaller weights, like dumbbells, safely spotting the weights is a challenge. They simply cannot rest across a weight bench like a larger barbell. Similarly, lifting weights from the ground can be painful for exercisers. For example, lifting dumbbells from the ground to perform a bench press can be very painful for the exerciser's shoulders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present description will be understood more fully when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of various examples of Weight Spotters. The description is not meant to limit the Weight Spotters to the specific examples. Rather, the specific examples depicted and described are provided for explanation and understanding of Weight Spotters. Throughout the description the drawings may be referred to as drawings, figures, and/or FIGs.

FIG. 1 illustrates a weight spotter, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a weight spotter, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates weight spotter, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates weight cradle, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative weight spotter, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates weight gripper, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a weight spotter with a weight gripper and a free weight, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method block chart for exercise employing the weight spotter, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A weight spotter as disclosed herein will become better understood through a review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various embodiments of a weight spotting system. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity and clarity, all the contemplated variations may not be individually described in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand how the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered and not depart in substance from the scope of the examples described herein.

A conventional spotting system may include a variety of mechanical parts to provide a myriad of safety features. In one instance, a weight support device includes a cradle to place the free weights, a body to connect the weights to a safety restraining strap and a connectively attachable mechanism to secure that strap to a structure capable of supporting the weights. Additionally, the exerciser can selectively engage or relax a tensioner on the strap to have either complete freedom with free weights with the option to engage full support at any moment.

Other systems comprise even more robust footprints to spot-free weights. Dedicated weight racks, with mechanical safety components, are also well known in the field. Often specialized weight racks or other gymnasium installations, they are products focused on commercial gymnasiums. They are big, heavy, and complicated.

Conventional supported weight systems are expensive. The support system itself has multiple mechanical subsystems (the restraint system, the weight cradle, the engagement selector) that may not be immediately intuitive to exercisers. Without a free-standing structure, such as a weight rack, or architectural features that can support heavy weights, conventional systems are cumbersome to use and add further expense. Without dedicated staff to explain how to operate equipment or a personal trainer to select the safety equipment, exercisers simply may opt to lift with free weights. The use of spotting systems may require a dedicated space, such as a full-featured gymnasium, which precludes home exercisers.

The fixed nature of spotting solutions, or the complex mechanical restraint systems further limit the number of weights that the systems can support. Specialized systems often support specific weight sizes or kinds of weights. Such systems make it difficult to use conventional weighs, such as a set of dumbbells, utilizing safety spotting features. Conversely, spotting systems often only support the specific kinds of weights: requiring different solutions for dumbbells vs. barbells.

Implementations of weight spotters may address some or all the problems described above. The weight spotter body is formed of a rigid material. It encompasses at least two angles such that the design can spot even small weights, like dumbbells, on a standard weight bench or barbell. The robust design allows multiple configurations that accommodate a variety of structures for the weight cradle, and multiple configurations for the hook to hold the weight spotter onto a suitable crossbar. The system can further support a variety of free weights: dumbbells or barbells.

FIG. 1 illustrates the weight spotter (or body) 100, according to an embodiment. Embodiments of the weight spotter 100 contain angles or arcs at opposite ends of the weight spotter 100. The top end (or vertical apex) of the weight spotter 100 includes a hook 101 and the bottom end (or vertical nadir) of the weight spotter 100 includes a weight cradle 103. For purposes of description and measurements, the weight spotter 100 will be described in a vertical upright position in which the hook 101 is attached to a structure, and the weight cradle 103 contains a free weight and is pulled down vertically by gravity. The weight spotter 100 is configured or formed to allow a user or exerciser to place a free weight in the weight cradle 103 and affix or attach the hook 101 to a crossbar of a weight rack or the shaft (or body) of a barbell. The weight spotter 100 with the free weight resting in the weight cradle 103 can then be positioned at a convenient location for the user, such as the crossbar of a weight rack or the shaft of a barbell resting on a barbell shelf of a weight bench. In one embodiment, the weight cradle 103 may include a horizontal weight cradle frame 110 that extends between vertical shaft frames 120a, 120b of an open bottom end of the weight cradle frame 110. In another example, the weight cradle 103 and/or the structure of the weight spotter 100 the may include a horizontal bar or bars that extend between vertical shaft frames 120a, 120b. The horizontal bar or bars may provide rigidity and structure to the weight spotter 100, provide gripping point(s) for the user, provide resting points for a weight or barbell, and so forth.

The weight spotter 100 can be formed or prepared from strong metals to allow the weight spotter to rigidly hold a free weight in the weight cradle 103. Strong metals can include iron, steel, lead, or other suitable materials. The weight spotter 100 can be formed or prepared from other materials such as plastic, rubber, polycarbonate, and so forth. The weight spotter 100 will add additional weight to an exercise above and beyond the weight of the free weight. Users can select a suitable free weight to be used with the weight spotter 100 based on the weight of the weight spotter 100 and the desired level of intensity of the exercise. For example, a 2 pound weight spotter, will add 2 pounds to a 10 pound free weight for a total of 12 pounds of total weight for the exercise. Variations on the weight of the weight spotter 100 can be varied for low, medium or high intensity weight training. In an alternative embodiment, the weight spotter 100 can be prepared from lightweight rigid material, such as graphite, titanium, or other composite alloy to add minimal weight to the exercise. The weight spotter 100 selection can be made in view of the free weight to be used in the weight cradle 103. For example, a weight spotter 100 that weights ten pounds can be used with a seventy-pound dumbbell for high intensity bench presses, while a weight spotter 100 that weighs less than a pound, can be used with light weights (e.g., 2 to 10 pounds) for lighter, burnout or cardio exercises.

Embodiments of the weight spotter 100 can be prepared with protective coatings and/or sleeves surrounding the hook 101 and/or the weight cradle 103 to assist with attaching, resting, affixing the hook 101 onto the structure, and resting, attaching, affixing the free weight to the weight cradle 103. The protective coating or sleeve can be prepared from plastic, acrylic, paint, rubber, epoxy, or other suitable materials. The protective coating can be configured to reduce friction from attaching the hook to the structure and placing free weights in the weight cradle.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a weight spotter 200 (FIG. 2A), a side view of a weight spotter 200 (FIG. 2B), a front view of a weight spotter 200 (FIG. 2C), a top view of a weight spotter 200 (FIG. 2D), and a zoom in view of the weight cradle 103 (FIG. 2E), according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a weight spotter 200, according to an embodiment. FIG. 2A illustrates vertical shaft frames 220a, 220b, horizontal hook frame 201, and horizontal weight cradle frame 203 and weight cradle body 210. Some of the features in FIG. 2A may be the same as or similar to some of the features in the other FIGs. described herein as noted by same and/or similar reference characters, unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, reference may be made to features shown in any of the other FIGs. described herein and not shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of a weight spotter 200, according to an embodiment. FIG. 2B illustrates a vertical shaft frames 220a, horizontal hook frame 201, and horizontal weight cradle frame 203 and weight cradle body 210. Some of the features in FIG. 2B may be the same as or similar to some of the features in the other FIGs. described herein as noted by same and/or similar reference characters, unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, reference may be made to features shown in any of the other FIGs. described herein and not shown in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 2C illustrates a front view of a weight spotter 200, according to an embodiment. FIG. 2C illustrates vertical shaft frames 220a, 220b, including interior vertical frame edges 222a, 222b, exterior vertical frame edges 224a, 224b, horizontal hook frame 201, and horizontal weight cradle frame 203 and weight cradle body 210. Some of the features in FIG. 2C may be the same as or similar to some of the features in the other FIGs. described herein as noted by same and/or similar reference characters, unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, reference may be made to features shown in any of the other FIGs. described herein and not shown in FIG. 2C.

FIG. 2D illustrates a top view of a weight spotter 200, according to an embodiment. FIG. 2D illustrates horizontal hook frame 201, and horizontal weight cradle frame 203 and weight cradle body 210. Some of the features in FIG. 2D may be the same as or similar to some of the features in the other FIGs. described herein as noted by same and/or similar reference characters, unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, reference may be made to features shown in any of the other FIGs. described herein and not shown in FIG. 2D.

FIG. 2E illustrates a zoom in view of the weight cradle 103, according to an embodiment. FIG. 2E illustrates the weight cradle 103 from a side view. Some of the features in FIG. 2E may be the same as or similar to some of the features in the other FIGs. described herein as noted by same and/or similar reference characters, unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, reference may be made to features shown in any of the other FIGs. described herein and not shown in FIG. 2E.

Embodiments of the weight spotter 100 can have two vertical shaft frames 220a, 220b that extend vertically from the hook 101 to the weight cradle 103. Embodiments of the vertical shaft frames 220a, 220b can have a vertical length between 50 and 500 mm, preferably between 100 and 400 mm, and most preferably between 150 and 300 mm. Embodiments are approximately 200 mm in length. Embodiments of the vertical shaft frames 220a, 220b can have a width between 1 and 50 mm, preferably between 3 and 25 mm, and most preferably between 5 and 15 mm. Embodiments can be approximately 8 mm in width.

Embodiments of the weight spotter 100 can be configured with two vertical shaft frames 220a, 220b spaced apart horizontally between 50 and 300 mm (the two vertical shaft frames extending parallel to each other between the hook 101 and weight cradle 103, and the horizontal distance is measured from an interior edge 222a of vertical shaft frame 220a to interior edge 222b of vertical shaft frame 220b), preferably between 60 and 200 mm apart, and most preferably between 70 and 120 mm apart. Embodiments of the vertical shaft frames 220a, 220b can be approximately 88 or 98 mm apart.

Embodiments of the horizontal hook frame 201 and the horizontal weight cradle frame 203 can have a horizontal length between 50 and 300 mm (not counting the curvature of the hook 101 or weight cradle 103, only the horizontal measurement), preferably between 60 and 200 mm, and most preferably between 70 and 120 mm. Embodiments of the horizontal hook frame 201 and the horizontal weight cradle frame 203 can be approximately 88 or 98 mm in horizontal length.

Embodiments of the vertical shaft frames 120a, 120b are configured with a rounded cross-section to provide ease of transition between the vertical shaft frames 120a, 120b and the curvature of the hook 101 and weight cradle 103. Additionally, the rounded configuration of the vertical shaft frame (as well as the hook 101 and weight cradle 103) assist with resting the weight spotter 100 on the structure and resting the free weight in the weight cradle 103. Alternative embodiments of the vertical shaft frames 120a, 120b can be square, rectangular, or oval in their cross-section.

Embodiments of the weight cradle 103 can have a weight cradle body 210 that extends from vertical shaft frame 220a to vertical shaft frame 220b in the region of the weight cradle 103. The weight cradle body 210 is configured to hold the free weight in the weight cradle 103, and aid in the user gripping the weight cradle 103 and the free weight during exercise. The weight cradle body 210 has an arc, or a weight cradle body arc 215 that is equal or greater than the weight cradle arc 307.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the weight spotter 100, according to an embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the hook arc 305 and the weight cradle arc 307, are defined by curvatures in opposite directions away from the vertical shaft frames 220a, 220b. The hook arc 305 curves downwards from a hook vertical apex 310 of the weight spotter 100. The weight cradle arc 307 curves upwards from a weight cradle vertical nadir 312 of the weight spotter 100. Some of the features in FIG. 3 may be the same as or similar to some of the features in the other FIGs. described herein as noted by same and/or similar reference characters, unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, reference may be made to features shown in any of the other FIGs. described herein and not shown in FIG. 3.

The curvature at the top and the bottom of the weight spotter 100 can be varied to suit different types of weights, different types of exercises, and different comfort levels of the user. The hook arc 305, which is a generally semi-circular arc formed by the curvature of the hook 101, is configured to allow the weight spotter 100 to rest, attach, or be affixed to a structure, such as the shaft of a barbell, a crossbar of a weight rack, or other suitable structure. Embodiments of the hook arc 305 can have a radius (measuring a radius of the semi-circle formed by the hook 101 from an apex 310 of the hook 101) from between 5 and 100 mm, preferably between 10 and 50 mm, and most preferably between 20 and 30 mm. An embodiment can have a hook ark radius of 25 mm. Embodiments of the hook 101 can extend horizontally distally from the vertical shaft frames 220a, 220b a distance greater than a perfect circle of the hook arc 305. Embodiments of the weight spotter 100 can have a hook 101 that extends horizontally a greater distance distally from the vertical shaft frame 220a, 220b, than the horizontal distal distance of the weight cradle 103, which provides ease of resting, attaching, or affixing the weight spotter 100 to the structure. A distance measured from the vertical shaft frame 220 to a vertical hook edge 315 can be between 20 and 200 mm, preferably between 50 and 100 mm, and most preferably between 70 and 90 mm. Embodiments can include a distance of 80-120 mm.

The hook arc 305 can be configured to receive a rounded shaft of a barbell, a rounded crossbar of exercise equipment, squared structures, rounded structures, or other structures upon which the weight spotter 100 can be attached and/or balanced.

The weight cradle arc 307, which is the semi-circular arc formed by the curvature of the weight cradle 103 at the bottom of the weight spotter 100, is configured to receive the shaft of a weight, such as the shaft of a dumbbell, a barbell, or other suitable weight. Embodiments of the weight cradle arc 307 can have a radius (measured from the weight cradle vertical nadir 312 of the curve of the weight cradle 103) from between 3 and 50 mm, preferably between 5 and 30 mm, and most preferably between 10 and 25 mm. An embodiment can have a weight cradle arc of 16, 17 or 18 mm.

Embodiments of the weight spotter 100 can have a vertical weight cradle edge 330 that is defined by the uppermost vertical edge of the weight cradle 103 distal from the vertical shaft frame 220. The horizontal distance from the vertical shaft frame 220 to the vertical weight cradle edge 330 can be between 20 and 200 mm, preferably between 50 and 100 mm, and most preferably between 70 and 90 mm. Embodiments can include a distance of 31.5 mm, 30 mm, 32 mm, 33 mm, and so forth. The vertical weight cradle edge 330 can be configured to match the height of the shaft of a free weight to allow it to easily rest in the weight cradle and be grasped by the user with minimal force and/or strength.

In an embodiment, a user or exerciser can hang, attach, rest, or affix the weight spotter 100 via the hook 101 on a structure, and then place a free weight in the weight cradle 103. In an embodiment, the free weight in the weight cradle 103 is a dumbbell. In another embodiment the free weight in the weight cradle 103 is a barbell. After placing or positioning the free weight in the weight cradle 103, the user can grasp the weight cradle 103, wrapping their fingers around both the free weight and the weight cradle 103, and removing the weight spotter 100 from the structure. The opposing configuration, the hook 101 and weight cradle 103 disposed in opposite vertical direction from the vertical shaft frames 220a, 220b, provides variety in how the weight spotter 100 supports the free weight and allows the user to attach the weight spotter 100 to the structure.

The hook arc 305, weight cradle arc 307, and total vertical height α of the weight spotter 100 can be configured to allow for placement of the hook 101 closer to or further away from the user. The total vertical height a of the weight spotter 100 can be measured from the hook apex 310 to the weight cradle vertical nadir 312. Embodiments of the total vertical height α of the weight spotter 100 can be between 100 and 500 mm, preferably between 100 and 400 mm, most preferably between 200 and 300 mm. Embodiments can include a weight spotter 100 with a total vertical height a of 256 mm.

The weight spotter 100 can be configured to allow a user to spot free weights on a variety of weight racks or crossbars. Different total vertical heights of the weight spotter 100 can facilitate or be configured for taller or shorter weight racks. Depending on the horizontal width of the hook 101 and the weight cradle 103, as well as the configuration of the hook arc 305 and weight cradle arc 307, the weight spotter 100 can be configured for free weights of all weights and sizes. The hook 101 and weight cradle 103 are configured to provide support for free weights of a variety sizes, including barbells, dumbbells and other types of free weights.

As an example, when a user desires to bench press dumbbells, the user can attach, affix, or rest two weight spotters 100, attaching the hooks 101 to the structure so that the weight spotter 100 orients, positions, or sets the weight cradle 103 at the elevation comfortable for the user to start the exercise. The user places one dumbbell in each of the weight cradles 103, lays on the bench and then grabs both weight cradles 103 (one with each hand). The user wraps his fingers around the weight cradle 103 and uses the strength of their grip to hold the weight cradle 103 and the dumbbell together. The weight spotter 100 is configured so that with minimal twisting of the user's arms and wrist the hook 101 will readily and/or easily connect with the structure and attach, affix, rest the weight spotter 100 and dumbbells back in a neutral position. In a similar manner, a weight spotter 100 with a larger horizontal distance between the vertical shaft frame 220a, 220b, a wider hook 101 and a wider weight cradle 103 can accommodate a barbell. Alternatively, a user can use two weight spotters 100, with a barbell laid across both weight cradles 103 to spot the barbell. The user can wrap their fingers around each weight cradle 103 and the shaft of the barbell to hold the barbell in contact with the weight cradles 103.

Embodiments of the weight spotter 100 can be configured to have narrower and/or wider hook arcs 305 and weight cradle arcs 307. Additionally, the weight spotter 100 can be configured to have various hook heights β and hook lengths γ. The hook height β is measured from the hook apex vertically to the vertical hook edge 315. Embodiments can include a hook height β between 10 and 100 mm, preferably between 15 and 50 mm, and most preferably between 20 and 40 mm. Embodiments can include 47 mm. The hook length γ is measured from the vertical hook edge 315 to the vertical shaft frame 220. Embodiments can include a hook length γ between 10 and 100 mm, preferably between 15 and 50 mm, and most preferably between 20 and 40 mm. Embodiments can include 80 mm.

The hook length β and hook height γ can be varied to orient the weight spotter 100 when in use with a free weight either closer to the user (longer hook length) or closer to the structure (shorter hook length). Variations of the hook arc 305 will also affect the orientation of the weight spotter 100 and/or provide more support for heavier free weights.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the weight spotter. The weight spotter 100 is formed to hold two opposing angles. The more proximal from the exerciser is the angle formed by the weight cradle 103 and the body and the more distal formed by the hook 101 and the weight spotter 100. The hook angle 304 is a function about the hook length 302 and the hook span 303. Like the formation of the weight cradle 103 weight cradle recess angle 206 and the hook recess angle 205 to help engineer where the weight cradle 103 carries the weight, the formation of the hook angle 304 also serves orient the how the weight spots when hung onto a weight rack or other crossbar. For example, a longer hook length 302 with a wider hook span 303 will help provide additional distance between the weight in the weight cradle 103. A narrower span 303, however, will bring the weight closer to the rack or crossbar. A longer hook length 302 will spot closer to the exerciser or facilitate spotting on a rack or crossbar that is taller.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the weight cradle 103. The weight cradle 103 is configured to create a weight cradle recess 402 sized to receive a free weight. The weight cradle recess 402 can be configured to accommodate a dumbbell, a barbell or other free weights of other lengths, sizes or widths. The width of the weight cradle recess 402 is defined by horizontal distance between the two vertical shaft frames 220a, 220b. The length of the weight cradle recess 402 is defined by the horizontal distance between the vertical weight cradle edge 330 to the vertical shaft frame 220.

Embodiments of the length μ of the weight cradle recess 402 can be between 10 and 100 mm, preferably between 15 and 75 mm, most preferably between 20 and 50 mm. Embodiments can include a length 20 mm of the weight cradle recess 402 of Some of the features in FIG. 4 may be the same as or similar to some of the features in the other FIGs. described herein as noted by same and/or similar reference characters, unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, reference may be made to features shown in any of the other FIGs. described herein and not shown in FIG. 4.

In addition to the width of the weight cradle recess 402, the capacity of the weight cradle recess 402 to receive a free weight is determined by the weight cradle recess wall 204. Embodiments of the weight cradle recess wall 404 can be concave, flat, squared, or indented to match the grip of a human hand. Embodiments of the weight cradle recess wall 404 are configured to allow a user to grasp the weight cradle 103 and the shaft of the free weight disposed therein. The weight cradle arc 307 is configured to allow a free weight to shift and/or roll within the weight cradle recess 402 and allow gravity to shift and/or roll the shaft of the free weight to a bottom position or neutral spot generally within the weight cradle recess 402. The weight cradle recess wall 404 can be configured, formed, or prepared at different angles or shapes. For example, a weight cradle recess wall 404 that is configured at a right angle would hold the weight at a specific point. Similarly, a weight cradle recess wall 404 can be configured to include a series of obtuse angles to bias the lateral movement of the free weight in the weight cradle 103 towards a point of low energy.

The weight cradle arc 307 can be varied to allow the free weight to rest closer to the vertical shaft frame 220a, 220b, or closer to the vertical weight cradle edge 330 while the weight spotter 100 is affixed to a structure with a free weight in the weight cradle 103. A weight cradle arc 307 with a shorter radius will result in a shallower weight cradle recess 402, and a weight cradle arc 307 with a larger radius will result in a larger (longer horizontal length) weight cradle recess 402.

In addition to the weight cradle recess wall 404, the geometry of the weight cradle recess 402 is further formed by a hook recess angle 205 and a weight cradle recess angle 206. The geometry of the weight cradle recess angle 206, for example, can serve to bias the natural resting place of the weight more towards the lip of the recess 202. A steeper weight cradle recess angle 206 results in a shallower recess 202. Conversely, a steeper hook recess angle 205 biases the weight to rest closer to the hook 101 when hanging on a cross bar. The relative placement of both angles provides control as to how the weight spotter 100 hangs when spotting.

The weight cradle recess wall 404, and the weight cradle recess 402 are configured to fit the palm of user. In use, a free weight is positioned or rested in the weight cradle 103, the user places their palms in contact with the weight cradle recess wall 404 and wraps their fingers around the weight cradle recess wall 404 and the shaft of the free weight. The weight cradle recess wall 404 is in contact with the user's palm as the user wraps their fingers around the shaft of the free weight in the weight cradle 103. The user's hand maintains the shaft of the free weight in contact with the weight cradle 103 allowing the free weight to be spotted or supported during exercise.

The weight cradle arc 307 can be configured so that the weight cradle recess wall substantially envelops or surrounds the shaft of the free weight. The weight cradle arc 307 can be configured to be shallower or deeper in view of the size of the shaft of the free weight. For example, a weight cradle recess wall 404 configured to substantially encompass the shaft of the weight provides support for the user and requires less grip strength to hold the free weight in the weight cradle 103.

Similarly, the hook recess angle 205 and the weight cradle recess angle 206 can produce a weight cradle recess wall 204 formed to secure the weight in the weight cradle by extending the wall to deepen the recess 202 so that the weight cradle recess wall 204 wraps substantially around the handle of a weight.

The shape of the weight cradle recess 402 and weight cradle recess wall 404 can reduce the motion of the free weight in the weight cradle 103. The weight cradle recess 402 and weight cradle recess wall 404 can be configured to be in a “V” shape. For example, weight cradle recess 402 and weight cradle recess wall 404 can be configured to create a weight cradle recess 402 with a right angle such that it would resemble a “V” in a side view. Such an embodiment would bias the free weight, when resting in the weight cradle 103, to rest at the base (or nadir) of the “V”. The V-shaped weight cradle recess 402 can form a continuous surface of variable depth and significant bias for the enclosed free weight allowing bars of different sizes, from dumbbells to barbells. In another embodiment, weight cradle recess 402 and weight cradle recess wall 404 can be configured to create a semi-cylinder biased to position the free weight at a point of low energy within the weight cradle 103. The outer surface of the recess wall 404 can remain substantially rounded in all embodiments to provide comfort for the user's hand and distribute weight evenly.

For example, the form of both the hook recess angle 205 and the weight cradle recess angle 206 can produce a weight cradle recess wall 204 formed at a right angle such that it would resemble a ‘v’ in a side view. Such an embodiment would bias the weight, when resting in the weight cradle 103, to rest at the point of the “V”. The V-shaped weight cradle recess wall 204 will form a continuous surface of variable depth and significant bias for the enclosed weight allowing bars of different sizes, from dumbbells to barbells. In another embodiment, both the hook recess angle 205 and the weight cradle recess angle 206 may produce a weight cradle recess wall 204 of a semi-cylinder biased to position the weight at a point of low energy within the weight cradle 103. The outer surface of the recess wall 204, however, can remain substantially rounded to provide comfort for the exerciser's hand and distribute weight evenly across it.

In an embodiment a first vertical shaft frame 220a and a second vertical shaft frame 220b, extend parallel and vertically from a hook 101 to a weight cradle 103. The hook 101 is configured to be affixed to a structure and the hook 101 is further configured to extend vertically upwards and horizontally distal from the first and second vertical shaft frames 220a, 220b. The hook 101 is configured to extend from the first vertical shaft frame 220a horizontally to the second vertical shaft frame 220b. The horizontal hook frame 201 extends horizontally from a first vertical hook edge 315a to a second vertical hook edge 315b. Embodiments of the hook 101 can be in a semi-circular configuration. The weight cradle 103 includes weight cradle recess walls 404a, 404b which are configured to receive a shaft of a free weight. The first weight cradle recess wall 404a extends vertically downwards and horizontally distal from first vertical shaft frame 220a, and a second weight cradle recess wall 404b extends extend vertically downwards and horizontally distal from the second vertical shaft frame 220b. Embodiments of the weight cradle 103 can be configured in a semi-circular configuration. In embodiments, the hook 101 extends horizontally distally from the vertical shaft frames 220a 220b, and the weight cradle 103 extends horizontally distally from the vertical shaft frames 220a, 220b in an opposite horizontal direction from the hook 101.

The hook 101 can extend distally from the first and second vertical shaft frames 220a, 200b a distance greater than the distance the weight cradle 103 extends distally from the first and second vertical shaft frames 220a, 220b. The greater distance or horizontal length of the hook 101 provides an improved balance for the weight spotter 100.

Embodiments of the weight spotter 100 can be prepared from a single bar that can be bent to create the curves of the weight spotter 100. The single bar can run from the vertical weight cradle edge 330 on one side of weight cradle, thought the weight cradle recess wall 404 up a first vertical shaft frame 220a, into the hook 101 across the horizontal hook frame 201 to the second vertical shaft frame 220b, down to the weight cradle 103 to the weigh cradle recess wall 404 and ending at the opposite vertical weight cradle edge 330. Embodiments of the weight spotter can have a continuous rounded frame. A weight cradle body 210 can then be attached, affixed, configured to receive a curved single bar. The weight cradle body 210 can be configured to have a bottom portion that is configured to be gripped by a hand of a user and an upper portion that is configured to receive the shaft of a free weight.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative weight spotter 500 according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view (FIG. 5A), a front view (FIG. 5B), a side view (FIG. 5C), and top view (FIG. 5D) of the alternative embodiment.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of the weight spotter 500 including vertical shaft frames 520a, 520b, hook 501, weight cradle 503, horizontal hook frame 511, weight cradle recess walls 504a, 504b, a gripper support 525, and a weight gripper 550. The hook 501, horizontal hook frame 511, and vertical shaft frames 520a, 520b, can be configured and prepared as described above for the correlating parts in FIGS. 1-4. Some of the features in FIG. 5A may be the same as or similar to some of the features in the other FIGs. described herein as noted by same and/or similar reference characters, unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, reference may be made to features shown in any of the other FIGs. described herein and not shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the weight spotter 500 including vertical shaft frames 520a, 520b, hook 501, weight cradle 503, horizontal hook frame 511, weight cradle recess walls 504a, 504b, a gripper support 525, and a weight gripper 550. The hook 501, horizontal hook frame 511, and vertical shaft frames 520a, 520b, can be configured and prepared as described above for the correlating parts in FIGS. 1-4. Some of the features in FIG. 5B may be the same as or similar to some of the features in the other FIGs. described herein as noted by same and/or similar reference characters, unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, reference may be made to features shown in any of the other FIGs. described herein and not shown in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the weight spotter 500 including vertical shaft frame 520, hook 501, weight cradle 503, hook vertical apex 513, vertical hook edge 515, vertical weight cradle edge 530, weight cradle recess walls 504. Some of the features in FIG. 5C may be the same as or similar to some of the features in the other FIGs. described herein as noted by same and/or similar reference characters, unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, reference may be made to features shown in any of the other FIGs. described herein and not shown in FIG. 5C.

FIG. 5D illustrates a top view of the weight spotter 500 including hook 501, weight cradle 503, horizontal hook frame 511, weight cradle recess walls 504a, 504b. Some of the features in FIG. 5D may be the same as or similar to some of the features in the other FIGs. described herein as noted by same and/or similar reference characters, unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, reference may be made to features shown in any of the other FIGs. described herein and not shown in FIG. 5D.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 further contains gripper support 525 that extends horizontally from vertical shaft frame 520a to vertical shaft frame 502b. Embodiments of the gripper support 525 can have a horizontal length equal to the distance between the vertical shaft frames 520a, 520b as described above. The width of the gripper support 525 can be between 2 and 30 mm, preferably between 3 and 20 mm, and most preferably between 5 and 15 mm. Embodiments can include a gripper support 525 with a width of 8 mm. The gripper support 525 is configured to work in conjunction with the weight gripper 550.

The weight gripper 550 is configured to slide and/or move vertically along the vertical shaft frames 520a, 520b. The weight gripper 550 can be configured to slide and/or move along the outside of the vertical shaft frames 520a, 520b or the weight gripper 550 can be disposed with apertures (see FIG. 6) that are configured to receive the vertical shaft frames 520a, 520b. Embodiments of weight gripper 550 can be die-cast, molded, or prepared by other suitable methods in accordance with the present description. The weight gripper 550 can be prepared as one piece or as two halves that are secured onto the vertical shaft frames 520a, 520b and secured by a lock, snap, adhesive, bolt, rivet, or other securing apparatus or material. In an embodiments springs or other movement restrictive components are affixed, attached, or combined with the vertical shaft frames 520a, 520b between the weight gripper 550 and the gripper support 525. In an embodiment, a resistance component, such as a spring (not show) provide resistance when a user grips the gripper support 525 and the weight gripper 550 and pulls the weight gripper 550 vertically upwards towards the gripper support 525. When the user releases the weight gripper 550 the springs cause the weight gripper 550 to extend vertically downwards towards the weight cradle recess walls 504a, 504b. The movement of the weight gripper 550 along the vertical shaft frames 520a, 520b is configured to allow a free weight shaft to be locked in place between the weight gripper 550 and the weight cradle recess walls 504a, 504b. In this embodiment the user is not required to use additional strength to hold the shaft of the free weight and the weight cradle 103 together while using the weight spotter 500.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the weight spotter 500 does not include a weight cradle body 210 located between the weight cradle recess walls 504a, 504b. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 the weight gripper 550 is retracted along the vertical shaft frames 520a, 520b and the shaft of the free weight is placed or rested in the weight cradle recess walls 504a, 504b. After the user releases the tension on the weight gripper 550 (by releasing their grip on the gripper support 525) the weight gripper 550 holds the free weight in a generally static position in the weight cradle 503.

FIG. 6 illustrates a weight gripper 650, according to an embodiment. The weight gripper 650 illustrated in FIG. 6 includes weight gripper apertures 620a, 620b, a weight gripper handle 630, weight gripper vertical frames 640a, 640b, weight grip support frames 660a, 660b, and weight gripper shaft mounts 670a, 670b. The two weight gripper apertures 620a, 620b are configured to receive the vertical shaft frames 520a, 520b, and allow the weight gripper 650 to move vertically up and down the vertical shaft frames 520a, 520b. The weight gripper handle 630 provides support to the weight gripper 650 and provides a handle for the user to grip or grasp the weight gripper 650 and retract it vertically upwards towards the gripper support 525 to allow a free weight shaft to be placed in the weight cradle 503. The weight gripper handle 630 and the gripper support 525 can be configured with finger and palm indents to assist with gripping of the weight gripper handle 630 and the gripper support 525. The weight gripper vertical frames 640a, 640b and weight gripper support frames 660a, 660b are configured to provide strength, support and structure to the weight gripper 650. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 the weight gripper vertical frames 640a, 640b are configured to receive the vertical shaft frames 520a, 520b. Embodiments can be prepared without the weight gripper support frames 660a, 660b in embodiments that provide sufficient rigidity, strength and support with only the weight gripper vertical frames 640a, 640b.

The weight gripper shaft mounts 670a, 670b are configured to hold or lock the free weight shaft between the weight gripper 650 and the weight cradle recess walls 504a, 504b. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 the weight gripper shaft mounts 670a, 670b extend generally horizontally from the weight gripper vertical frames 640a, 640b to the weight gripper support frames 660a, 660b. The horizontal length of the weight gripper shaft mounts 670a, 670b is configured to match or be generally equal to the distance from the vertical shaft frames 520a, 520b to the vertical weight cradle edge 530. The weight gripper shaft mounts 670a, 670b can be configured to have a indentation, recess or curve that allows a rounded free weight shaft to easily, readily, comfortable be locked between the weight cradle recess walls 504a, 504b and the weight gripper shaft mounts 670a, 670b. Embodiments of the weight gripper 650 can include a unitary structure where the weight gripper handle 630, the weight gripper vertical frames 640a, 640b, the weight gripper support frames 660a, 660b, and weight gripper shaft mounts 670a, 670b are a single molded unit. Alternatively, the weight gripper 650 can be configured from separate components. The weight gripper handle 625 and/or gripper support 525 can be configured to include finger indents or indentations to assist the user's grip. Some of the features in FIG. 6 may be the same as or similar to some of the features in the other FIGs. described herein as noted by same and/or similar reference characters, unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, reference may be made to features shown in any of the other FIGs. described herein and not shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 illustrates a illustrates a weight spotter 700, according to an embodiment. The weight spotter 700 as illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a weight gripper 750 holding or locking a free weight 790 in the weight cradle 703. The weight spotter 700 further includes a weight gripper handle 730, weight gripper vertical frames 740a, 740b, weight grip support frames 760a, 760b, and weight gripper shaft mounts 770a, 770b. As discussed in FIG. 6, two weight gripper apertures 720a, 720b are configured to receive the vertical shaft frames 720a, 720b, and allow the weight gripper 750 to move vertically up and down the vertical shaft frames 720a, 720b. The weight gripper handle 730 provides support to the weight gripper 750 and provides a handle for the user to grip or grasp the weight gripper 750 and retract it vertically upwards towards the gripper support 725 to allow the free weight 790 to be placed in the weight cradle 703. The weight gripper handle 730 and the gripper support 730 can be configured with finger and palm indents to assist with gripping of the weight gripper handle 730 and the gripper support 725. FIG. 7 further illustrates resistance component, such as springs 707A, 707B affixed, surrounding, and/or attached to the vertical shaft frame 720a, 720b that provide resistance to the weight gripper 750 locking the free weight 790 in the weight cradle 703 and/or between the weight gripper 750 and the weight cradle recess walls 704a, 704b.

FIG. 8 illustrates a user's operation of a weight spotter 100. In step one (801) the user picks up the weight spotter 100 and user affixes the hook 101 onto a structure, crossbar, free weight shaft, or similar structure to secure the weight spotter 100 in a position to exercise. In step two (802), the user deposits, places, attaches, rests or affixes a free weight into the weight cradle 103. Depositing the free weight can include placing a single barbell into the weight cradle 103 of a single weight spotter 100, placing two dumbbells into the weight cradles 103 of two weight spotters 100, or placing a barbell across two weight cradles 103. In step three (803) the user gets into position to perform the exercise. The position can be laying on a bench to bench-press dumbbells, sitting on a chair to military press a barbell, or other alternative position to lift the free weight and weight spotter. In step four (804) the user grips the weight spotter 100 by the weight cradles 103 wrapping their fingers around the weight cradle 103 and the shaft of the free weight to maintain the free weight's contact with the weight cradle 103. Depending on the exercise, the user can grip two weight cradles 103 supporting two dumbbells, two weight cradles 103 supporting a single barbell, or one large (wide) weight cradle 103 supporting a single weight, such as a barbell or a dumbbell. In step five (805), when the exercise is complete, the user orients the weight spotter 100 and free weight by twisting the weight cradle 103 to engage the hook 101 onto the structure. In step six (806) the user releases their grip on the weight cradle 103 when the hook 101 is secured to the structure.

The method can include placing a free weight in a weight cradle of a weight spotter, where the weight cradle is configured in a semi-circular configuration to receive the shaft of a free weight. Attaching a hook of the weight spotter to a structure, where the hook is configured in a semi-circular configuration to allow the hook to attach to a structure. Gripping the shaft of the free weight and the weight cradle in the hand of a user and pressing the shaft of the free weight against the weight cradle. Lifting the weight spotter away from the structure to allow the user to perform exercises. Replacing the weigh spotter on the structure via attaching the hook to the structure. Releasing the grip on the shaft of the free weight and the weight cradle. Placing a second free weight on a second weight spotter. Attaching a hook of the second weight spotter to a structure. Gripping the shaft of the first and second free weight and the first and second weight cradle in the hands of a user and pressing the shafts of the free weights against the weight cradles. Lifting the weight spotters away from the structure to allow the user to perform exercises. Replacing the weigh spotters on the structure via attaching the hooks to the structure and releasing the grip on the shafts of the free weights and the weight cradles. In an alternative embodiment the method can include prior to placing the free weight in the weight cradle of the weight spotter, grasping a weight gripper and a gripper support in the hands of a user; compressing a resistance component and retracting the weight gripper vertically upwards towards the gripper support; and releasing the weight gripper allowing the resistance component to lock the weight gripper onto the shaft of the free weight. In another embodiment, the user may wraps his fingers around the dumbbell handle and not the cradle. The weigh gripper may maintain or keep the dumbbell in contact with the cradle. This may provided increased comfort for the user.

A feature illustrated in one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature illustrated in another of the figures. Similarly, a feature described in connection with one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature described in connection with another of the figures. The same or similar features may be noted by the same or similar reference characters unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, the description of a particular figure may refer to a feature not shown in the particular figure. The feature may be illustrated in and/or further described in connection with another figure.

Elements of processes (i.e. methods) described herein may be executed in one or more ways such as by a human, by a processing device, by mechanisms operating automatically or under human control, and so forth. Additionally, although various elements of a process may be depicted in the figures in a particular order, the elements of the process may be performed in one or more different orders without departing from the substance and spirit of the disclosure herein.

The foregoing description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods and so forth, in order to provide a good understanding of several implementations. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some implementations may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present implementations. Thus, the specific details set forth above are merely exemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present implementations.

Related elements in the examples and/or embodiments described herein may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity and clarity, related elements may not be redundantly explained. Instead, the use of a same, similar, and/or related element names and/or reference characters may cue the reader that an element with a given name and/or associated reference character may be similar to another related element with the same, similar, and/or related element name and/or reference character in an example explained elsewhere herein. Elements specific to a given example may be described regarding that particular example. A person having ordinary skill in the art will understand that a given element need not be the same and/or similar to the specific portrayal of a related element in any given figure or example in order to share features of the related element.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many other implementations will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the present implementations should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

The foregoing disclosure encompasses multiple distinct examples with independent utility. While these examples have been disclosed in a particular form, the specific examples disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter disclosed herein includes novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above both explicitly and inherently. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims is to be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more of such elements.

As used herein “same” means sharing all features and “similar” means sharing a substantial number of features or sharing materially important features even if a substantial number of features are not shared. As used herein “may” should be interpreted in a permissive sense and should not be interpreted in an indefinite sense. Additionally, use of “is” regarding examples, elements, and/or features should be interpreted to be definite only regarding a specific example and should not be interpreted as definite regarding every example. Furthermore, references to “the disclosure” and/or “this disclosure” refer to the entirety of the writings of this document and the entirety of the accompanying illustrations, which extends to all the writings of each subsection of this document, including the Title, Background, Brief description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Claims, Abstract, and any other document and/or resource incorporated herein by reference.

As used herein regarding a list, “and” forms a group inclusive of all the listed elements. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and D is an example that includes A, includes B, includes C, and also includes D. As used herein regarding a list, “or” forms a list of elements, any of which may be included. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, or D is an example that includes any of the elements A, B, C, and D. Unless otherwise stated, an example including a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude other examples that include various combinations of some or all of the alternatively-inclusive elements. An example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements includes at least one element of the listed elements. However, an example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude another example that includes all of the listed elements. And, an example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude another example that includes a combination of some of the listed elements. As used herein regarding a list, “and/or” forms a list of elements inclusive alone or in any combination. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and/or D is an example that may include: A alone; A and B; A, B and C; A, B, C, and D; and so forth. The bounds of an “and/or” list are defined by the complete set of combinations and permutations for the list.

Where multiples of a particular element are shown in a FIG., and where it is clear that the element is duplicated throughout the FIG., only one label may be provided for the element, despite multiple instances of the element being present in the FIG. Accordingly, other instances in the FIG. of the element having identical or similar structure and/or function may not have been redundantly labeled. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize based on the disclosure herein redundant and/or duplicated elements of the same FIG. Despite this, redundant labeling may be included where helpful in clarifying the structure of the depicted examples.

The Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed examples that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Examples embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same example or a different example and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the examples described herein.

Claims

1. A device, comprising: a weight spotter comprising: a first vertical shaft frame and a second vertical shaft frame, wherein the first and second vertical shaft frames extend parallel and vertically from a hook to a weight cradle; wherein the hook is configured to: be affixed to a structure;extend vertically upwards and horizontally distal from the first and second vertical shaft frames;extend from the first vertical shaft frame horizontally to the second vertical shaft frame;the hook further comprises a horizontal hook frame extending horizontally from a first vertical hook edge to a second vertical hook edge; andthe hook is in a semi-circular configuration;the weight cradle comprising weight cradle recess walls configured to receive a shaft of a free weight, wherein a first weight cradle recess wall extend vertically downwards and horizontally distal from first vertical shaft frame, anda second weight cradle recess wall extends extend vertically downwards and horizontally distal from the second vertical shaft frame,the weight cradle is configured in a semi-circular configuration; anda gripper support disposed horizontally between the first and second vertical shaft frames, and a weight gripper disposed on first and second vertical shaft frames, wherein the weight gripper further comprises: two weight gripper apertures configured to receive the first and second vertical shaft frames,weight gripper vertical frame configured to receive the first and second vertical shaft frames,weight gripper shaft mounts configured to affix to the shaft of the free weight, anda resistance component configured to provide resistance between the gripper support and the weight gripper;wherein the hook extends horizontally distal from the vertical shaft frames, andthe weight cradle extends horizontally distal from the vertical shaft frames in an opposite horizontal direction from the hook.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the weight gripper further comprise a weight gripper handle disposed between the weight gripper apertures; andthe weight gripper handle and the gripper support are configured with finger and palm indents to assist with gripping of the weight gripper handle and the gripper support.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein: the hook comprises: a hook arc that is defined by a radius from 20 mm to 30 mm, andthe hook arc is configured to receive a rounded shaft of a barbell or a rounded crossbar of exercise equipment.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein: the weight cradle comprises a weight cradle arc that is defined by a radius from 10 mm to 25 mm, andthe weight cradle arc is configured to receive a rounded shaft of a free weight, andthe weight cradle further comprises a vertical weight cradle edge that is configured to match a height of the shaft of a free weight.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the hook and the weight cradle further comprise a protective coating configured to reduce friction from attaching hook to the structure and placing free weights in the weight cradle; andthe protective coating is selected from plastic, acrylic, paint, rubber, epoxy.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the hook extends distally from the first and second vertical shaft frames a distance greater than the distance the weight cradle extends distally from the first and second vertical shaft frames.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the distance the hook extends distally from the first and second vertical shaft frames is defined as a hook length,a hook height is measured vertically from a hook apex to vertical hook edge, andthe hook length can be between 20 and 40 mm, andthe hook height can be between 20 and 40 mm.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the weight cradle further comprises a weight cradle recess,a length of the weight cradle recess is defined by a horizontal distance between the vertical shaft frame and a vertical weight cradle edge, andthe length of the weight cradle recess is between 20 and 40 mm.

9. A method, comprising: placing a free weight in a weight cradle of a weight spotter, wherein the weight cradle is configured in a semi-circular configuration to receive a shaft of the free weight;attaching a hook of the weight spotter to a structure, wherein the hook is configured in a semi-circular configuration to allow the hook to attach to a structure;gripping the shaft of the free weight and the weight cradle in a hand of a user and pressing the shaft of the free weight against the weight cradle;lifting the weight spotter away from the structure to allow the user to perform exercises;replacing the weight spotter on the structure via attaching the hook to the structure; andreleasing the grip on the shaft of the free weight and the weight cradle.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: placing a second free weight on a second weight spotter;attaching a hook of the second weight spotter to a structure;gripping the shaft of the first and second free weights and the first and second weight cradles in the hands of a user and pressing the shafts of the free weights against the weight cradles;lifting the weight spotters away from the structure to allow the user to perform exercises;replacing the weight spotters on the structure via attaching the hooks to the structure; andreleasing the grip on the shafts of the free weights and the weight cradles.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: prior to placing the free weight in the weight cradle of the weight spotter: grasping a weight gripper and a gripper support in the hands of a user;compressing a resistance component and retracting the weight gripper vertically upwards towards the gripper support; andreleasing the weight gripper allowing the resistance component to lock the weight gripper onto the shaft of the free weight.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the weight gripper comprises a resistance component that is a spring disposed between the gripper support and the weight gripper, andthe weight gripper further comprises weight gripper shaft mounts configured to surround and lock the shaft of the free weight in the weight cradle.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: attaching a hook of a second weight spotter to a structure;placing the shaft of a barbell across the weight cradle of the first weight spotter and the second weight spotter;gripping the shaft of barbell and the first and second weight cradles in the hands of a user and pressing the shaft of the barbell against the weight cradles;lifting the weight spotters away from the structure to allow the user to perform exercises;replacing the weight spotters on the structure via attaching the hooks to the structure; andreleasing the grip on the shaft of the barbell and the weight cradles.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising twisting an arm of the user when replacing the weight spotters on the structure to assist with attaching the hook to the structure.

15. A system, comprising: a weight spotter comprising: a first vertical shaft frame and a second vertical shaft frame, wherein the first and second vertical shaft frames extend parallel and vertically from a hook to a weight cradle,the hook is configured: to be affixed to a structure,to extend vertically upwards and horizontally distal from the first and second vertical shaft frames,to extend from the first vertical shaft frame horizontally to the second vertical shaft frame,in a semi-circular configurationwherein the hook further comprises a horizontal hook frame extending horizontally from a first vertical hook edge to a second vertical hook edge,the weight cradle comprising weight cradle recess walls configured to receive a shaft of a free weight, wherein a first weight cradle recess wall extend vertically downwards and horizontally distal from first vertical shaft frame, anda second weight cradle recess wall extends extend vertically downwards and horizontally distal from the second vertical shaft frame,the weight cradle is configured in a semi-circular configuration;wherein the hook extends horizontally distal from the vertical shaft frames, andthe weight cradle extends horizontally distal from the vertical shaft frames in an opposite horizontal direction from the hook.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the weight cradle further comprises: a weight cradle body disposed between the first weight cradle recess wall and the second weight cradle recess wall, anda bottom portion of the weight cradle body is configured to be gripped by a hand, andan upper portion of the weight cradle body is configured to receive the shaft of a free weight.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the hook, the horizontal hook frame, the first vertical shaft frame, the second vertical shaft frame, the first weight cradle recess wall, and the second weight cradle recess wall are prepared as a continuous rounded frame.

18. The system of claim 15, further comprising a gripper support disposed horizontally between the first and second vertical shaft frames, and a weight gripper disposed on first and second vertical shaft frames, wherein the weight gripper further comprises: two weight gripper apertures configured to receive the first and second vertical shaft frames, anda resistance component configured to provide resistance between the gripper support and the weight gripper.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the weight gripper further comprises: weight gripper shaft mounts configured to affix to the shaft of the free weight, andthe weight gripper shaft mounts are rounded to match a rounded shaft of a free weight.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the weight gripper further comprise: a weight gripper handle disposed between the weight gripper apertures, andthe weight gripper handle is configured with finger indents to assist with gripping of the weight gripper and the gripper support.