Push-up exercise apparatus

Abstract

An improved exercise apparatus for use in performing exercises may include: an upper portion which may have a handle coupled to an upper surface, and a lower surface; and a lower portion having a lower surface including a slip resistant material, and having an upper surface rotatably coupled to the lower surface of the upper portion. The exercise apparatus, is a fitness product designed to allow the exerciser to do push-ups without strain on the wrists and/or to increase the number of major muscle groups used, as compared to an unassisted push-up. The exercise may be used by assuming a push-up position on the floor, while engaging the apparatus in the exerciser's hands with the handle in a starting position, about parallel to the body. One disc of the exercise apparatus device may be placed in the left hand, and the other disc may be placed in the right hand. As the exerciser pushes his body up, the handle may rotate and/or swivel about 90 degrees so that the handle may then be substantially perpendicular to the exerciser's body at the height of the push-up. As the exerciser exercises, the handle may swivel back to the starting position, parallel to the body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a nonprovisional patent application and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/599,046, filed Aug. 6, 2004, entitled “Push-Up Exercise Apparatus”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to exercise equipment. More specifically, this invention relates to exercise equipment for performing a more effective push-up to provide better, faster results when strengthening and conditioning core upper body muscles.

2. Related Art

It is well known that exercise is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy body and confronting the effects of aging. Many educators and physical fitness professionals believe that a life-long commitment to physical fitness is best promoted by encouraging participation at an early age. One manifestation of this belief is the proliferation of fitness programs within the workplace as well as an increase in home fitness centers and the presence of physical education programs in the vast majority of schools within the United States and elsewhere.

In response to a concern that American children scored lower than their European counterparts on a battery of physical fitness tests, the President's Council on Youth Fitness was founded on Jul. 16, 1956 to encourage American children to lead healthy, active and physically fit lives. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy expanded the mandate to all Americans as well as youth, and clarified the purpose and function of the Council. The council has evolved over the years and is presently known as the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS).

The trend toward physical fitness has increased tremendously in popularity over recent years. The popularity of exercise has become a social activity at health clubs as well as being a benefit in maintaining the medical/physical well-being of an individual.

However, some common exercises such as push-ups are not able to be performed by everyone in the traditional sense. Push-ups are usually performed by placing one's toes and hands on the ground with the body being held in a ridged position. By exertion of the arms to push the body away from the ground by a full extension of the arms and a return toward the ground by bending of the arms, a push-up is accomplished.

For example, in the case of right angle push-ups, the proper form (and the most difficult way to perform the exercise) the proper exercise motion also requires exercisers to start by lying face down on a mat or on the floor in push-up position with hands under shoulders, with fingers (or extremities) straight producing a tremendous amount of undue stress on the wrists and extremities while legs are straight, parallel, and slightly apart, and with the toes supporting the feet. The exerciser should then straighten his or her arms while keeping his or her back and knees straight, and then the exerciser should lower the body until there is a 90-degree angle at the elbows, with the upper arms parallel to the floor. The exerciser should go down at least until there is a 90 degree bend at the elbows and then back up.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention that may be used for upper body strengthening, conditioning, and development are set forth. A useful, novel, and nonobvious rotating device is provided to enable enhanced exercise. The device, according to an exemplary embodiment, may be used to perform an improved a push-up motion exercise, among other exercises, for improved muscle involvement. Increased muscle performance may be obtained, while reducing stress and/or fatigue on an exerciser's wrists and extremities according to an exemplary embodiment.

With very limited workout area, with no room for professional gym type exercise equipment or even most home type exercise equipment and the inability to do barbell bench presses, Cliff Gant was left with only room for a dumbbell workout. Cliff Gant sought a better way to do a worthwhile exercise in the limited space available and to increase the weight used during the exercise therefore increasing the benefits of the exercise. Cliff came up with the present invention, to be offered under the mark ULTIMATE PUSH-UP™. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may provide a reverse of the dumbbell concept using an exerciser's body weight in the push-up position with a new twist. According to the present invention, the exercise involves more than one group of muscle interactions.

The exercise device according to the present invention may be used by children, adults, men, and/or women of all age groups.

An exemplary feature of the present invention may provide a device of exercise equipment that effectively works core upper body muscles.

By the present invention, the Push-Up motion exercise with the rotation of the arms and wrists may allow an exerciser to perform the exercise at different widths between hands and positions allowing each individual to modify the push-up motion exercise to meet the individual's needs while still seeing and/or feeling improved benefits and/or results. The invention may allow young and/or elderly people to be able to do push-ups and gain the advantage and/or self-esteem of doing “Ultimate” push-up motion exercises. The variance on the amount of exertion and exerciser's ability to control and/or customize the amount of exertion to perform a push-up motion exercise is also helpful for all who want to vary by increasing and/or decreasing the degree of difficulty of repetitive exercise.

A feature of the present invention may provide a device which may allow an exerciser to engage in a customizable, highly effective push-up motion exercise which may lead to strength & increased muscle performance while reducing and/or eliminating undue stress to the wrist, hands and/or extremities.

Another feature of the present invention may provide a portable and/or user friendly device in which to perform the push-up motion exercise.

A further feature of the present invention may provide a device that is completely customizable by the exerciser based on, e.g., range of motion, current ability and/or fitness level of the exerciser during the push-up motion exercise.

A still further feature of the present invention may provide a device which may be easily customizable for use by exercisers with a variety of device and/or body configurations including different vertical and/or horizontal positioning, different shoulder widths and/or different heights either alone, or with other devices, such as, e.g., but not limited to, a base frame.

A further feature of the present invention may provide a device that guides an exerciser toward a push-up range of motion through which the exerciser can gain maximum benefit in terms of exercise results.

Another feature of this invention may provide an exercise device that is suitable for use in/at (but not limited to), physical therapy centers, sports injury clinics, schools, gyms, at home, a hotel, the office, and/or in fact any location the exerciser chooses inside and/or outdoors, in a confined and/or open space.

Another feature of the invention may provide a complete upper body core muscle work out to strengthen and/or condition including, e.g., but not limited to, the chest, shoulder, back, and/or arms, etc.

Yet another feature of the invention may tone and build muscle quickly, increase upper body strength and energy while reducing stress on, e.g., hands, extremities, wrists and/or elbows, etc.

Still another feature of the invention may provide a piece of exercise equipment whereby the exerciser has a lower risk of injury by removing the external weight and balance issues of free-weight exercises and allowing the exerciser to use his/her own body weight to tone & build muscle and/or increase stamina.

The device of the present invention may further provide the ability to allow exercisers to perform push-up motion exercises that are the most beneficial in terms of training results regardless of whether testing and/or evaluation is being performed or not.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an exercise apparatus for use in performing exercises may include: an upper portion having an upper surface, and a lower surface; and a lower portion having a lower surface including a slip resistant material, and having an upper surface rotatably coupled to the lower surface of the upper portion. The components of the apparatus may be constructed of any well known materials, such as, including, e.g., but not limited to, metal, wood, rubber, aluminum, plastic, polymers and/or composites, etc. The handle may be, e.g., but not limited to, substantially C-shaped, U-shaped, L-shaped, and/or J-shaped in exemplary embodiments.

In one exemplary embodiment, a handle may be coupled to the upper surface of the upper portion. In one exemplary embodiment the handle may be removable, collapsible, and/or embedded in the upper surface.

In one exemplary embodiment, the upper portion and the lower portion may be coupled via a coupler comprising, e.g., but not limited to, a lazy-susan, a swivel support base apparatus, a swivel mechanism which enables rotation of the top section, and/or a swivel support base apparatus which enables rotation of the top section.

In one exemplary embodiment, the handle may include a substantially horizontal member coupled to the upper surface of the upper portion.

In one exemplary embodiment, the handle may further include: at least one substantially vertical extension coupling the substantially horizontal portion to the upper surface of the upper portion.

In one exemplary embodiment, the upper portion and/or the lower portion may be in a substantially circular shape.

In one exemplary embodiment, the upper portion and/or the lower portion may be a disc shape.

In one exemplary embodiment, the exercise apparatus may include a pair of the exercise apparatuses.

In one exemplary embodiment, the exercise apparatus may be used in performing, e.g., but not limited to, at least one exercise of the following exercises: a push-up; a dip; a press; and/or an extension.

In one exemplary embodiment, the exercise apparatus may be for use in exercising in at least one of a small, and/or a confined space.

In one exemplary embodiment, the exercise apparatus may be adapted for portability.

In one exemplary embodiment, the exercise apparatus may be adapted to be compact.

In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may be adapted to be usable for all levels of fitness.

In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may be adapted to be usable for all age groups.

In one exemplary embodiment, the the apparatus may be adapted to reduce stress on a wrist, or a finger of an exerciser, by providing a more natural positioning of the hand while performing an exercise.

In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may be adapted to provide an exercise adapted to stimulate muscle growth that could increase, e.g., a chest size, and/or cleavage.

In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may be adapted to reduce, and/or eliminate wrist injury while performing exercise.

In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may be adapted to cause a user to increase strength via the apparatus' use.

In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may be adapted to cause a user to increase upper body muscle size.

In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may be adapted to cause a user to tone flabby arms.

In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may be adapted to cause a user to target a larger group of muscles than a conventional pushup exercise absent use of the apparatus.

In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may be adapted to add rotation resulting in adding definition to larger muscle groups.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention while being used by an exerciser;

FIG. 2 is a top view of multiple exemplary versions of the Ultimate Push-Up device in different sizes and using different manufacturing materials including, e.g., but not limited to, metal, wood, rubber, aluminum, plastic, polymers and/or composites, etc.;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary side view of the Ultimate Push-Up device;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of a top view of the Ultimate Push-Up device;

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a top and bottom views of exemplary UPU Disc push-up devices including an exemplary draw-string duffle carrying bag;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary technical drawing of an exemplary cross-sectional view of the Ultimate Push-Up Disc according to an exemplary embodiment, where components depicted in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead is to be placed upon clearly illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary technical drawing of an exemplary cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the Ultimate Push-Up Disc Device as it sits on an optional exemplary X-Wedge shaped version of an exemplary lifting base according to an exemplary embodiment, where components depicted in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead is to be placed upon clearly illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary technical drawing of an exemplary an optional exemplary X-Wedge shaped lifting base, according to an exemplary embodiment, where components depicted in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead is to be placed upon clearly illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an exercise apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the exercise apparatus may include a pair of devices. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the pair of devices may itself include, e.g., two discs. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, that the two discs need not be circular. In one exemplary embodiment, one of the two discs may be rotatably coupled to the other disc. In an exemplary embodiment, the two discs may be rotatably coupled using any of various well know ways of rotatably coupling two devices together such as, e.g., but not limited to, bearings. In another exemplary embodiment, a lazy-suzan, or other rotatably coupling mechanism including, e.g., but not limited to, a swivel support base apparatus, a swivel mechanism which may enable rotation of the top section, and/or a swivel support base apparatus which may enable rotation of the top section, may be used to couple the two discs together. The lower disc may be stationary, while the top disc may swivel. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper disc may have a handle coupled to it. The handle may not appear on all embodiments. The optional handle may be collapsible, removable, and/or integrated into the top portion of the upper disc. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle may be fixed to the upper disc, in an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower disc may have a non-slip surface applied to the bottom to prevent the lower disc from slipping and/or moving while in use. The discs, and optional handles for that matter, in an exemplary embodiment, may be constructed out of any resilient material such as, e.g., but not limited to, wood, rubber, metal, plastic, polymers and/or composites, etc. The discs may be made in various sizes such as, e.g., but not limited to, from 16 inches to 5 inches in diameter. Although the exemplary embodiment is described in terms of a substantially circular disc, the upper and lower discs may be of any shape, and need not be circular in shape. In an exemplary embodiment, an optional handle may be added to the upper disc in a shape such as, e.g., but not limited to, a C-shape, an inverted U-shape, a J-shape, and/or an L-shape, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, a u-shaped handle may be of various sizes such as, e.g., but not limited to, approximately 6 to 14 inches in length (horizontally), may be approximately 2 inches in width, and may be 3 inches in height.

The exercise apparatus, in an exemplary embodiment, may be compact, lightweight, and/or may easily fit into a gym or overnight bag. The exercise apparatus may be easy to transport and can be used while traveling or in a regularly scheduled exercise program.

The present invention is now described generally to provide the reader with an overview of the device and its use according to various exemplary embodiments including any and all preferred embodiments. Following the general description, a detailed discussion of each of the components, their use and the way they work together is provided.

In general terms, the present invention may work to provide an exercise apparatus devices so that an exerciser can perform a more effective push-up motion exercise than conventionally possible unaided by the device. One exemplary embodiment is the Ultimate Push-Up™ device available from Ultimate Push-Up, P.O. Box 2439, Atascadero, Calif. 93423 USA. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an exerciser using the device may accomplish improved results while decreasing or eliminating stress or possible injury to the wrist, hands and extremities.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view 100 of an exemplary embodiment of the invention while being used by an exerciser. As depicted, a pair of push-up disc apparatuses are used to perform a push-up exercise.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of various exemplary views 200 of multiple exemplary versions of the Ultimate Push-Up device in various, exemplary, different sizes and manufactured from various different exemplary manufacturing materials including materials such as, e.g., but not limited to, wood, rubber, aluminum, plastic, polymers, and/or composites, etc.

FIG. 3 is a side view 300 of an exemplary embodiment of the Ultimate Push-Up device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, in the exemplary embodiment, a rotatable coupling device 306 is shown from a side-view, in this case, a lazy-suzan type ball-bearing rotational device 306, coupling an upper portion 302 of the disc to a lower portion 304 of the disc. The upper portion is shown with an exemplary handle 308 and the lower porti 304 is shown with a slip resistant base portion 310 coupled to the bottom of lower portion 304.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of a top down, or aerial view 400 of an exemplary embodiment of the exercise apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The exact exercise device depicts is the Ultimate Push-Up device, available from Ultimate Push-Up, P.O. Box 2439, Atascadero, Calif. 93423 USA. The device is depicted with exemplary marketing branding on the upper surface of the top disc.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary profile of top and bottom views 500 of a UPU Disc exercise apparatus device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the exercise device may be sold in combination as a kit including a carrying bag, of sufficient size to hold a pair of push-up apparatuses, and optionally, e.g., but not limited to, additional exercise equipment, clothes, etc. As shown in FIG. 5, in an exemplary embodiment, a draw-string duffle type carrying bag may be included. As shown, the bottom surface of each disc may include one or more slip resistant surfaces. In the exemplary embodiment, one or more sector shaped slip resistant surfaces may be included, as shown.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary cross-sectional view 600 of a technical drawing of the exercise apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Various exemplary numbered components are referenced. Cross-sectional view 600 may include, in an exemplary embodiment, a top portion 601 with an integrated handle, coupled to a base portion 502. The top portion 601, as shown, may include one or more rubber grip portions 603-605. As shown, in the exemplary embodiment, a lower rubber portion 603, an upper rubber portion 604, and a rubber back plater 605 may be included in the handle portion. The upper portion 601, may be coupled to lower portion 602 via a rotatable coupling, as shown. The rotatable coupling of the exemplary embodiment depicted in view 600 may include one or more ball bearings 607 (sixteeen in the exemplary embodiment) held by bearing holder 606, and one or more bearing plates 608 (a and b) (two in the exemplary embodiment). The upper portion 601, may be further coupled to lower portion 602, as shown, by a screw 609, a washer 610, which may be placed at the center of the device and may run from an opening in the lower portion 602 into the upper portion 601. The opening may be covered by a screw cover 611. One or more pads 612, which may be round and rubber in an exemplary embodiment may be used as a slip resistant interface between the bottom of the lower portion 602 of the apparatus and the ground.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary cross-sectional view 700 of a technical drawing of the exercise apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as it sits on an optional lifting or raised base 701,702. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead should be placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. As shown, the lifting base may include portions 701 and 702, which together may accept upon them the apparatus of FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary embodiment of a perspective view 800 of an exemplary technical drawing of the optional lifting or raised base 701, 702 of the exercise apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The components of the base frame, right portion 702 and left portion 701 may be oriented as shown to increase the height of the person exercising, and as shown, may include an angle of incline, or decline, in an exemplary embodiment. It is important to note that in the drawings, the dimensions are not necessarily to scale, an are non-limiting, emphasis instead should be placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.

The above description of the present invention is given for explanatory purposes. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the whole of the foregoing description is to be construed in an illustrative and not a limitative sense. The scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the extent of the claims that follow.

Further yet, it should be understood that the foregoing relates only to various exemplary embodiments, including any preferred embodiments of the present invention, and that numerous changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus for use in performing exercises comprising:

an upper portion having an upper surface, and a lower surface; and

a lower portion having a lower surface comprising a slip resistant material, and having an upper surface rotatably coupled to the lower surface of said upper portion.

2. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said upper portion and said lower portion are coupled via a coupler comprising at least one of:

a lazy-susan;

a rotational coupler;

a swivel support base apparatus;

a swivel mechanism which enables rotation of said upper portion; and/or

a swivel support base apparatus which enables rotation of said upper portion.

3. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a handle coupled to the upper surface of said upper portion.

4. The exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said handle comprises

a substantially horizontal member coupled to the upper surface of said upper portion.

5. The exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said handle further comprises:

at least one substantially vertical extension coupling said substantially horizontal portion to the upper surface of said upper portion.

6. The exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said handle comprises at least one of:

a substantially C-shaped handle;

a substantially U-shaped handle;

a substantially L-shaped handle; and/or

a substantially J-shaped handle.

7. The exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said handle is adapted to be at least one of:

collapsible;

removable; and/or

integrated into said upper portion.

8. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said upper portion and/or said lower portion comprises: a substantially circular shape.

9. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said upper portion and said lower portion comprises a disc shape.

10. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a pair of the exercise apparatuses.

11. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, for use in performing at least one exercise of the following exercises:

a push-up;

a dip;

a press; and/or

an extension.

12. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, for use in exercising in at least one of a small, and/or a confined space.

13. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted for portability.

14. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be compact.

15. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be usable for all levels of fitness.

16. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be usable for all age groups.

17. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted to reduce stress on at least one of: a wrist, and/or a finger of an exerciser, by providing a more natural positioning of the hand while performing an exercise.

18. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted to provide an exercise adapted to stimulate muscle growth that could increase at least one of a chest size, and/or cleavage.

19. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted to at least one of reduce, and/or eliminate wrist injury while performing exercise.

20. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted to at least one of:

cause a user to increase strength via the apparatus' use;

cause a user to increase upper body muscle size;

cause a user to tone flabby arms;

cause a user to target a larger group of muscles than a conventional pushup exercise absent use of the apparatus; and/or

add rotation resulting in adding definition to larger muscle groups.