COUNTING DEVICE FOR A PUSH-UP EXERCISE

Abstract

A counting device for counting repetitions and timing a push-up exercise includes a device body and a counter assembly having a display and a plurality of actuation buttons thereon. The counter assembly fits within a deformable foam ring that forms the top of the device. During exercise, a user depresses the foam ring downward with their chest a given distance so as to trigger at least one sensor in the counter assembly to register a repetition count on the display, along with an elapsed time of the exercise. The counter assembly can be fixed within the device, or a display unit thereof may be removable so that the device and display unit are configured for wireless communication.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Example embodiments in general are directed to a counting device for push-up exercises.

2. Description of Related Art

Push-ups are one of the oldest and perhaps most effective exercises for a human being. The push-up exercise is employed by the military and competitive sports teams around the world to gauge overall fitness.

When exercising, many users desire to keep a count of repetitions performed. Historically, when the user desired to time the number of repetitions performed, the user typically had to maintain a mental count and observe a clock or watch; and/or set a timer on the clock or watch. If the user was performing a pushup exercise, counting repetitions within a specified time period proved difficult.

Counting devices have been developed to address this problem. In general for a push-up exercise, counters have been developed in which a user contacts a sensor (such as a button) with his or her chest. The sensor actuates a switch or counter within housing. The counted repetition could be embodied by an audible sound or an incremented count on a display. Other counters include a proximity sensor which does not contact the person's body.

However, conventional physical-touch sensor counters do not both count push-up repetitions and time the exercise. Additionally, conventional counters do not provide for “give-way” where an exerciser cannot support themselves in the push-up position; the contact surface is typically a static pad and the counter body is generally rigid. Proximity sensors are inapplicable to and hence ineffective for counting push-up exercises.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment of the present invention is directed to a counting device for a push-up exercise. The device includes a device body and a counter assembly having a display and a plurality of actuation buttons thereon. The counter assembly fits within a deformable foam ring that forms the top of the device. During exercise, a user depresses the foam ring downward with their chest a given distance so as to trigger at least one sensor in the counter assembly to register a repetition count on the display, along with an elapsed time of the exercise.

Another example embodiment is directed to a counting device for a push-up exercise that includes a device body including a sensor and a first transceiver in electrical connection with the sensor, a deformable foam ring attached to the device body so as to form the top of the counting device, and a removable counter display unit having a second transceiver that is configured to fit within the foam ring. With the counter display unit remote from the device, the sensor senses depression of the foam ring by a user during a push-up exercise and sends a count signal to the first transceiver, which is transmitted to the second transceiver to register a repetition count on the counter display unit along with an elapsed time of the exercise.

Another example embodiment of the present invention is directed to an exercise system. The system includes a pair of handle devices to be grasped by a user for performing a push-up exercise, a counting device positioned under the user's chest and including a sensor for detecting depression of a foam ring on the counting device by a user's chest, and a remote display unit in view of the user. Upon the sensor sensing contact therewith by a ring holder holding the foam ring, the counting device transmits a wireless signal that is received by the display unit and displayed as a repetition count along with an elapsed time of the exercise thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference numerals, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a counting device for a push-up exercise in accordance with the example embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the counting device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the counting device to illustrate constituent components in more detail.

FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of the counting device to illustrate connection of the top screen to the bottom cup.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a counting device for a push-up exercise in accordance with another example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the counting device shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the counting device of FIG. 5 to illustrate constituent components in more detail.

FIG. 8 is a cut-away view of the counting device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an exercise system incorporating a counting device in accordance with another example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments in general are directed to a counting device for push-up exercises. In one example, the device includes a device body and a counter assembly. The device body includes a central aperture for receiving the counter assembly. The counter assembly includes a display for displaying repetition count and time elapsed. In an example, the counter assembly can be configured to have a set time period which counts down to zero. The counter assembly fits within the device body and includes a foam ring that forms the top of the device to expose a plurality of counter buttons. The device iterates a count when the user depresses the foam ring downward, triggering a count that registers on the display along with the elapsed time. The elapsed time of exercise can be understood as a time that decrements to zero from a given set exercise time, or as a time increasing from zero to a set ending time, for example. The device body itself may be deformable under the weight of the user to permit depression of the counting device beyond the distance required to trigger a count. A deformable device body may also provide a safety feature to prevent injury in the event a user loses muscle control during exercise, and to protect the device electronics.

In another example, the device includes a removable counter that remotely communicates with the device body. The device body includes a sensor that senses depression of the foam ring during a push-up exercise. The sensor is attached to a transceiver that transmits a signal that is received by a transceiver of a remote counter. The signal causes the counter to iterate a count that the user can view on a display thereof along with the time elapsed.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a counting device for a push-up exercise in accordance with the example embodiments, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the counting device 10. The counting device 10 includes a device body 150 that supports a counter assembly 100. In an example, the device body 150 may be configured as a tripod stand with spaced apart legs 152, 154, 156 to provide stability for the device 10. In an example, the height of the counting device 10 may approximate the width of a fist. Military and fitness teams use buddies to count pushups by placing a fist sideways on the ground under their partner's chest. Device 10 simulates the height of the fist in order to count repetitions.

The device body 150 maybe composed of a suitable plastic or rubber material that allows for some deformation. An example material may be thermoplastic rubber (TPR). This material provides for deformation or give of the device body 150 under stress. This prevents the device 10 from being destroyed in the event the user cannot hold their position above device 10. The counter assembly 100 in this example includes a foam rubber ring 105 which supports a top screen 110 and a display unit 120, as well as a plurality of actuation buttons 121, 123, 125 extending through bores formed in the top screen 110. In an example, display unit 120 may include an LED display.

In general during operation, a user making a downward movement during a push-up exercise contacts the foam rubber ring 105. The foam rubber ring 105 sits within a ring holder 107. As the foam ring 105 deforms, this causes the ring holder 107 to depress downward a given distance before a count is registered. For example, as the foam rubber ring 105 deforms so that the holder 107 is displaced downward to about 0.5″ (3 mm travel) a count sequence is initiated to register the count on the display unit 120. This is merely an example; deformation of the foam ring 105 so as to displace the holder 107 a distance in a range of about 2-7 mm could initiate a count sequence. At the given deformation distance, an underside of the holder 107 contacts one or more sensors in the device electronics so as to register a repetition. This count is displayed on display unit 120 along with the time elapsed. The time elapsed can be a time count down from a given starting time or a time count up from zero, for example.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the counting device to illustrate constituent components in more detail. The counter assembly 100 includes a top screen 110 that encircles a display 120. The top screen 110 includes a plurality of bores 111 through which the actuation buttons 125 extend. The counter assembly 100 includes a bottom cup 130 which in this example threads onto the device body 150 via a threaded column 155. The bottom cup 130 includes a series of holes 131 designed to receive the legs 112 of top screen 110. The bottom cup 130 includes a cavity 132 designed to receive a battery holder 140 for batteries 142. The batteries 142 power a PC board 117 of the display unit 120 so as to display count and time elapsed thereon.

The actuation buttons 121, 123, 125 extending through holes 111 in the top screen 110 can have given functions. One of the buttons may be an “On/Reset” button 121. Another button 123 is provided for an “Increase time” function to increase the exercise time displayed on the display 120, and a third button 125 is dedicated for a “Decrease time” function to decrease the exercise time displayed on display 120.

In general, power to the counting device 10 is turned on by pressing the On/Reset button 121. In one example, the display 120, upon power on, defaults to display 2 minutes and 0 reps. When the first repetition is registered, the timer begins counting down, beeping on each repetition and registering the repetition by incrementing the count. The 2 minute exercise time is the basic exercise duration used by Navy SEALs, for example, although the default time could be set to a different default time. The user may increase the time using button 123 or decrease the time with button 125 before or during exercise. Alternatively, the counting device 10 may be set to a count up timer mode. In this mode, once power is on, the counting device 10 waits for the user to begin exercising with a default display of 0:00 minutes/0 reps. As the first repetition is performed, the timer would begin counting up on the display 120. The display 120 has an automatic power-down function to save the batteries 142. For example, after 4 minutes of non-use, display 120 powers down.

In operation, as the foam ring 105 is deformed under the weight of the user, it presses ring holder 107 down against one or more micro-switches 119. This action registers a count. A plurality of springs 144 are secured between bosses 147 formed on an underside of the ring holder 107 and on a top surface of a spring plate 146. The springs 144 provide a counterforce against the downward force of the ring holder 107 toward the micro-switches 119. The micro-switches 119 are in electrical communication with the display 120 via PC board 117 and provide the count signal to the PC board 117 so as to register the count on the display 120.

FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of the counting device to illustrate connection of the top screen to the bottom cup. Threaded engagement of the bottom cup 130 threads 133 onto the threaded column 155 of device body 150 secures the bottom cup 130 to the device body 150. The legs 112 of the top screen 110 include threaded bores 113 therein. By aligning the holes 131 of the bottom cup 130 with the bores 113 within the legs 112, fasteners 134 may be inserted to engage the threaded bores 113 so as to secure the top screen 110 and display 120 to the bottom cup 130. In FIG. 4, one of the springs 144 is shown compressed between the spring plate 146 and ring holder 107.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a counting device for a push-up exercise in accordance with another example embodiment; FIG. 6 is a side view of the counting device shown in FIG. 5. Referring collectively to FIGS. 5 and 6, the counting device 10′ in this example is similar to that shown in the previous embodiment, with the exception of the device body 150′. In this example, the device body 150′ includes a hard plastic ring 160 around the bottom to connect legs 152, 154, 156. The ring 160 is provided to add stability to the device 10′ as the user presses down to deform the foam rubber ring 105. The device body 150′ is also deformable under user weight.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the counting device of FIG. 5 to illustrate constituent components in more detail, and FIG. 8 is a cut-away view of the counting device of FIG. 5. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the component arrangement within device 10′ is slightly different then shown in FIGS. 1-4. The bottom cup 130 contains a battery compartment 135 to receive batteries 142, with a cover 137 to enclose the batteries 142 therein. The micro-switches 119 are shown in greater detail in their relation to the underside of the ring holder 107. Each of the On/reset button 121, increasing time button 123 and decreasing time button 125 is also shown in more detail relative to their connective positions on PC board 117 (not shown, but beneath spring plate 146).

In an example, the device 10′ is configured to enable an additional 1-4″ of deformation due to the elasticity of the device body 150′. A durometer is a measurement indicating the hardness of a material or the material's resistance to permanent indentation. There are several measuring scales; the two most common are the ASTM D2240 type A and type D scales. The A scale is for softer plastics, while the D scale is for harder ones. In this example, the materials composing device body 150′ can have a hardness of between 60-100 durometers using the type A scale, with a desired hardness range of between about 65 to 75 durometers. In one example, the device body 150′ can be composed of a thermoplastic rubber (TPR) that has a measured hardness of approximately 65 durometers. The entire device body 150′ can be compressed or deformed downward (analogous to depressing a toilet plunger for example) until the hard plastic battery cover 137 on the underside of the bottom cup 130 bottoms out. This provides a safety feature to prevent injury in the event a user loses muscle control during exercise, and protects the device electronics as well.

FIG. 9 is an exercise system incorporating a counting device in accordance with another example embodiment. The counting device 10″ is similar to that described in FIGS. 1-8; differences are noted in detail below. The system 1000 includes a pair of handle devices to use for push-ups. In one example, these may be rotatable push-up exercise devices 200, although the counting device 10″ may be used with no hand devices, raised surfaces for the hands and/or as shown in FIG. 9.

In this embodiment, the display unit, referred to in this example as counter display unit 300, is shown removed and remote from the device 10″. The counter display unit contains its own electronics to power the display. The device body 150, with bottom cup 130, foam rubber ring 105, PC board 107 and micro-switches 119 arranged on the spring plate 146, and springs 144 between the spring plate 146 and the ring holder 107, remain beneath the user in the contiguous counting device 10″.

In this embodiment, the counter display unit 130 and device 10″ can communicate remotely via wireless communications, such as RF, IF, etc. In one example, RF data communications can be performed between transceivers in the device 10″ and counter display unit 300, such that a wireless signal is transmitted from the device 10″ to the counter display unit 300. The dotted line 500 represents the wireless signal communicated between the counting device 10″ and the counter display unit 300. The signal path is shown in two directions to signify that the display unit 300, in one embodiment, could transmit a confirmation wireless signal back to the transmitter at device 10″. Example transceivers suitable for the device 10″ and counter display unit 300 can include the 900-MHz AC4490-1x1 FHSS transceiver by AeroComm, which measures 1 in² and is a self-contained PCB-mountable radio modem module; and the MICRF505 by Micrel, a self-contained transceiver that fits into a 5 mm² footprint.

In operation, a user grasps the push-up exercise devices 200 and begins a downward movement of the push-up exercise so as to contact the foam rubber ring 105. The foam rubber ring 105 deforms a given distance downward against the springs 144 such that the micro-switches 119 come into contact with the underside of the ring holder 107, generating a signal to the device 10″ transceiver. The device 10″ transceiver transmits this signal 500 to the receiver at the counter display unit 300. This signal 500 is recognized as a count and is displayed on the display along with the time elapsed.

In other words, the counting device 10″ with removable counter display unit 300 registers a count in exactly the same way as counting devices 10, 10″, once signal 500 is received. The only difference in this embodiment is that the display unit 300 can be removed and repositioned away from the device body 150, providing an easier reading position. The foam ring 105 and device electronics (PC board 107 and micro switches 119) remain in the device body 150. It would be evident to one skilled in the art that each of the counting devices 10 and/or 10′ in FIGS. 1-8 could be configured with a removable display having a transceiver therein.

In a further variant, the counting device 10″ and/or counter display unit 300 may communicate with other remote devices, such as a hand-held or personal computer, a laptop, etc. Further, the counting device 10″ and/or counter display unit 300 could be configured with memory to store records of repetitions by the user during exercise events. Connectivity with a computing device provides for the download of records and/or the upload of workout routines, for example, which could be displayed on the counter display unit 300. For example, the counter display unit 300 could have its own microprocessor and advanced display features to display examples of aerobic workouts and to give the user a set number of reps to perform, a rest period, then another set of reps.

Any of the counting devices 10, 10′, 10″ described herein may be used with a user performing an exercise with their hands on the floor, by grasping a handle bar or by placing their hands on other raised surfaces. The example of FIG. 9 illustrates use of the counting device with just one example of push-up exercise devices for the hands. The push-up exercise device 200 includes a single molded housing 210 with a circular lower base 212. The housing 210 includes an integral facing 214 formed around a circumference of the lower base 212. In an example, the facing may incline slightly downward and outward from the base 212. The housing 210 includes a pair of columns 215 formed into part of the base 212 of the housing 210, with a lower end of each column 215 forming part of the facing 214 at opposing sides thereof to receive an end of a handle 220 there between. In an example, each column 215 slopes upward from the lower base 212, gradually narrowing to secure the handle 220 at its upper end.

Each rotatable device 200 includes a fixed base support 230 operatively attached to the housing 210. The device 200 further includes a bearing assembly (not shown) operatively attached within the housing 210 to permit rotation of the contiguous handle 220 and housing 210 by a user, with the fixed base support 230 resting on a planar surface. Example bearing assemblies are described in detail with regard to FIGS. 3, 8A, 8B and the associated description thereof in the co-pending and commonly assigned application Ser. No. 11/996,152 to Hauser, et al., filed Jan. 18, 2008 and entitled “PUSH-UP EXERCISE UNIT AND DEVICE”, the relevant contents describing device 200 being hereby incorporated by reference herein.

In general, the housing 212 can be formed by an injection molding process from a medium or heavy gauge impact plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). ABS is an easily machined, tough, low-cost, rigid thermoplastic material with medium to high impact strength, and is a desirable material for turning, drilling, sawing, die-cutting, shearing, etc. ABS is merely one example material; equivalent materials include various thermoplastic and thermoset materials that have characteristics similar to ABS. For example, polypropylene, high-strength polycarbonates such as GE Lexan, and/or blended plastics may be used instead of, or in addition with ABS. The materials comprising device 200 (plastic such as ABS, rubber and lightweight metal materials) provide for a light yet durable construction. An exemplary injection molding system for forming molded plastic articles included in device 200 may be the Roboshot® injection machine from Milacron-Fanuc. The Roboshot is one of many known injection molding machines for forming plastic injection molds.

The handle 220 may be composed of a metal handle-rod (not shown) sheathed within a grip 225. For example, the handle 220 may have a chrome steel handle-rod overlaid with or sheathed within a rubberized grip 225. The handle-rod may alternatively be comprised of an aluminum hollow member and is received within corresponding recesses (not shown) formed in the columns 215. The grip 225 may be made of a foam rubber or suitable elastomeric material and has a wider or thicker center portion which tapers down to the end portions of grip 147.

Device 200 includes a solid rubber gripping surface configured as a non-slip pad (not shown herein, but shown and described in detail with regard to FIG. 5 and the associated description thereof in the co-pending and commonly assigned '152 application). The non-slip pad is provided on the underside of the base support 230 and offers a friction surface when the device 220 is resting on a flat surface. The pad may be adhered to the underside of the base support 230 via suitable epoxy or adhesive, for example. The non-slip rubber pad grips well on carpet and hard floor surfaces.

A gap (not shown herein, but shown and described in detail with regard to FIG. 2 and the associated description thereof in the co-pending and commonly assigned '152 application) is provided between the lower base 212 of housing 210 and the base support 230 to assist in permitting rotational movement of the housing 210 and handle 220, ostensibly by providing clearance for the bearing assembly while the base support 230 remains fixed in place.

Therefore, the example embodiments provide for a counting device for push-up exercises that is compact, accurate and which provides both the count of repetitions and time-elapsed on a single display. Remote communications between the counting device and a removable counter display unit facilitate the user's ability to track repetitions and time elapsed. Moreover, the height of the counting device prevents a user from cheating, they must lower their chest sufficiently to engage the foam ring 105 and register a repetition on the display.

The example embodiments being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. For example, the counting devices 10 and 10′ can be configured with or without a removable counter display unit. The counting devices described herein are applicable to user's performing conventional push-ups as well as for use with the system of FIG. 9. Such variations are not to be regarded as departure from the example embodiments, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included herein.

Claims

1. A counting device for a push-up exercise, comprising:

a device body, and

a counter assembly having a display and a plurality of actuation buttons, the counter assembly fitting within a deformable foam ring that forms the top of the device, wherein

a user during exercise depresses the foam ring downward with their chest a given distance so as to trigger at least one sensor of the counter assembly to register a repetition count on the display along with an elapsed time of the exercise, and

the device body is composed of a deformable rubber material and is configured with three spaced legs interconnected to one another at the bottom of the device to support the counter assembly and permit additional deformation of the foam ring beyond the distance required to trigger the count.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the count is triggered once a ring holder supporting the foam ring is depressed a distance between about 2 to 7 mm.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the count is triggered once a ring holder supporting the foam ring is depressed a distance of 3 mm.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the count is triggered once a ring holder supporting the foam ring is depressed under the user's weight so as to contact the at least one sensor.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the elapsed time of exercise is a time that decrements to zero from a given set exercise time or a time increasing from zero to a set ending time.

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes a plurality of micro-switches, the counter assembly further including:

a PC board in electrical communication with the display, actuation buttons and micro-switches, and

a battery for powering the PC board, wherein a ring holder that supports the foam ring as the foam ring deforms under the user's weight contacts the micro-switches, which send a signal to the PC board to register a repetition count on the display.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuation buttons include:

an on/reset button for powering the device and resetting the time and count,

an increase button for increasing the exercise time on the display, and

a decrease button for decreasing the exercise time on the display.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a bottom cup attached within the device body for supporting the counter assembly, and

a circular spring plate attached to the top of the bottom cup, the spring plate having a plurality a springs that provide a counter force against deformation of the foam ring.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the device body has a hardness of between about 60 to 100 durometers.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the device body has a hardness of between 65 to 75 durometers.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the counter assembly is fixed within the device.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the display of the counter assembly is removable from the device, the device and display configured for wireless communication.

15. A counting device for a push-up exercise, comprising:

a device body including a sensor and a first transceiver in electrical connection with the sensor,

a deformable foam ring attached to the device body so as to form the top of the counting device, and

a removable counter display unit having a second transceiver that is configured to fit within the foam ring, wherein

the counter display unit is remote from the device, and

the sensor senses depression of the foam ring by a user during a push-up exercise and sends a count signal to the first transceiver that is transmitted to the second transceiver to register a repetition count on the counter display unit along with an elapsed time of the exercise.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the device body is composed of a deformable rubber or plastic material that is deformable to permit additional depression of the foam ring beyond the distance required to trigger the count.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the device body includes three legs.

18. The device of claim 15, wherein the device body has three legs composed of a deformable rubber or plastic material that are deformable to permit additional depression of the foam ring beyond the distance required to trigger the count.

19. The device of claim 12, wherein the count signal that is transmitted is triggered once a ring holder supporting the foam ring is depressed a given distance.

20. An exercise system, comprising:

a pair of handle devices to be grasped by a user for performing a push-up exercise,

a counting device positioned under the user's chest and including a sensor for detecting depression of a foam ring on the counting device by a user's chest, and

a remote display unit in view of the user, wherein

upon the sensor sensing contact therewith by a ring holder holding the foam ring, the counting device transmits a wireless signal that is received by the display unit and displayed as a repetition count along with an elapsed time of the exercise thereon.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the remote display unit is configured to fit within the counting device.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the handle devices include rotatable handles.