Abstract:
An exercise device for performing push ups and pull ups is disclosed. The device contains first and second tubes slidably engaged with a handle, which may be covered by a grip. A spring biases to the two tubes, drawing them inwardly together with respect to the handle. A first foot tube, including a first base, engages the second end of the first tube; a first button connector arranged to selectively lock the first foot tube with respect to the second end of the first tube. A second foot tube, including a second base, engages the second end of the second tube; and a second button connector selectively locks the second foot tube with respect to the second end of the second tube. The device may be engaged with a door frame to perform pull-ups.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/534,945, filed Sep. 15, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to exercise equipment, and more particularly, to exercise devices for bodyweight exercises. Some examples of exercise equipment and devices include multi-purpose, multi-functional exercise devices which allow a user to perform both push-ups and pull-ups. 
     SUMMARY 
     Exercise devices relating to push-ups and pull-ups are disclosed. Some example embodiments may include methods, apparatus, and/or systems associated with a user performing bodyweight exercises, specifically, pull-ups and push-ups. The exercise device disclosed may be used as a pair. 
     An exercise device according to the disclosure may have a generally L-shaped first tube (“first L-tube”) including a handle end and a support end, and a generally L-shaped second tube (“second L-tube”) including a handle end and a support end. A generally tubular handle may engage the handle end of the first L-tube and the handle end of the second L-tube. A spring within the handle may be biased to and between the handle end of the first L-tube and the handle end of the second L-tube. The spring may exert an inward force between the two tubes with respect to the handle. 
     A first foot tube may be slidably engaged with the support end of the first L-tube, and a selectable, spring-loaded button connector carried on the first L-tube may lock into a corresponding hole on the first foot tube. A second foot tube may be slidably engaged with the support end of the second tube, and a selectable, spring-loaded button connector may lock into a corresponding hole on the second foot tube. 
     The first foot tube and the second foot tube each may include a perpendicularly oriented base affixed to one end of the respective foot tube. A foot may at least partially cover each foot tube and its respective base. A foot pad or pads on the underside and inside of the base of the first foot tube and the second foot tube may help stabilize the exercise device to a surface. 
     The button selector locking mechanism to lock each set of L-tubes to each foot tube resists a bi-directional force applied to the handle whether the force of the handle is pushing towards, or pulling away from, the foot tube and bases. Thus, even with pressure, the handle remains locked at a same height from the bases until the button is released or unlocked. 
     The handle is disposed at a first height from the bases when a hole on the foot tubes engages the first button connecter on each L-tube. The handle is disposed at a second height when the hole on the foot tubes engages a second button connector set on the L-tubes. 
     The first L-tube and second L-tube may be slidably engaged with the handle. Alternately, one of the tubes may be slidably engaged with the handle, while the other tube is rigidly engaged with the handle. A hand grip may at least partially cover the handle. 
     The handle may be adapted to generally take on the shape of the L-tubes. An exemplary handle is rod-shaped, but other embodiments may have other configurations. For example, the L-tubes may be curved, or may contain multiple angles, to provide multiple grip and angle choices, e.g., grip choices perpendicular to each other. 
     The exercise device of this disclosure may be used as a push-up handle. As a push up handle, the device may be placed with the bases on a surface, and the handle facing upwards. The device provides a stable base and handle for the user to grip in performing push-ups. 
     The exercise device of this disclosure may be associated with a method to convert the device from a push-up handle to a pull-up handle. To convert the exercise device for use as a pull-up handle, a user widens a separation between the first foot and the second foot of the device by overcoming the spring force biased between the first L-shaped tube and the second L-shaped tube. Once the separation is sufficiently wide to clear the door frame and any moulding, the user flips the device and places the first tube foot and the second tube foot on either side of the wall above the door frame, with the bases against the wall. The user releases the resistance against the spring force and allows the device to engage the wall, with a clamping force. 
     When the exercise device is secured over the door frame, the widened separation between the first and second foot tubes may increase the compression force between the first foot and the second foot tubes. Thus, when performing a pull-up, the downward force on the exercise device may be supported by the compression, or clamping, force of the exercise device to the wall. Additional support to the door frame is provided by the molding. 
     When a force compresses the handle towards the bases, as when performing a push up, the bases may remain a stable distance with respect to each other. However, when the distance between the first foot tube and the second foot tube is widened beyond its natural position, as when the device is clamped on a door frame, the spring force may cause the first foot base and the second foot base to draw towards each other. This force is exerted against the wall of the door frame, and helps to stabilize the device against the doorframe 
     When the handle is pulled in a direction perpendicular to, and away from the bases, the handle will exert that force on each leg. In the pull-up position, when the handle is pulled down, the foot tubes are pulled in a downward direction, forcing the foot tubes at the base to squeeze against the doorframe. More weight downwards will force the bases to draw inward, and help to stabilize the device against the doorframe. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description of certain exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary exercise device according to the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of an exemplary exercise device according to the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of an exemplary exercise device according to the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of an exemplary exercise device according to the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary exercise device, including a second position of the handle, according to the disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a cut-out view of an exemplary exercise device according to the disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a cut-out view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of the exercise device according to the disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  shows an exemplary exercise device attached to the wall according to the disclosure, arranged for performing a pull-up; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of the exercise device according to the disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of the exercise device in a perspective view; 
         FIG. 11  shows a section of the fourth embodiment of the exercise device; and 
         FIG. 12  shows a section of the fourth embodiment of the exercise device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure. 
     Methods, systems, devices, and/or apparatus related to exercise devices are described. Some example embodiments according to the present disclosure may pertain to push-up devices, or pull-up devices, to assist a user in performing push-ups and pull-ups. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the exercise device  100 , arranged in the push-up position. Exercise device  100  has a first L-shaped tube  102  (“first L-tube”) and a second L-shaped tube  104  (“second L-tube”), where, in a first embodiment, L-tube  102  may be slidably fitted into L-tube  104 , shown in  FIG. 7 , and rigidly engaged with handle  105 , which may be covered by grip  106 . In an alternate embodiment, shown in  FIG. 7 , L-shaped tubes  902  and  904  may be of the same diameter and both slidably engaged to, or fitted within, handle  905 . 
     L-tubes  102  and  104  are respectively inserted in first foot tube  108  and second foot tube  110 , and selectively locked into place with a coupling mechanism. In a first embodiment, foot tube  108  may contain a hole  120  adapted to selectively lock onto spring loaded button  124  or  125  on L-tube  102 , and foot tube  110  may contain hole  122 , adapted to lock onto spring loaded button  126  or  127  on L-tube  104 . A user may adjust the height of the exercise device to a first or a second height by matching hole  120  and  122  with the selected spring loaded first button pair,  124  and  126 , or second button pair  125  and  127  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill that alternative coupling mechanisms may be used in place of the spring-loaded button couplings. For example, and without limitation, pins or threaded couplings may be used. 
     First foot tube  108  and second foot tube  110  may be inserted into, or otherwise connected to foot  113  and foot  115 , respectively, each foot having a base  112 , and base  114 , respectively. Rivets  116 ,  118 , or other attachments such as screws or pins, may secure the foot tubes  108 ,  110  to foot  113  and foot  115 , respectively. 
       FIGS. 2-4  show an exemplary exercise device  100  from various perspectives.  FIG. 2  shows an exemplary exercise device  100  from a front view.  FIG. 3  shows an exemplary exercise device  100  from a top view; (or bottom view, depending on the orientation of the device  100 ).  FIG. 4  shows an exemplary exercise device  100  from a bottom, or underside view. The bottom of bases  112  and  114  may include feet pads  130   a - d  and  132   a - b , where pads  130 ,  132  may be of various shapes and arrangements covering bases  112 ,  114 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary exercise device  100 , including a first and second height position of the handle  105 . Handle  105  may be adjusted to a second height, where hole  120 ,  122  may lock and snap into second set of buttons  125 ,  127 . This increased height of handle may provide an alternate push up angle, or allow the handle to be easily assessable when secured above a door frame  810 . 
       FIG. 6  is a cut-out view of an exemplary exercise device  100 . Both of sets of height stop buttons  124 ,  125  and  126 ,  127  are shown, although only one button set  124  and  126  is engaged. Spring  140  is shown within handle  105 , where one end of spring  140  ends in a first hook  142  which is attached to a pin  136  on L-tube  104 , and a second end of spring  140  ends in a second hook  144  attached to a pin  134  on tube  102 . The handle end of tube  102  is telescoped into the handle end of tube  104 , and handle  105  is rigidly engaged with tube  104 . The support ends of tubes  102  and  104  are drawn together with the spring force. 
       FIG. 7  shows an alternate embodiment of exercise device  700 , in a cut-out view. The two L-shaped tubes  702  and  704  may be of the same diameter. One or both of tube  702  and tube  704  may be slidably engaged with tubular handle  705 , and tubes  702 ,  704  may be fitted or telescoped within handle  705 . A grip  706  may cover handle  705 , which may be made from rubber, plastic, textured metal or another non-slip material. Spring  740  of device  700  is attached to tube  702  by pin  734 , and to tube  704  by pin  736  so the spring force keep tube  702  and tube  704  from separating past the length of handle  706 . In a first position, tube  702  and tube  704  may abut against each other, and in a second position tube  702  and tube  704  may be separated by a gap no larger than the length of handle  705 . Slot  750  and pin  748  provide a track to prevent rotation of tube  702 , tube  704 , and handle  705 . Handle  705  maintains a straight path for tube  702  and tube  704  to move along. 
     When the grip  706  is pulled in a direction perpendicular to, and away from the bases  712  and  714 , the grip  706  force will be exerted on each foot tube  708 ,  710 . In the pull-up position, when the grip  706  is being pulled down, the foot tubes  708 ,  710  at the base are pulled in the same downward direction, forcing bases  712 ,  714  to squeeze against a doorframe. More weight downwards will force the base of the legs  712 ,  714  to draw inward, and help to stabilize the device  700  against the doorframe. 
       FIG. 8  shows an exemplary exercise device  100  in place over door frame  810 . Device  100  may straddle wall  800 , base  112  and base  114  on either side of wall  800 . Molding  815  and  817  may provide a ledge to support exercise device  100 . Device  100  may be used as a pull-up device, and the weight of the user is distributed between the moulding  815  and  817 , and a compression force into the wall  800 . The compression force may stabilize device  100  to the wall  800  above the moulding  815 ,  817 . 
       FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  shows the exercise device  100  in the push up position, with bases  112  and  114  on a surface, and handle  105  facing up. To convert the exercise device  100  from the push-up position of  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  to the pull-up position of  FIG. 8 , a user widens a separation  402  between the first foot tube  108  and the second foot tube  110  by overcoming the spring force  404  biased between the first L-shaped tube  102  and the second L-shaped tube  104 . The user flips device  100  so handle  105  points downward, and so device  100  may straddle a door frame  805 . Once the separation is sufficiently wide to clear the door frame  805  and any moulding  815 ,  817 , the user places the first tube foot  108  and the second tube foot  110  on either side of the wall  810  above the door frame  805 , resting bases  112  and  114  against the wall. The user releases the resistance against spring force  404  and allows device  100  to forcefully clamp wall  810 . 
     When the exercise device  100  is secured over door frame  805  as in  FIG. 8 , the widened separation between the first and second foot tubes  108 ,  110  may increase the compression force between the first foot tube  108  and the second foot tube  110 . Thus, when performing a pull-up, the downward force  406  on the exercise device  100  is supported by the compression, or clamping, force  404  of the exercise device  100  to the wall  810 . Exercise device  100  is further secured over door frame  805  by the ledge formed by moulding  815 ,  817  to the bases  112 ,  114 . The compression force  404  between the first and second foot tubes  108 ,  110  prevent the bases  112 ,  114  from slipping off moulding  815 ,  817 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a third embodiment of exercise device  900 . First base  912  and second base  914  attach to a first tube  902  and second tube  904  with connection point, or rivet  916 ,  918 . First tube  902  and second tube  904  may embody various shapes and angles. First tube  902  may have a vertical handle  907  with handle grip  908  and second tube  904  may have a horizontal handle  905  with handle grip  906 . Three right angles form an extension portion  910 , the extension portion  910  allowing handle  907  to be sufficiently long to accommodate handle grip  908 , or a user&#39;s hand. 
       FIGS. 10-12  shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of the exercise device. In this embodiment, the device  1000  may be made from plastic.  FIG. 10  shows the device  1000  in a perspective view, with handle grip  1060  covering handle  1050 . The base, foot tube, and L-shaped tube may be rigidly formed from one continuous piece  1020 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . The tubular ends of each continuous piece  1020 ,  1040  of device  1000  may be inserted into handle  1050 , as shown in  FIG. 12 , and covered with grip  1060 . Pins (not shown) and slots  1500  may operate in the same way as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 .