Abstract:
A push-up device has at least one tubular element, a spring means located inside the tubular element and providing a spring resistance, and a handle associated with the tubular element and a movable by a user against the spring resistance applied by the spring to provide exercising for a user.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The invention is based on provisional application Ser. No. 60/844,685 filed on Sep. 15, 2006 which is a basis for priority of this application. 
     
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to exercising devices. More particular, it relates to exercising devices for assisting individuals in performing a motion of a floor push-up. 
         [0003]    It is believed that there is a need for a device which helps to improve building of a chest, arms, legs, shoulders, back and core muscles of an individual. The device in accordance with the present invention is designed for this particular objective. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for assisting individuals to adequately perform a motion of a floor push-up with the capabilities of duplicating the motion of a dumbbell press on flat bench. 
         [0005]    In keeping with these objects and with others which will become apparent hereinafter, one feature of the present invention resides, briefly stated, in a push-up device, comprising at least one tubular element; spring means located inside said tubular element and providing a spring resistance; and handle means associated with said tubular element and movable by a user against the spring resistance applied by said spring means to provide exercising for a user. 
         [0006]    When the push-up press is designed in accordance with the present invention, it assists individuals to perform adequately a motion of a floor push-up with some assistance, or also called in the fitness terms, Spotting. 
         [0007]    The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the present invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a view showing an assembled push-up press in a perspective view in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a view showing a stand-alone arm with weights on each end in a perspective view in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the inventive push-up press shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a stand-arm with weights shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a view showing an assembled stand-alone base for a push-up press in a perspective view; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the base for the push-up press shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a view showing an example of an insertion spring loaded system in one side of a bent bar, partially in a perspective; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8A  is a view showing the assembled spring-loaded system in a perspective; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8B  is a view showing a sample of the spring which is partially compressed in both sides, shown in  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8C  is a partially exploded sided view of the spring-loaded system shown in  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the spring loaded system, shown in  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10A  is a front view of the assembled push-up press in a starting position and a sectional bar cutout; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10B  is a front view of the assembled push-up press in a partially compressed spring by rotating crank handles and partially movable handles; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10C  is a front view of the assembled push-up press with a fully compressed spring by rotating crank handles and partially moved handles; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10D  is a front view of the assembled push-up press with a partially compressed spring by rotating crankhandles and continuously partially moved handles when more pressure is applied to the handles; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10E  is a front view, shown in  FIG. 10D  of the assembled push-up press with a fully compressed spring by rotating crank handles and continuously partially moved handles when more pressure is applied to the handles; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10F  is a front view of the assembled push-up press shown in  FIG. 10D  with a partially compressed spring by rotating crank handles and fully removed handles when more pressure applies to handles, with the handles extended to the end point position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10G  is a front view, shown in  FIG. 10F  of the assembled push-up press with the fully compressed spring by rotating crank handles and fully moved handles when maximum pressure applies to the handles, the handles extended to the end point position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a partial perspective view of a top of the push-up press with a sectional bar opening; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a partial perspective exploded view of an end side of the push-up press with a sectional bar opening; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13A  is a top view of the bar of the inventive push-up press; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13B  is a front view of the bar of the inventive push-up press; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13C  is a bottom view of the bar of the inventive push-up press; 
           [0031]      FIG. 14A  is a view showing an assembled push-up press in a perspective view in accordance with the present invention with two pins installed; 
           [0032]      FIG. 14B  is a view showing the assembled push-up press in a perspective view in accordance with the present invention, with the two pins installed, and the pins exploded; 
           [0033]      FIG. 15A  is a view showing the stand-alone bar with weights on each end in a perspective in accordance with the present invention, shown in  FIG. 2  with two pins installed; 
           [0034]      FIG. 15B  is a view showing the stand-alone bar with weights on each end with a perspective view in accordance with the present invention shown in  FIG. 15A  with two pins installed, and the pins exploded; 
           [0035]      FIG. 16A  is a view showing a sample of the pin installation to the bar; 
           [0036]      FIG. 16B  is a view showing a sample of the pin installation to the bar, shown in  FIG. 16A , exploded view; 
           [0037]      FIG. 17A  is a view showing an assembled one-sided bar for one-sided push-up press in a perspective view in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 17B  is an exploded view in the inventive one-sided bar shown in  FIG. 17A ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 18  is a view showing the stand-alone one-sided bar in a perspective view in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 19A  is a view showing a simple handle for a push-up press in accordance with the present invention in accordance With a perspective view; 
           [0041]      FIG. 19B  is a view showing a handle with a finger grip for the push-up press in accordance with the present invention in the perspective view; 
           [0042]      FIG. 19C  is a view showing a double-handled device, with two handles normal to one another and arranged on one tube, for the push-up press in accordance with the present invention in a perspective view; 
           [0043]      FIG. 19D  is a view showing a feet pedal for push-up press in a perspective view; 
           [0044]      FIG. 20A  is a view showing an assembled stand-alone base for one-sided push-up press in a perspective view; 
           [0045]      FIG. 20B  is an exploded view of a base for one-sided push-up press shown in  FIG. 20A ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 21A  is a view showing assembled one-sided push-up presses in a perspective view in accordance with the present invention with one-sided bar extending parallel to the base; 
           [0047]      FIG. 21B  is a view showing an assembled one-sided push-up press in a perspective view in accordance with the present invention, with one-sided bar arranged angularly to the base; 
           [0048]      FIG. 21C  is a view showing an assembled one-sided push-up press in a perspective view in accordance with the present invention, with one-sided bar having a different angle to the base than shown in  FIG. 21B ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 21D  is a view showing an assembled one-sided push-up press in a perspective view in accordance with the present invention, with one-sided bar having different angles to the base than in  FIG. 21C ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 21E  is a view showing an assembled one-sided push-up press in a perspective view in accordance with the present invention with one-sided bar being normal to the base; 
           [0051]      FIG. 22  is a view showing the assembled base for one-sided push-up press with a common central support for the two-sided basis; 
           [0052]      FIG. 23A  is a view showing assembled two one-sided push-up presses in a perspective view in accordance with the present invention, with one-sided bars extending parallel to the basis; 
           [0053]      FIGS. 23B-23D  are views showing assembled two one-sided push-up presses in a perspective view in accordance with the present invention with one-sided bars having different angular positions with respect to the basis, with the basis extending parallel and located along a common line; 
           [0054]      FIGS. 23E-23F  are views showing assembled two one-sided push-up presses in a perspective view in accordance with the present invention with one-sided-bars having different angular position with respect to the basis with the basis located under different angles to each other; 
           [0055]      FIG. 24A  is a view showing the front assembled two one-sided push-up presses in a perspective view in accordance with the present invention with the basis having a common central support; 
           [0056]      FIG. 24B  is a view corresponding to the view of  FIG. 24A  and showing a common pad for a body support; 
           [0057]      FIG. 25  is a view showing assembled two one-sided push-up presses in a perspective view in accordance with the present invention, with two one-sided bars having a normal position to the base and double handled devices, with the basis having a common long central support; 
           [0058]      FIG. 26  is a view showing assembled two one-sided push-up presses standing parallel to one another, having a foot support and an adjustable body pad, with basis having a common central supports and double-handled devices; 
           [0059]      FIG. 27  is a detailed view of  FIG. 26  showing a pin installation in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0060]      FIG. 28A  is a perspective view showing an assembled two one-sided push-up presses, extending parallel to one another having an adjustable body pad when adjusted with an adjustable bench, a bench located inside the pad with basis having common central supports with two one-sided bars having feet pedals; 
           [0061]      FIG. 28B  is a view corresponding to the view of  FIG. 28A  but as seen from a different perspective point; 
           [0062]      FIG. 29A  is a view substantially corresponding to the view of  FIG. 28A  but showing the bench having an angular position to the body pad; 
           [0063]      FIG. 29B  is a view substantially corresponding to the view of  FIG. 29A  but showing a bench having a different angular position with respect to the body pad; 
           [0064]      FIG. 29C  is a front view of the embodiment shown of the present invention shown in  FIG. 29A ; 
           [0065]      FIG. 29D  is a front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 29B  in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0066]    A push-up-press in accordance with the present invention as shown in  FIG. 1  has a bar  1 , which is slightly bent from its center and secured on a strong base  2  in order to elevate the bar  1  from the floor to adequately perform the motion. There are vertical supports  3  and  4  on each end of the base  2  and a central vertical support  5  to create stability to the push-up-press, so that it does not tilt on either side once the user exercises on this device. 
         [0067]    The bar  1  is supported in on the base  2  by welded supports  3  and  4  with bottom clamps  6  and  7  and welded central support  5  with a clamp  8 . Top clamps  9 ,  10  and  11  secure the bar  1  to the bottom clamps  6 ,  7  and  8  respectively with wind screws  12 , lock washers  13  and flat washers  14 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The wind screws  12  are used for quick and easy release of the bar  1  from the base  2 . 
         [0068]    Rubber spacers  15  and  16  are installed on the bar  1  between the bottom clamps  6 ,  7 ,  8  and the top clamps  9 ,  10 ,  11 . Each spacer  15  and  16  has a cut  17  for easy installation of the rubber spacers  15  and  16  on the bar  1 . The rubber spacers  15  and  16  are used to increase friction between the metal bar  1  and metal clamps  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 , adding more safety to the push-up-press by eliminating a risk of sliding off of the bar  1 . 
         [0069]    The vertical supports  3 ,  4  and  5  are secured to a rectangular bar  18  with screws  19 , lock washers  13  and flat washers  14 , as shown in  FIG. 1 ,  3 ,  5 ,  6 . 
         [0070]    The rectangular bar  18  is connected on its ends with identical horizontal supports  20  by screws  19 , lock washers  13  and flat washers  14 , as shown in  FIG. 1 ,  3 ,  5 ,  6 . The horizontal supports  20  are used to impart to the entire base  2  with the bar  1  the needed stability within an exercise time and a space-saving advantage for in transportation to a store, or to a customer&#39;s home. Rubber caps  21 , shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , attached to the ends of horizontal supports  20 , operate as end plugs and as extra spacers to increase friction between the floor and base  1 . 
         [0071]    The entire base  2  represents our assembly with the vertical supports  3 ,  4 ,  5 , bottom clamps  6 , 7 , 8 , top clamps  9 ,  10 ,  11 , wind screws  12 , lock washers  13 , flat washers  14 , rubber spacers  15 ,  16  with cuts  17 , rectangular bar  18  with screws  19 , lock washers  13 , flat washers  14 , horizontal supports  20  and rubber cups  21 . 
         [0072]    The stand-alone base  2  is designed for easy assembly and disassembly. A customer needs simple tools to assemble the base  2 . This aspect is mostly used for packing reasons, since a manufacturer wants to use a smaller box to ship the device, and if it comes fully assembled, the box will be large, hence more expensive to ship and package. The whole base  2  is fully dismantled at the customer home and could be reassembled with the use of simple instructions. 
         [0073]    The stand-alone bar  1  can be used with weights  22 , shown in  FIG. 2 ,  4 ,  15 A,  15 B and without weights  22 . The stand-alone bar  1  can be used for exercising, including barbell biceps ez-curl, squat, triceps press, skull crushers (triceps exercise), shoulder press. Adding some weight on each side increases resistance to the bar  1 . The top clamps  9 ,  10  and bottom clamps  23  and  24  are provided to lock the weights  22 , with the rubber spacers  15 . A rubber spacer  25  differs from the rubber spacer  16 , used to lock bar  1  to the base  2 . The rubber spacer  25  with a cut  26  is provided for the soft contact bar  1  (with or without weights  22 ) to exercised a person&#39;s neck and to limit hands motion. The cut  26  is used for easy installation rubber spacer  25  on the bar  1 . 
         [0074]    The bar  1  represents the main assembly. It has a standard metal tube  27 , slightly bended from its center origin, see  FIG. 10A-10G ,  13 B. The right and left hand side of the tube  27  has small linear openings  28 , located in the top mid-section on either side of the tube  27 , shown in  FIG. 13A . The right and left hand side of the tube  27  has longer and wide linear openings  29 , located in the bottom mid-section on either side of the tube  27 , shown in  FIG. 13C . The right and left hand side of the tube  27  has also array of holes  30  needed for two assemblies  31  installation and securing these assemblies  31  inside the tube  27 . Holes  30 , such as openings  28  and  29 , are shown in  FIG. 13A ,  13 B and  13 C. The right and left hand side of the tube  27  also has array of holes  32  needed for pin  33  installation. 
         [0075]    Each assembly  31  has two end point clamps  34 , holding a lead screw  35  and two guiding shafts  36 . On the guiding shafts  36  there are located two loaded springs  37 , a sliding plate  38  on the one hand and a sliding handle support  39  on the other hand. The end point clamp  34  has cutouts  40  and gaps  41  a for screw  42  and lock washer  43  installation to secure the guiding shafts  36 . A cylindrical shape of the end point clamp  34  with cutouts  40  is provided to prevent interference of the entire assembly  31  with an inner cylindrical surface of the tube  27  during installation, see  FIG. 7 ,  8 A,  8 B,  8 C,  9 . 
         [0076]    On the cylindrical surface of the end point clamp  34  there are located threaded holes  44 , which are aligned with holes  30  on the tube  27  in the installed position. Handles  45  are secured to handle supports  39  with screws  46  and are installed on the inner surface of tube  27  with the possibility to slide along the tube  27 . Each handle support  39  has an extended protrusion  47  with threaded holes  48  for screws  46 . An actuating handle  45  is located on the extended protrusion  47  and secured to it with screws  46 , see  FIG. 11 . The extended protrusion  47  provides the required stability to the handle  45 . An outer surface of the extended protrusion  47  is aligned with an outer surface of the tube  27  and represents a support and guide for the handle  45 . The extended protrusion  47  is locating in the opening  29  of the tube  27  and has the ability for a linear motion with the handle  45  along the tube  27 . 
         [0077]    The handle support  39  and the sliding plate  38  are spring-loaded with two springs  37 . The sliding plate  38  is threaded like a lead screw  35 . If the lead screw  35  is rotated, the sliding plate  38  performs a linear motion toward the handle support  39 , compressing two springs  37  and providing additional resistance springs  35  to handle support  39 . This is shown on  FIG. 10A-10G . In order to rotate the lead screw  35  it is connected at its end with a crank handle  49  and a screw  50 , shown on  FIG. 12 . 
         [0078]    The assemblies  31  and the end of tube  27  are covered with a rubber cover  51 , shown on  FIG. 12 . The sliding plate  38  has a threaded hole  52  with a set screw  53  installed with ability to slide with the sliding plate  38  along the opening  28 , shown in  FIG. 12 . The set screw  53  is visible on the top view of the bar  1  and serves as a tension indicator or a sliding plate  38  locator when the crank handle  49  is rotated. 
         [0079]    The assemblies  31  installed inside the tube  27  from both sides and covered with the rubber covers  51  are secured to the tube  27  with the screws  54 , shown on  FIG. 7 ,  11 . 
         [0080]    The inventive device operates in the following manner; 
         [0081]      FIG. 10A  shows a first or starting position, when the handles  45  are not pressed and the crank handles  49  are not rotated. The springs  37  distribute a certain amount of load to the sliding plates  38  and to the handle supports  39  on both sites of the bar  1 .  FIG. 10B  shows midpoint of the motion. The handles  45  are moving on opposite side from each other, one is moving to the right, and the other to the left, creating a tension on the spring system. Also, on both end of the device, the crankhandles  49  are rotated to force sliding plates  38  to move and compress springs  37  that generates even more tension, so that the exercise is performed easily, creating pressure so that the springs  37  push back up the handles  45  with a greater force. If a user continues to rotate crank handles  49 , the springs  37  will be more compressed by the sliding plates  38  and the force the handles  45  will increase, as shown in  FIG. 10C . The more pressure is exercised on the springs  37 , the easier will be for the user to perform the push-up.  FIG. 10C  shows that the crank handle  49  creates the situation that the sliding plates  38  compress the springs  37  aiding in the performance of the push-up without much exertion. 
         [0082]    As described above the spring  37  resistance (or sliding plate  38  location) is determined by the set screw (or tension indicator)  53 . The spring  37  resistance is adjustable by crank handle  49 . If to continue to push handles  45 , spring resistance will increase until the springs  37  become fully compressed by the handle supports  39  from one side and by the sliding plates  38  from the other side of each assembly  31 , see  FIG. 10D-10G . Now the fully compressed springs  37  will help the user to push-up back. If the user needs to limit the push-up motion the optional pin  33  installation could be used. 
         [0083]    The device in accordance with the present invention is universal. The bar  1  can be placed on the user&#39;s neck without the base  2  with or without the weights  22 . 
         [0084]    The bar  1  on present invention can be divided into two separate identical assemblies, which are shown in  FIG. 17A  and  FIG. 17B  as a one side bar  55 . The main difference between the bar  1  and one sided bar  55  are a tube  27  for the bar  1  and a tube  56  for the one sided bar  55 . Openings  28  and  29 , and all mechanical parts  34 ,  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39 ,  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  45 ,  46 ,  49 ,  50 ,  51 ,  53 ,  54  shown on  FIG. 7-FIG .  13 C are the same The handle  45  can have different modification, shown in  FIG. 19B  with a finger grip, or as shown in FIG.  19 C as a double handled device, or as shown on  FIG. 19D  as a feet pedal  59 , which represents a feet support  60  installed on a shaft  61 . 
         [0085]    A one sided base  62  is used to support the one sided bar  55 . The base  62  has a welded rectangular two-pieces bar  63  and horizontal supports  64 . The rectangular bar  63  is connected at its ends with identical horizontal supports  64  by screws  19 , lock washers  13  and flat washers  14 . The horizontal supports  64  are used to impart to the entire base  62  with the bar  55  the needed stability within an exercise time and a space saving advantage during transportation to a store, or to a customer&#39;s home. Rubber caps  21 , shown in  FIGS. 20A and 20B , provided on the ends of horizontal supports  64 , operate as an end plugs and as an extra spacers to increase friction between the floor and the base  62 . 
         [0086]    The one sided bar  55  is secured on the one sided base  62  by two pins  65 , which can be inserted in appropriate holes for a desired angular position, as shown on  FIG. 21A-FIG .  21 E,  FIG. 27   
         [0087]    The horizontal support  64  can be modified and used as a common horizontal support  66  for two bases  62 , as shown on  FIG. 25 . 
         [0088]    A one sided push-up-press  67  can be used as s separate exercise device, or can be used as a double exercise device as shown in  FIG. 23A-FIG .  23 D. In order to change an angle between the one sided bar  55  and the one sided base  62  user reinserts two pins  65  in appropriate common holes. Each one sided push-up-press  67  could be oriented on a floor in any convenient for user position as shown in  FIG. 23E  and  FIG. 23F , or can be connected to a similar device by common central support  66  as shown in  FIG. 24A . For security reason and for convenience on the common central support  66  a common body pad  68  can be installed as shown on  FIG. 24B . In this case two one sided push-up-presses  67  will operate as a one piece exercise device shown on  FIG. 1 . 
         [0089]    This is basically the alternate design that duplicates the push-up-press of  FIG. 1 . This device will train the Pectoral minor and major, with different angles of resistance. It will develop the rhomboids, deltoids and triceps muscles. The body pad  68  enhances safety features for the user. Positioning by a user in between the two handles, the body pad  68  increases comfort while performing on the push-up press  67 . 
         [0090]    By replacing the common central support  66  with a longer common central support  69 , replacing the handles  45  with the double handles  58  and securing one sided bars  55  in vertical position, the user converts the exercise device to another shown on  FIG. 25  with different exercise options. 
         [0091]    This position will develop the triceps muscles by standing beside the one sided bar  55  and using the handles  45  (or  57 , or  58 ) to press down. This will develop the triceps brachii. Also, by standing in the middle of the two standing bars  55 , the user can actually develop the abdominal area by holding the handles  45  (or  57 , or  58 ) with hands and using torso to contract the core muscles. Maintaining the “on user knee position between the two standing bars  55 ” the user will hold the handles  45  (or  57 , or  58 ) and perform 20 to 50 repetitions of the crunches, using the push-up press handles  45  as a resistance for the core muscles. 
         [0092]    By replacing the common central supports  64  with a common central supports  70  and relocating bases  63  to parallel position, the user converts the exercise device shown on  FIG. 24A  into the device shown on  FIG. 26  with the different exercise option. In this case feet support  71  is installed on one common support  70  and adjustable body pad  72  with ridge  73  is installed on another common support  70 . The pin  65  as shown on  FIG. 27  will secure the one sided bar  55  in an appropriate position. 
         [0093]    The positioning of the device has direct repercussion on the muscles developed. In this format, the user sits between the bars  55  located parallel to each other and the handles  45  (or  57 , or  58 ) are located across each other. This position will require the user to hold the handles  45  (or  57 , or  58 ) and to bring them towards him to effectively develop the back muscle. This device is also considered as a row machine. 
         [0094]    In order to exercise legs the body pad  74  is used with the adjustable bench  75  as shown on  FIG. 28A  and  FIG. 28B . The handles  45  or  57  on the one sided bars  55  are replaced with feet pedals  59 . In order to adjust the bench  75  the user should simply open and rotate it over a desired angle. In order to adjust the body pad  74  the user inserts a desired ridge  73  into the common central support  70 . 
         [0095]    The device itself is used as a leg press. The device shown on  FIG. 28A-FIG .  29 D is the best to use since the user sits down on the bench  75  and uses the bench  75  as a way to maintain the position of the device without its moving while performing the exercise. The handles  45  have added features by replacing with pedals  59  for the feet and use of these pedals  59  to press and create resistance for the legs and to feel the effect of quadriceps training. The user can also use this device to develop gluteus muscles by positioning himself facing the bench  75  and on his knees, using one leg to press the pedals  59  and extending his legs to feel the effect of gluteus exercises. This training device develops the posterior muscles and will increase muscle mass and strength if the user decides to perform squat exercise in the future. 
         [0096]    It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the type described above. 
         [0097]    While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a push-up press, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the concept and creativity of the present invention. 
         [0098]    Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.