Patent Publication Number: US-7588521-B1

Title: Push-up exercise apparatus

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to exercise equipment, specifically exercise equipment for performing a more effective push-up. The exercise equipment of the present invention provides better, faster results for strengthening and conditioning core upper body muscles. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Performing pushups is well known to develop and maintain a strong upper body and general cardiovascular fitness. Push-ups use the body&#39;s own weight to increase upper body strength and thus this exercise is not limited by age or gender. Push-ups develop several muscles such as the pectoralis major in the chest, the deltoids, the scapular muscles and rotator cuff, the triceps and the upper back muscles. Push-ups develop general body strength and core body strength. A push-up can easily be performed on any flat surface. 
   While no specific equipment is required to perform a push-up, many people, as they increase their fitness level, want to increase the benefit they could get from ordinary push-ups. A higher level of strength endurance can be developed through a higher number of repetitions. However, for people who have a large degree of upper body strength, a push-up on a floor does not provide enough resistance to challenge that person&#39;s muscles. Additional resistance is required to push to the next level. One way to increase the intensity of push-ups is to add weights. This is termed a “weighted push-up”. Typically, to perform a weighted push-up, the exerciser lies prone on the floor with hands slightly wider than the shoulder width and then raises his body up off the floor by extending the arms. A partner places weight plate(s) on the middle of the back and the push-ups are repeated. This type of pushup requires the help of a partner to secure the weight(s) on the exerciser&#39;s back. An alternative method of doing a weighted push-up is to use a weighted backpack, or a sandbag, or wear a weighted vest. 
   Descriptions of devices designed to enhance push-ups can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,050,926; 7,060,014; 7,318,793; 7,114,352; 5,033,741 and U.S. Patent Application Nos. US2008/0070764 and US2006/0035771. 
   The present invention provides a novel device for performing weighted push-ups that can used in a commercial gym or at home. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a novel device and method for performing weighted push-ups. Weighted push-ups are usually performed by applying a weight to the back, either with the aid of another person or in a backpack type of carrier. 
   In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a push-up device comprising first and second of hollow parallel supports and corresponding first and second essentially symmetrical L-shaped arms that comprise a vertically downward segment and a horizontal segment. The vertically downward segments are adapted to be vertically moveable within the parallel support. The device also includes a pair of hollow essentially parallel guide elements that are affixed to the horizontal segment of one of the L-shaped arms. A pair of upright rods are also provided as part of the device. Each rod slides up and down within one of the guide elements. An exercise weight support platform is connected on each side to a rod. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the supports and the vertical segments of the L-shaped arms include corresponding apertures that receive a locking mechanism for fixing the height of the arms. Preferred locking mechanisms include a pin lock or dowel that transverses corresponding apertures in the supports and the L-shaped arms. 
   In another preferred embodiment, the hollow support elements include a footer at the lower end. The footer may comprise a resilient pad. Some examples of resilient pads are rubber-based material or foam. Alternatively, resilient pad may include a spring. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the footer comprises a pair of opposing legs for stability. 
   In another preferred embodiment, the exercise weight support platform includes a cushion on its lower surface for additional comfort for the user. The weight support platform also includes a post to receive and hold at least one weight in position. In a further embodiment the device includes various exercise weights which can be applied to the weight support system. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of the push-up device of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 1  when the user is in the prone position; and 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 1  when the user is in the extended position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The present invention provides a novel device for performing weighted push-ups. The device generally comprises two L-shaped arms attached indirectly to a weight support platform. The two L-shaped arms may be fixed height or they may be adjusted according to the arm length of the user The device may be provided as a single construction or the parts may be provided disassembled so that it can easily be transported or stored. The distance between the vertical segments of the two L-shaped arms should be sufficient for an exerciser to adjust the distance that their hands are apart. The device of the present invention is useful for performing push-up exercises at home or in a gym. 
   In general terms, the present invention provides a device such that an exerciser can perform a more effective push-up then can be done in the conventional unaided manner. The device of the present invention may be used alone or in combination with other push-up assistance devices such as hand grips. 
   Preferred embodiments of an exercise device according to the invention are described below with reference to the attached drawings. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the device  10  comprises two opposite L-shaped arms  12 ,  14 . The L-shaped arms comprise a vertical segment  16  and a horizontal segment  18 . Each vertical segment fits within a hollow support  20 . The vertical segments of the arms are vertically moveable within the hollow supports and can be locked in position by lining up a first aperture  22  on the arms and a second aperture  24  on the support and locking the arms in position by inserting a locking mechanism  28 , such as a pin or dowel in the co-aligned apertures. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that other mechanisms can be used to position the vertical segments with the hollow supports. 
   The L-shaped arms are attached at the end  30  of the horizontal segment  18  to essentially parallel guide elements  31 . A weight support platform  32  comprises a base  34  and two parallel upright rods  36 . The upright rods are slidable within the guide elements. The weight support base further includes a post  38  for holding weights  40  in position so that they do not slide off the weight platform. The weight support platform may optionally include padding  42  on the underside  44  to enhance the comfort of a user. In the illustrated embodiment the L-shaped arms are permanently attached to the guide elements. It is apparent, however, that the L-shaped arms may be connected in a detachable manner to the guide elements for easier storage or transport. A footer  48  may be provided at the end  50  of the hollow tubular support. The footer may be a solid one-piece footer or it may, as illustrated, comprise a pair of legs  52 . The bottom  54  of the footer may comprise a resilient pad  56 . Some possible examples of resilient pad materials include rubber based materials, foam, springs, and any other material that causes a cushioning effect. The footer may also comprise a wide base for stability. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, several weights of different weight have been applied to the platform. It is apparent that the number and weight of the load that is applied to this weight support platform can be varied according to the users strength. 
     FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in use. In  FIG. 2 , the user is in the starting or prone position. The L-shaped arms  12 ,  14  which are moveable within the hollow tubular supports  20  have been adjusted and locked in position. The positioning is based on the resting position of the user and relates to the size of the user, their preferred hand width, their height, etc. Several weight  40  have been applied to the weight support platform  32  and locked in position with a clamp  38 . The padding or cushion  42  on the lower surface of the weight support platform contacts the users back. Optionally, the device may include a strap that goes around the user&#39;s chest. The vertical segments  16  of the L-shaped arms are sufficiently distant so that a user can change the distance between their hands depending on which type of muscle they wish to improve. 
     FIG. 3  illustrates the device in use when the exerciser is in the extended or upper position of a push-up. As the user extends the arms the weights  40  are lifted on his back and the upright rods slide within the guide elements. Various facilitors, such as lubricants, hydraulics, etc can be incorporated to provide a smooth up and down motion. Alternatively, friction could be used to ensure a soft landing or to increase the resistance. However, the mechanism should not restrict upward and downward motion to an extent that would interfere with the performance of repeated push-ups. 
   The exercise device of the present invention may be fabricated from various types of materials. The entire device may be fabricated from one material or different parts may be fabricated from different materials. Materials used in the fabrication should be sturdy enough to withstand an extensive number of repetitions and to support a sizeable number of weights. A device according to the invention for use in a commercial gym may require sturdier materials than one designated for home use. Types of materials for the manufacture of exercise devices are well known to those skilled in the at. 
   The present invention provides a device for performing weighted push-ups that is safer and more effective than applying free weights to one&#39;s back. In addition, the streamlined design allows the device to be manufactured in a much more cost-effective manner than the conventional exercise equipment seen in gyms. 
   The above description of a preferred embodiment of the invention is given for explanatory purposes. It is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment illustrated. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that equivalent features may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention.