Patent Publication Number: US-2012040811-A1

Title: Enhanced Push-Up Bars

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to physical fitness devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to enhanced push-up bars. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Push-ups are an important and easy exercise performed by many people wishing to increase physical fitness, particularly upper body strength. As a result many push-up aids have been developed, such as push-up bars. Push-up bars allow a user to perform deeper push-ups, which can help strengthen muscles not generally utilized when performing push-ups without the bars. Additionally, push-up bars provide a user with a more comfortable and ergonomically beneficial stance by allowing the user to perform the push-ups without flexing the wrist, which can lead to compression of nerves in the wrist. 
     However, conventional push-ups, with or without push-up bars, can be difficult to perform for someone recovering from arm injuries or someone that is morbidly obese. Moreover, for the physically fit, conventional push-ups can be boring to perform and provide limited benefit for a given number of push-ups. Thus, a physically fit person may need to perform significantly more conventional push-ups before the muscle groups of the upper body and arm experience exertion. 
     Consequently, a need exists for providing enhanced push-up bars that can provide aid to persons that are physically unfit, while allowing varied and challenging push-up exercises to be performed by physically fit persons. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     An embodiment of the present invention is a push-up bar having a base section formed of two parallel main bodies, each main body having at least one cavity accessible through an opening formed on a top surface of a protrusion extending perpendicular, and in a vertical direction, to the main body; a plurality of spring devices having a predefined spring constant, each spring member being dimensioned for insertion into the at least one cavity; a vertical support section dimensioned and adapted for insertion into the opening of the protrusion of each main body, and coupling with a top portion of the spring member disposed in each of the at least one cavity; and a locking member adapted for slideably holding the vertical support section in the protrusion, the locking member allowing a predefined range of vertical travel of the vertical support section within the protrusion. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is A push-up bar having a base section dimensioned to provide a stable support for a user performing a push-up, the base section; a plurality of protrusions extending upward from the base section, each protrusion having a centrally formed cavity accessible through an opening formed in a top surface, and each protrusion having elongated opening formed on opposing sides extending in a vertical direction; spring devices dimensioned to be insertable into the cavity formed in each of the protrusions through the opening; vertical support section having a first cross member disposed between and coupled to a first set of vertically oriented support members, the first set of support members being dimensioned for insertion into the openings formed in the top surface of the plurality of protrusions; and a locking member adapted for slideably holding the vertical support section in the protrusions, the locking member allowing a predefined range of vertical travel of the vertical support section defined by the elongated openings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded representation of an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic representation of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic representation of another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE 
     I. Enhanced Push-Up Bar Assembly 
     The dimensions and measurements referenced hereinbelow are intended as examples only, and not representative of the only acceptable values, or even of the preferred values. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the present invention is shown in an exploded view to enhance visualization of the various components of the enhanced push-up bar  100  of the present invention. Additionally,  FIG. 2  shows the embodiment of FIG.  1  in an assembled state. In the figures, like structures are identified with identical reference numerals. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the enhanced push-up bar  100  has a base section  102  coupled to a vertical support section  104  in a manner that allows the vertical support section  104  to freely slide in a vertical direction. The vertical support section  104  includes a handle portion  106  dimensioned to be comfortably grasped by a user&#39;s hand. The base section  102  is configured to provide a stable base while the user performs the various push-up exercises described in greater detail in the Exercises section of this disclosure. 
     The base section  102  in the present embodiment is formed of a solid or tubular member with two protrusions  108  extending vertically at either end of the main member  110 . Each protrusion  108  has a centrally formed cavity  112  extending from a top surface of the protrusion  108 , formed as an opening, downward through the protrusion  108 . Additionally, an elongated opening  114  is formed on opposing sides of the protrusion extending vertically into and through the cavity  112 . The dimensions of the elongated opening  114  are dictated by the intended range of vertical travel of the vertical support section  104 , and the diameter of the locking member  124   a  described below. 
     As described above, the vertical support section  104  has a handle portion  106 . The handle portion  106  extends from, and perpendicular to, a cross member  118 . Additionally, either end of the cross member terminates with downward extending support members  120 . Each support members  120  has a hole  122  formed through the support member  118  at a lower end and alignable with the elongated opening  114  when the support members  120  are inserted into the protrusions  108 . In the present embodiment, the handle portion  106  is joined to two cross members  120 , one at each end of the handle portion  106 . 
     The cavity  112  formed in each protrusion  108  is adapted to accept a spring device  116 . The spring device  116  may be constructed of a coiled wire spring, pneumatic spring, or elastic material, such as rubber. The spring devices  116  used in the present embodiment are determined based on the spring constant of the spring devices  116 . Spring devices  116  having larger or smaller spring constant values can be used depending on the weight, particular fitness level, and exercise routine of the user. For example, a larger spring constant is necessary for an adult male versus a teenage male. Additionally, if the present invention is used as a rehabilitation aid, the spring constants of the spring devices  116  may be of lower values than in cases where the present invention is utilized as a fitness training device. 
     Construction of the enhanced push-up bar  100  is now described. A spring device  116  of a predefined spring constant is inserted into each protrusion  108  of the base section  102 . It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the base section  102  is formed of two main members  110 . Once the spring devices  116  are inserted into the protrusions  108 , the support members  120  of the vertical support section  104  are inserted into the protrusion  108  and rested on the spring devices  116 . 
     The holes  122  of the support members  120  are aligned with the elongated openings  114  and a locking member  124   a  is inserted through the elongated opening  114  and holes  122 . A portion of the locking member  124   a  extends beyond the opposing hole  122  and elongated opening  114 . A nut  124   b  is affixed to the protruding portion of the locking member  124   a  to prevent unintentional removal of the locking member  124   a.    
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the present embodiment, the base section  302  is formed as single base  304  dimensioned to provide suitable stability when the present invention is used for performing the exercises described below. The base has two protrusions  308  with centrally formed cavities  312  and elongated openings  314  as described in the previous embodiment. As in the previous embodiment, spring devices  316  are insertable into the cavities  312 . The base section  302  is shown as a rectangular structure. However, other configurations can be advantageously used as well. 
     The vertical support section  306  of the present embodiment has a cross member  308  which is dimensioned for grasping by a user&#39;s hand. As with the cross member  318  of the previous embodiment, the present cross member  318  terminates at either end with downward extending support members  320 . Each support members  320  has a hole  322  formed through the support member  318  at a lower end and alignable with the elongated opening  314  when the support members  320  are inserted into the protrusions  308 . 
     The holes  322  of the support members  320  are aligned with the elongated openings  314  and a locking member  324   a  is inserted through the elongated opening  314  and holes  322 . A portion of the locking member  324   a  extends beyond the opposing hole  322  and elongated opening  314 . A nut  324   b  is affixed to the protruding portion of the locking member  324   a  to prevent unintentional removal of the locking member  324   a.    
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , the base section and vertical support section may be constructed of any light weight sturdy material capable of supporting the necessary weight of a user during performance of push-ups, Some examples of appropriate materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum, steel, and plastics such as polyvinylchloride (PVC). However, other materials may be appropriately used. Moreover, the various structures described above may have solid or tubular cross-sections as necessary to provide the required strength while maintaining light weight. 
     Additionally, in the embodiments described above, the locking member is described essentially as a nut and bolt assembly. However, the locking member may be configured as any structure capable of holding the vertical support section coupled to the base section in an manner that allows the vertical support section to slide vertically within a predefined range of travel. Examples of locking devices suitably as a locking member in the present invention include nut and bolt, locking tabs, and locking push buttons. 
     If the locking member is a locking push button type locking device, the locking member is disposed in the support member. The push button protrudes outward from the holes (element  122  in  FIGS. 1 and 322  in  FIG. 3 ), and extending beyond the elongated openings formed on the protrusions when the vertical support section is engaged with the base section. To release the vertical support section from the base section, the push buttons are inwardly pressed and the vertical support section is elevated upward beyond the upper limit of the elongated opening. 
     The handle portion of the present invention may be enclosed in a foam rubber or other material to enhance comfort and reduce hand slippage resulting from sweat during use. Additionally, the handle may be contoured to ergonomically conform to a user&#39;s hand. 
     The description provided above presents the assembly of an individual enhanced push-up bar. In practice the present invention requires two push-up bars for proper performance of push-up exercises, such as those described below. 
     II. Exercises 
     The present invention can be used to perform push-up variations directed towards beginner, intermediate and advanced fitness levels. The following description of exercises is intended to be illustrative of the range of exercises that can be performed using the present invention. The provided list of exercises is not intended to be all inclusive. 
     The beginner fitness level is classified by users who are rehabilitating from an injury, obese, or otherwise “out of shape” such that performance of a standard push-up is difficult. The following exercises are intended for beginner level users. 
     Wall Push-Up is intended for geriatric population, rehabilitation or extremely weak individuals. The user standing or leaning with the push-up bars against a wall at approximately shoulder width apart. The user can stretch with a slight rebound, or push hard enough to retract off wall and back. 
     Basic Push-Up from Knees is performed with the user holding the push-up bars shoulder width apart resting on the floor. The user is positioned on his or her knees with hands gripping the push-up bars. The push-up is performed in a standard manner but with the springs of the push-up bars providing an upward rebound force to aid during extension. 
     Explode Ups from Knees is performed with the push-up bars placed shoulder width apart. The user performs the push-up as described for the basic push-up from knees. However, the user exerts more downward and upward force during the exercise in order to lift torso and push-up bars off the floor and back down. 
     In and Outs from Knees is intended as a next level up from the Explode Ups from Knees described above. In and Outs from Knees is performed in the same manner as the Explode Ups from Knees, however as the user returns the push-up bars to the floor, the user widens the distance between the push-up handles. When coming down on next repetition, user narrows the distance between the push-up bars slightly. This process is repeated for the entire duration of the exercise. 
     Push Up, One Arm Rows is performed with the push-up bars shoulder width apart. The user proceeds as in the Explode Ups, but the user explodes such that the user&#39;s torso is at approximately a 75 to 85 degree angle while simultaneously performing a row with one arm. The exercise is repeated with the other arm. 
     Isometric Dip is performed with the user sitting on the floor with hip flexed at 90 degrees and push-up bars positioned on each side of the body and elbows locked. The user gently bounces up and down on handles. 
     The following exercises are intended for people at an intermediate fitness level. 
     Poggo Push-Up is performed with the push-up bars spaced shoulder width apart, and the user positioned as in a standard push-up grasping the push-up bars. The user pushes up and down with just enough force to get the handles slightly off floor. 
     Elbows Locked In and Outs is performed with the user in a standard push up position as described above for the Poggo Push-Up. With elbows locked, the user varies the position of the push-up bars from slightly in to slightly out and vice versa on alternating repetitions of the exercise. In this exercise, the user flexes the pelvic, abdominal and back muscles in order to induce the bouncing motion. 
     Explode Ups (Elbows Locked) is performed in the same manner as from knees describe above. However, the user assumes a standard push-up position. 
     Stiff Armed Bear Crawl is performed with the push-up bars shoulder width apart. With elbows locked, the user moves forward or back alternating left and right arms as well as alternating left and right legs in a stepping motion. As with the Elbows Locked In and Outs, the user flexes the pelvic, abdominal and back muscles in order to induce the bouncing motion 
     Mountain Climbers is performed with the push-up bars shoulder width apart. The user rapidly extends &amp; flexes legs in a stepping motion. The Mountain Climbers may be performed in three variations: full extension in which the elbows are locked, full flexion in which the elbows are fully bent and the chest is held just off the ground, full range of motion, performed while also performing a standard push-up. 
     Moving Poggo Mountain Climbers combines the Mountain Climbers and Poggo Push-Ups described above. 
     Supported L-seat dips is performed with the user in the same position as for the Isometric Dip, However, the user&#39;s feet are supported in an elevated position, using such objects as a couch, chair or table, while performing a dip with assistance from the push-up bars of the present invention. 
     Springing Crab Walk is performed as a crab walk while utilizing push-up bars of the present invention. 
     The advanced level exercises performable with the present invention are exemplified by the following exercises. 
     Plyometric Explode Ups is performed with the push-up bars spaced shoulder width apart. The user launches his entire body up through the air momentarily and back down. This exercise also has three other variations: Lateral in which the user moves left and/or right, Forward in which the user moves forward, Backward in which the user moves backward, or any combination of the three. 
     Traversing On/Off is performed in the manner of a pogo push-up. However, a user moves left to right on and off a stepper. 
     Squat Thrust is performed with the user starting in a standing position. The user proceeds to a squat position, placing push-up bars on the ground shoulder width apart. The user then extends his legs back, assuming a standard push up position. The user then brings his legs back to his chest, returning to the squat position. Finally the user returns to the initial standing position. The series of steps described constitute one complete repetition. 
     Burpee is performed in the same manner as the Squat Thrust described above. However, while the user is in the push up position, the user performs a push up. The user then proceeds to the subsequent steps described above. 
     The described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and are not intended to represent every embodiment of the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims both literally and in equivalents recognized in law.