Patent Publication Number: US-2006014615-A1

Title: Pushup exercise device

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to an exercise device for performing pushups. More particularly, the present invention relates to hand supports having hand grips that are elevated and rotatable relative to the floor so that the user&#39;s comfort is improved and range of motion is extended while performing pushups.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The conventional pushup exercise has traditionally been used for strengthening arm muscles. A conventional pushup is performed by lying face down with palms to the floor and by pushing the body up and down with the arms.  
      Many types of handgrip devices are known for performing pushups. For example, Acs et. al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,115,338, disclose handles that are rigidly supported on stationary bases. The handles assist the user performing pushups by providing a more adaptable and natural hand gripping position. The handles allow the user to keep a straight wrist rather than a bent wrist. The handles also elevate the user&#39;s hands relative to the floor, thereby increasing the range of motion through which the user moves during the pushup exercise.  
      Other handgrip devices provide additional features to improve the muscle conditioning effect of performing pushups. For example, Swisher, U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,802, provides an elongate, elevated base and two hand grips. The invention allows the user to adjust the lateral space between grips for maximum comfort and to vary the range of motion of the exercise. Further, the hand grips are rotatable so that the user can rotate his hands and wrists through a mechanically limited range of motion.  
      Hill, U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,448, also discloses hand grips for performing pushups. The hand grips allow the user to rotate his hand about a horizontal axis in order to position the wrist at a comfortable position, and about a vertical axis in order to simultaneously rotate the arm while extending and contracting it.  
      Several of the devices in the prior art allow the user to rotate his hands about a vertical axis while performing pushups. Such devices comprise rotatably-connected, planar plates that are arranged in contact with one another. To rotate such devices, the user must overcome the frictional force between the plates, which may be excessive depending on the upper body weight of the user and the coefficient of friction between the plates. Further, rotation of the device may not be smooth due to variations in the force required to initiate rotation compared to the force required to maintain rotation. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide hand supports that can be easily and smoothly rotated about a vertical axis while performing pushups.  
      Several of the pushup devices in the prior art provide a handle having a cylindrical profile, which may be comfortable for some users but uncomfortable for others. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a pushup device that has a plurality of interchangeable handles having grip profiles that are different from one another.  
      In the prior art, the various pushup devices vary greatly in size and complexity. However, even the smallest devices are prohibitively large to conveniently travel with in a briefcase, handbag or small luggage. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a pushup device that is easily collapsible to a compact size so that the user can comfortably travel with the device.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention provides hand supports for performing pushups on a floor or ground surface. The hand supports can be easily and smoothly rotated about a vertical axis while performing pushups. The hand supports generally comprise a handle, a rotatable base, and handle support.  
      The handle has first and second ends, and an intermediate grip portion adapted to be grasped by a user. The support connects the handle to the top portion of the base and supports the handle at an elevated position relative to the base and above the floor. The support may comprise a U-shaped bracket having a base and a pair of arms. The base and arms may be integrally formed. In one embodiment, at least one support arm is fixed at one end to the top portion of the base and connected at the other end to the handle. In another embodiment, each arm is fixed at one end to the top portion of the base and at the other end to opposed ends of the handle.  
      The base has a bottom portion adapted to contact the floor, a top portion rotatably connected to the bottom portion, and a bearing assembly supporting the top portion on the bottom portion. Preferably, each of the top and bottom base portions comprises a generally-planar, circular base plate having a central portion and an outer annular lip. The plates are connected by a central shaft and arranged with the annular lips facing one another. The plates and lips define an internal cavity intermediate the plates.  
      The bearing assembly comprises a bearing and cage arranged in the internal cavity between the plates. The bearings separate and support the top plate relative to the bottom plate. The bearings having a diameter large enough to prevent the lips of the top and bottom plates from contacting one another, but small enough so that the bearing assembly can not slide laterally through the gap formed between the lips of plates. At least one of the base plates may include a race formed on the internal cavity side so that the bearings may travel in the race.  
      In another embodiment of the invention, the device has a plurality of handles having grip profiles that are different from one another. The handles are interchangeable with one another. In this embodiment, the handles may also have quick connect/disconnect fasteners.  
      In a further embodiment of the invention, the device may include an angular position indicator for measuring angular rotation of the handle relative to the bottom portion of the base. The angular position indicator may comprise a pointer and a calibrated dial. The pointer is preferably axially-aligned with the axis of the handle.  
      In yet another embodiment of the invention, the device is easily collapsible to a compact size so that the user can comfortably travel with the device. The handle support is movable from a first, extended position supporting the handle at an elevated position relative to the base and a second collapsed position. In this embodiment, the support preferably includes a hinge connecting the support to the upper portion of the base so that the support is rotatable between a first extended position, and a second position generally co-planar with the base.  
      In a further embodiment, both arms of the support are pivotally connected by hinges to the base. In this embodiment, the handle prevents the support from collapsing from the first to the second position when the handle is connected to the base. When the handle is disconnected from the support, the support is freely collapsible. In this embodiment, the first arm is hinged to the top portion of the base and movable to a collapsed position coplanar and overlapping the top portion of the base. The second arm is bifurcated into two segments. The first segment is fixed to the base portion. The second segment is hinged to the first segment and movable to a collapsed position coplanar and overlapping the first arm. Alternatively, at least one support arm is connected to the top portion of the base by a tongue and groove connector.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a device for performing pushups in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the device show in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a an exploded isometric view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the device show in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a device for performing pushups in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 6  is an exploded isometric view of the device shown in  FIG. 5 ;  
       FIG. 7  is an isometric view of collapsible devices for performing pushups in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a device for performing pushups having an inclined ramp in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of a handle for use on a pushup device in accordance with embodiments of the invention;  
       FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of a handle for use on a pushup device in accordance with embodiments of the invention;  
       FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of a handle having a quick connect fastener for use on a pushup device in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and,  
       FIG. 12  is an isometric view of a device for performing pushups having a collapsible construction in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the accompanying drawings several embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown therein and described below.  
      The pushup device in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-12  wherein like reference numerals are used throughout to designate like elements.  
      A first embodiment of the pushup device, designated generally by reference numeral  10 , is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . The pushup device  10  generally comprises a handle  12 , a rotatable base  16 , and a support assembly  14  that connects the handle  12  to the base  16  and supports the handle  12  at an elevated position relative to the base  16 . The handle  12  is adapted to be grasped by the user. The base  16  is adapted to rest on the floor or other support surface.  
      In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the handle  12  comprises a solid, cylindrical bar segment, which is made of a strong, rigid material such as wood, plastic, metal or the like. The handle  12  preferably has an axial length slightly larger than the width of an adult human hand and a diameter that allows an adult human to comfortably grasp the handle  12  while performing pushups. For example, the handle  12  may be about 4½ inches long and about 1½ inches in diameter. However, it should be appreciated that the dimensions of the handle  12  may be reduced or enlarged to accommodate users of all ages and sizes.  
      A threaded bore  20  extends axially into each end of the handle  12 . The bores  20  are arranged to receive removable fasteners  22 , which removably secure the handle  12  to the support  14 . In a preferred embodiment, the fasteners comprise bolts having enlarged heads  24  so the user can install and tighten the fasteners by hand. The removable fasteners allow the handle  12  to be disassembled from the device without damaging or permanently altering the device.  
      In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the fasteners  22  have threaded shanks  23 , which cooperatively engage the threaded bores  20  in the handle  12 . In one embodiment, the threads  23  on one fastener  22  may have an opposite rotation than the other fastener  22 . In other words, clockwise rotation tightens one fastener  22  while counterclockwise rotation tightens the other fastener  22 . This construction makes the handle  12  self-locking by rotation about the lengthwise axis of the handle  12 . Also, the user may tighten the handle  12  more snugly by rotating the handle  12  with his full hand rather than by rotating the fasteners with his fingers.  
      As seen in  FIGS. 1-4 , the fasteners  22  may have rounded heads  24  to prevent injury to the user. Alternatively, the fastener heads  24  could have a finite number of sides, such as a hex head, or have a knurled peripheral surface for easier rotation by hand. Alternatively, the fastener heads  24  could have a slotted or socketed end for installation with a tool.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the support assembly  14  comprises a U-shaped bracket  26 , having a central base  26   a  and a pair of arms  26   b ,  26   c . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the arms  26   b ,  26   c  and base  26   a  are integrally formed from a single piece of strong, rigid material such as plastic or metal. Alternatively, the arms  26   b ,  26   c  and base  26   a  of the bracket  26  could be fabricated as separate components, which are adhered or otherwise fastened together such as shown in  FIG. 6 .  
      In a preferred embodiment, the arms  26   b ,  26   c  of the bracket  26  have an upwardly-tapering or triangular shape, which provides a strong connection interface to the base  26   a  and sufficient hand and wrist clearance near the handle  12 . An aperture  28  extends through each arm proximate the apex. The apertures  28  align with the threaded bores  20  in the handle  12 . The bracket  26  is fastened to the top side of the top plate  32  of the base  16  by adhesives, screws or other fastening means.  
      The rotatable base  16  has a bottom portion adapted to contact the floor or other support surface, and a top portion that is freely rotatable relative to the bottom portion. The bottom and top portions comprise generally-planar, circular plates  30 ,  32 , respectively. Each plate  30 ,  32  has a central portion  30   b ,  32   b  and an outer, annular lip  30   a ,  32   a , which is preferably integrally formed with the central portion  30   b ,  32   b  of the plates. The plates  30 ,  32  are made from a strong, rigid material such as metal or plastic.  
      The plates  30 ,  32  are rotatably connected by a shaft  34 , which extends through a central aperture  36  in the top plate  32  and connects to a central, axially-aligned socket  38  in the bottom plate  30 . The plates  30 ,  32  are arranged with the annular lips  30   a ,  32   a  facing one another so that an internal cavity is formed intermediate the plates  30 ,  32 .  
      A bearing assembly  40  is arranged in the internal cavity between the plates  30 ,  32 . The bearing assembly  40  supports the top plate  32  and enables the top plate  32  to freely and smoothly rotate relative to the bottom plate  30 . In a preferred embodiment, the bearing assembly  40  comprises a plurality of ball bearings  42  and cage  44 . The diameter of the ball bearings  42  is large enough to prevent the lips  30   a ,  32   a  of the bottom and top plates  30 ,  32  from contacting one another, but small enough so that the bearing assembly  40  can not slide laterally-outwardly through the small gap “G” between the lips  30   a ,  32   a , as best seen in  FIG. 2 . Preferably, the diameter of the cage  44  is slightly smaller than the diameter of the central portion  30   b ,  32   b  of the plates. The bearings  42  should be sufficient in number to support the upper body weight of the user without unduly restricting the ease with which the handle  12  can be rotated during the exercise.  
      Further embodiments of the invention are described in  FIGS. 5-11 , wherein elements similar to the elements described above share the same reference numeral but with an additional integer prefix.  
      An alternative embodiment of the invention having additional novel features is shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The device  110  is similar in construction to the device disclosed in  FIGS. 1-4 . However, the device  110  has a wider base, and anti-skid base pad, an angular position indicator so that the user can accurately measure the degree of rotation of the handle  112 , and a key that prevents the handle  112  from rotating about its longitudinal axis.  
      Referring to  FIG. 5 , the bottom plate  130  has a central portion  130   b , an annular lip  130   a , and an annular, radially-outwardly, downwardly-inclined flange  146 , which increases the footprint of the base  116 , thereby providing increased stability compared to the device  10  disclosed in  FIGS. 1-4 . The flange  146  also improves the aesthetic appearance of the device  110 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 6 , the base  116  may also include an annular race  149  on the surface of the internal central portion  130   b ,  132   b  of one or more of the plates  130 ,  132 . The race  149  helps prevent lateral movement of the plates  130 ,  132  relative to one another and prevents friction on the shaft  134  without unduly preventing relative rotational movement of the plates  130 ,  132 .  
      An anti-skid pad  148  is preferably adhered to the bottom of the bottom plate  130 . The anti-skid pad  148  is preferably made of a soft, tacky material such as rubber. The anti-skid pad  148  not only prevents the device  110  from sliding on smooth surfaces, but also dampens vibration and noise produced while performing pushups.  
      The angular position indicator comprises a pointer  150  and a calibrated dial. Preferably the pointer  150  is axially-aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle. As best seen in  FIG. 5 , the pointer  150  comprises a tapered cap affixed to the head  124  of one of the fasteners  122 . The calibrated dial is preferably attached to the bottom base plate  130 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the dial comprises a series of regularly-spaced marks  151  applied to the flange  146  of the base plate  130 . Alternatively, the dial may comprise a separate ring, which has regularly spaced marks or serrations, and which is rotatable on the bottom plate  130  so that the pointer can be “zeroed” with the dial.  
      During pushups, the torque exerted on the handle by the user may overcome the tightening force of the fasteners  122  and cause the handle  112  to rotate. To prevent the handle  112  from rotating about its longitudinal axis “H”, the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5-6  includes a tab or key  152 , which is formed on at least one end of the handle  112 . The tab  152  cooperatively engages a slot  154  in the upper portion of one of the arms  126   c.    
      An additional embodiment of the invention that can be folded or collapsed for more convenient storage or travel is disclosed in  FIG. 7 . The collapsible device  210  is similar in construction to the device  10  disclosed in  FIGS. 1-4 , except that the device  210  has a collapsible or foldable handle support  214 . In this embodiment, the handle support  214  comprises a U-shaped bracket  226  having a central base  227  and a pair of arms  229 ,  231 . One arm  229  is pivotally connected to the base  227  by a hinge  233   a  so that the bracket arm  229  is movable from a first, upwardly-extending position supporting the handle  212  at an elevated position relative to the base, and a second collapsed position lying flat against and generally coplanar with the base  227 .  
      The second arm  231  is bifurcated into two segments  231   a ,  231   b . The bottom end of the first segment  231   a  is fixed to the base  227 . The second segment  231   b  is pivotally connected to the first segment  231   a  by the second hinge  233   b , which is similar to the first hinge  233   a . The first segment  231   b  is short compared to the height of the second segment  231   b . Preferably, the height of the first segment is slightly larger than the thickness of the first arm  229  to that the second segment  231   b  folds down flat against and generally coplanar with the first arm  229 .  
      The hinges  227  shown in  FIG. 7  only permit inward rotation of the arms  229 ,  231 . Once connected to the arms  229 ,  231 , the handle  212  prevents rotation of the arms and locks the support in the first position. To collapse the support  214 , the user simply removes the handle  212  and folds downwardly the first arm  229  and then the second segment  231   b  of the second arm  231 .  
      An additional embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIG. 8 . In this embodiment, a rotatable pushup device  310  interchanges with an inclined ramp  360 . The device  310  is similar in construction to the devices shown in  FIGS. 1-7 . In this embodiment, the handle support  314  comprises a pair of arms  326  fixed directly to the top plate  332  of the base  316 .  
      The ramp  360  supports and inclines the device  310  at an angle to vary the user&#39;s range of motion. The ramp  360  has a socket  361  formed in the inclined surface  362 . The socket  361  has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the base  316 , so that the base  316  fits snugly into the socket  361 . The device  310  includes a pointer  350 , which registers with a plurality of equally-spaced, angular position marks on the inclined surface proximate the periphery of the socket  361 .  
      In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-8 , the handle has a basic cylindrical profile. However, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the handle may have an irregularly-shaped profile that is easier to grasp by the user.  
      Referring to  FIG. 9 , the handle  412  comprises a rigid core  418  enveloped by a contoured grip  421 . Preferably, the core  418  comprises a cylindrical bar segment, which is made of a strong, rigid material such as wood, plastic, metal or the like. A threaded bore  420  extends axially into each end of the core  418 . The bores  420  are arranged to receive threaded fasteners  422 , which removably secure the handle  412  to the support of the pushup device. The contoured grip  421  has a profile that allows the user&#39;s palm and fingers to grasp the handle  412  more comfortably. Preferably, the contoured grip  421  is made from a deformable material in order to cushion the user&#39;s hand.  
      In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , the handle  512  comprises a rigid core  518  that has been formed with a contoured profile. The profile is selected to allow the user&#39;s palm and fingers to grasp the handle more comfortably than the cylindrical handle shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . In this embodiment, the handle  512  is removably fastened to the support with a single, elongate fastener  522  such as a carriage bolt. The fastener  522  extends through a central, axial bore  519  in the handle  512 .  
      In yet another embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the handle  612  comprises a cylindrical bar segment  618 , which is made of a strong, rigid material. Instead of threaded fasteners, the handle  612  has a pair of support pins  665 ,  667  fixed to opposed ends of the handle  612 . The pins are generally co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the segment. At least one of the pins  667  is retractable and has a quick connect/disconnect construction, which more quickly attaches the handle  612  to the support than the threaded fasteners described above. Referring to  FIG. 11 , the retractable pin  667  comprises a stem  669  that retracts into and extends out from an axial socket  671  in the bar segment  618 . The stem  669  is normally biased outwardly to an extended position by an internal compression spring  673 .  
      An additional embodiment of the invention that can be folded or collapsed for more convenient storage or travel is disclosed in  FIG. 12 . The collapsible device  710  is similar in construction to the device  10  disclosed in  FIGS. 1-4 , except that the device  710  has a collapsible or foldable handle support  714 . In this embodiment, the handle support  714  comprises a U-shaped bracket  726  having a central base  726   a  and a pair of arms  727 . The arms  727  are removably connected to the base  726   a  by a tongue and groove connection. The bottom of each arm  727  has a tongue  771  that slidably engages a groove  773  in the base  726   a . The bracket  726  is fixed to the upper plate  732  of the base.  
      The above-described devices are generally used in pairs by initially placing the devices on the floor or other support surface. The user then grasps the handles to perform pushups. During the exercise, the user can easily and smoothly rotate his hands about a vertical axis relative to the floor due to the bearing assembly within the base. The user can thereby stretch and condition the muscles that provide rotary arm movement in addition to strengthening the arm and shoulder muscles in the manner normally achieved by performing traditional pushups.  
      While the principles of the invention have been described above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention.