Patent Description:
Exercise has been consistently touted as an effective way to combat health and aging concerns. However, demands on adults in current society, especially adults with young children, often leave them without time for independent exercise. Further, for adults with children that do have time, the type of exercise available is limited to activity that can be done with children in tow. One example of a such an activity is running, jogging, or walking with a jogging stroller. While jogging strollers have been designed with runners in mind, they often do not accommodate proper running form, are prohibitively expensive, and do not double as a day-to-day stroller, thereby requiring the purchase of a second stroller. A device is needed that can universally convert a stroller, or other push apparatus, into a jogging stroller while allowing for proper running form.

<CIT> discloses a handle extension for a stroller.

<CIT> describes a bicycle-mounted exercise apparatus.

<CIT> discloses a pusher for a stroller.

The present invention provides a push apparatus attachment device as recited in claim <NUM>. The present invention further provides a method of using a push apparatus attachment device as recited in claim <NUM>.

The above summary is not intended to describe each and every example or every implementation of the disclosure. The description that follows more particularly exemplifies various illustrative embodiments.

The following description should be read with reference to the drawings. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following description with respect to various examples in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The present invention relates to attachments for push apparatuses, and more particularly, relates to attachments for push apparatuses to assist with allowing ideal running form. Various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals may be used to represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the systems and methods disclosed herein. Examples of construction, dimensions, and materials may be illustrated for the various elements, and those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that may be utilized.

In the following description, as is traditional, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the device, assembly, or components closest to the user, while the term "distal" refers to those remote from the user.

While this disclosure speaks to ideal running form, it does not intend to define what is ideal running form. However, it is well known, documented and understood that the human body's motion, specific to the four limbs (two arms; two legs) and the torso with which they are attached, has a transverse and opposite stride in symmetry. More specifically, through the human torso, arms and legs pivot in an intricate and complex manner so that when the right leg is in a forward distal stride, the left leg is in a rearward proximal position, and the torso is twisted oppositely at the shoulders, in relation to the hips. This typically results in the left arm being forwardly thrusted in stride resulting in the increase in height position of the left hand both forward distally and rightward medially across the torso, and the right hand results in a rearward stride thrusted downward and proximally also across the torso.

Conversely, as the motion of moving the body forward causes the opposing left leg to move forward in a distal stride, the right leg is in a rearward proximal position, and the torso is twisted opposite from the above-described position in the shoulder relationship to the hips. This results in the right arm being forward distally thrusted in stride resulting in the increase in height position of the right hand both forward distally and leftward medially across the torso, and the left hand results in a rearward stride thrusted downward proximally also across the torso in a lateral direction. This motion is illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a top perspective view of an illustrative example of an attachment device for a push apparatus of the present invention. The attachment device includes frame connector <NUM>, height-adjustment frame <NUM>, and pivot assembly <NUM>. Frame connector <NUM> can include frame connector body <NUM> and three connection points: first connection joint <NUM>, second connection joint <NUM>, and ratchet tooth clamp <NUM>. Height-adjustment frame <NUM> can include height-adjustment frame body <NUM>, first ratchet bar section <NUM>, second ratchet bar section <NUM>, lateral height adjustment frame <NUM>, and medial height-adjustment frame <NUM>. Pivot assembly <NUM> includes swing bar <NUM>, grip bridge <NUM>, and hand grip <NUM>. Swing bar <NUM> can further include ratchet tooth clamp <NUM> and pivot connect <NUM>. Grip bridge <NUM> can further include pivot connect <NUM>, outer ends <NUM>, and hand grip apertures <NUM> for connection to hand grips <NUM>.

Additional views of the attachment for a push apparatus are provided. <FIG> is a schematic view of a frame connector. <FIG> is a schematic view of the height-adjustment frame. <FIG> is a schematic view of the pivot assembly. <FIG> is a schematic view of a frame connector body of the attachment attached to the push apparatus frame and the first ratchet bar section of the height-adjustment frame. <FIG> is a schematic view of the pivot assembly of the attachment attached to the second ratchet bar section. <FIG> is a bottom perspective view of the attachment device for a push apparatus. <FIG> is a schematic view of the first and second connection joints attached to the push apparatus frame and the ratchet tooth clamp of the frame connector attached to the first ratchet bar section. <FIG> illustrate top perspective views of the various height adjustment configurations for the pivot assembly. <FIG> illustrate side views of the various height adjustment configurations for the pivot assembly. <FIG> illustrate side perspective views of the pivot assembly swinging from one side to another side. <FIG> illustrate top views of the pivot assembly swinging from one side to another side. <FIG> illustrate front views of the grip bridge of the pivot assembly with the outer ends shifting up and down. <FIG> illustrate schematic views of the hand grips of the grip bridge rotating in <NUM> degrees. <FIG> illustrate the natural running movement permitted by the attachment for a push apparatus.

The various components of the attachment for a push apparatus can generally be comprised of rigid materials such that the attachment and its components cannot be folded, bent, or otherwise forced out of shape. Examples of materials that can be used include, but are not limited to, metal (for example, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, iron, brass, copper, etc.), plastic (for example, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, other thermoplastic polymers, etc.), carbon fiber, ABS molding, glass-filled nylon, or other polymers, high durometer rubber, and combinations thereof.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the push apparatus attachment device includes frame connecter <NUM> for connecting to a push apparatus frame <NUM>, height-adjustment frame <NUM> connected to the frame connector <NUM>, and pivot assembly <NUM> structured and configured to be gripped by a user's hands. The pivot assembly <NUM> further includes swing bar <NUM>, which connects to the height-adjustment frame <NUM>, and grip bridge <NUM>, which has at least two hand grips <NUM> and connects to the swing bar <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, frame connector <NUM> can be comprised of frame connector body <NUM> and one or more connection points. More specifically, frame connector body <NUM> may be approximately "L" shaped, having a first, straight portion and a second, straight portion that is perpendicular to the first, straight portion and connected on one end to one end of the first, straight portion. Additionally, the connection point(s) may connect frame connector body <NUM> to a push apparatus frame <NUM> at a connection point on each straight portion, thereby resulting in at least two connection points for connecting frame connector <NUM> to the push apparatus frame <NUM> at two locations.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a first connection point may be first connection joint <NUM> that attaches at a position along the first, straight portion near a distal end of frame connector <NUM> (i.e., an end further from the user), and a second connection point may be second connection joint <NUM> that attaches at a position along the second, straight portion near a proximal end of the frame connector (i.e., an end closer to the user). In some cases, the position where the connection joints attach to frame connector body <NUM> may be at or near the opposite end of the straight portion compared to where the straight portions connect to each other. This enables frame connector body <NUM> to attach to a handle portion of the push apparatus as well as an arm portion, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Each straight portion of frame connector body <NUM> may be a separate piece, as illustrated in <FIG>. Alternatively, the various components of frame connector <NUM> may be one continuous piece.

As further illustrated in <FIG>, some embodiments of the push apparatus attachment device can include two frame connectors <NUM>. In some cases, the frame connector body can have either a right or a left-handedness due to the lengths of the first, straight portion and the second, straight portion not being equal (for example, the length of the first, straight portion can be shorter than the length of the second, straight portion), as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. However, in some cases, the lengths of the two straight portions may be equal and, therefore, the frame connector body may have interchangeable handedness (i.e., the frame connector body can be used on the right or left arm of the push apparatus). As described above, if two frame connectors <NUM> are used, both can include two connection points for connection to the push apparatus frame <NUM> at two locations, and the two connection points of the second frame connector <NUM> can include first connection joint <NUM> near a distal end of the second frame connector and second connection joint <NUM> near a proximal end of the second frame connector.

The first and second connection joints <NUM>, <NUM> may include any type of mechanical fastener such as, but not limited to, cam locks, as illustrated in <FIG>. More specifically, the cam lock can include a lever and a threaded rod. To secure first and second connection joints <NUM>, <NUM>, the lever can be twisted (for example, counterclockwise), thereby turning the threaded rod and twisting it into a bar of push apparatus frame <NUM> and frame connector body <NUM> such that it secures the cam lock onto the bar and the frame connector body. The lever can then be pivoted so that it further locks the cam lock in place and pulls the bar of push apparatus frame <NUM> and frame connector body <NUM> closely together. However, other connection joints are possible such as, but not limited to, threaded knobs. For example, the threaded knob may include a threaded shaft with a nut and the threaded knob may be engaged with first and second connection joints <NUM>, <NUM> as well as a bar of the push apparatus frame <NUM>. More specifically, the threaded shaft can be inserted into first connection joint <NUM> (or second connection joint <NUM>) and through a front side of the bar of the push apparatus frame <NUM>, and the nut may be attached on a back side of the bar. Therefore, when the threaded shaft is rotated in a tightening direction, the nut secures further onto the threaded shaft, and the bar and frame connector body <NUM> are pulled together. Further, first and second connection joints <NUM>, <NUM> may each also include swivel bearing <NUM> embedded within frame connector body <NUM>. Swivel bearing <NUM> can allow for rotation between frame connector body <NUM> and push apparatus frame <NUM>, thus enabling the attachment for a push apparatus to be implemented on a wider array of push apparatuses.

In some embodiments, frame connector <NUM> can have a third connection point that connects on height-adjustment frame <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. More specifically, frame connector <NUM> may be rotatably connected to height-adjustment frame <NUM> such that the height of pivot assembly <NUM> is adjustable to accommodate users of different heights by offering height-based intervals on the height-adjustment frame, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some cases, this connection point may include ratchet tooth clamp <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. In other cases, this connection point may include a tube on height-adjustment frame <NUM>, the tube having holes that can engage with pins in frame connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, height-adjustment frame <NUM> may be approximately <NUM> (six inches) deep and may permit <NUM> degrees of rotation, thereby offering <NUM> (twelve total inches) of height change. As with first and second connection joints <NUM>, <NUM>, the third connection point may also include swivel bearing <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, ratchet tooth clamp <NUM> may be located at one end of the second, straight portion of frame connector body <NUM> leaving second connection joint <NUM> to be located in a more distal position compared to the end of the second, straight portion. Therefore, some embodiments of the push apparatus attachment device can include two frame connectors <NUM> with each having three connection points: two on the push apparatus frame <NUM> to provide maximum stability to the push apparatus attachment device and one on height-adjustment frame <NUM> to connect it to the push apparatus attachment device, as illustrated in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, the second, straight portion is one continuous piece. Other embodiments of the second, straight portion, however, may incorporate a rotational component between two separate pieces. For example, the second, straight portion of frame connector body <NUM> may include break <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>, which separates frame connector <NUM> into two portions: a first portion that connects to push apparatus frame <NUM> and a second portion that connects to height-adjustment frame <NUM>, wherein break <NUM> is located between these two connections. Break <NUM> allows for the proximal end of frame connector body <NUM> to be pivoted around an axis that runs distal-to-proximal in direction. This freedom permits for a wide array of positioning of the overall assembly of frame connectors <NUM> to a wide range of configurations of push apparatus frames <NUM>. More specifically, break <NUM> enables <NUM>-rotation, which allows for a more universal fit of frame connector <NUM> among push apparatuses. In some embodiments, the first portion of frame connector <NUM> connects to the second portion of the frame connector at break <NUM> via a set screw and lock nut assembly <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

As described above, another component of the push apparatus attachment device is height-adjustment frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, height-adjustment frame <NUM> can be comprised of height-adjustment frame body <NUM>, first ratchet bar section <NUM>, and second ratchet bar section <NUM>. More specifically, height-adjustment frame may be roughly rectangular in shape, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, having longer portions aligned in a roughly parallel configuration with a handlebar of the push apparatus. Therefore, the longer portions of height-adjustment frame body <NUM> can be located at distal and proximal positions relative to the user and the shorter portions of the height-adjustment frame body can be equidistant to the user with both short sides having a distal and proximal end. However, while height adjustment frame may be roughly rectangular in shape, it can also incorporate variations in its shape that detract from a rectangle, such as the angled corners illustrated in <FIG>.

Height-adjustment frame body <NUM> may be comprised of multiple pieces. For example, the two longer portions and the two shorter portions may be separate components that are assembled to create one piece. They may be assembled utilizing set screws that are medially to laterally positioned and secured with square nuts mortised with the medial and lateral ends of the two longer portions. In some cases, height-adjustment frame body <NUM> may be comprised of one piece, wherein each of the four portions (two short and two long) are merely portions of one overall component. Regardless of whether height-adjustment frame body <NUM> is comprised of one or many pieces, the functionality can remain the same.

In some embodiments, height-adjustment frame body <NUM> is comprised of tubing, such that a horizontal cross-section of one part of the height-adjustment frame body would be circular in appearance. However, height-adjustment frame body <NUM> may alternatively be flat or more "edged" in appearance in that a horizonal cross-section would be square, rectangular, triangular, or any other shape in appearance. In some cases, height-adjustment frame body <NUM> may have a combination of these features. For example, central sections of the long portions may be tubular while outer sections of the long portions may be rectangular, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. As described in more detail below, both long portions of height-adjustment frame body <NUM> can include a ratchet bar section and, in some cases, both ratchet bar sections can be centered along the long portions of the height-adjustment frame body such that the push apparatus attachment device can be aligned with a central axis of the push apparatus. Further, each ratchet bar section may be continuous or intermittent, wherein the ratchet bar section is interspersed with smooth portions, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some embodiments, the long portions of height-adjustment frame body <NUM> are mirror images of each other and are interchangeable, such that the height-adjustment frame body can be flipped <NUM> degrees and still be securable by frame connectors <NUM> and pivot assembly <NUM>.

The shorter portions of height-adjustment frame body <NUM> may, in some embodiments, include hollow tubing through which tension bands <NUM> can be inserted and/or anchored. More specifically, tension bands <NUM> can be mounted between height adjustment frame <NUM> and bridge assembly <NUM>. In some cases, tension band <NUM> may be one continuous piece that travels through the tubing of height-adjustment frame body <NUM> and secures on each end to bridge assembly <NUM>. In other cases, as illustrated in <FIG>, the attachment for push apparatus may include two tension bands: (<NUM>) lateral tension band <NUM> attached on its proximal end to grip bridge <NUM> and on its distal end to anchor point <NUM>, wherein anchor point <NUM> is located on or in a first shorter portion of height-adjustment frame body <NUM> and (<NUM>) medial tension band <NUM> attached on its proximal end to the grip bridge and on its distal end to anchor point <NUM>, wherein anchor point <NUM> is located on or in a second shorter portion of height-adjustment frame body <NUM>. The attachment of tension band <NUM> to height-adjustment frame body <NUM> may take place within, through, and/or on anchor points <NUM>, <NUM>. The attachment of tension band <NUM> to grip bridge <NUM> may take place within, through, and/or on outer ends <NUM> of the grip bridge.

Tension bands <NUM> can be made of an elastomeric material and can, therefore, be adjustable by increasing or reducing tension. For example, lengthening tension band <NUM> can increase tension while shortening the tension band can reduce tension. The functional increase or decrease in tensioning provides for and assists the control of the push apparatus for directional movement medially and/or laterally, as the push apparatus is being moved distally by the user.

First ratchet bar section <NUM> may be located on the distal, long portion of height-adjustment frame body <NUM> and may wrap around or replace a portion of the height-adjustment frame body, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, ratchet tooth clamp <NUM> on a proximal end of frame connector body <NUM> can connect to first ratchet bar section <NUM>. First ratchet bar section <NUM> may be the entire horizontal length of the distal, long portion of height-adjustment frame body <NUM>. Alternatively, first ratchet bar section <NUM> may only be a portion of the length of the distal portion of height-adjustment frame body <NUM> such that the distal portion is part tubing (or other shape) and part ratchet bar section. For example, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, first ratchet bar section <NUM> may be comprised of three or more sections (at least one inner section and two outer sections) with the tubing exposed between each section.

In some cases, the minimum length of first ratchet bar section <NUM> may be determined by the distance between proximal endpoints of frame connector bodies <NUM> when two frame connectors <NUM> are connected to the push apparatus frame <NUM>. For example, if the distance between proximal endpoints of two frame connector bodies (i.e., where ratchet tooth clamp <NUM> connects to frame connector body <NUM>) is X, the length of first ratchet bar section <NUM> may have a minimum length of at least X. However, the length of first ratchet bar section <NUM> may be longer than the distance between proximal endpoints of frame connector bodies <NUM>. This can help accommodate variation in widths of push apparatus frames <NUM> such that the push apparatus attachment device can be universally used on any push apparatus. Further, in cases where first ratchet bar section <NUM> is comprised of several sections, the length of each section may be less than the minimum length as defined above due to the spacing between each section, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Second ratchet bar section <NUM> may be located on the proximal, long portion of height-adjustment frame body <NUM>, and similarly to first ratchet bar section <NUM>, may wrap around or replace a portion of the height-adjustment frame body, as illustrated in <FIG>. In some embodiments, compared to first ratchet bar section <NUM>, second ratchet bar section <NUM> can be limited to a shorter length of the proximal, long portion of height-adjustment frame body <NUM> such that the proximal portion is part tubing (or other shape) and part ratchet bar section. However, in embodiments wherein the distal and proximal portions of height-adjustment frame body <NUM> are mirror images of each other, second ratchet bar section <NUM> may also mirror first ratchet bar section <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. More specifically, second ratchet bar section <NUM> may be comprised of three or more sections (at least one inner section and two outer sections) with the tubing exposed between each section. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, ratchet tooth clamp <NUM> on a distal end of pivot assembly <NUM> can connect to second ratchet bar section <NUM>.

In some cases, the minimum length of second ratchet bar section <NUM> may be determined by the width of ratchet tooth clamp <NUM>. For example, if ratchet tooth clamp <NUM> has width Y, the length of second ratchet bar section <NUM> may have a minimum length of at least Y so that the ratchet tooth clamp can properly pair with the second ratchet bar section. However, the length of second ratchet bar section <NUM> may be longer than the width of ratchet tooth clamp <NUM>. This is also the case for the inner section of first ratchet bar section <NUM> in embodiments where the first ratchet bar section is comprised of three or more sections. Further, in cases where second ratchet bar section <NUM> is comprised of several sections, the inner section may have a minimum length of at least Y and the length of each outer section may be bigger or smaller than length Y as long as they accommodate connections to frame connector bodies <NUM>.

As described above and illustrated in <FIG>, another component of the push apparatus attachment device is pivot assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, and as illustrated in <FIG>, pivot assembly <NUM> is comprised of swing bar <NUM>, which can connect to height-adjustment frame <NUM> via ratchet tooth clamp <NUM>, as described above, grip bridge <NUM> which connects to the swing bar, and at least two hand grips <NUM>, which connect to the grip bridge. More specifically, swing bar <NUM> may be an elongate bar that extends from a distal end, where it attaches to height-adjustment frame <NUM>, to a proximal end, where it attaches to grip bridge <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Grip bridge <NUM> may also be an elongate bar but may extend laterally such that it is perpendicular to swing bar <NUM>.

In some embodiments, swing bar <NUM> of pivot assembly <NUM> can be rotatably connected to height-adjustment frame <NUM> such that when the height adjustment frame body is rotated upward or downward relative to frame connector <NUM> to accommodate users of different heights, the swing bar can be rotated an opposite direction so that it remains parallel to the ground, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some cases, this rotatable connection point may include ratchet tooth clamp <NUM>. As ratchet tooth clamp <NUM> can attach to first ratchet bar section <NUM>, ratchet tooth clamp <NUM> can attach to second ratchet bar section <NUM> in a central location on (or inner section of) the second ratchet bar section.

As illustrated in <FIG>, swing bar <NUM> can include ratchet tooth clamp <NUM> and pivot connect <NUM>. In some embodiments, ratchet tooth clamp <NUM> can be a connection component on a distal end of a straight arm. Ratchet tooth clamp <NUM> may connect to a central location of the proximal, long portion of height-adjustment frame body <NUM> using ratchet teeth, and a proximal end of the arm of the ratchet tooth clamp may connect to pivot connect <NUM>, which also connects to swing bar <NUM>. In other words, the distal end of swing bar <NUM> can connect to height-adjustment frame <NUM> via pivot connect <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, and this connection may further include a connection with ratchet tooth clamp <NUM>. In some cases, pivot connect <NUM> can enable free movement of a proximal end of swing bar <NUM> along a horizontal arced path relative to a user during use, wherein the horizontal arced path is in a single plane arching between left and right endpoints, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Pivot connect <NUM>, connecting the distal end of swing bar <NUM> and the proximal end of the arm of ratchet tooth clamp <NUM>, can, in some embodiments, further include tension spring <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Tension spring <NUM> can surround pivot connect <NUM>, which can include a pivot pin. The purpose of tension spring <NUM> is to provide independent and/or additional adjustable tension to the tension provided by tension bands <NUM>. Additionally, tension spring <NUM> can provide for a centering mechanism for swing bar <NUM> when the push apparatus is at rest and not in use. The tension provided by tensions spring <NUM> can be provided horizontally in a medial to lateral and lateral to medial arc of swing bar <NUM>. In some embodiments, pivot connect <NUM> can further include tensioning adjustment set screw <NUM> that allows for adjustable variation to the tension provided by tension spring <NUM>. Set screw <NUM> can be secured with tightening knob <NUM>, which allows for fine adjustment and customization compared to the larger-scale adjustments of, for example, height-adjustment frame <NUM>.

In addition to ratchet tooth clamp <NUM> and pivot connect <NUM> on a distal end of swing bar <NUM>, pivot assembly <NUM> can include pivot connect <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. More specifically, the proximal end of swing bar <NUM> can connect to grip bridge <NUM> using pivot connect <NUM>, which connects at or near a central portion of the grip bridge. In some cases, pivot connect <NUM> can enable free movement of outer ends <NUM> of grip bridge <NUM> in three dimensions relative to a user during use, as illustrated in <FIG>. Pivot connect <NUM> may have any connection type such that it allows for grip bridge <NUM> to not only freely move in three dimensions as described above, but can also allow for user arm and hand movement up and down to account for natural running forms by allowing outer ends <NUM> of the grip bridge to move up and down, as illustrated in <FIG>. Therefore, pivot connect <NUM> can allow for grip bridge <NUM> to pivot up and down on its central axis between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees.

As with pivot connect <NUM>, pivot connect <NUM> can include tension spring <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Tension spring <NUM> can provide a <NUM>-degree tension in universal X, Y and Z directions of grip bridge <NUM>. Tension spring <NUM> can also provide tension for the range of motion of grip bridge <NUM> distally, proximally, medially, laterally, superiorly, and inferiorly with pivot connect <NUM> centered at the proximal end of swing bar <NUM>. Similar to tension spring <NUM>, tension spring <NUM> can provide for a three-dimensional (distal to proximal, superior to inferior, and medial to lateral) centering of grip bridge <NUM> when at rest. In some embodiments, pivot connect <NUM> can contain tensioning adjustment set screw <NUM> that allows for adjustable variation to the tension provided by tension spring <NUM>. Set screw <NUM> can be secured with a tightening knob, which allows for fine adjustment and customization.

As mentioned above and illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, grip bridge <NUM> includes hand grip apertures <NUM> on each outer end <NUM> of the grip bridge. Therefore, grip bridge <NUM> may be an elongate bar positioned perpendicular to swing bar <NUM> that connects at pivot connect <NUM> to the swing bar and has hand grip apertures <NUM> located at outer ends <NUM>. Grip bridge <NUM> further includes hand grips <NUM>, wherein an individual hand grip is positioned in one of the hand grip apertures <NUM> and can be configured to freely rotate <NUM> degrees within the hand grip aperture <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. More specifically, one end of each hand grip <NUM> may connect to hand grip apertures via, for example, a ball joint such that the hand grip is not limited in its rotational or pivoting motion. Further, in some cases, hand grip <NUM> may twist or pivot within hand grip aperture <NUM> (for example, the hand grip can pivot <NUM> degrees) to allow for rotation of a user's fist while running.

In this manner, frame connector <NUM> enables the push apparatus attachment device to attach to a push apparatus, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, height-adjustment frame <NUM> enables a user to adjust the apparatus to an appropriate angle based on the height of the user, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, and pivot assembly <NUM> enables free movement along all planes to accommodate a user's natural running form, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

More specifically, <FIG> illustrate a natural running form while using the disclosed device. <FIG> illustrate running form with a right leg forward and <FIG> illustrate running form with a left leg forward. <FIG> illustrates, from a side view, right leg forward, left leg rearward, right arm low and rearward, and left arm high and forward. <FIG> illustrates, from a top view, right leg forward, left leg rearward, right arm low and rearward, and left arm high and forward. <FIG> illustrates, from a front view, right leg forward, left leg rearward, right arm low and rearward, and left arm high and forward. <FIG> illustrates, from a side view, left leg forward, right leg rearward, left arm low and rearward, and right arm high and forward. <FIG> illustrates, from a top view, left leg forward, right leg rearward, left arm low and rearward, and right arm high and forward. <FIG> illustrates, from a front view, left leg forward, right leg rearward, left arm low and rearward, and right arm high and forward.

In one example of a use case, a user can attach at least two frame connecters <NUM> to a push apparatus frame <NUM>, each frame connector <NUM> connecting at two points along the push apparatus frame <NUM>, as described above. If needed, the user can rotate height-adjustment frame <NUM>, which can be pivotally connected to the frame connectors <NUM>, up or down to accommodate a user's height. Next, a user can rotate swing bar <NUM> of pivot assembly <NUM> that is pivotally connected to the height-adjustment frame <NUM> the opposite direction (for example, down or up) to keep the pivot assembly <NUM> parallel to the ground. The user can then grip each of two hand grips <NUM> with the user's hands, wherein the hand grips <NUM> can be located on each of the two outer ends of grip bridge <NUM> of pivot assembly <NUM>, and the grip bridge can be pivotally connected to swing bar <NUM>. Finally, the user can push the push apparatus frame <NUM> forward to propel the push apparatus in a forward direction.

Claim 1:
A push apparatus attachment device comprising:
a frame connecter (<NUM>) for connecting to a push apparatus frame;
a height-adjustment frame (<NUM>) connected to the frame connector; and
a pivot assembly (<NUM>) structured and configured to be gripped by a user's hands, the pivot assembly including:
a swing bar (<NUM>) connected to the height-adjustment frame, and
a grip bridge (<NUM>) connected to the swing bar (<NUM>),
characterized in
the grip bridge (<NUM>) having at least two hand grips (<NUM>) on opposing ends of the grip bridge,
wherein
the grip bridge is further comprised of hand grip apertures (<NUM>) on opposing ends (<NUM>) of the grip bridge, and
each hand grip is positioned in one of the hand grip apertures.