U.S. patent application number 12/265803 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-06 for counting device for a push-up exercise.
Invention is credited to Mark B. Friedman, Stephen G. Hauser, John Holland, Kevan Hollenback, Alden M. Mills.
Application Number | 20100113225 12/265803 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40194716 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100113225 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mills; Alden M. ; et
al. |
May 6, 2010 |
COUNTING DEVICE FOR A PUSH-UP EXERCISE
Abstract
A counting device for counting repetitions and timing a push-up
exercise includes a device body and a counter assembly having a
display and a plurality of actuation buttons thereon. The counter
assembly fits within a deformable foam ring that forms the top of
the device. During exercise, a user depresses the foam ring
downward with their chest a given distance so as to trigger at
least one sensor in the counter assembly to register a repetition
count on the display, along with an elapsed time of the exercise.
The counter assembly can be fixed within the device, or a display
unit thereof may be removable so that the device and display unit
are configured for wireless communication.
Inventors: |
Mills; Alden M.; (Kentfield,
CA) ; Friedman; Mark B.; (Simi Valley, CA) ;
Holland; John; (Sausalito, CA) ; Hollenback;
Kevan; (Oakland, CA) ; Hauser; Stephen G.;
(Tarzana, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHARTER IP, LLC
P.O. BOX 64
The Plains
VA
20198
US
|
Family ID: |
40194716 |
Appl. No.: |
12/265803 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ;
482/141 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/17 20130101;
A63B 23/1281 20130101; A63B 21/4019 20151001; A63B 23/1236
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 ;
482/141 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00; A63B 23/12 20060101 A63B023/12 |
Claims
1. A counting device for a push-up exercise, comprising: a device
body, and a counter assembly having a display and a plurality of
actuation buttons, the counter assembly fitting within a deformable
foam ring that forms the top of the device, wherein a user during
exercise depresses the foam ring downward with their chest a given
distance so as to trigger at least one sensor of the counter
assembly to register a repetition count on the display along with
an elapsed time of the exercise, and the device body is composed of
a deformable rubber material and is configured with three spaced
legs interconnected to one another at the bottom of the device to
support the counter assembly and permit additional deformation of
the foam ring beyond the distance required to trigger the
count.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the count is triggered once a
ring holder supporting the foam ring is depressed a distance
between about 2 to 7 mm.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the count is triggered once a
ring holder supporting the foam ring is depressed a distance of 3
mm.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the count is triggered once a
ring holder supporting the foam ring is depressed under the user's
weight so as to contact the at least one sensor.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the elapsed time of exercise is a
time that decrements to zero from a given set exercise time or a
time increasing from zero to a set ending time.
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes
a plurality of micro-switches, the counter assembly further
including: a PC board in electrical communication with the display,
actuation buttons and micro-switches, and a battery for powering
the PC board, wherein a ring holder that supports the foam ring as
the foam ring deforms under the user's weight contacts the
micro-switches, which send a signal to the PC board to register a
repetition count on the display.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuation buttons include: an
on/reset button for powering the device and resetting the time and
count, an increase button for increasing the exercise time on the
display, and a decrease button for decreasing the exercise time on
the display.
10. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a bottom cup
attached within the device body for supporting the counter
assembly, and a circular spring plate attached to the top of the
bottom cup, the spring plate having a plurality a springs that
provide a counter force against deformation of the foam ring.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the device body has a hardness
of between about 60 to 100 durometers.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the device body has a hardness
of between 65 to 75 durometers.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the counter assembly is fixed
within the device.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein the display of the counter
assembly is removable from the device, the device and display
configured for wireless communication.
15. A counting device for a push-up exercise, comprising: a device
body including a sensor and a first transceiver in electrical
connection with the sensor, a deformable foam ring attached to the
device body so as to form the top of the counting device, and a
removable counter display unit having a second transceiver that is
configured to fit within the foam ring, wherein the counter display
unit is remote from the device, and the sensor senses depression of
the foam ring by a user during a push-up exercise and sends a count
signal to the first transceiver that is transmitted to the second
transceiver to register a repetition count on the counter display
unit along with an elapsed time of the exercise.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the device body is composed of
a deformable rubber or plastic material that is deformable to
permit additional depression of the foam ring beyond the distance
required to trigger the count.
17. The device of claim 15, wherein the device body includes three
legs.
18. The device of claim 15, wherein the device body has three legs
composed of a deformable rubber or plastic material that are
deformable to permit additional depression of the foam ring beyond
the distance required to trigger the count.
19. The device of claim 12, wherein the count signal that is
transmitted is triggered once a ring holder supporting the foam
ring is depressed a given distance.
20. An exercise system, comprising: a pair of handle devices to be
grasped by a user for performing a push-up exercise, a counting
device positioned under the user's chest and including a sensor for
detecting depression of a foam ring on the counting device by a
user's chest, and a remote display unit in view of the user,
wherein upon the sensor sensing contact therewith by a ring holder
holding the foam ring, the counting device transmits a wireless
signal that is received by the display unit and displayed as a
repetition count along with an elapsed time of the exercise
thereon.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the remote display unit is
configured to fit within the counting device.
22. The system of claim 20, wherein the handle devices include
rotatable handles.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] Example embodiments in general are directed to a counting
device for push-up exercises.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Push-ups are one of the oldest and perhaps most effective
exercises for a human being. The push-up exercise is employed by
the military and competitive sports teams around the world to gauge
overall fitness.
[0005] When exercising, many users desire to keep a count of
repetitions performed. Historically, when the user desired to time
the number of repetitions performed, the user typically had to
maintain a mental count and observe a clock or watch; and/or set a
timer on the clock or watch. If the user was performing a pushup
exercise, counting repetitions within a specified time period
proved difficult.
[0006] Counting devices have been developed to address this
problem. In general for a push-up exercise, counters have been
developed in which a user contacts a sensor (such as a button) with
his or her chest. The sensor actuates a switch or counter within
housing. The counted repetition could be embodied by an audible
sound or an incremented count on a display. Other counters include
a proximity sensor which does not contact the person's body.
[0007] However, conventional physical-touch sensor counters do not
both count push-up repetitions and time the exercise. Additionally,
conventional counters do not provide for "give-way" where an
exerciser cannot support themselves in the push-up position; the
contact surface is typically a static pad and the counter body is
generally rigid. Proximity sensors are inapplicable to and hence
ineffective for counting push-up exercises.
SUMMARY
[0008] An example embodiment of the present invention is directed
to a counting device for a push-up exercise. The device includes a
device body and a counter assembly having a display and a plurality
of actuation buttons thereon. The counter assembly fits within a
deformable foam ring that forms the top of the device. During
exercise, a user depresses the foam ring downward with their chest
a given distance so as to trigger at least one sensor in the
counter assembly to register a repetition count on the display,
along with an elapsed time of the exercise.
[0009] Another example embodiment is directed to a counting device
for a push-up exercise that includes a device body including a
sensor and a first transceiver in electrical connection with the
sensor, a deformable foam ring attached to the device body so as to
form the top of the counting device, and a removable counter
display unit having a second transceiver that is configured to fit
within the foam ring. With the counter display unit remote from the
device, the sensor senses depression of the foam ring by a user
during a push-up exercise and sends a count signal to the first
transceiver, which is transmitted to the second transceiver to
register a repetition count on the counter display unit along with
an elapsed time of the exercise.
[0010] Another example embodiment of the present invention is
directed to an exercise system. The system includes a pair of
handle devices to be grasped by a user for performing a push-up
exercise, a counting device positioned under the user's chest and
including a sensor for detecting depression of a foam ring on the
counting device by a user's chest, and a remote display unit in
view of the user. Upon the sensor sensing contact therewith by a
ring holder holding the foam ring, the counting device transmits a
wireless signal that is received by the display unit and displayed
as a repetition count along with an elapsed time of the exercise
thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Example embodiments will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying
drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference
numerals, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are
not limitative of the example embodiments herein.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a counting device for a
push-up exercise in accordance with the example embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the counting device of FIG.
1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the counting device to
illustrate constituent components in more detail.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of the counting device to
illustrate connection of the top screen to the bottom cup.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a top view of a counting device for a push-up
exercise in accordance with another example embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view of the counting device shown in FIG.
5.
[0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the counting device of FIG. 5
to illustrate constituent components in more detail.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a cut-away view of the counting device of FIG.
5.
[0020] FIG. 9 is an exercise system incorporating a counting device
in accordance with another example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Example embodiments in general are directed to a counting
device for push-up exercises. In one example, the device includes a
device body and a counter assembly. The device body includes a
central aperture for receiving the counter assembly. The counter
assembly includes a display for displaying repetition count and
time elapsed. In an example, the counter assembly can be configured
to have a set time period which counts down to zero. The counter
assembly fits within the device body and includes a foam ring that
forms the top of the device to expose a plurality of counter
buttons. The device iterates a count when the user depresses the
foam ring downward, triggering a count that registers on the
display along with the elapsed time. The elapsed time of exercise
can be understood as a time that decrements to zero from a given
set exercise time, or as a time increasing from zero to a set
ending time, for example. The device body itself may be deformable
under the weight of the user to permit depression of the counting
device beyond the distance required to trigger a count. A
deformable device body may also provide a safety feature to prevent
injury in the event a user loses muscle control during exercise,
and to protect the device electronics.
[0022] In another example, the device includes a removable counter
that remotely communicates with the device body. The device body
includes a sensor that senses depression of the foam ring during a
push-up exercise. The sensor is attached to a transceiver that
transmits a signal that is received by a transceiver of a remote
counter. The signal causes the counter to iterate a count that the
user can view on a display thereof along with the time elapsed.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a counting device for a
push-up exercise in accordance with the example embodiments, and
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the counting device 10. The
counting device 10 includes a device body 150 that supports a
counter assembly 100. In an example, the device body 150 may be
configured as a tripod stand with spaced apart legs 152, 154, 156
to provide stability for the device 10. In an example, the height
of the counting device 10 may approximate the width of a fist.
Military and fitness teams use buddies to count pushups by placing
a fist sideways on the ground under their partner's chest. Device
10 simulates the height of the fist in order to count
repetitions.
[0024] The device body 150 maybe composed of a suitable plastic or
rubber material that allows for some deformation. An example
material may be thermoplastic rubber (TPR). This material provides
for deformation or give of the device body 150 under stress. This
prevents the device 10 from being destroyed in the event the user
cannot hold their position above device 10. The counter assembly
100 in this example includes a foam rubber ring 105 which supports
a top screen 110 and a display unit 120, as well as a plurality of
actuation buttons 121, 123, 125 extending through bores formed in
the top screen 110. In an example, display unit 120 may include an
LED display.
[0025] In general during operation, a user making a downward
movement during a push-up exercise contacts the foam rubber ring
105. The foam rubber ring 105 sits within a ring holder 107. As the
foam ring 105 deforms, this causes the ring holder 107 to depress
downward a given distance before a count is registered. For
example, as the foam rubber ring 105 deforms so that the holder 107
is displaced downward to about 0.5'' (3 mm travel) a count sequence
is initiated to register the count on the display unit 120. This is
merely an example; deformation of the foam ring 105 so as to
displace the holder 107 a distance in a range of about 2-7 mm could
initiate a count sequence. At the given deformation distance, an
underside of the holder 107 contacts one or more sensors in the
device electronics so as to register a repetition. This count is
displayed on display unit 120 along with the time elapsed. The time
elapsed can be a time count down from a given starting time or a
time count up from zero, for example.
[0026] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the counting device to
illustrate constituent components in more detail. The counter
assembly 100 includes a top screen 110 that encircles a display
120. The top screen 110 includes a plurality of bores 111 through
which the actuation buttons 125 extend. The counter assembly 100
includes a bottom cup 130 which in this example threads onto the
device body 150 via a threaded column 155. The bottom cup 130
includes a series of holes 131 designed to receive the legs 112 of
top screen 110. The bottom cup 130 includes a cavity 132 designed
to receive a battery holder 140 for batteries 142. The batteries
142 power a PC board 117 of the display unit 120 so as to display
count and time elapsed thereon.
[0027] The actuation buttons 121, 123, 125 extending through holes
111 in the top screen 110 can have given functions. One of the
buttons may be an "On/Reset" button 121. Another button 123 is
provided for an "Increase time" function to increase the exercise
time displayed on the display 120, and a third button 125 is
dedicated for a "Decrease time" function to decrease the exercise
time displayed on display 120.
[0028] In general, power to the counting device 10 is turned on by
pressing the On/Reset button 121. In one example, the display 120,
upon power on, defaults to display 2 minutes and 0 reps. When the
first repetition is registered, the timer begins counting down,
beeping on each repetition and registering the repetition by
incrementing the count. The 2 minute exercise time is the basic
exercise duration used by Navy SEALs, for example, although the
default time could be set to a different default time. The user may
increase the time using button 123 or decrease the time with button
125 before or during exercise. Alternatively, the counting device
10 may be set to a count up timer mode. In this mode, once power is
on, the counting device 10 waits for the user to begin exercising
with a default display of 0:00 minutes/0 reps. As the first
repetition is performed, the timer would begin counting up on the
display 120. The display 120 has an automatic power-down function
to save the batteries 142. For example, after 4 minutes of non-use,
display 120 powers down.
[0029] In operation, as the foam ring 105 is deformed under the
weight of the user, it presses ring holder 107 down against one or
more micro-switches 119. This action registers a count. A plurality
of springs 144 are secured between bosses 147 formed on an
underside of the ring holder 107 and on a top surface of a spring
plate 146. The springs 144 provide a counterforce against the
downward force of the ring holder 107 toward the micro-switches
119. The micro-switches 119 are in electrical communication with
the display 120 via PC board 117 and provide the count signal to
the PC board 117 so as to register the count on the display
120.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of the counting device to
illustrate connection of the top screen to the bottom cup. Threaded
engagement of the bottom cup 130 threads 133 onto the threaded
column 155 of device body 150 secures the bottom cup 130 to the
device body 150. The legs 112 of the top screen 110 include
threaded bores 113 therein. By aligning the holes 131 of the bottom
cup 130 with the bores 113 within the legs 112, fasteners 134 may
be inserted to engage the threaded bores 113 so as to secure the
top screen 110 and display 120 to the bottom cup 130. In FIG. 4,
one of the springs 144 is shown compressed between the spring plate
146 and ring holder 107.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a top view of a counting device for a push-up
exercise in accordance with another example embodiment; FIG. 6 is a
side view of the counting device shown in FIG. 5. Referring
collectively to FIGS. 5 and 6, the counting device 10' in this
example is similar to that shown in the previous embodiment, with
the exception of the device body 150'. In this example, the device
body 150' includes a hard plastic ring 160 around the bottom to
connect legs 152, 154, 156. The ring 160 is provided to add
stability to the device 10' as the user presses down to deform the
foam rubber ring 105. The device body 150' is also deformable under
user weight.
[0032] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the counting device of FIG. 5
to illustrate constituent components in more detail, and FIG. 8 is
a cut-away view of the counting device of FIG. 5. Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 8, the component arrangement within device 10' is
slightly different then shown in FIGS. 1-4. The bottom cup 130
contains a battery compartment 135 to receive batteries 142, with a
cover 137 to enclose the batteries 142 therein. The micro-switches
119 are shown in greater detail in their relation to the underside
of the ring holder 107. Each of the On/reset button 121, increasing
time button 123 and decreasing time button 125 is also shown in
more detail relative to their connective positions on PC board 117
(not shown, but beneath spring plate 146).
[0033] In an example, the device 10' is configured to enable an
additional 1-4'' of deformation due to the elasticity of the device
body 150'. A durometer is a measurement indicating the hardness of
a material or the material's resistance to permanent indentation.
There are several measuring scales; the two most common are the
ASTM D2240 type A and type D scales. The A scale is for softer
plastics, while the D scale is for harder ones. In this example,
the materials composing device body 150' can have a hardness of
between 60-100 durometers using the type A scale, with a desired
hardness range of between about 65 to 75 durometers. In one
example, the device body 150' can be composed of a thermoplastic
rubber (TPR) that has a measured hardness of approximately 65
durometers. The entire device body 150' can be compressed or
deformed downward (analogous to depressing a toilet plunger for
example) until the hard plastic battery cover 137 on the underside
of the bottom cup 130 bottoms out. This provides a safety feature
to prevent injury in the event a user loses muscle control during
exercise, and protects the device electronics as well.
[0034] FIG. 9 is an exercise system incorporating a counting device
in accordance with another example embodiment. The counting device
10'' is similar to that described in FIGS. 1-8; differences are
noted in detail below. The system 1000 includes a pair of handle
devices to use for push-ups. In one example, these may be rotatable
push-up exercise devices 200, although the counting device 10'' may
be used with no hand devices, raised surfaces for the hands and/or
as shown in FIG. 9.
[0035] In this embodiment, the display unit, referred to in this
example as counter display unit 300, is shown removed and remote
from the device 10''. The counter display unit contains its own
electronics to power the display. The device body 150, with bottom
cup 130, foam rubber ring 105, PC board 107 and micro-switches 119
arranged on the spring plate 146, and springs 144 between the
spring plate 146 and the ring holder 107, remain beneath the user
in the contiguous counting device 10''.
[0036] In this embodiment, the counter display unit 130 and device
10'' can communicate remotely via wireless communications, such as
RF, IF, etc. In one example, RF data communications can be
performed between transceivers in the device 10'' and counter
display unit 300, such that a wireless signal is transmitted from
the device 10'' to the counter display unit 300. The dotted line
500 represents the wireless signal communicated between the
counting device 10'' and the counter display unit 300. The signal
path is shown in two directions to signify that the display unit
300, in one embodiment, could transmit a confirmation wireless
signal back to the transmitter at device 10''. Example transceivers
suitable for the device 10'' and counter display unit 300 can
include the 900-MHz AC4490-1x1 FHSS transceiver by AeroComm, which
measures 1 in.sup.2 and is a self-contained PCB-mountable radio
modem module; and the MICRF505 by Micrel, a self-contained
transceiver that fits into a 5 mm.sup.2 footprint.
[0037] In operation, a user grasps the push-up exercise devices 200
and begins a downward movement of the push-up exercise so as to
contact the foam rubber ring 105. The foam rubber ring 105 deforms
a given distance downward against the springs 144 such that the
micro-switches 119 come into contact with the underside of the ring
holder 107, generating a signal to the device 10'' transceiver. The
device 10'' transceiver transmits this signal 500 to the receiver
at the counter display unit 300. This signal 500 is recognized as a
count and is displayed on the display along with the time
elapsed.
[0038] In other words, the counting device 10'' with removable
counter display unit 300 registers a count in exactly the same way
as counting devices 10, 10'', once signal 500 is received. The only
difference in this embodiment is that the display unit 300 can be
removed and repositioned away from the device body 150, providing
an easier reading position. The foam ring 105 and device
electronics (PC board 107 and micro switches 119) remain in the
device body 150. It would be evident to one skilled in the art that
each of the counting devices 10 and/or 10' in FIGS. 1-8 could be
configured with a removable display having a transceiver
therein.
[0039] In a further variant, the counting device 10'' and/or
counter display unit 300 may communicate with other remote devices,
such as a hand-held or personal computer, a laptop, etc. Further,
the counting device 10'' and/or counter display unit 300 could be
configured with memory to store records of repetitions by the user
during exercise events. Connectivity with a computing device
provides for the download of records and/or the upload of workout
routines, for example, which could be displayed on the counter
display unit 300. For example, the counter display unit 300 could
have its own microprocessor and advanced display features to
display examples of aerobic workouts and to give the user a set
number of reps to perform, a rest period, then another set of
reps.
[0040] Any of the counting devices 10, 10', 10'' described herein
may be used with a user performing an exercise with their hands on
the floor, by grasping a handle bar or by placing their hands on
other raised surfaces. The example of FIG. 9 illustrates use of the
counting device with just one example of push-up exercise devices
for the hands. The push-up exercise device 200 includes a single
molded housing 210 with a circular lower base 212. The housing 210
includes an integral facing 214 formed around a circumference of
the lower base 212. In an example, the facing may incline slightly
downward and outward from the base 212. The housing 210 includes a
pair of columns 215 formed into part of the base 212 of the housing
210, with a lower end of each column 215 forming part of the facing
214 at opposing sides thereof to receive an end of a handle 220
there between. In an example, each column 215 slopes upward from
the lower base 212, gradually narrowing to secure the handle 220 at
its upper end.
[0041] Each rotatable device 200 includes a fixed base support 230
operatively attached to the housing 210. The device 200 further
includes a bearing assembly (not shown) operatively attached within
the housing 210 to permit rotation of the contiguous handle 220 and
housing 210 by a user, with the fixed base support 230 resting on a
planar surface. Example bearing assemblies are described in detail
with regard to FIGS. 3, 8A, 8B and the associated description
thereof in the co-pending and commonly assigned application Ser.
No. 11/996,152 to Hauser, et al., filed Jan. 18, 2008 and entitled
"PUSH-UP EXERCISE UNIT AND DEVICE", the relevant contents
describing device 200 being hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
[0042] In general, the housing 212 can be formed by an injection
molding process from a medium or heavy gauge impact plastic such as
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). ABS is an easily machined,
tough, low-cost, rigid thermoplastic material with medium to high
impact strength, and is a desirable material for turning, drilling,
sawing, die-cutting, shearing, etc. ABS is merely one example
material; equivalent materials include various thermoplastic and
thermoset materials that have characteristics similar to ABS. For
example, polypropylene, high-strength polycarbonates such as GE
Lexan, and/or blended plastics may be used instead of, or in
addition with ABS. The materials comprising device 200 (plastic
such as ABS, rubber and lightweight metal materials) provide for a
light yet durable construction. An exemplary injection molding
system for forming molded plastic articles included in device 200
may be the Roboshot.RTM. injection machine from Milacron-Fanuc. The
Roboshot is one of many known injection molding machines for
forming plastic injection molds.
[0043] The handle 220 may be composed of a metal handle-rod (not
shown) sheathed within a grip 225. For example, the handle 220 may
have a chrome steel handle-rod overlaid with or sheathed within a
rubberized grip 225. The handle-rod may alternatively be comprised
of an aluminum hollow member and is received within corresponding
recesses (not shown) formed in the columns 215. The grip 225 may be
made of a foam rubber or suitable elastomeric material and has a
wider or thicker center portion which tapers down to the end
portions of grip 147.
[0044] Device 200 includes a solid rubber gripping surface
configured as a non-slip pad (not shown herein, but shown and
described in detail with regard to FIG. 5 and the associated
description thereof in the co-pending and commonly assigned '152
application). The non-slip pad is provided on the underside of the
base support 230 and offers a friction surface when the device 220
is resting on a flat surface. The pad may be adhered to the
underside of the base support 230 via suitable epoxy or adhesive,
for example. The non-slip rubber pad grips well on carpet and hard
floor surfaces.
[0045] A gap (not shown herein, but shown and described in detail
with regard to FIG. 2 and the associated description thereof in the
co-pending and commonly assigned '152 application) is provided
between the lower base 212 of housing 210 and the base support 230
to assist in permitting rotational movement of the housing 210 and
handle 220, ostensibly by providing clearance for the bearing
assembly while the base support 230 remains fixed in place.
[0046] Therefore, the example embodiments provide for a counting
device for push-up exercises that is compact, accurate and which
provides both the count of repetitions and time-elapsed on a single
display. Remote communications between the counting device and a
removable counter display unit facilitate the user's ability to
track repetitions and time elapsed. Moreover, the height of the
counting device prevents a user from cheating, they must lower
their chest sufficiently to engage the foam ring 105 and register a
repetition on the display.
[0047] The example embodiments being thus described, it will be
obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. For example, the
counting devices 10 and 10' can be configured with or without a
removable counter display unit. The counting devices described
herein are applicable to user's performing conventional push-ups as
well as for use with the system of FIG. 9. Such variations are not
to be regarded as departure from the example embodiments, and all
such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art
are intended to be included herein.
* * * * *