U.S. patent application number 12/799908 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-10 for push-up and dip assist exercise apparatus.
Invention is credited to Tyson Anthony Eschenbach.
Application Number | 20110275499 12/799908 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44902318 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110275499 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eschenbach; Tyson Anthony |
November 10, 2011 |
Push-up and dip assist exercise apparatus
Abstract
The present invention relates to a upper body exercise apparatus
that combines upper body movements to achieve assisted push-up and
dip exercise. More particularly, the present invention is
associated with an exercise apparatus having separately supported
platform for a portion of a user combining coordinated upper body
exercise with the motion of the platform. When the torso of a user
is positioned on the platform, energy storage devices absorb energy
during the down stroke of push-up exercise. As the user begins the
up stroke, the absorbed energy assists the user during the up
stroke. A pair of handles are provided for dip exercise where the
lower body contacts the platform. Further, the exercise apparatus
provides adjustable energy storage.
Inventors: |
Eschenbach; Tyson Anthony;
(Lawrenceville, GA) |
Family ID: |
44902318 |
Appl. No.: |
12/799908 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/141 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/00181 20130101;
A63B 23/1227 20130101; A63B 23/1236 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/141 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00 |
Claims
1) An exercise apparatus configured for assisted push-up exercise
comprising; a free standing framework, said free standing framework
configured to be positioned upon a supporting surface without
attachment; a pair of singular guide tracks, each said singular
guide track attached to a side of said framework; a pair of
singular guides, each said singular guide operably associated with
a respective said singular guide track; a pair of elongated linear
platforms, said pair of elongated linear platforms being positioned
traverse to a user and having a left sidebar and a right sidebar,
each sidebar configured for a respective said singular guide
positioned intermediate the ends of each said sidebar and
connecting the ends of said pair of elongated linear platforms;
said pair of elongated linear platforms, said pair of singular
guides and said pair of singular guide tracks being configured to
support the chest of said user in a prone position while the hands
and feet of said user contact said supporting surface; a pair of
energy storage devices for each said sidebar, each pair of energy
storage devices connected to a respective said sidebar and said
free standing framework; said pair of elongated linear platforms
configured to provide support for said chest of said user during
said push-up exercise whereby the energy absorbed in said energy
storage devices during the down stroke of said user is returned
during the upstroke to assist said user.
2) The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said energy
storage devices are springs, said springs attached to either said
sidebar and said free standing framework.
3) The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said energy
storage devices are elastic members, said elastic members attached
to either said sidebar and said free standing framework.
4) The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said energy
storage devices are adjustable to vary the amount of energy stored
during the down stroke of said exercise apparatus.
5) The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a
pair of cushions, each said cushion encasing a respective said
elongated linear platform and positioned to be in contact with said
chest of said user.
6) The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a
pair of handles, said handles attached to said free standing
framework.
7) The exercise apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said handles
are positioned upon said free standing framework to facilitate dip
exercise.
8) An exercise apparatus configured for assisted dip exercise
comprising; a free standing framework, said free standing framework
configured to be positioned upon a supporting surface and
repositioned to stowage after said assisted dip exercise; a pair of
elongated linear platforms, said pair of elongated linear platforms
being positioned traverse to a user and having a left sidebar and a
right sidebar connecting the ends of said pair of elongated linear
platforms; a left guide, said left guide attached to said left
sidebar intermediate the ends of said left sidebar; a right guide,
said right guide attached to said right sidebar intermediate the
ends of said right sidebar; a left guide track, said left guide
track slidably associated with said left guide and attached to said
free standing framework; a right guide track, said right guide
track slidably associated with said right guide and attached to
said free standing framework; a pair of energy storage devices,
each energy storage device connected to a respective said sidebar
and said free standing framework; said pair of elongated linear
platforms configured to provide support for the lower portion of
said user during said assisted dip exercise whereby the energy
absorbed in said energy storage devices during the down stroke of
said user is returned during the upstroke to assist said user.
9) The exercise apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said energy
storage devices are springs, said springs attached to said sidebars
of said pair of elongated linear platforms and said free standing
framework.
10) The exercise apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said energy
storage devices are elastic members, said elastic members attached
to said sidebars of said pair of elongated linear platforms and
said free standing framework.
11) The exercise apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said energy
storage devices are adjustable to vary the amount of energy stored
during the down stroke of said exercise apparatus.
12) The exercise apparatus according to claim 8 further comprising
a pair of cushions, each said cushion encasing a respective said
elongated linear platform and positioned to be in contact with said
lower portion of said user.
13) The exercise apparatus according to claim 8 further comprising
a pair of handles, said handles attached to said free standing
framework.
14) The exercise apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said
handles are positioned upon said free standing framework to
facilitate said assisted dip exercise.
15) An exercise apparatus configured for assisted push-up and dip
exercise comprising; a free standing framework, said free standing
framework configured to be positioned upon a supporting surface; a
pair of guide tracks, each said guide track attached to said free
standing framework; a pair of guides, each said guide operably
associated with a respective said guide track; a pair of elongated
linear platforms, said pair of elongated linear platforms being
positioned traverse to a user and having a left sidebar and a right
sidebar, each configured for a respective said guide positioned
intermediate the ends of said sidebar and connecting the ends of
said pair of elongated linear platforms; said pair of elongated
linear platforms, said pair of guides and said pair of guide tracks
being configured to support the chest of said user in a prone
position while the hands and feet of said user contact said
supporting surface during said push-up exercise and configured to
support the lower portion of said user during said dip exercise; a
pair of adjustable energy storage devices, each adjustable energy
storage device operably associated with a respective sidebar and
said free standing framework; a pair of handles, said handles
attached to said free standing framework; said pair of elongated
linear platforms configured to provide support for said chest of
said user during said push-up exercise or the lower portion of said
user during said dip exercise whereby the energy absorbed in said
adjustable energy storage devices during the down stroke of said
user may be varied to be returned during the upstroke to assist
said user.
16) The exercise apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said
adjustable energy storage devices are springs, said springs being
variably attached to either said sidebar and said free standing
framework.
17) The exercise apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said
adjustable energy storage devices are elastic members, said elastic
members being variably attached to either said sidebar and said
free standing framework.
18) The exercise apparatus according to claim 15 further comprising
a pair of cushions, each said cushion encasing a respective said
elongated linear platform and positioned to be in contact with said
chest or said lower body of said user.
19) The exercise apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said pair
of handles are positioned upon said free standing framework to
promote said dip exercise.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] The present invention relates to an upper body exercise
apparatus that combines upper body movements to achieve assisted
push-up and dip exercise. More particularly, the present invention
is associated with an exercise apparatus having separately
supported platform for a portion of a user combining coordinated
upper body exercise with the motion of the platform. When the torso
of a user is positioned on the platform, energy storage devices
absorb energy during the down stroke of push-up exercise. As the
user begins the up stroke, the absorbed energy assists the user
during the up stroke. A pair of handles are provided for dip
exercise where the lower body contacts the platform. Further, the
exercise apparatus provides adjustable energy storage.
[0003] 2. State of the Art
[0004] The benefits of regular exercise to improve overall health,
appearance and longevity are well documented in the literature. For
exercise enthusiasts the search continues for safe apparatus that
provides exercise for maximum benefit in minimum time.
[0005] The prior art is abundant with apparatus intending to aid
the push-up exercise. One category of push-up exercise apparatus
makes the push-up exercise more difficult. Gauzer in U.S. Pat. No.
5,033,741 shows an isometric push-up machine that positions a
spring loaded pad to the back of a user to increase to difficulty
of push-ups. Escobedo et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,079 shows an
apparatus to add weights to the back of a user to increase the
difficulty of push-ups.
[0006] Another category of push-up type exercise has torso or chest
contact. Costa in U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,358 shows a counting device
which contacts the chest of a user performing push-ups. Roberts in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,736 shows a stationary torso support to
position a user for operation of a hand crank. Westmoreland, Jr. in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,408 shows a stationary torso support and a set
of moving handles for push-up type movements. Bergman in U.S. Pat.
No. 7,060,014 shows an apparatus for assisting a user to perform
push-up exercise where the user is positioned upon a lengthy
platform that is pivoted beyond the feet with a spring bias for
push-up assist. Dubrul et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 7,318,793 shows a
floor device that contacts the chest for push-up assist.
[0007] A category of dip exercise apparatus usually includes a
framework having handles to support the user. Wilson in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,638,995 shows a convertible exercise chair that may be
repositioned for dip exercise. Marples in U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,187
shows a framework with handles for dip exercise. Potts in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,540,639 and Re. 34,212 shows devices for assisted dip
exercise where the user stands on a moving platform that provides
assist. Holmes et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,312,313 and 5,499,959
also shows devices for assisted dip exercise. Ropp in U.S. Pat. No.
5,372,556 shows an assisted dip exercise apparatus that has a
counterweighted knee platform. Webb et al. in U.S. Pat. No.
5,322,489 also uses a knee platform to assist with dip exercise.
Towley, III in U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,139 provides a foot bar to
assist dip exercise. Killian et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,404 also
provides a foot bar to assist dip exercise.
[0008] There remains a need for a simple push-up and dip apparatus
that assists in the performance of push-up and dip exercise that
provides the additional versatility of adjustable assist.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention relates to the motion control of a
platform where the platform supports the torso or lower body of a
user. More particularly, apparatus is provided that offers push-up
and dip assisted exercise in conjunction with upper body
motion.
[0010] In the preferred embodiment, the exercise apparatus is
configured for upper body exercise. The framework is positioned
upon a supporting surface and comprises a pair of parallel frame
rails and connecting members. A pair of handles are attached to the
framework for dip exercise. A platform for torso support contacts
the chest of a user preparing to perform push-ups. A pair of guide
tracks are vertically attached to the framework. A pair of guides
are attached to the platform at either end and are in slidable
contact with the guide tracks.
[0011] A pair of energy storage devices are attached to either side
of the platform and to the framework. One embodiment uses springs
as the energy storage devices where the number of springs used can
vary the intensity of exercise. Another embodiment uses elastic
cords as the energy storage devices where the cord routing and
connections to the framework may be adjusted to vary the intensity
of exercise.
[0012] To operate the exercise apparatus, the user kneels on the
supporting surface and positions the torso upon the platform. The
hands of the user are placed upon the supporting surface and the
legs are straightened. The arms then allow the torso of the user to
be lowered allowing the energy storage devices to absorb energy
during the down stroke. After sufficient lowering occurs, the user
then applies additional muscle effort to begin the up stroke
assisted by the force supplied upon the platform by the energy
storage devices.
[0013] For dip exercise, the user grasps the handles and allows the
lower body to rest upon the platform. As the arms of the user
lowers the user, the platform is lowered and energy is stored in
the energy storage devices. As the arms of the user raise the user,
the platform assists the user due to the added upward force
provided by the energy storage devices.
[0014] Adjustment of the energy storage devices allow higher levels
of assist for the novice performing push-ups or dips to low levels
for the better conditioned athlete. The hands may be positioned
closer together on a side to side basis or further apart to change
the effort and muscles used for push-up exercise.
[0015] In summary, this invention provides the user with assisted
push-up and dip exercise provided by the platform movement and
energy storage devices. The energy storage devices are adjustable
to vary the intensity of exercise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The foregoing and other objects and features of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
description and claims, taken in conjunction with the drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting
of its scope or combinations, the invention will be described with
additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is an overall view of the preferred embodiment of the
exercise apparatus with the user in contact with the platform
preparing to perform push-up exercise constructed in accordance
with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view of the preferred embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 with the user preparing to perform dip exercise;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternate embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
[0020] Referring to the drawing FIG. 1 in detail, the framework 10
is depicted as resting upon a supporting surface. The user 1 is
shown in a posture ready to perform push-ups with hands positioned
upon the supporting surface and the torso of the user in contact
with platform 7. Handles 9,11 are positioned upon framework 10 with
the user 20 shown in FIG. 2 preparing to perform dip exercise.
[0021] Guide tracks 2,4 are positioned vertical and attached to
framework 10. Guides 6,8 are slidable along guide tracks 2,4.
Platform 7 has cushions 24 in contact with the torso of the user 1
or lower body of user 20 with side bars 3,5 on either side of
platform 7. Guides 6,8 are attached to sidebars 3,5. The energy
storage devices are springs 11,13 attached to sidebars 3,5 and to
framework 10. Additional springs may be added to the extra holes 19
in the framework 10 and sidebar holes 21.
[0022] In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the energy
storage devices are elastic members, that is, elastic cords 17
wrapped around pulleys 15. Pulleys 15 are connected to framework 10
and connected to sidebars 3,5. The ends of cords 17 are attached to
sidebars 3,5 at holes 21. Elastic cord 18 may alternately be routed
around the pulleys 15 on sidebars 3,5 with ends secured by holes 19
in the framework to provide adjustable energy storage devices.
[0023] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope
of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the claims, rather
than by foregoing description. All changes which come within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced
within their scope.
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