METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PROVIDING SUPPORT WHEN EXERCISING

Abstract

A device for providing support to a user performing a physical exercise is provided. The device includes a frame including a first support strut and a second support strut and an elastic strap coupled to a first end of the first support strut and a first end of the second support strut. The elastic strap has sufficient tension to provide support to a user's body weight by supporting a chest of the user when the user performs a push-up using the device. In embodiments, the device includes a base support coupled to the frame. A sleeve of material may be disposed around a portion of the strap that is between the first support strut and the second support strut.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to methods and devices for exercising and providing support to users when performing various exercises.

BACKGROUND

Different types of bodyweight exercises can be done to work out different parts of the body. These exercises can be used to develop and maintain muscles, and are often used in physical therapy. Many people need assistance when performing bodyweight exercises. For example, push-ups and pull-ups are great exercises but often times the person performing them is not strong enough to lift their own bodyweight, or they do so without maintaining a safe and proper posture when performing the exercise. There have been many devices and methods developed to assist with bodyweight exercises but most result in an expensive and large contraption. For example, the Levergym Chin/Dip Assist Machine, and the Rocket Fitness Push Up Pump Machine are large, heavy, and expensive contraptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments disclosed herein may include features relating to specific features of devices and methods for assisting with a variety of bodyweight and other exercises. The light weight, mobility and small size of the device allows a user to perform a variety of exercises wherever they want to perform them. For example, some of the exercises the device assists with include dips, push-ups, pull ups, and stretching. The devices also allows users to perform calisthenics and strengthening exercises, such as performing a variety of different swimming motions or other aerobic motions while laying, squatting, standing or kneeling on the device.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrates an example embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A-4I depict an alternate embodiment of the present push-up device in a number of different views.

FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram depicting the functional components the present push-up device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention may take various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail various embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

In one embodiment, the device may have one or more exercise straps that extend across between opposing support members, creating an area or cradle that the user can place body parts onto in order to receive support when performing exercises. The support members are secured to a base that stabilizes the device so that it cannot be tipped over.

The design of the support members can include additional fingers to hold the straps, or it can be designed without the fingers whereby the support members directly attach or have other attachment mechanisms for securing the straps. The exercise straps can be any material that supports the bodyweight of the user and provides an elastic-like material to return to its intended position after the user removes themselves from the device. The straps can be exercise bands, webbing, netting, bungee cords, or any suitable elastic like material that will deform to assist a user with bodyweight exercises, but return to its original position when the user is done with the device. The straps and bands can be of differing tensions or strengths to customize the amount of assistance or support a user is looking for, and are easily replaceable so that a user can swap out different straps at their convenience. The base can take a variety of designs and still accomplish the principles of the invention. The base can be separate components that secure to the support members, or it can be integrated into the support are to form one piece that contains both the support members and the base to prevent the unit from tipping over. The base may include additional footing in some embodiments to provide additional security for the device from tipping over.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of the device with the straps 1, 2 in place between the support members. The straps 1, 2 are stretched in tension between the support members. The support members can consist of multiple pieces or be combined or machined into one piece. As shown in FIG. 1, the support members are formed from one piece that contains two parts. The first part is the support strut 5 that connects to the base 6, and the second part extends from the strut 5 to form the two opposing support members, or arms 3, 4. The support members, or arms, have fingers 7, 8, 9, 10 that extend therefrom to provide a secure connection point for the straps. In this embodiment, the fingers extend from the arms far enough to span the width of the strap, and the fingers have a ball shaped mechanism 11 at the end of the fingers to prevent the straps 1,2 from slipping off of the fingers 7, 8, 9, 10. The straps can be of the same of different strengths, and can be used alone or in combination with other straps to provide the desired level of assistance. The ball mechanisms 11 can be designed in any shape of configuration such that it provides friction, tension, resistance, or support for the band so that the band does not slip off of the fingers 7, 8, 9, 10.

In another embodiment similar to the configuration of FIG. 1, the base and arms can be formed from one piece, like a rod of steel or aluminum. In such a case, the base can be cast or cut such that it is integrated as part of the one piece that also forms the arms. In addition, all of the holes drilled into the arms can be unthreaded holes, whereby the fingers push into the holes, to form a friction fit, and then can be removed. In another embodiment, the arms are formed from one piece, like a rod of steel or aluminum, but the base is detachable. In another configuration, such as shown in FIG. 3A, the base can be made up of multiple legs that are secured to the strut or arms to form the base. FIG. 3B shows a stop view of the device depicted in FIG. 3A The legs, like the fingers, can be mounted via a friction fit into unthreaded mounting holes on the rod, or via threaded holes with threaded fingers. The balls or mechanisms at the ends of the fingers that assist with keeping the bands on are optional in all embodiments. Although the invention has been described as utilizing straps or bands, any suitable similar material or configuration would still work without departing from the intent and scope of the invention. For example, bungee cord, elastic strapping, work out bands, or stretchable netting could be used between the fingers to provide an equivalent mechanism to the bands or straps.

FIG. 2 shows an example embodiment whereby the support members and strut are formed from different pieces of aluminum. The strap 20 is stretched between the support members 21, 22 and secured in place by fingers 25, 26. The support members 21, 22 are connected to the support strut 23 through conventional known securing techniques such as welding, screws, nuts, bolts, and clips. In the embodiment show, the support members connect to the strut via a hinged connection 30 bolted on to both the strut and the support arms. The base 24 is also connected via conventional known securing techniques and is shown connected via a nut and bolt in FIG. 2. The base 24 can be rotated under the strut to make the unit more streamlined for storage or transportation.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4A-4I show different views of an example embodiment whereby the support members 30, 31 are formed from one piece 32 from for example a bent aluminum rod. The base can be made up of two separate footings 35, 36, secured to the piece 32 using recessed flat head Allen screws, or other suitable known securing hardware or fasteners. There can be included on the support members a number of height adjustment holes, so that the height of the cradle can be adjusted to the size of the person. In another embodiment, the elastic material can be connected to a screw, whereby the screws are then threaded into the arm holes and tighten to provide a custom fit cradle.

In addition to assisting with bodyweight exercises, the invention may also assist with stretching and yoga. For example, many users need assistance when stretching as the full weight of their body is too much for them when performing certain stretches.

FIGS. 4A-4I depict an alternate embodiment of the present push-up device in a number of different views. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of push-up device 700. FIG. 4B depicts a front view of push-up device 700. FIG. 4C depicts a side view of push-up device 700. FIG. 4D depicts a perspective close-up view showing detail of the connection point 710 of the horizontal support strut 704 of push-up device 700. FIG. 4E depicts a perspective close-up view showing detail of the fingers 724, 734, hook structures 726, and strap 750, 752 arrangement at an end of support strut 708 of push-up device 700. FIG. 4F depicts the view of FIG. 4E in which straps 750, 752 have been removed. FIG. 4G depicts an exploded view of the base support 718 and horizontal support strut 704 of push-up device 700. FIG. 4H depicts a detail view of fingers 724, 734 of push-up device 700. FIG. 4I depicts an exploded view of fingers 724, 734 of push-up device 700.

Device 700 includes a frame 702. Frame 702 be constructed of any suitable material including metals (e.g., aluminum or steel), plastics, nylon, or other suitable materials. Frame 702 may be formed using any suitable construction method including folding, shaping, casting, or molding to form the shape and arrangement of frame 702.

Frame 702 includes a horizontal support strut 704. During typical use of device 700, horizontal support strut 704 is positioned close to a floor or ground surface so that all or a portion of horizontal support strut 704 is in contact with that surface. In that manner, horizontal support strut 704 provides support to device 700 during operation of the device.

Support struts 706 and 708 are coupled to opposing ends of horizontal support strut 704. Specifically, a first end of support strut 706 is connected to a first end of horizontal support strut 704 and a first end of support strut 708 is connected to a second end of horizontal support strut 708. Support struts 706 and 708 may be removably coupled to horizontal support strut 704 or may be integrally formed with horizontal support strut 708.

In various embodiments, frame 702 may be comprised of a number of distinct pieces that can be fixed together to form frame 702. When use of device 700 is finished, the distinct pieces of frame 702 can be disassembled, enabling compact storage of device 700. In the displayed embodiment, frame 702 can be separated into two distinct pieces 712a and 712b via connection point 710.

Specifically, with reference to FIG. 4D, at connection point 710, end 714a of piece 712a and end 714b of piece 712b are shaped to enable ends 714a, 714b to for a half-lap joint. A hole 716 is provided through both of ends 714a, 714b, so that when ends 714a, 714b are positioned against one another to form the half-lap joint at connection point 710, a secure fastener (e.g., a bolt, screw, rod, or other securing mechanism) can be passed through hole 716 to secure ends 714a, 714b to one another.

When it is desired to dismantle frame 702, the securing fastener can be removed from hole 716 thereby allowing pieces 712a, 712b of frame 702 to be separated from one another.

In various other embodiments, any type of secure coupling arrangement may be utilized to removably couple pieces of frame 702 to one another. Examples can include threaded or friction-based couplings, mechanical or magnetic couplings, and the like.

To provide further support to frame 702 during use of device 700, one or more base supports 718 may be coupled to horizontal support strut 704. In the depicted embodiment of device 700, base supports 718 are coupled to horizontal support strut 704 at the first and second ends of horizontal support strut 704, though it would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that one or more base supports 718 may be coupled to horizontal support strut 704 at locations between the first and second ends of horizontal support strut 704. Base supports 718 are configured so that, when coupled to horizontal support strut 704 and device 700 is in use, base supports 718 contact a ground surface to provide support to device 700.

As depicted in FIG. 4G, base supports 718 may be removably coupled to horizontal support strut 704 via a tongue and groove coupling. Specifically, horizontal support strut 704 defines a tongue 720 that is configured to mate with a similarly sized channel or groove 722 formed in base supports 718. Although FIG. 4G depicts a specific configuration of the coupling mechanism that is configured to removably connected base supports 718 to horizontal support strut 704, it should be understood that any suitable mechanism for removably connecting base supports 718 to horizontal support strut 704 may be utilized. And in some cases, base supports 718 may be permanently coupled or fixed to horizontal support strut 704, in which case, base supports 718 may be formed integrally with horizontal support strut 704.

Each of support struts 706 and 708 includes support fingers 724 or near the ends of support struts 706 and 708 distal from horizontal support strut 704. Generally, support fingers 724 extend in a directional that is orthogonal to the length of horizontal support strut 704. Fingers 724 may be fixedly coupled to each of support struts 706 and 708 or may be removable. For example, one or more of fingers 724 may be connected to support struts 706 and 708 via threaded connection, friction fit, or snap coupling. Alternatively, a hole or opening may be formed in support struts 706 and 708 enabling a length of material to be inserted or threaded through the hole to form one or more of the fingers 724. Fingers 724 are depicted as being in the shape of a rod, but it should be appreciated that fingers 724 may have any general geometrical configuration is that configured to support or engage with one or more of bands 750 and 752.

Each of support struts 706 and 708 further includes a number of hook structures 726 arranged along outside surfaces of support struts 706 and 708. Each hook of hook structures 726 are shaped so that the mouth or gap 728 of each hook is oriented downwards.

Device 700 includes fingers 734. As illustrated, each finger 734 is configured to engage with one of the hooks of hook structures 726 formed on each support strut 706 or 708. Fingers 734 are depicted as being in the shape of a rod, but it should be appreciated that fingers 734 may have any general geometrical configuration is that configured to engage with or couple to an end loop of one or more of bands 750 and 752.

In the depicted configuration, the fingers 734 are configured to engage with or be positioned within the throat of the hooks of hook structures 726. Because the gap 728 of each hook structure 726 is oriented downwards, with the fingers 734 position within the throat of one of the hooks of hook structures 726, upwards movement of the finger 734 with respect to frame 702 is prevented.

The position of each finger 734 with respect to each support strut 706 and 708 can therefore be adjusted by positioning each finger 734 within one of the hooks of hook structures 726 of each support strut 706 and 708. As such, hook structures 726 may act as detents to enable control of the position of each finger 734 along the lengths of support struts 706 and 708.

Each of fingers 724, 734 have ball-shaped mechanisms 735 at the ends of fingers 724, 734. Balls 735 may be configured to aid in preventing the bands 750, 752 from slipping off of fingers 724, 734. Ball 735 can be designed in any shape or configuration such that balls 735 provide friction, tension, resistance or support for band 750, 752 so that the band does not slip off of the fingers 724, 734.

In an embodiment, balls 735 may be attached to fingers 724, 734 via a threaded coupling. To illustrate, FIG. 4H is a view of fingers 724, 734 in which balls 735 have been attached at both ends of fingers 724, 734. FIG. 4I depicts an exploded view of fingers 724, 734 in which some balls 735 have been removed from fingers 724, 734 providing an illustration of the threaded connection therebetween.

Device 700 includes a pair of elasticated bands 750, 752 (e.g., elasticated straps or webbing) mounted to frame 702 (see, for example, FIG. 4fA). Specifically, bands 750, 752 are positioned to primarily run parallel to horizontal support strut 704, with each band 750 and 752 being positioned on each side of support struts 706, 708. Each band 750, 752 is positioned to run over (and so contact a surface of) a respective pair of fingers 724, with the pair including a finger 724 on a first side of support strut 706 and a finger 724 on the same side of support strut 708. In this configuration, although bands 750, 752 are formed as loops, both portions of the loops of bands 750 and 752 are in contact with one another and run around the outside of fingers 724.

The end loops of each band 750, 752 extends beyond the fingers 724 of support struts 706, 708 and are positioned around pairs of fingers 734.

In this configuration, because bands 750 and 752 are elasticated, each band 750752 attempts to contract and so biases each finger 734 upwards so that each finger 734 is retained within the hooks of hook structures 726 against which the finger 734 is retained.

A user of device 700 can adjust the tension applied to bands 750 and 752 by changing a position of one or both of fingers 734 along support strut 706 or 708. In one example use, a user may apply downward force to a finger 734 (e.g., by grasping the finger 734 and/or the balls 735 that are coupled to that finger) to disengage the finger 734 from a first hook of a hook structure 726. The user can then position the finger 734 into the desired hook of the same hook structure 726 to achieve the desired tension in bands 750 and 752. With the finger 734 so positioned, the bands 750 and 752 will apply an upwards force on the repositioned finger 734 causing the finger 734 to be retained in the desired hook of the hook structure 726.

By repositioning the fingers 734, therefore, a user can modify a length of bands 750, 752 and thereby the tension in the bands 750 and 752 allowing the user to select a desired amount of support and/or assistance provided by device 700 during use. As such, the combination of hook structures 726 in combination with the adjustable fingers 734 can operate as a tension adjustment device enabling control of the tension of one or more of bands 750 and 752.

In some embodiments of device 700, a user may further be provided with a number of different straps or bands 750, 752 that may be used in various combinations with device 700 to achieve different desired levels of assistance. By attaching different collections of bands 750, 752 on fingers 724 and by appropriately positioning fingers 724, different levels of assistance may be realized. For example, for particular types of bands 750, 752 combinations of the same may be utilized to achieve desired levels of assistance. In this manner, each of bands 750, 752 may include a plurality of different individual bands selecting to achieve a desired amount of assistance.

Number of Bands	Number of Bands
on Left	on Right
Hand Side Fingers	Hand Side Fingers	Resulting Assistance
5	5	220	lbs.
4	5	210	lbs.
4	4	200	lbs.
3	4	190	lbs.
3	3	180	lbs.
2	3	170	lbs.
2	2	150	lbs.
1	2	130	lbs.
1	1	100-120	lbs.

In some embodiments, the portion of bands 750 and 752 between support struts 706 and 708 may pass through a sleeve 754 of material so that sleeve 754 is disposed around bands 750, 752. Sleeve 754 may operate to prevent pinching when a user uses device 700. Sleeve 754 may include any suitable material or combination of materials such as vinyl, leather, or other low-friction materials that allow bands 750 and 752 to stretch and contract within sleeve 754 during use of device 700.

To enable adjustment of frame 702 to be appropriately-sized for different users, one or more of horizontal support strut 704 and support struts 706 and 708 may be configured with adjustable length (i.e., telescoping).

FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram depicting the functional components the present push-up device. Device 800 includes a frame 802 comprising upright (e.g., vertical or close to vertical) support struts 804. Each support strut 804 includes a tension adjustment device 806. A strap 808 (e.g., a band or webbing) extends between tension adjustment devices 806. Tension adjustment device 806 may include ratcheting devices such as winches, other gears and mechanisms, adjustable geometry, mechanically adjustable components, or other devices suitable for enabling an adjustment of the tension in strap 808.

In some embodiments, strap 808 may be connected at one end directly to a support strut 804 and at the other end (or approximately at the other end) to a single tension adjustment device 806. As such, device 800 may include only a single tension adjustment device 806. A user can manipulate the one or more tension adjustment devices 806 to adjust a tension within strap 808.

Strap 808 may be elasticated enabling a user's body weight, when applied to strap 808 to stretch strap 808, with strap 808 generating a force (due to its elastication) opposing or supporting the user's body weight.

Alternatively, strap 808 may be of a fixed length and not elasticated. In that case, tension adjustment device 806 may include a force storage and return system that, when a user applies their body weight to strap 808, can operate to gently support the user. For example, such a force-return system could be a weight that, through appropriate gearing coupled to the weight and strap 808 is raised as the user puts their body weight upon strap 808. In a similarly manner the user's weight, when applied to strap 808, through appropriate gearing in a tension adjustment device, could operate to compress a gas stored in an appropriate chamber. As pressure builds-up within the chamber, that increased pressure would be applied back through the gearing and connected strap 808 to provide support to the user. Other similar mechanisms may be implemented using springs, flywheels, electronic components, or other energy storage devices that may be implemented within one or more tension adjustment device 806.

It should be understood that the descriptions, examples, methods, and other disclosure provided herein show possible examples of implementations and merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the techniques described herein. All modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. A device for providing support to a user performing a physical exercise, comprising: a frame including a first support strut and a second support strut; andan elastic strap coupled to a first end of the first support strut and a first end of the second support strut, where the elastic strap has sufficient tension to provide support to a user's body weight by supporting a chest of the user when the user performs a push-up using the device.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a base support coupled to the frame.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve of material disposed around a portion of the elastic strap that is between the first support strut and the second support strut.