Patent Application
20130059701
The present invention relates in general to exercise devices. More particularly the invention pertains to devices that are beneficial while performing specific exercises such as push-ups or the like. Due to the novel design the device encourages and facilitates naturally aligned movements of the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders and back while performing upper torso exercises. This properly aligned movement alleviates muscle strain, reduces chances of injury, improves balance and core strength and is overall ergonomically user friendly.
Within the last few years knowledge pertaining to muscular movement and function has greatly increased. Physical therapists, exercise trainers and other experts in general have discovered that the manner in which one moves during physical exercise is extremely important. Muscle movement when executed in an improper unnatural manner can cause serious injuries, strain, fatigue etc. As a result many exercise devices and methods have been proposed in an attempt to discourage improper muscle movements and to further inform the public of the importance of proper muscle alignment and natural movements while exercising.
One of the most interesting discoveries within the known prior art it that exercising on a flat stable surface “such as a floor” can be very detrimental to certain muscles, nerves, tendons, etc. This is especially true when performing the standard exercise known as a “push-up” (one handed) or “push-ups” (both hands). When one performs such an exercise the hand(s) must be bent away from the wrist at a severe angle and the palm(s) laid flat against the supporting surface. Thereafter all of one's body weight is distributed upon the upper and lower arm(s), the wrist(s) and palm(s) of the person's body. The upper and lower arm(s) move rather smoothly and tend to remain within their normal alignment range. However to opposite is true of the wrist(s), palm(s) and fingers. They in combination are each under extreme weight and more importantly each are severely bent and/or angled. As a result, the associated muscles, nerves and tendons, can all be easily damaged often resulting in injury.
Within the known prior art many devices and methods have been proposed. However, each of the known devices or methods each include inherent disadvantages and drawbacks. All of which the present invention addresses, recognizes and resolves in a manner heretofore not taught. In all of the related prior art it is suggested and taught that a handle mounted on a flat platform would solve the problems. This theory is somewhat helpful for reducing strain and allowing the hands to be in a more natural position while performing certain exercises such as “push-ups” or the like. However, smooth flowing nonaligned movement is still difficult due the construction of the flat platform on which the handle is located.
Many types of handgrip devices are known for performing push-ups. For example, Acs et. al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,115,338, discloses handles that are rigidly supported on stationary bases. The handles assist the user performing push-ups by providing a more adaptable and natural hand gripping position. The handles allow the user to keep a straight wrist rather than a bent wrist. The handles also elevate the user's hands relative to the floor, thereby increasing the range of motion through which the user moves during the push-up exercise.
Other handgrip devices provide additional features to improve the muscle conditioning effect of performing push-ups. For example, Swisher, U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,802, provides an elongate, elevated base and two hand grips. The invention allows the user to adjust the lateral space between grips for maximum comfort and to vary the range of motion of the exercise. Further, the hand grips are rotatable so that the user can rotate his hands and wrists through a mechanically limited range of motion.
Hill, U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,448, also discloses hand grips for performing push-ups. The hand grips allow the user to rotate his hand about a horizontal axis in order to position the wrist at a comfortable position, and about a vertical axis in order to simultaneously rotate the arm while extending and contracting it.
Several of the devices in the prior art allow the user to rotate his hands about a vertical axis while performing push-ups. Such devices comprise rotate ably actuated handles. This is again somewhat helpful but still the platform on which the handles are mounted is flat. Such rotating handles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,935,039, 7,377,888 and D599,417.
Within all of the known prior art the main problem of which has not been recognized, addressed nor resolved is the fact that the devices all have a flat “stable” platform. Thereby limiting the users natural movement and rhythm. It is contended by the applicants that if a user friendly handle is mounted onto a non conventional flat surface new and novel results are achieved. Namely, if the handle is connected onto a partial sphere shaped member this provides a non-stabilized rolling movement to be executed. Whereby, continuous horizontal and vertical movement “simultaneously” can be actuated and this results in a tilting motion forward and backward while moving side to side. This is very important and greatly improves range of motion in an ergonomic user friendly manner. Also, this combination of a handle located on a sphere shaped member further increases ones balance. Nowhere in the prior art known to the applicants have they incorporated use of a non stabilized platform in combination with a handle.
Therefore the present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art and greatly improves ones overall exercise experience.
It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a new and novel multi-functional core based exercise device that is safe, ergonomically user friendly and has heretofore not been utilized.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a multi-functional exercise device that utilizes the knowledge of core stability. Namely, the present exercise device provides natural muscular development through the core and abdomen.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional exercise device that is easily grasped by the user and comfortable to use. The device includes an ergonomically friendly handle and if desired the handle may be rotate ably actuated.
Also another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional exercise device that can be made from numerous materials of engineering choice, such as rubber, plastic and the like.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional exercise device that can be manufactured as one integrally formed device and/or it may be formed from two interconnecting sections.
A very important object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional exercise device that is functional for any exercise of user choice. The standard push-up can be performed on the floor, or up against a wall, or even above ones head against a ceiling or the like. Thus the device is very versatile and can be used for numerous exercises. Also, the present device is useful and very functional for aquatic exercises wherein the water functions as a support surface and provides resistance. If used in a pool the device functions as a resistant force as the device will tend to float and a user can exert pressure downward and try to push the device beneath the water. This is very advantageous and beneficial for a low impact workout.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional exercise device that may also be used in the manner associated with hand held weights or the like. Various embodiments as taught herein allow for the weight of the device to be variable according to the user's needs. Also the shape of the device is variable and adjustable depending on the user's individual desires. For example, if the user desires a strenuous full workout they can inflate the device to its full capacity resulting in a round ball shape which requires more core stability and increased range of motion. Whereas if the user desires less of a workout they can simply deflate or detach the device resulting in deformation of the device and this increases stability etc.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional exercise device that can be sold as an independent device, as a pair of devices and/or it may be sold as a kit having numerous variable optional features which are determined by the end user's needs.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional exercise device that is cost effective and economical to manufacture, market and sell.
Also a further object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional exercise device that is aesthetically pleasing as it can even be made in different colours and or different patterns to satisfy individual male or female preferences.
Other objects and advantages will become apparent when taken into consideration with the following specification and drawings.
Referring now in detail to the drawings wherein like characters refer to like elements throughout the various views. The present invention in general is a hand held exercise device (10) which is specifically useful as an aid for performing push-ups or the like. It is to be noted the exercise device (10) can be used independently when performing a one hand push up or the combination of two devices may be utilized simultaneously for performing a standard two hand push-up.
It is to be further noted there are numerous configurations for construction of the device and numerous alternatives for optional features all of which are inherent within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein such as to specific size, shape, construction, etc.
Referring now to
As further illustrated in
It is to be understood the embodiment of
Referring now to
Yet another alternative means for constructing the exercise device (10) is depicted in
Referring now to
It is to be noted a more intense workout is incurred when the exercise device is fully inflated or more specifically when the bottom section (12-b) is fully rounded. As the more rounded the bottom section is the more difficult it is for the user to balance them self thereon while exercising. Namely, when the bottom section is fully rounded or fully inflated this decreases the stability of the exercise device. Whereas when the bottom section is only partially inflated or less rounded this increases the stability of the exercise device and a less strenuous workout is required. Therefore, as the user attains greater strength, endurance, balance and mobility they may wish to increase the muscular workout using the optional features and/or accessories of choice. Thus the embodiments of
Within
Yet another optional feature is depicted in
It can now be seen we have herein described a new and novel hand held exercise device that incorporates use of a non stabilized bottom section of which allows for complete muscle flexibility as it is moveable in all directions when used. Namely, the device can be manipulated vertically, horizontally, sideways, forward and/or backward simultaneously unlike any of the known prior art.
It can further be seen that the present invention is very versatile and can be used for any exercise of user preference. The device is adjustable in size and shape, is rotationally variable and allows for different optional features to be utilized.
Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made there from within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatuses.
