FIELD OF THE INVENTION
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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.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Therefore the present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art and greatly improves ones overall exercise experience.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Other objects and advantages will become apparent when taken into consideration with the following specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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FIG. 1 is a frontal view depicting a first embodiment for the present invention.
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FIG. 2 is a frontal view depicting an optional feature for the embodiment of FIG. 1.
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FIG. 3 is a frontal view depicting a second embodiment for the present invention.
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FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.
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FIG. 5 is a frontal view depicting a third embodiment for the present invention.
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FIG. 6 is partial plan view depicting internal components and assembly for the embodiment of FIG. 5.
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FIG. 7 is a frontal view depicting an optional variable shape for the embodiment of FIG. 6.
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FIG. 8 is a partial plan view depicting a different attachment means and embodiment for the present invention.
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FIG. 9 is a frontal partial plan view depicting a different embodiment and attachment means.
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FIG. 10 is a bottom side view depicting internal tension means for the embodiment of FIG. 9.
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FIG. 11 is a bottom side view depicting the internal tension means when in a tensioned position for the embodiment of FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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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.
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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.
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Referring now to FIG. 1, which illustrates a first embodiment for the present invention. As depicted therein, (10) represents an over view of the hand held exercise device. In this embodiment the exercise device (10) is made from any suitable material of engineering choice such as rubber, plastic, or the like. This is the simplified version consisting of a partial sphere shaped member (12) having a top section and a bottom section respectively. The top section includes a hand grip (14) which is of a shape and size to be easily comfortably grasped by a human hand. As previously noted the most important feature of the present invention is to include a rounded bottom section of which when positioned on a flat surface and manually manipulated (via the hand grip 14) allows for non-stabilized rolling movement thereof upon the flat surface. The flat surface is not herein shown as any suitable flat surface of user choice may be utilized, such as a floor, a wall, ceiling or any surface which provides resistance and allows the exercise device (10) to be positioned there against and manually rolled there upon.
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As further illustrated in FIG. 1 it can be seen and understood that the exercise device (10) can be formed as a solid object from flexible material such as rubber or plastic. Namely, the partial sphere shaped member (12) and the hand grip (14) may be integrally formed if preferred. Or as illustrated in FIG. 2 the partial sphere shaped member (12) and the hand grip (14) may be formed as a bladder having fill means (16) for filling the bladder with a substance of engineering and/or user choice. It is to be noted any suitable type of fill means (16) may be utilized such as a standard air nozzle typically associated with air mattresses or the like. Or the fill means (16) can simply be a hole for receiving the substance therein and the substance is retained inside by a plug or the like. The actual construction of the fill means is not taught herein as numerous types of fill means are well known within the field of art. Also, the substance utilized for filling the bladder is not limited as numerous types of substances are suitable such as air, fluid, gel, or even dried beans, PVC pellets or expanded polystyrene such as that associated with bean bag chairs or the like. Thus again, do the popularity of well known substances the actual substance of choice is not herein shown and the invention is not limited to any specific fill substance.
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It is to be understood the embodiment of FIG. 2 is most advantageous as if the exercise device (10) is in the form of a bladder this provides variable adjustable rigidity for the user. For example, the exercise device (10) or bladder can be fully filled resulting in a fully rounded very firm exterior surface or if partially filled the exercise device (10) can be almost flat resulting in less firmness and more stability when positioned on the flat surface.
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Referring now to FIGS. 3 & 4 wherein a different embodiment is depicted. As can be seen therein the hand grip (14) maybe ergonomically shaped. Whereby, resulting in a hand grip (14) that is shaped or moulded to conform with a users fingers and palm when grasped. Again, ergonomically shaped hand grips are well known within the field of art. Thus, the actual detailed shape and size is not taught herein as any ergonomic type of hand grip of engineering choice may be utilized. Also as depicted, the hand grip (14) may be recessed within a compartment (18) of which is formed within the sphere shaped member (12) if desired. This is simply an alternative for construction of the exercise device (10).
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Yet another alternative means for constructing the exercise device (10) is depicted in FIGS. 5 & 6. Wherein, the top section (12-a) and the bottom section (12-b) are fixedly interconnected by a fastener means of engineering choice. Again any suitable type of fastener means may be utilized. Thus the fastener description as follows is only exemplary of one possible fastening means and the invention is not to be limited thereto. However the fastener means as depicted in FIGS. 6 & 7 is very advantageous as this further allows for the top section (12-a) and the bottom section (12-b) to not only be fixedly interconnected or detachably interconnected but also they are rotate ably interconnected. For example the top section (12-a) may include a downwardly projecting stem (20) and the bottom section (12-b) includes a recessed cavity (22) which is of a shape and size to slid ably frictionally receive and retain the downwardly projecting stem (20) therein. It is to be noted the downwardly projecting stem (20) may be made from the same material as the sphere shaped member (12) or any other material of choice. However, as an alternative feature it is most advantageous if the downwardly projecting stem (20) is made from a resilient, elasticized resistive pliable material such as Neoprene, rubber or the like. Whereby this further provides a resistive tensional force when the top section (12-a) is manually rotated. Thus, if a user is desirous of a more muscular hand, wrist and arm work out this is very functional and efficient.
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Referring now to FIGS. 7 & 8 wherein alternative attachment means and other optional features are illustrated. It is contended that it may be advantageous to sell the exercise device as a complete variable use exercise kit having optional accessory items of choice. As an option, a user may wish to interchange the top section (12-a) with differently shaped and/or variably weighted bottom sections (12-b). For example, a user may wish to adjust the intensity of their exercise program to comply with their individual preferences and/or physical capabilities. Thus, if a lightweight workout is desirable then the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 are very appropriate as the exercise device (10) can be made of lightweight material and more importantly the firmness and curvature of the sphere shaped member (12) can be easily variably adjusted to their liking.
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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 FIGS. 5-11 depict features for adjusting the stability of the device and/or modifying the characteristics of the device.
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Within FIGS. 5-8 it can be seen that the bottom section (12-b) can be variably inflated resulting in a differently shaped bottom section depending upon the users desired stability preference. However, another optional feature includes the bottom section (12-b) being made from different materials of which each have different densities resulting in the user having a choice for varying the weight of the exercise device (10). This is most advantageous and user friendly. Also as depicted the bottom section (12-b) and the top section (12-a) maybe either fixedly interconnected, removably interconnected and/or rotate ably interconnected by suitable fastener means.
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Yet another optional feature is depicted in FIGS. 9-11 wherein the bottom section (12-b) includes an interior recess (24) for slide ably receiving the top section (12-a) therein and the top section (12-b) further includes an enhanced resistive tensioned element therein which allows a user to increase the force needed to rotate the exercise device (10) to their liking. In this embodiment the enhanced resistive tensioned element includes a spring mechanism (26). It is to be understood the spring mechanism can be variable for increasing or decreasing resistance as the spring can be either a heavy duty spring or a light duty spring depending on user choice. The spring mechanism is retained within a raceway (28) and the top section (12-b) includes an actuating pin (30). Whereby, when the top section (12-a) is manually rotated, the actuating pin (30) is forcibly directed from a non tensioned position (depicted in FIG. 10) into a tensioned position (depicted in FIG. 11).
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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.
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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.
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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.
