Maximum push-up exercise machine

Abstract

A maximum push-up exercise machine for various push-up exercises in the prone position on a platform with added resistance. An embodiment of the device includes a cable-pulley weight stack system housing with a cable-pulley weight stack system that is welded, bolted, or connected in any manner to the platform. The configuration of the cable-pulley weight stack system may be in any manner such that a cable thimble is positioned midpoint of the platform. The cable thimble is configured to connect to receive a snap link hook suspended from a harness or belt worn by a user, connect to a single cable handle attachment, and connect to a push-up bar via a push-up bar cable connector.

Claims

1. An exercise device for performing resisted push-up exercises, comprising: a housing containing a plurality of resistance members; a cable in operable communication with one or more of the plurality of resistance members, such that forcible movement of the cable imparts a force onto the one or more resistance members in operable communication with the cable; a first attachment component in operable communication with the cable; a horizontal platform having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a passage extending through the top surface towards the bottom surface, the passage sized to house the attachment component in operable communication with the cable when the exercise device is not in use by a user; the first attachment component further including a position of repose when not subject to an external force applied by the user, wherein the position of repose includes the first attachment component residing below the top surface of the platform and being unable to exit the cable passage without the external force overcoming a resistance force of the one or more resistance members in operable communication with the cable; whereby the position of repose of the first attachment component residing below the top surface allows the user to reach a full push-up flexion position with the user's chest on the top surface of the platform while the first attachment component remains subject to the resistance force of the one or more resistance members.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, further including at least one pulley to guide the cable from the housing to the passage in the platform.

3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the at least one pulley includes an exit pulley located adjacent to the passage in the platform below the top surface, the exit pulley configured to guide the cable from a horizontal orientation prior to the passage in the platform to a vertical orientation at the passage, thereby allowing the user to pull the cable vertically while executing a push-up.

4. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the resistance members are weights adapted to move within the housing when subject to an external force.

5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the passage in the platform is located at a position in the platform in which there are no permanent structures preventing a user from performing push-ups with the user's hands on the top surface of the platform and chest is in overlying relation to the passage.

6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first attachment component is a cable thimble.

7. The exercise device of claim 1, further including an upper body harness having a second attachment component configured to mechanically engage the first attachment component.

8. The exercise device of claim 7, further including: the passage sized to receive both the first and second attachment components; whereby the passage can receive the first and second attachment components below the top surface of the platform when the user reaches a full push-up flexion position with the user's chest adjacent to the top surface of the platform.

9. The exercise device of claim 1, further including a balancing device having at least a partial spherical shape and a generally centrally located aperture in a curved outer surface sized to receive at least a portion of the cable.

10. The exercise device of claim 1, further including a hinge residing between the platform and the housing containing the plurality of resistance members, thereby enabling the platform to fold upward into a vertical orientation.

11. The exercise device of claim 1, further including a push-up bar having a second attachment component configured to mechanically engage the first attachment component.

12. An exercise device for performing resisted push-up exercises, comprising: a housing containing a plurality of resistance members; a cable in operable communication with one or more of the plurality of resistance members, such that forcible movement of the cable imparts a force onto the one or more resistance members in operable communication with the cable; a first attachment component in operable communication with the cable; a second attachment component configured to engage the first attachment component and a user-interactable device; a horizontal platform having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a passage extending through the top surface towards the bottom surface, the passage sized to receive both the first and second attachment components; whereby the passage can receive the first and second attachment components below the top surface of the platform when the user reaches a full push-up flexion position with the user's chest adjacent to the top surface of the platform.

13. The exercise device of claim 12, further including a pulley located adjacent to the passage in the platform and below the top surface of the platform, the pulley configured to guide the cable from a horizontal orientation prior to the passage in the platform to a vertical orientation at the passage, thereby allowing the user to pull the cable vertically while executing a push-up.

14. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the resistance members are weights adapted to move within the housing when subject to an external force.

15. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the passage in the platform is located at a position in the platform in which there are no permanent structures preventing a user from performing push-ups with the user's hands on the top surface of the platform and chest is in overlying relation to the passage.

16. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the user-interactable device is a push-bar.

17. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the user-interactable device is an upper body harness.

18. The exercise device of claim 12, further includes a partial spherical balancing device having a generally centrally located through hole sized to receive the cable, wherein the partial spherical balancing device can reside in overlying relation to the passage in the platform to create an unstable surface.

19. The exercise device of claim 12, further including a hinge residing between the platform and the housing containing the plurality of resistance members, thereby enabling the platform to fold upward into a vertical orientation.

20. An exercise device for performing resisted push-up exercises, comprising: a housing containing a weight stack, wherein in the weight stack includes a plurality of weights adapted to move within the housing when subject to an external force; a cable having a first end and a second end, the first end in operable communication with one or more weights in the weight stack, such that tension imparted on the cable acts as the external force to move the plurality of weights; a first attachment component in operable communication with the second end of the cable; an upper body harness having a second attachment component configured to mechanically engage the first attachment component; a horizontal platform having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a passage extending through the top surface towards the bottom surface, the passage sized to receive both the first and second attachment components; the cable extending from the housing to the passage and passing underneath the top surface of the platform; an exit pulley located adjacent to the passage in the platform, the exit pulley residing below the top surface of the platform and oriented to direct the cable through the passage; the passage sized to receive the first and second attachment components below the top surface of the platform when the user reaches a full push-up flexion position with the user's chest adjacent to the top surface of the platform; and the second end of the cable and the first and second attachment components configured to exit the passage through the top surface of the platform when the user is wearing the harness and reaches a full push-up extension position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a maximum push-up exercise machine in accordance with one embodiment.

(3) FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a maximum push-up exercise machine in accordance with one embodiment showing the machine in a folded space-saving orientation.

(4) FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the maximum push-up exercise machine showing a user in a lowermost position while performing a push-up exercise on the device.

(5) FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the maximum push-up exercise machine showing a user in a partial extension position while performing a push-up exercise on the device.

(6) FIG. 2C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the maximum push-up exercise machine showing a user in an uppermost (full extension) position while performing a push-up exercise on the device.

(7) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the maximum push-up exercise machine showing a user performing a weighted plank exercise on the device.

(8) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the maximum push-up exercise machine showing a user assuming a knuckle (punch/fist) push-up exercise position on the device.

(9) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the maximum push-up exercise machine showing a user assuming a finger push-up exercise position on the device.

(10) FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the maximum push-up exercise machine showing a user assuming a push-up to row (push-up renegade row) exercise position on the device.

(11) FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the maximum push-up exercise machine showing a user initiating the row movement while performing a push-up to row (push-up renegade row) exercise on the device.

(12) FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the maximum push-up exercise machine showing a user assuming a push-up to row (push-up renegade row) exercise position on the device using push-up bars.

(13) FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the maximum push-up exercise machine showing a user initiating the row movement while performing a push-up to row (push-up renegade row) exercise on the device using push-up bars.

(14) FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the maximum push-up exercise machine showing a user assuming a push-up position on a balance and stabilization ball device.

(15) FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the maximum push-up exercise machine showing a user assuming a push-up position on a balance and stabilization ball device.

(16) FIG. 8C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the maximum push-up exercise machine showing a user assuming a push-up position on a balance and stabilization ball device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(17) In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

(18) As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

(19) The phrases “in some embodiments,” “according to some embodiments,” “in the embodiments shown,” “in other embodiments,” and the like generally mean the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one implementation. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or different embodiments.

(20) The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs.

(21) The term “resistance member” as used herein refer to object(s) configured to increase the difficulty in performing an exercise when a user-interactable device is in operable communication with the resistance member(s). The drawings depict resistance members in the form of weights. However, an embodiment of the present invention may employ resistance bands or spring/elastic members as resistance members.

(22) In the exemplary figures, the user-interactable devices are in operable communication with the resistance members through a cable. The term “cable” as used herein includes any elongated member having a sufficient tensile strength to support the tension created by the user performing exercises when the user-interactable devices are in operable communication with the resistance members. Non-limiting examples include wire, rope, and chain.

(23) The term “user-interactable device” includes exercise equipment adapted to be used with the present invention that is handled or engaged by a user.

(24) The term “attachment component” refers to a component configured to attach or aid in the attachment of at least two objects together. Non-limiting examples include cable thimbles, hooks, clips, rings, loops, structural catches, and other fasteners known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

(25) Referring now to FIG. 1A, an exemplary embodiment of a maximum push-up exercise machine includes housing 102, resistance members 136, and a platform 108. Housing 102 partially encloses resistance members 136 and platform 108 provides the area in which to perform the exercises.

(26) The exemplary depicted housing 102 houses resistance members 136 in the form of a cable-pulley weight stack system 104. Cable-pulley weight stack system 104 includes a plurality of weights that can be individually selected to modify the amount of resistance. The selection is accomplished through weight stack selector pin 114, which is inserted into weight stack 136. In some embodiments, resistance members 136 are in the form of elastic resistance bands. However, resistance bands have a linear resistance profile in comparison to weights. Thus, weights may be preferable in certain situations. Alternatively, the linear resistance profile may be preferable in certain other situations.

(27) The cable-pulley weight stack system includes cable 120 having first end 121 in mechanical communication with resistance members 136 and second end 123 integrated with or in mechanical communication with first attachment component 110. The cable-pulley weight stack system may include any belts, cables, cams, pulleys, or any combination thereof to enable the operation of the cable-pulley weight stack system.

(28) As depicted best in FIG. 1A, first end 121 of cable 120 is in mechanical communication with cable-to-weight stack adapter 132. Cable-to-weight stack adapter 132 is used in conjunction with weight stack center selector shaft 130 and weight selector pin 114 to selectively adjust the amount of weight that the user must overcome during the exercises.

(29) Cable 120 is routed from first end 121 through several pulleys to its second end 123. In the depicted embodiment, cable 120 extends to pulley 111, which directs cable 120 horizontally to pulley 113, which redirects cable 120 vertically. Cable 120 then extends to pulley 115, which directs cable 120 to pulley 117 that is adjacent to the rotational axis of hinge 112. Cable 120 continues to pulley 122 which directs cable 120 under top surface 108a of platform 108. Finally, cable 120 encounters exit pulley 119, which directs cable 120 in a generally vertical direction through passage 109 in platform 108.

(30) As shown in FIG. 1B, an embodiment of invention includes pulleys 122 and 119 secured to platform 108, thereby ensuring that said pulleys transition with platform 108 when platform 108 is rotated into the vertical storage position. The embodiment also includes a cable channel 125 extending through platform 108 to provide a passage for cable 120 through platform 108 from pulley 122 to pulley 119.

(31) Second end 123 of cable 120 is integrated with or attachable to first attachment component 110. The figures provide an exemplary form of first attachment component 110 in the form of a cable thimble. Cable thimble 110 passes through passage 109 and can connect to a user-interactable device such as upper body harness 146 having a second attachment component such as a clip, push-up bars 138 having a second attachment component in the form of push-up bar cable connector 140, or single cable handle attachment 148 having a second attachment component. In an embodiment, first attachment component 110 is a cable thimble configured to receive second attachment component, in the form of a snap link hook suspended from harness 146 or a belt worn by user 106.

(32) In some embodiments, second end 123 of cable 120 is configured to become subject to tension from the connection to the resistance members prior to second end 123 exiting passage 109 through upper surface 108a of platform 108. Thus, a user can perform a push-up to maximum flexion (i.e., till the user's chest touches the top surface 108a) while subject to resistance.

(33) In some embodiments, first attachment component 110 attached to cable 120, similar to second end 123 of cable 120, is configured to be under tension below the upper surface 108a of platform 108. Thus, a user can perform a push-up to maximum flexion (i.e., till the user's chest touches the top surface 108a) while subject to resistance.

(34) Platform 108 can be bolted, welded, hingedly connected, or connected in any manner to housing 102 containing a plurality of resistance members. FIG. 1B shows the platform rotated about hinge 112. Thus, platform 108 can be rotated about the rotational axis of hinge 112 to bring platform 108 into a vertical orientation (i.e., a storage orientation) which reduces the footprint of the device. This may aid in saving space in the storage and transportation of maximum push-up exercise machine from one place to another.

(35) As explained previously, platform 108 includes a passage 109 extending through top surface 108a to at least cable channel 125. Some embodiments include passage 109 extending completely though platform 108.

(36) In some embodiments, passage 109 is sized to receive first attachment component 110 and a second attachment component, such as a clip, secured to harness 146. As a result, the user can perform a push-up to maximum flexion (i.e., till the user's chest touches the top surface 108a) without the attachment components preventing the user from touching his/her chest to top surface 108a of platform 108.

(37) In some embodiments, passage 109 is centrally located at substantially the midpoint of platform 108. In addition, the configuration of the pulleys ensures that cable thimble 110 is positioned to exit passage 109 in platform 108 in a generally vertical direction.

(38) In some embodiments, passage 109 is positioned at a location in platform 108 to ensure that there are no permanent structural components that would impede a user's ability to perform various push-up exercises. In some embodiments, passage 109 is located at a position in platform 108 in which there are no permanent structures preventing a user from performing push-ups with the user's hands on top surface 108a of platform 108 and chest in overlying relation to passage 109.

(39) Some embodiments include chain 150 having snap link hook suspended from the harness or belt 146 that the user can adjust the length of chain 150 to any link and connect the snap link hook to cable thimble 110.

(40) Some embodiments include housing 102 having container 116 to hold items such as towels, cleaning agent spray bottle, water bottle, etc.

(41) The material of the cable-pulley weight stack system housing may be made of stainless steel or any other material known in the art. The material of the platform may be made of stainless steel covered with rubber like material such as rubber molded handle grips used in exercise handles, particle board/plywood covered with rubber horse stall mats like a weight lifting platform, any combination thereof, or any material known in the art.

(42) Some embodiments further include partial spherical balancing device 142 having a generally centrally located aperture 144 in a curved outer surface sized to receive at least a portion of cable 120. In some embodiments, aperture 144 is a through hole sized to receive cable 120, first attachment component 110, and/or chain 150. Partial spherical balancing device 142 allows a user to engage in resisted push-ups on an unstable platform. In some embodiments, the balancing device is a fully spherical shape with a through hole passing through the device.

(43) Some embodiments further include push-up bars 138 having second attachment component 140 configured to mechanically engage the first attachment component. Thus, one of the push-up bars 138 can be attached to cable 120 via second attachment component 140 and user 106 can perform a push-up into a resisted row.

(44) Operation (FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8)

(45) A user performs a push-up exercise with added resistance by first selecting a desired weight by inserting weight stack selector pin 114 into weight stack 136. Then, user 106 wears a harness or belt adjusting the length of the chain to any link and leans forward on platform 108 and attaches snap link hook suspended from a belt or harness to cable thimble 110. In some embodiments, user 106 wears a harness or belt 146 with chain 150 having snap link hook suspended from harness or belt 146 that the user can adjust the length of the chain to any link and connect the snap link hook to cable thimble 110.

(46) Then, user 106 gets into the starting (prone) position of a push-up exercise with their hands on platform 108 as shown in FIG. 2A. The user is now ready to engage in a push-up exercise with added resistance. As the user raises their body by extending their elbows from platform 108, the user pushes their bodyweight plus the weight they selected from weight stack 136.

(47) User 106 can also place their feet on a step-up exercise platform, swiss ball, medicine ball, or any other object to elevate their feet and change their body's angle. In some embodiments, user 106 can attach the snap link hook to any link of chain 150 to allow for partial range of motion push-up exercises. This allows a user to add more resistance to push-up exercises. User 106 can also attach the snap link hook to any link of the chain to execute timed push-up holds (e.g., planks); isometric push-up. This enables a user to perform both yielding and overcoming isometric push-up exercise with added resistance. Yielding isometric push-up exercise would be a user holding a position few inches before the end position of a push-up for as long as they can even though they can push harder and raise their body. In contrast, overcoming isometric push-up exercise would be a user holding a position few inches before the end position of a push-up and pushing as hard as they can against an immovable resistance.

(48) User 106 can perform planks, knuckle (punch/fist) push-up, and finger push-ups with added resistance with the use of a belt or harness as shown in FIGS. 3-5. The user wearing a harness or belt with chain suspended from it can adjust the length of the chain to perform full range of motion, partial range of motion, or isometric knuckle and finger push-ups. This allows the user to progress in their knuckle and finger push-ups. It also allows the user to train their fingers, hands, and wrists in a compound (multi-joint) exercise instead of an isolation (single-joint) exercise saving time and improving all other exercises.

(49) User 106 can perform push-up to row (push-up renegade row) exercise with one hand on platform 108 and other hand using a single cable handle attachment 148 that connects to cable thimble 110 to overcome the weight selected from weight stack 136 of the cable-pulley weight stack system 104 as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. In this scenario, the user assumes the end position of a push-up exercise with one arm on the platform and pulls (rows) with the other arm.

(50) A user 106 can also perform push-up to row exercise using push-up bar 138 with push-up bar cable connector 140 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In this scenario, the user can perform a full range of motion push-up then pull (row) the weight with one arm. In addition, the user can also perform push-up to row plank hold by using push-up bars of different heights or push-up bar 138 and single cable handle attachment 148 with the pulling arm slightly lower than the other to feel the resistance of the weight and hold that position for as long as they can. This allows the user to engage the core muscles more to resist rotation of the torso because back muscles cannot be relied on as heavily to resist rotation.

(51) Another exercise user 106 can perform is push-up exercise with hands on balance and stabilization ball device 142 having a balance and stabilization ball device opening 144 with convex side on platform 108 by wearing harness or belt 146 with chain 150 having snap link hook suspended from harness or belt 146 configured to connect to cable thimble 110 through the balance and stabilization ball device opening 144 to overcome the weight selected from weight stack 136 of cable-pulley weight stack system 104 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. This emphasizes on core development and the user can increase the difficulty of the exercise by adding weight. When the flat side of balance and stabilization ball device 142 having balance and stabilization ball device opening 144 is on platform 108 the user can perform push-up exercise with hands on half ball as shown in FIG. 8C. This emphasizes on inner chest and users can perform this exercise with additional weight to overcome from weight stack 136 of cable-pulley weight stack system 104.

(52) The balance and stabilization ball device may be made of a wooden material with comfort anti-slip grip surface on the flat side of it, high density expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam like foam rollers, or any material known in the art that will withstand a user's weight plus the weight of the weight stack.

(53) TABLE-US-00001 Drawings-Reference Numerals 100 maximum push-up exercise machine 102 cable-pulley weight stack system housing 104 cable-pulley weight stack system 106 user 108 platform 108a top surface of platform 109 passage in platform 110 cable thimble 111 pulley 112 hinge 113 pulley 114 weight stack selector pin 115 pulley 116 container 117 pulley 118 rod 119 exit pulley 120 cable 121 first end of cable 122 pulley 123 second end of cable 124 pulley mounts 125 cable channel 126 shaft collar 128 rubber weight stack cushions 130 weight stack center selector shaft 132 cable-to-weight stack adapter 134 weight stack guide rods 136 weight stack; resistance members 138 push-up bars 140 push-up bar cable connector 142 balance and stabilization ball device; partial spherical balancing device 144 balance and stabilization ball device opening; aperture 146 harness or belt 148 single cable handle attachment 150 chain

(54) Advantages

(55) From the description above, a number of advantages of the maximum push-up exercise machine become evident: The user can perform finger push-ups, knuckle (punch/fist) push-ups, planks, push-ups on balance and stabilization ball device, and push-up to row exercises with added resistance all in one machine. The user can progress in the above exercises consistently since it can all be done in one designated space without spending time to set up saving time and great for organization and avoidance of injury. The user can eliminate muscular effort from lifting weight plates and placing them in pegs to add or reduce weight with the use of a weight stack system adding intensity to the above exercises. The user can train their core muscles and the muscles of their fingers, hands, and wrists heavily in one machine performing compound (multi-joint) exercises instead of isolation (single-joint) exercises.

(56) Accordingly, the maximum push-up machine allows a user to perform push-ups using different hand grips, finger push-ups, and knuckle push-ups through dynamic motion (full range motion and partial range of motion) and static position (yielding isometrics and overcoming isometrics) with added resistance in one machine. Also, the user can quickly change the weight and multiple users can perform push-ups with added resistance together with no muscular effort lost from lifting weight plates and placing them in pegs. In addition, the user can perform push-ups with added resistance using push-up bars and exercise equipment of their choosing. Furthermore, the maximum push-up exercise machine has the additional advantages in that: it allows the user to perform push-up to row plank hold exercise which is a unique exercise that works the core muscles heavily while working other muscles as well as saving the user's time to spend on isolation exercises to target core muscles. it allows the user to train their core muscles and the muscles of their hands, fingers, and wrists more often and consistently along with other muscle groups without spending time performing isolation (single-joint) exercises, performing workouts for core and lower arm muscles, and affecting one's recovery because of time spent performing core and lower arm workouts from major workouts and/or sports. it allows the user to perform numerous exercises in one machine that are beneficial to people of all ages. it provides a user a complete workout when paired with pulling exercises, shoulder presses, and lower body exercises.

(57) The above described embodiment is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, as one skilled in the art can, in view of the present invention, expand such embodiment to correspond with the subject matter of the present invention claimed below. Therefore, all such substitutions and modifications are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

(58) The advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

(59) It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.