Patent Grant
7131934
This invention relates generally to multi-exercise platforms, and more particularly to a system and method usable in various configurations, for example for reducing the impact shock to users of an exercise platform, for aerobic exercise and for balance exercises.
Aerobic exercise platform devices, such as The STEP® are often used in physical fitness regimens to assist in aerobic workouts and simulating climbing or stair activities. One example of these is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,512. These platforms are typically horizontal or sometimes sloped, elongate, rectangular shapes having a height simulating a stair step. When a higher step is desired for a more difficult routine, one or more risers can typically be placed under the platform to raise the total height of the platform. A typical platform includes a tread or traction area on the top and a stable base to minimize the risk of a person slipping. Most of these products are made from hard materials such as plastic or wood without resiliency. Thus, when a user's foot impacts the top of the step, the force of impact is transmitted to the user's body and particularly the ankles, knees and joints.
An improved exercise system is desired.
In one basic configuration, the present system includes an adjustable top portion or platform, one or more lower portions or risers and one or more resilient members placed between the riser and the platform. Preferably the resilient members have a sufficient height to space the platform slightly above the riser, and the resilient members are partially compressible to absorb the impact when a user steps atop the platform. In preferred embodiments, the platform and/or riser include a variety of locations in which the resilient member or members may be placed or arranged to provide various levels of cushioning and/or balancing of the platform over the riser. Preferably the multi-exercise system can be used as a standard horizontal platform, as an angled platform, as a balancing platform, or a resilient member-mounting riser for aerobic exercises, stretching, yoga, balancing or exercises exercising the sole or arch of a foot.
In one preferred embodiment, the present invention includes an exercise platform system, including a platform having a top surface for a user to step upon and a lower surface, a riser having an upper surface opposing the lower surface of the platform and at least one piece of resilient material disposed between the lower surface of the platform and the upper surface of the riser. The resilient material spaces the platform apart from the riser. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient material is at least one resilient member.
In a preferred feature, the lower surface of the platform defines at least one recess for receiving at least a portion of at least one resilient member separately.
In a preferred feature, the upper surface of the riser defines at least one recess for receiving at least a portion of at least one resilient member.
In an alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention includes an exercise platform system having a platform with a top surface for a user to step upon and a lower surface and, a riser having an upper surface opposing the lower surface of the platform. Preferably the lower surface of the platform and the upper surface of the riser define at least one location for a resilient member to be placed between them. In another preferred feature, the lower surface of the platform and the upper surface of the riser each define a plurality of locations for one or more resilient members to be placed between them. Preferably the locations are opposing recesses in the platform and the riser.
The present invention further includes an exercise platform having a top surface for a user to step upon and a lower surface, at least one resilient member disposed between the lower surface of the platform and a support surface and spacing the platform above the support surface. Preferably the lower surface of the platform defines at least one recess for receiving at least a portion of one resilient member.
In a still further embodiment, the present invention further includes an exercise system comprising a riser having an upper surface, a plurality of recesses defined in the upper surface and at least one resilient member disposed in one of the recesses
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved exercise system.
Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention shall become apparent from the detailed drawings and descriptions provided herein.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the principles of the invention being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
In a basic configuration, the present system includes an adjustable top portion or platform, one or more lower portions or risers and one or more resilient members placed between the riser and the platform. Preferably the resilient members have a sufficient height to space the platform slightly above the riser, and the resilient members are partially compressible to absorb the impact when a user steps atop the platform. In preferred embodiments, the platform and/or riser include a variety of locations in which the resilient member or members may be placed or arranged to provide various levels of cushioning and/or balancing of the platform over the riser. Preferably the multi-exercise system can be used as a standard horizontal platform, as an angled platform, as a balancing platform, or a resilient member-mounting riser for aerobic exercises, stretching, yoga, balancing or exercises exercising the sole or arch of a foot.
An exploded view of an exercise assembly according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
Riser 30 as illustrated is preferably rectangular in shape and preferably of substantially the same rectangular cross-sectional size of platform 20. Riser 30 includes a top surface 31, a lower surface 32 to engage a support surface (such as a floor) and generally vertical sidewalls 33 and front and back walls 34 providing a height between upper surface 31 and lower surface 32. Upper surface 31 is preferably arrangeable to be opposing lower surface 22 of platform 20, and is preferably substantially the same size area for stacking. Upper surface 31 preferably includes one or more recesses 35 for receiving portions of resilient members 40. Preferably recesses 35 are substantially all or portions of a hemisphere to receive all or portions of spherical resilient members 40. In one embodiment, recesses 35 on riser 30 are arranged in a pattern substantially similar to the recesses 25 on platform 20. Example heights for platform 20 are 2″ or 4″.
Riser 30 may optionally include alignment spots, such as depressions 38, for receiving pads or feet 28 of platform 20, and riser 30 may include similar feet located on lower surface 32. The registration of pads or feet 28 in depressions 38 aid in stability and minimize the risk of slippage. Preferably lower surface 32 is symmetric to upper surface 31, so that one or more risers may be stacked for use or storage as desired. Example heights of risers 30 are 2″ and 4″.
Resilient members 40 are illustrated in
Preferably the resilient members 40 are sized to have a portion partially received in recesses 25 with another portion received in recesses 35, while the resilient member or members have sufficient height to space opposing surfaces 31 and 22 apart from each other in the area where the resilient member is located. Resilient members 40 may be sufficiently compressible that lower surface 22 moves adjacent or contacts upper surface 31 when a user applies downward force to the upper surface 21 of platform 20.
Illustrated in
Illustrated in
Resilient member 140 is shown in a side view in
Alternate resilient member 144, pictured in side and end profiles in
A still further exercise using the present system is illustrated
The present invention provides a multi-exercise machine which may be used for basic step or platform aerobics, for slanted surface aerobics or for other exercise regimens such as stretching, to improve balance or for yoga. Preferably the system is relatively compact for easy storage when not in use.
Preferably the materials for the platform and riser are durable to be used for multiple work-outs, such as plastic or wood. Accessories such as rubber feet, a non-slip coating or a traction decal may be applied as desired. In preferred embodiments, the system components include rounded corners and/or tapered sides to minimize sharp edges and/or for a decorative look. Optionally, handles or handle openings may be formed in the sides of the platform and risers.
In one option, various resilient materials, such as balls or rectangular cross-sectional pieces are provided in varying durometer levels or hardnesses so a user may select a desired level of compression when in use. Alternately, the resilient members may be designed in various heights to provide a higher or lower surface or more or less distance for compression.
When the system is used, the compression materials absorb shock and vibration when a user impacts the platform with a shoe or foot, such that the resilient material dampens and absorbs the transmitted force and minimizes the force transmitted to the ankles, knees, joints or body of the person. The present system may also be used with alternate exercises, such as to train someone to maintain their balance or to provide a slanted surface for a person to raise and lower their body over their toes.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20050101444 A1 | May 2005 | US |
