Vertical Fitness Center Stair Tower System

Abstract

The vertical fitness center stair tower system is an exercise device intended to provide users with an indoor climate-controlled stair tower, where they can obtain a cardio workout and lower body strengthen in comfort, away from the weather elements, (heat, rain, snow and cold weather) and exercise in a safe facility away from the harm of motor vehicles. Accordingly, the system comprises a tower structure with multiple floors, multiple staircases connecting each floor, and convenient interconnecting landings. Further, the system comprises multiple electric, electronic, entertainment, and HVAC systems that enable users to have a comfortable and enjoyable work out session. Furthermore, a security system with emergency buttons, and a plurality of lighting devices integrated into the tower structure, projects a safe workout place. Thus, the device provides a safe, well lit, less traffic, and comfortable environment in the vertical exercise system.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a physical, non-mechanical exercise device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a physical exercise device with stairs composed of multiple staircases designed to exercise various muscles in the user's legs, hips and body core.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An exercise device with stairs designed to exercise various muscles in the user's legs, hips and body core is in demand.

There are many kinds of mechanical exercise devices available on the market, most devices designed to exercise the legs, hips and core, include stationary bikes, tread mills and stair stepper, that do not call into action all the lower body muscles, buttocks and core, like physical stairclimbing. Exercise machines can be suitable for daily exercise by people not recovering from a physical injury, but these devices can be inappropriate for people recovering from heart, back or leg injuries. Stairclimbing allows for a low impact way to exercise while in the rehabilitation stage of injury recovery.

The benefits of regular exercise for individuals of any age are well documented in fitness science. Taking the stairs is an easily available type of physical activity that requires no special training or equipment. Stair climbing forces the body in an upward motion against gravity, activating the largest muscle group in the body, the gluteus maximus (the three muscles in the buttock that move the thigh muscles), abdominal muscles, hips (consider the core) and the quadriceps, femoris (thigh muscles), and hamstrings. Climbing stairs requires the usage of the body's largest muscles against gravity, requiring more energy and building greater stamina. Climbing stairs is the best exercise for building heart stamina, burn fat, strengthen the legs and lower body muscles, buttocks, thighs and calves. When compared to running and walking, stair climbing burns more calories and stimulates all the lower body muscles. Stair climbing is an activity that the elderly and young can enjoy at any time. However, a common problem noticed is that most people do not have access to stair towers to exercise daily. Further, normal staircases have a traffic flow problem, and are a single set of stairs with intermittent landings and no interconnecting landings. These structural issues make it inconvenient to exercise on stairs constructed for emergency evacuation, usually one way down. Thus, an exercise-oriented staircase structure that is not crowded, and which can provide all the comforts needed for a comfortable workout session is a rare find in the current market.

The present invention is intended to address problems associated with and otherwise improve on conventional systems and devices through an innovative stair exercise device designed to provide a convenient and effective means to exercise while incorporating other problem-solving features. In other words, an objective of the present invention is to provide users with an indoor climate-controlled stair tower, where they can obtain a cardio workout and lower body strengthen in comfort, away from the weather elements, (heat, rain, snow and cold weather) and exercise in a safe facility away from the harm of motor vehicles. Accordingly, the present invention comprises a tower structure with multiple floors, multiple staircases connecting each floor, and convenient interconnecting landings. Further, the present invention comprises multiple electric, electronic, entertainment and HVAC systems that enable users to have a comfortable and enjoyable work out session. Furthermore, a security system with emergency buttons, and a plurality of lighting devices integrated into the tower structure, make the present invention a safe workout place. Thus, the present invention provides a safe, well lit, less traffic, and comfortable environment in the vertical exercise system.

SUMMARY

An objective of the present invention is to provide users with an indoor climate-controlled stair tower, where they can obtain a cardio workout and lower body strengthen in comfort, away from the weather elements, (heat, rain, snow and cold weather) and exercise in a safe facility away from the harm of motor vehicles. Accordingly, the present invention comprises a tower structure with multiple floors, multiple staircases connecting each floor, and convenient interconnecting landings. Further, the present invention comprises multiple electric, electronic, audio-visual, and HVAC systems that enable users to have a comfortable and enjoyable work out session. Furthermore, a security system with emergency buttons, and a plurality of lighting devices integrated into the tower structure, make the present invention a safe workout place. Thus, the present invention provides a safe, well lit, less traffic, and comfortable environment in the vertical exercise system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an interior view of a tower structure, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top floor plan interior view of the tower structure of the present invention, wherein a pair of staircases are mounted adjacent to each other.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the present invention, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top-front-left perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the present invention, wherein components other than plurality of staircases and plurality of interconnecting landings are illustrated, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope, configuration or design.

In reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, the present invention is a vertical fitness center stair tower system. An objective of the present invention is to provide users with an indoor climate-controlled stair tower, where they can obtain a cardio workout and lower body strengthen in comfort, away from the weather elements, (heat, rain, snow and cold weather) and exercise in a safe facility away from the harm of motor vehicles. Accordingly, the present invention comprises a tower structure with multiple floors, multiple staircases connecting each floor, and convenient interconnecting landings. Further, the present invention comprises multiple electric, electronic, audio-visual, and HVAC systems that enable users to have a comfortable and enjoyable work out session. Furthermore, a security system with emergency buttons, and a plurality of lighting devices integrated into the present invention, projects a safe workout place. More specifically, the present invention provides an exercise device that solves foot traffic on normal stair cases and solves problems with exercising in all types of weather, that arise with running outdoors or using normal staircases. Thus, the present invention provides a safe, well lit, less traffic, and comfortable environment in the vertical exercise system.

The following description is in reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 5. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a tower structure 1, a cavity 2, a plurality of floors 3, a plurality of staircases 4, a plurality of interconnecting landings 5, a security system 6, and a HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system 7. Preferably, the tower structure 1 is a vertical building that may be built in place or modular assembled in a factory and assembled unit by unit in place. Further, the tower structure 1 may be made with any sturdy material, such as concrete, steel or other structurally sound fireproof material. In designing the tower structure 1 (e.g., fitness center) that accommodates the present invention, many different assemblies, including walls, columns, and fasteners, may be needed to form the overall building's structure and to manage loads and forces. The assemblies may be standardized through a limited number of uniquely designed standardized wall panels, trusses, fasteners, and other framing components. However, in preferred embodiments, the present invention is constructed as a whole as a single structure, and the stair exercise device of the present invention may be prefabricated before the present invention can be installed in the building or any other structure. However, the tower structure 1 may comprise any other material, size, shape, dimensions, components, arrangement of components etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered. Furthermore, the cavity 2 traverses normally and centrally within the tower structure 1, such that the plurality of staircases 4 and the plurality of interconnecting landings 5 are mounted within the cavity 2. Preferably, the cavity 2 extends between a first end 1a of the tower structure 1 and a second end 1b of the tower structure 1, wherein the first end 1a is positioned opposite to the second end 1b across the tower structure 1. More specifically, the first end 1a constitutes a top end of the tower structure 1, and the second end 1b constitutes a bottom end of the tower structure 1. As seen in FIG. 1, the plurality of floors 3 is evenly distributed within the tower structure 1, wherein each of the plurality of floors 3 is laterally offset from one another. As seen in FIG. 1, and in the preferred embodiment, the plurality of floors 3 comprises ten floors. However, the tower structure 1 may comprise any other number of floors and staircases. According to the preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of staircases 4 comprises a plurality of stairs 8. The plurality of staircases 4 and the plurality of stairs 8 can be of any suitable size and can be made of concrete or virtually any other desired material that will provide adequate strength and weather resistance and provide the desired aesthetic qualities. Further, the plurality of stairs 8 may include any number of steps.

The plurality of staircases 4 is connected to plurality of interconnecting landings 5, or in other words, the plurality of interconnecting landings 5, connect the plurality of staircases 4. Preferably, each of the plurality of interconnecting landings 5 is evenly distributed along a corresponding floor 3a, wherein the corresponding floor 3a is from the plurality of floors 3. This is so that, the plurality of interconnecting landing 5 provides access to one staircase from another staircase, and vice versa, allowing the user to change the climbing direction (from up to down or from down to up) during the exercise. Furthermore, a first set of staircases 4a is mounted between the corresponding floor 3a and an adjacent floor 3b, wherein the first set of staircases 4a are from the plurality of staircases 4, the corresponding floor 3a is from the plurality of floors 3, and the adjacent floor 3b is from the plurality of floors 3. More specifically, as seen in FIG. 1, two staircases (or the first set of staircases 4a) connect a first floor (corresponding floor 3a) and a second floor (adjacent floor 3b). Thus, the corresponding floor 3a and the adjacent floor 3b are positioned adjacent to each other.

In reference to FIG. 1, and as an example, assume that the present invention comprises a first interconnecting landing 5a, a second set of staircases 4b, and a third set of staircases 4c. Preferably, the first interconnecting landing 5a is integrated between the second set of staircases 4b and the third set of staircases 4c, wherein the first interconnecting landing 5a is from the plurality of interconnecting landings 5. Further, according to the preferred embodiment, the second set of staircases 4b start or begin from the first interconnecting landing 5a and the third set of staircases 4c end or culminate at the first interconnecting landing 5a, wherein the second set of staircases 4b and the third set of staircases 4c are from the plurality of staircases 4. As seen in FIG. 1, two staircases (the second set) go up from the first interconnecting landing 5a, and the two other staircases (the third set) go down from the first interconnecting landing 5a. In other words, in the preferred embodiment, the plurality of staircases 4 is secured to the interconnecting landings 5 so that a stair exercise device can have two or more staircases connected side by side. For example, as seen in FIG. 2, a first staircase may include stairs for climbing up, and the second staircase may include stairs for climbing down or vice versa. However, it should be noted that, there is no limit to the number of staircases or height of the tower. In one embodiment, the present invention can include ten (10) stair stringers and 9 interconnecting landings. More specifically, the present invention may be in a 10-story building (approx. 100′ high) with special designed stairs where multiple people can climb, intermittently. The first staircase may include nine stairs for climbing up, with each stair connected with an interconnecting landing. The second staircase may also include nine stairs for climbing up, with each stair connected with an interconnecting landing.

In reference to FIG. 5, the security system 6 and the HVAC system 7 are integrated within each of the plurality of floors 3. Preferably, the security system 6 comprises a plurality of security cameras 9, and a plurality of emergency call buttons 10, wherein the plurality of security cameras 9, and the plurality of emergency call buttons 10 are evenly distributed within the tower structure 1. This is so that, the security system 6 enables users to request for help in any emergency situation with the push of a button. To that end, the plurality of emergency call buttons 10 is accessibly positioned within the reach of a user 11 within the tower structure 1. Further, the security system 6 comprises constant surveillance of the entire tower structure 1 with the help of the plurality of security cameras 9.

The HVAC system 7 ensures that the interior of the tower structure 1 has clean air, and the temperature/humidity levels are maintained at levels that are ideal for a workout environment, throughout the year.

It is an objective of the present invention, to provide a well-lit space ideal for exercising. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a plurality of lighting devices 12, wherein the plurality of lighting devices 12 is evenly distributed within the tower structure 1. It should be noted that the plurality of lighting devices 12 may comprise any size, shape, color, mode, technology, number, location, orientation, components, arrangement of components etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered. Continuing with the preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises an entertainment system 13, wherein the entertainment system 13 comprises a plurality of audio-visual units 14, and a remote control 15. This is so that, during the workout session, users may be entertained by music, motivational messages, videos, and be alerted by notification voice messages (when needed). The plurality of audio-visual units 14 may comprise any digital screen, sound system, music system, speakers, etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered. Examples of which include, but are not limited to television screens, centralized or localized Bluetooth speakers, wall projectors, etc. To accomplish the smooth functioning of the components as well as for providing entertainment at all the floors, the entertainment system 13 is electronically integrated within the tower structure 1, and the plurality of audio-visual units 14 are evenly distributed among the plurality of floors 3. However, there may be a provision for each user to adjust the audio-visual units 14 by themselves as well. In other words, the plurality of audio-visual units 14 may be operably coupled with the remote control 15, wherein manually operating the remote control 15 enables functioning of the plurality of audio-visual units 14. It should be noted that any mode of remote or wireless communication modules that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be employed for operating the entertainment system 13, as long as the objectives of the present invention are fulfilled. Example standards of what the wireless communication module is capable of using includes, but are not limited to, Bluetooth, WI-FI, GSM, CDMA, ZigBee, etc.

In reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the present invention comprises a plurality of glass windows 16, wherein the plurality of glass windows 16 is laterally integrated onto the tower structure 1. This is because, some users might prefer to see the green views of plants and trees, or the human life happening outside the tower structure 1. Thus, with the help of the plurality of glass windows 16 on the walls of the tower structure 1, the user 11 may also experience the view outside of the tower structure 1, during the workout.

According to the preferred embodiment, the user 11 of the present invention may control the temperature and humidity levels within the tower structure 1. To accomplish that, the present invention comprises a climate control unit 17, wherein the climate control unit 17 is operably coupled with the HVAC system 7. Preferably, operating the climate control unit 17 governs temperature and humidity adjustments of the HVAC system 7. Further, for easy access, the climate control unit 17 is accessibly mounted within the reach of the user 11 within the tower structure 1. Preferably, the HVAC system 7 comprises HEPA filters for air quality with emphasis on oxygen. However, the climate control unit 17, as well as other electric and electronic components of the present invention may be centrally controlled from outside the tower structure 1 as well, by the fitness center officials.

As seen in FIG. 3 through FIG. 5, the present invention comprises a facility building 18. In the preferred embodiment, the facility building 18 is an extension of the fitness center where the user may have additional exercise equipment, refreshments etc. Preferably, the facility building 18 is positioned adjacent to the tower structure 1, such that the user 11 may safely keep his belongings, take a shower, have a snack etc. before or after the user's workout in the tower structure 1. Accordingly, the facility building 18 comprises a plurality of lockers 19, a plurality of washrooms 20, and a refreshment center 21. However, the facility building 18 may comprise any other amenities and services that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered.

Various embodiments of the present invention include one or more of the following features:

(1) two or more staircases with varying configurations (U shape, circular spiral, etc.) for physical stair climbing and possessing interconnecting landings (normal staircases are a single set of stairs with intermittent landings and no interconnecting landings). One staircase is used exclusively to walk up, and the connecting staircase is used exclusively to walk down. At any landing, users walking up can decide to go down by simply walking on the interconnecting landing to the down staircase. Users on the down staircase can decide to walk up again by walking across the interconnecting landing and resuming walking up.

(2) Most staircases have an intermittent landing between floors, whereas the stringers of the present invention run from floor elevation to floor elevation with no intermittent landings, increasing the difficulty of climbing stairs.

(3) The present invention is a specifically designed for a self-contained free-standing building, not a mechanical device, with a special configuration of stairs and floor landings used exclusively for cardio workouts.

(4) The present invention and/or the stair tower that includes the present invention will have extensive lighting, a sound system (music & PA), security cameras, digital screens (for message & motivation), and HVAC (with an emphasis on oxygen and HEPA filters for quality).

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A vertical fitness center stair tower system, comprising: a tower structure;a cavity;a plurality of floors;a plurality of staircases;a plurality of interconnecting landings;a security system;a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system;the cavity traversing normally and centrally within the tower structure;the plurality of staircases and the plurality of interconnecting landing being mounted within the cavity;the cavity extending between a first end of the tower structure and a second end of the tower structure, wherein the first end is positioned opposite to the second end across the tower structure;the plurality of floors being evenly distributed within the tower structure;each of the plurality of floors being laterally offset from one another;each of the plurality of staircases comprising a plurality of stairs;a first set of staircases being mounted between a corresponding floor and an adjacent floor, wherein the first set of staircases are from the plurality of staircases, the corresponding floor is from the plurality of floors, and the adjacent floor is from the plurality of floors;the plurality of interconnecting landings connecting the plurality of staircases;each of the plurality of interconnecting landings being evenly distributed along the corresponding floor, wherein the corresponding floor is from the plurality of floors;the security system and the HVAC system being integrated within the tower structure.

2. The vertical fitness center stair tower system of claim 1, wherein the corresponding floor and the adjacent floor are positioned adjacent to each other.

3. The vertical fitness center stair tower system of claim 1, comprising: a first interconnecting landing, a second set of staircases, and a third set of staircases;the first interconnecting landing being integrated between the second set of staircases and the third set of staircases, wherein the first interconnecting landing is from the plurality of interconnecting landings;the second set of staircases starting from the first interconnecting landing and the third set of staircases ending at the first interconnecting landing, wherein the second set of staircases and the third set of staircases are from the plurality of staircases.

4. The vertical fitness center stair tower system of claim 1, the security system comprising: a plurality of security cameras;a plurality of emergency call buttons;the plurality of security cameras, and the plurality of emergency call buttons being evenly distributed within the tower structure; andthe plurality of emergency call buttons being accessibly positioned within the reach of a user within the tower structure.

5. The vertical fitness center stair tower system of claim 1, comprising: a plurality of lighting devices; andthe plurality of lighting devices being distributed within the tower structure.

6. The vertical fitness center stair tower system of claim 1, comprising: an entertainment system;the entertainment system comprising a plurality of audio-visual units, and a remote control;the entertainment system being electrically and electronically integrated within the tower structure;the plurality of audio-visual units being evenly distributed among the plurality of floors;the plurality of audio-visual units being operably coupled with the remote control, wherein manually operating the remote control enables functioning of the plurality of audio-visual units.

7. The vertical fitness center stair tower system of claim 1, comprising: a plurality of glass windows; andthe plurality of glass windows being laterally integrated onto the tower structure.

8. The vertical fitness center stair tower system of claim 1, wherein plurality of floors is ten floors.

9. The vertical fitness center stair tower system of claim 1, comprising: a climate control unit;the climate control unit being operably coupled with the HVAC system, wherein operating the climate control unit governs temperature and humidity adjustments of the HVAC system;the climate control unit being accessibly mounted for a user within the tower structure.

10. The vertical fitness center stair tower system of claim 1, comprising a facility building;the facility building comprising a plurality of lockers, a plurality of washrooms, and a refreshment center; andthe facility building being positioned adjacent to the tower structure.

11. A vertical fitness center stair tower system, comprising: a tower structure;a cavity;a plurality of floors;a plurality of staircases;a plurality of interconnecting landings;a plurality of security cameras;a plurality of emergency call buttons;a plurality of lighting devices;a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system;the cavity traversing normally and centrally within the tower structure;the plurality of staircases and the plurality of interconnecting landing being mounted within the cavity;the cavity extending between a first end of the tower structure and a second end of the tower structure, wherein the first end is positioned opposite to the second end across the tower structure;the plurality of floors being evenly distributed within the tower structure;each of the plurality of floors being laterally offset from one another;each of the plurality of staircases comprising a plurality of stairs;a first set of staircases being mounted between a corresponding floor and an adjacent floor, wherein the first set of staircases are from the plurality of staircases, the corresponding floor is from the plurality of floors, and the adjacent floor is from the plurality of floors;the plurality of interconnecting landings connecting the plurality of staircases;each of the plurality of interconnecting landings being evenly distributed along the corresponding floor, wherein the corresponding floor is from the plurality of floors;the plurality of security cameras, and the plurality of emergency call buttons being evenly distributed within the tower structure;the plurality of emergency call buttons being accessibly positioned within the reach of a user within the tower structure; andthe HVAC system and the plurality of lighting devices being integrated within the tower structure.

12. The vertical fitness center stair tower system of claim 11, wherein the corresponding floor and the adjacent floor are positioned adjacent to each other.

13. The vertical fitness center stair tower system of claim 11, comprising: an entertainment system;the entertainment system comprising a plurality of audio-visual units, and a remote control;the entertainment system being electronically integrated within the tower structure;the plurality of audio-visual units being evenly distributed among the plurality of floors;the plurality of audio-visual units being operably coupled with the remote control, wherein manually operating the remote control enables functioning of the plurality of audio-visual units.

14. The vertical fitness center stair tower system of claim 11, comprising: a plurality of glass windows; andthe plurality of glass windows being laterally integrated onto the tower structure.

15. The vertical fitness center stair tower system of claim 11, wherein plurality of floors is ten floors.

16. The vertical fitness center stair tower system of claim 11, comprising: a climate control unit;the climate control unit being operably coupled with the HVAC system, wherein operating the climate control unit governs temperature and humidity adjustments of the HVAC system;the climate control unit being accessibly mounted for a user within the tower structure.

17. The vertical fitness center stair tower system of claim 11, comprising a facility building;the facility building comprising a plurality of lockers, a plurality of washrooms, and a refreshment center; andthe facility building being positioned adjacent to the tower structure.