U.S. patent application number 09/821891 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-28 for aerobic step cube.
Invention is credited to Rodgers, Joseph L., Rodgers, M. Nicol.
Application Number | 20020177509 09/821891 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25234533 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020177509 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rodgers, Joseph L. ; et
al. |
November 28, 2002 |
Aerobic step cube
Abstract
Aerobic step apparatus comprised of stacked interfitting
components simulating a unitary structure from which a plurality of
different height steps can be selectively assembled. By selectively
combining the different components when disassembled from their
unitary structure, at least seven steps of different heights can be
readily formed.
Inventors: |
Rodgers, Joseph L.;
(Midlothian, TX) ; Rodgers, M. Nicol; (Midlothian,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Daniel Rubin
The White House On Turtle Creek
2401 Turtle Creek Blvd.
Dallas
TX
75219-4760
US
|
Family ID: |
25234533 |
Appl. No.: |
09/821891 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/0458
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/53 |
International
Class: |
A63B 022/04 |
Claims
We claim:
1. Aerobic step apparatus comprising: stacked interfitting
components simulating a unitary structure from which a plurality of
different components can be selectively withdrawn and assembled to
form different height steps.
2. Aerobic step apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which said
plurality of different components are suitable to form at least two
different height steps from components of said apparatus
selectively separated from the simulating unitary structure.
3. Aerobic step apparatus in accordance with claim 2 in which a
plurality of different height steps can comprise any of at least
seven different height steps.
4. Aerobic step apparatus comprising: a) a first box with walls of
predetermined height and rectangular configuration have a closed
top end; and b) at least one second box of predetermined height and
rectangular configuration adapted to interfit with said first box
at the underside of said first box and which when assembled onto
said first box cooperates with said first box for establishing a
selected step height.
5. Aerobic step apparatus comprising: a) a first box with walls of
predetermined height and rectangular configuration having a closed
top end; b) a plurality of second boxes of like rectangular
configuration of different heights and adapted to be stacked
contiguously one above the other, and c) interfitting means
positioned above selective of said second boxes to enable said
second boxes to interfit with each other in a stacking
relation.
6. Aerobic apparatus in accordance with claim 5 in which at least
one of said second boxes includes internal stop means for
supporting the intermitting means of another of said second boxes
contiguously above said at least one second box.
7. Aerobic apparatus in accordance with claim 6 in which said at
least one of said second boxes can be installed inverted with
respect to another second box for increasing the effective height
of their combination.
8. An aerobic apparatus in accordance with claim 7 in which said
interfitting means includes an interfit rectangular box attached
internally to one of said second boxes.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The field of art to which the invention relates comprises
aerobic apparatus utilized by persons for physical fitness
exercise.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Exercise of the human body for purposes of physical fitness
has become a fundamental staple of life that in recent years has
evolved into a flourishing industry. Numerous gymnasiums, exercise
salons, etc. with a wide variety of exercise products available
from commercial sources can be found in most communities. Even
upscale hotels provide exercise rooms for their patrons stocked
with various exercise equipment. Many individuals have allocated
specific areas of their residence or office for exercise equipment
they can use at their convenience.
[0003] A form of exercise equipment most commonly used at home
and/or fitness facilities are individual aerobic steps of a height
selected by the user. The person using any of the steps first sets
foot on the step and then repetitively over a prolonged time period
stands up until erect and then steps down in the manner of
climbing. The benefits directly attributed to such exercise include
enhanced shaping of the thighs and buttocks and cardio enhancement
of the participant.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRIOR ART
[0004] A form of aerobic stepping equipment is available from the
Reebok Company. Such equipment relies on repetitive stepping onto
an 8 inch step and is designed primarily for cardiovascular
exercise. It allegedly contributes to shaping of the
quadriceps.
[0005] Another form of aerobic step equipment is available in the
form of individual step stools of 12 or 14 inch height sold under
the trademark, "THE FANNY LIFTER" from The Firm of Mt. Pleasant,
S.C. The 12 inch height is suggested in their catalog literature as
being "Ideal for beginners or overweight exercisers. Also
recommended for exercisers of short to average height." The 14 inch
height is recommended as being "Ideal for intermediate or advanced
exercisers. Recommended for exercisers of average to tall
height."
[0006] Characteristic of the individual stools of the above type is
the fact that they represent items to be purchased and stored
separately and with limited size differentiation between them.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the invention is to provide a novel aerobic
step apparatus affording greater versatility than heretofore
available.
[0008] It is a further object of the invention to effect the
previous object with such an apparatus formed of interfitting stool
steps that can be selectively used singularly or in combination for
achieving any of numerous step heights at the option of the
user.
[0009] It is a still further object of the invention to effect the
previous objects with stool steps which when marketed and stored
can be of relatively light weight and a singular unitary
appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] This invention relates to aerobic step apparatus. More
specifically, the invention relates to a novel aerobic step
apparatus for conducting physical fitness type exercise and when
assembled affords a singular appearance with a versatility of an
expanded number of selectively available step heights.
[0011] The foregoing is achieved by a multiple of individual
components that when assembled together are interfit and stacked to
form a singular unitary appearing individual cube. Each of the
achieved steps are of a different height and when the components
are disassembled from the cube can be utilized selectively alone or
in combination to produce at least seven different step heights.
After use, the individual steps can be re-assembled back into the
original cube formation for storage.
[0012] It will be appreciated that the foregoing affords a user of
such equipment versatility not previously available. Not only does
storage of the unit require minimum space but it affords a
versatility with respect to family or other groups made up of
different sized individuals for which different steps or step
heights can be selected. Not least of the advantages is the lower
cost of a pre-assembled package of steps as compared to a
comparable number of individual steps purchased separately. Yet,
even when fully assembled, the unit is compact and light weight so
as to be readily portable.
[0013] The above noted features and advantages of the invention as
well as other superior aspects thereof will be further appreciated
by those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description
which follows in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the individual components of
the invention as assembled in a cube formation;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a sectional view as seen substantially along the
lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIGS. 3A and 3B are fragmentary views as seen substantially
along the lines 3A-3A and 3B-3B of FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 4A illustrates a combination of components from the
assembly of FIG. 1 for effecting a 4 inch step height while
[0018] FIG. 4B illustrates an exploded view thereof;
[0019] FIG. 5A illustrates a combination of components from the
assembly of FIG. 1 for effecting a 6 inch step height while
[0020] FIG. 5B illustrates an exploded view thereof;
[0021] FIG. 6A illustrates a combination of components from the
assembly of FIG. 1 for effecting an 8 inch step height while
[0022] FIG. 6B illustrates an exploded view thereof;
[0023] FIG. 7A illustrates a combination of components from the
assembly of FIG. 1 for effecting a 10 inch step height while
[0024] FIG. 7B illustrates an exploded view thereof;
[0025] FIG. 8A illustrates a combination of components from the
assembly of FIG. 1 for effecting a 14 inch step height while
[0026] FIG. 8B illustrates an exploded view thereof;
[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a combination of components from the
assembly of FIG. 1 for effecting a 14 inch step height while
[0028] FIG. 9B illustrates an exploded view thereof, and
[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates a combination of components from the
assembly of FIG. 1 for effecting a 17 inch step height while
[0030] FIG. 10B illustrates an exploded view thereof
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] In the description which follows, like parts are marked
throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference
numerals respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily to
scale and in certain views proportions may have been exaggerated
for purposes of clarity.
[0032] Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG.
1 the assembled cube hereof designated 10 and comprised of a
plurality of individual components for forming the various step
heights hereof. The assembly, as also seen in FIG. 2, includes the
various interfitting rectangular components that can be selectively
withdrawn for effecting the various step heights hereof as will be
described.
[0033] The entire cube assembly is preferably formed of a medium
density fiberboard utilizing oval cuts as 38, 40 and 42 to reduce
cube weight to about twenty-two pounds. This enables the cube to be
carried in position by a single individual before separating and
combining components for establishing the step height to be
utilized.
[0034] Representing the components are a top 12, a collar 20,
middle sections 28 and 32, a lower section 26 and a base 29 with
upright interfitting walls 31 for floor positioning. Middle section
28 includes rectangular dependent component 32 secured from below
to middle section 28 by brad nails 34. The step heights of FIGS.
4A-10A to be achieved are:
1 Height Designation Height From Floor Inches A 4 B 6 C 8 D 10 E 12
F 14 G 17
[0035] For effecting an A step height there is utilized, as best
seen in FIGS. 2, 4A and 4B, the uppermost top section 12 including
a top 14 is supported on rectangular arranged box legs 16.
Surrounding the legs is a loose fitting collar component 18 formed
of box-like walls 20. Use of the collar is optional for this size
step and when assembled in the manner of FIG. 4A, the under-edge 22
of leg 16 and the under-edge 24 of walls 20 provide a double width
support of a person's weight standing on top 14. For this purpose,
the legs 16 are taller than the legs 20, such that the top 14 is
located above collar 18 for effecting the desired height A.
[0036] For effecting the step height B, as best seen in FIGS. 2, 5A
and 5B, there is utilized the combination of top 12 along with
lower section 26, while step height C, as best seen in FIGS. 2, 6A
and 6B utilize a combination of top 12, collar 18 and lower section
26. Secured within component 26 are triangular support blocks 30
(FIG. 3) internally at each of the corners on which to receive and
support collar 18. The individual blocks in this embodiment support
collar 18 on which top 12 is caused to rest.
[0037] For effecting step height D, as best seen in FIGS. 2, 7A and
7B, the combination of top 12, middle sections 28, dependent unit
32 and lower section 26 are utilized, while for achieving step
height dimension E, as best seen in FIGS. 2, 8A and 8B, there is
utilized a stacked combination of top 12, collar 18, middle section
28 with dependent unit 32, and lower section 26.
[0038] For effecting, step height F, as best seen in FIGS. 2, 9A
and 9B there is utilized the same components as for height E except
lower section 26 is installed inverted from that used in FIGS. 8A
and 8B. With blocks 30 being closer to the under-edge of base 28 in
FIG. 2, inverting section 26 results in a two inch rise in the
overall height of the step as compared to the assembly of FIGS. 8A
and 8B.
[0039] Finally, the step G, as best seen in FIGS. 2, 10A and 10B
utilizes the same arrangement as in step F, with the addition of
base 29 inserted underneath. This results in an increased overall
height of three inches as compared to step F.
[0040] By the above description is disclosed a novel aerobic
exercise unit from which individual steps of selected height can be
readily formed with only a minimum of effort by a careful selection
and assembly from among various components of a cube. Since as many
as seven different heights can be readily achieved from the various
components forming the cube, there is afforded a versatility not
previously known. At the same time, there is afforded a substantial
reduction in costs compared to acquiring seven separate steps of
comparable height. The virtues thereof are many not least of which
are the convenience of handling and storage.
[0041] Since many changes could be made in the above construction
and many apparently widely different embodiments of this invention
could be made without the departing from the scope thereof, it is
intended that all matter contained in the drawings and
specification shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a
limiting sense.
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