U.S. patent application number 10/833031 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-03 for powerwalk plus.
Invention is credited to Boland, Kevin O..
Application Number | 20050245370 10/833031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35187839 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050245370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boland, Kevin O. |
November 3, 2005 |
Powerwalk plus
Abstract
The present invention is an exercise machine of providing a
double aerobic workout combined with toning and sculpting for
selected lower body muscle groups. The machine efficiently affords
multiple exercise modes, including a standing power walk with arm
toning exercise, a standing bun and thigh kick muscle toning
workout and step aerobics. The invention comprises a sleek,
lightweight frame with a padded base for stepping, standing or
walking in place upon, a rotating power arm with stabilizing
handgrip, and interchangeable pull handles and a foot attachment
mechanism connected to elastic cords creating adjustable levels of
pull resistance. In the first exemplary embodiment, the machine
employs a detachable power arm and front frame with an adjustable
height foot base. In the second exemplary embodiment, the power arm
and front frame are release-hinged for efficient folding for
storage. In a third exemplary embodiment, the padded base is not
height adjustable.
Inventors: |
Boland, Kevin O.; (Bethesda,
MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kevin O. Boland
5623 Massachusetts Avenue
Bethesda
MD
20816
US
|
Family ID: |
35187839 |
Appl. No.: |
10/833031 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/130 ;
482/121; 482/123 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2208/0204 20130101;
A63B 2071/027 20130101; A63B 21/00061 20130101; A63B 21/4013
20151001; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 21/04 20130101; A63B 21/055
20130101; A63B 23/0458 20130101; A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B
2210/50 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/130 ;
482/121; 482/123 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/04; A63B
021/008; A63B 021/02; A63B 071/00 |
Claims
1. A heart, arms, buttocks and thigh exercise machine comprising: a
main frame supporting said exercise machine; a front frame
extending vertically from and connected to said main frame; a power
arm having first and second operative ends and having a central
position rotatably connected to said front frame at a height above
said main frame so as to be operatively engageable by a user of
said machine; a stabilizing handlebar connected to said power arm
providing a balance control means to said user during certain modes
of exercise; a foot board connected to said main frame and
providing support for said user; a pull resistance mechanism
operatively housed with said power arm; handlebars; and a foot
attachment device selectively connectable to said pull resistance
mechanism at one or more ends of said power arm.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein the main frame is
comprised of a main bar, a rear bar, two side bars and a front
bar;
3. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein the front frame
releasably is connected to the main frame, to permit takedown for
storage;
4. The exercise machine of claim 1 further including a slideframe
fitting over the upper portion of said front frame; wherein the
slideframe is selectively positionable to allow height adjust of
the power arm.
5. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein the power arm is
attached to the exercise machine through a swivel connection,
allowing the power arm to rotate from horizontal to vertical to
facilitate alternate modes of exercise.
6. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein: the rotating power arm
is releasably attached to the exercise machine, to permit takedown
for storage.
7. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein: the foot board is
covered and padded for the comfort of the user.
8. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein the foot board is
height-adjustable to facilitate alternate modes of exercise.
9. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the pull resistance
mechanism consists of two or more elastic bands which provide the
adjustable resistance.
10. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the handle bars and
the foot attachment device are interchangeable to permit various
modes of exercise.
11. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the handlebars fit
into the ends of the power arm so as to prevent drooping during
non-use of the machine.
12. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the front frame is
hingedly connected to the main frame to allow folding of said
exercise machine.
13. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the power arm is
hingedly connected to the front frame to allow folding of said
exercise machine.
14. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the foot board is
optionally fixed in place.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to exercise machines which use
a form of resistance to exercise specific muscle groups of the
body. More specifically, the present invention is a versatile
cardio, arms, buttocks and thigh exercise machine with
variable-strength resistance adjustment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are many exercise machines available which offer
strengthening and conditioning for a variety of muscle groups. Many
use weights or other means to provide resistance to the muscles
being exercised. These machines are suitable for their intended
purpose, each targeting one or more specific body areas as
designed. Often, these machines are single function, requiring two
or more devices to accomplish the exercising of different body
areas, or the machines are bulky, unattractive or of a relatively
large size. Moreover, many are expensive and inconvenient to store
while not in use
[0003] Addressing these deficiencies, and with particular attention
focused on aerobics and lower body muscle toning exercise, the
present invention is an attractive, compact and lightweight
exercise machine which, by alternating between three configuration
modes, conveniently and easily allows exercising of the heart,
arms, buttocks and thigh muscles from a single, multi-purpose
device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An exercise machine is disclosed which is designed to focus
on two cardio workouts and lower body toning and sculpting. The
compact unit has a main base frame and a front frame, with a
quick-convert, rotating power arm and a padded foot board. The
machine also includes a variable-resistance pull mechanism, with
two interchangeable pulling attachments: a handlebar and an ankle
cuff. The exercises performed on this machine include a power walk,
bun and thigh muscle toning and sculpting and a step aerobics
workout.
[0005] In a first exemplary embodiment, the rotating power arms are
detachable from the front frame and the front frame is detachable
from the main frame. This facilitates storage of the unit. In
addition, the foot board is height-adjustable to provide varying
options for exercising. A lower foot board position provides a
platform suitable for the powerwalk, the primary bun and thigh
muscle toning and sculpting exercises and a light step aerobic
workout. An elevated position of the footboard provides a move
intense step aerobic workout and additional bun and thigh toning
exercise.
[0006] In a second exemplary embodiment, the connections of the
power arms to the front frame and of the front frame to the main
frame are of the hinge-release type, which provides for a quicker
take down for storage.
[0007] In a third exemplary embodiment, the foot board is not
height-adjustable.
[0008] The unique and innovative machine provides for efficient
versatility of use in effectively exercising two key body areas
from three modes of use. With the machine in the power walk mode,
the user walks in place upon the foot board while simultaneously
exercising the arms by pulling the variable-resistance handlebars
on the rotating power arm handle bar frame. This promotes a strong
cardio workout which is accomplished quicker than regular walking
and offers upper arm toning as an added benefit. Switching to the
bun and thigh mode, the power arm is rotated into a vertical
position and an ankle cuff is attached in place of the lower handle
bar. Placing one ankle at a time into the ankle cuff, the buttocks,
and inner and outer thigh muscles are alternatively exercised by a
series of moves kicking or pulling out against the resistance
mechanism. Finally, returning the rotating handle bar frame to the
horizontal position and raising the foot board, the user performs
an aerobic step exercise on and off the elevated foot board.
[0009] The resistance mechanism utilizes two or more elastic bands
of differing strengths to provide a smooth, even and consistent
positive and negative resistance. The strength of the resistance
can be varied by connecting or disconnecting the elastic bands in
different combinations. The unit can include a sturdy support
handle attached to the rotating power arm to facilitate the bun and
thigh exercises where the user stands on one leg at a time.
[0010] The unit is designed to be sleek, attractive and affordable
and more fun than walking and safe and easy to use for all ages. It
is lightweight and easy to move and position for use and storage.
The compact shape of the machine makes it ideal for use in a small
room of the house. The machine frame can be made of metal or any
other rigid material with typically plastic handle bars and grips
and a padded foot board. It is simple to move between exercises;
that is, to go from the power walk mode, to the bun and thigh mode
and then on to the step aerobics mode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed
hereinafter in reference to the drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a fully assembled view of the first
exemplary embodiment of the exercise machine.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the exercise machine.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a detail view of many of the minor interconnecting
and adorning components.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates the underside of the main frame of the
exercise machine.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows the interconnection of the front frame and the
main frame.
[0017] FIG. 6 shows the connection of the slide frame to the front
frame.
[0018] FIG. 7 shows the connection of the power arm to the slide
frame.
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates the attachment of the elastic bands to
the handle bars.
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates the attachment of the ankle cuff to the
elastic bands.
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a user exercising on the powerwalk
mode.
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a user exercising on the step aerobics
mode.
[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a user exercising on the bun and
hamstring kick mode.
[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates a user exercising on the outer thigh
mode (inner thigh mode is not shown).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0025] In the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exercise machine comprises an
assembly (100) consisting of the primary components of a main frame
(18), a front frame (05), a slide frame (07) and a power arm (08).
Attached to said primary components are the secondary components of
a support frame (35), adjustment frames (14), a spring (04), a foot
board (01), two plastic handle bars (11), a handle seat (31),
elastic bands (12 and 13) and a stabilizing handle bar (27) with a
slip-resistant hand grip (28). Said primary and secondary
components are interconnected and suitably adorned with minor
components, some of which are herein described, but all of which
are of a type and nature common to those skilled in the art of
mechanical construction with the intent to safely market to the
general public. Said minor components are shown in FIG. 3.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, the main frame (18) comprises a main bar
(36) with a stabilizing rear bar (37) attached to the back end of
the main bar and side bars (38) attached on opposite sides of the
main bar. A stabilizing front bar (39) is attached at the front of
the main frame. The end bar (37) and side bars (38) contain pivot
connection points (40) as shown in FIG. 2 which are common to those
skilled in such art for connection of one end of the adjustment
frames (14).
[0027] The front frame (05) is a bar which is connected to the main
frame (18) above the front bar (39) as shown in FIG. 5. The knob
(06) connection shown in FIG. 2 facilitates easy disassembly of the
front frame from the main frame for storage. There are a series of
positioning holes (41) at the top of the front frame (05) arranged
at a suitable spacing along its length.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the slide frame (07) comprises a
bar of larger size than the front frame (05) with a swivel sleeve
(071) on the front side and a position lock hole (42) through the
opposite side. The swivel sleeve (071) contains a rotation set hole
(072) on the top of the sleeve. The slide frame (07) passes over
the top of the front frame (05) and is held in place at varying
positions near the top of the front frame by inserting a pop-pin
(25) through the position lock hole (42) and into one of the
positioning holes (41).
[0029] The power arm (08) is a generally U-shaped hollow bar as
shown in FIG. 2. A swivel axle (43) is attached to the mid-point of
the power arm as shown in FIG. 7. The swivel axle has a pair of
rotation positioning holes (not shown) of the variety common to
those familiar with the concept of swivel connections. The
stabilizing handle bar (27) with slip-resistant hand grip (28) is
connected to one leg of the power arm (08).
[0030] Elastic bands (12, 13), as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, pass
through the interior of the power arm (08) and through handle seats
(31) located at the ends of the power arm. The handle seats (31)
comprise a hollow fixture, one end of which is smaller and one
which is larger than the ends of the power arm (08). The smaller
end of the handle seat slides into the power arm (08) until the
larger end of the handle seat abuts the end of the power arm.
Internal to the handle seats are a set of conveyance wheels (30)
upon which the elastic bands rest and ride during use. The
conveyance wheels provide for smooth operation of the elastic bands
and help prevent their fraying from repeated use. The elastic bands
(12, 13) are of one or more sizes (strengths) to facilitate a
resistance-based workout while using the invention. The ends of the
elastic bands pass through the handle seats (31) and are fastened
to the inner end of handle bars (11) as shown in FIG. 8. The
tension in the elastic bands (12, 13) holds the handle bars (11)
against the handle seats (31) during non-use of the invention.
Also, as shown on FIG. 8, male prongs (44) of handlebars (11) mate
with female recesses (45) (not shown) in the end stops (31) of
power arms (08) to prevent drooping of the handlebars when not in
use.
[0031] In the embodiment described above, the exercise machine is
disclosed with two elastic bands (12 and 13). However, a greater or
lesser number of elastic bands may be employed without departing
from the scope of the invention.
[0032] The power arm (08) is connected to the slide frame (07) by
inserting the swivel axle (43) into the swivel sleeve (071) as
shown in FIG. 2. The insertion is secured by tightening screws (10)
behind a raised surface (not shown) on the swivel axle (43), of the
kind common to those familiar with the function of a swivel
connection. This connection allows the power arm to rotate freely
without pulling apart. The power arm position is fixed by inserting
a swivel pin (09) through the rotation set hole (072) in the swivel
sleeve (071) and into the swivel axle (43) at alternative positions
to facilitate various modes of exercise.
[0033] The main frame (18), front frame (05), slide frame (07) and
power arm (08) are each made of tubular metal or other suitable
sturdy, lightweight material. The hand grip (28), handle seats (31)
and handle bars (11) are made of plastic or any other material
suitable for the application and use.
[0034] The support frame (35) comprises a metal or other rigid
material framework with four support legs (45) as shown in FIG. 2.
The support frame is attached to and alternatively rests upon four
adjustment frames (14). The support frame is attached to the
adjustment frames by pivot connections (40) as shown in FIG. 4. The
adjustment frame (14) comprises a short bar or tube with the
indicated pivot connection facilities at each end. Along the front
side of the lower end of each adjustment frame is a triangular
gusset stop plate (44) as shown in FIG. 2. Attached to the
underside of the support frame (35) and the top side of the main
frame (18) is a tension spring (04) as shown in FIG. 2.
[0035] The foot board (01) is a rigid plane surface of lightweight
metal or other suitable material which is comfort-padded in a
manner common to those skilled in the art. The foot board is
attached to the topside of the support frame (35) by screws or
other suitable means. The foot board may be placed in either a low
position (see FIG. 5) or elevated position (see FIG. 1) by the
user. To raise the foot board from the low position, with the
support frame's support legs (45) resting on the floor, to the
elevated position, the foot board (01) is lifted by the user. As
the attached support frame (35) rises, through rotation of the
pivoting adjustment bars (14), the tension spring (04) pulls the
support frame and foot board toward the front of the machine until
the gusset stop plates (44) on the adjustment frames (14) come to
rest against the side bars (38) of the main frame (18). This
secures the foot board in its elevated position. To lower the foot
board to the low position, the user pulls backward on the foot
board, stretching tension spring (04) as the foot board and
attached support frame slide backward and downward through reverse
rotation of the pivoting adjustment bars until the support legs
(45) rest on the floor. In this position the weight of the foot
board and support frame together are sufficient to overcome the
tension in the spring and the foot board stays in place in its low
position.
[0036] The invention has three primary modes of exercise. These are
the power walk mode, the bun and thigh muscle toning mode and the
step aerobics mode.
[0037] In the power walk mode, as shown in FIG. 10, the slide frame
(07) is positioned at a suitable height for the user. The power arm
(08) is positioned horizontally (FIG. 1) and the foot board (01) is
placed in the low position (FIG. 5) with the support frame (35) at
rest on its feet (45). To exercise, the user stands on the foot
board with his back to the power arm. Grasping the handle bars
(11), the user walks in place on the foot board (01) while swinging
the arms in a walking motion, alternatively pulling on the handle
bars, thus stretching and releasing the elastic bands (12 and/or
13), and engaging the arm muscles in the exercise. In this mode,
the user receives a cardio workout while toning the arms.
Resistance at the handle bars (11) can be adjusted by connecting or
disconnecting either of the elastic bands prior to use.
[0038] In the bun and thigh exercise mode, there are three
sub-modes of exercise. These are the bun and hamstring kick, which
incorporates a straight leg quadricep extension, the inner thigh
pull and the outer thigh pull.
[0039] In the bun and hamstring kick sub-mode as shown in FIG. 12,
the power arm (08) is positioned vertically and the foot board (01)
is placed in the low position (FIG. 5) with the support frame (35)
at rest on its feet (45). The lower handle bar (11) is removed and
a foot attachment device, such as an ankle cuff or any other
suitable mechanism (32) is attached in its place as shown in FIG.
9. With one hand on the hand grip (28), the ankle is placed within
the loop of the ankle cuff (32). To exercise, the user stands
facing the power arm (08) and repetitively kicks backward with the
leg attached to the ankle cuff and then returns the leg to the
original position. In the inner thigh sub-mode (not shown), the
user stands sideways to the power arm. With the ankle cuff (32)
attached to the leg closest to the lower end of the power arm, the
user repetitively kicks across the front of the body (away from the
lower end of the power arm) while holding onto the hand grip (28).
In the outer thigh sub-mode, as shown in FIG. 13 when viewed from
the front of the machine, the user remains standing sideways to the
power arm and places the ankle cuff (32) around the opposite ankle.
Again holding onto the stabilizing handle bar (27), the user
repetitively kicks away from the lower end of the power arm (08),
spreading the legs against the resistance of the elastic bands (12,
13).
[0040] In the step aerobics mode, as shown in FIG. 11, the power
arm (08) is again placed in the horizontal position. The foot board
(01) is raised to its elevated position (FIG. 1) by lifting the
foot board and support frame (35) assembly as the tension spring
(04) pulls the assembly forward until it rests on the gusset stop
plates (44). To exercise, the user steps from the floor to the foot
board, and then back to the floor, alternating feet in a repetitive
manner.
[0041] To store the machine while not in use, the power arm (08)
and slide frame (07) are removed as a unit by removing pop pin (25)
and lifting the slide frame up over the end of the front frame
(05). Then the front frame is removed by removing knob (06) and
dislocating the front frame from its connection point above the
front bar (39) of the main frame (18).
[0042] In a second exemplary embodiment (not shown), the exercise
machine is constructed with a hinged-release front frame-to-main
frame connection and slide frame-to-power arm connection, which
allows the machine to be quickly folded into a relatively flat
profile to be slid under a bed.
[0043] In a third exemplary embodiment (not shown), the exercise
machine does not come with an adjustable height foot plate.
[0044] Because many varying and different embodiments may be made
within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught, and
because many modifications may be made in the embodiments herein
detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the
law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *