U.S. patent application number 10/923993 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-23 for step/balance apparatus.
Invention is credited to Jennifer J. Holloway.
Application Number | 20060040796 10/923993 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35910344 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060040796 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holloway; Jennifer J. |
February 23, 2006 |
Step/balance apparatus
Abstract
A Step/Balance Apparatus, typically used for exercise and
aerobic training, is characterized by the structure including a
pillow disposed on the top surface, whereby the user not only
obtains the benefit of step exercise but also additionally
strengthens the muscles of the calves and inner thighs because the
pillow causes the user's weight and center of gravity to shift as
steps are made. The pillow top may be constructed from a variety of
materials such as, for example, a flexible covering filled with
foam, fluid, or a granular material.
Inventors: |
Holloway; Jennifer J.;
(Clearwater, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVID W. PETTIS, JR., PA
1210 MILLENIUM PARKWAY
SUITE 2010
BRANDON
FL
33511-0833
US
|
Family ID: |
35910344 |
Appl. No.: |
10/923993 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/028 20130101;
A63B 23/0458 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/052 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/04 20060101
A63B022/04 |
Claims
1. A step/balance apparatus of the type primarily used for exercise
and aerobic training, said apparatus comprising: a top, a bottom
opposite said top, opposed front and back sides interconnecting
said top and said bottom, and opposed left and right sides
interconnecting said top and said bottom; said top further
comprising a pillow disposed thereon, said pillow being formed from
a non-rigid material.
2. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said pillow is attached to
said top.
3. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said pillow is removably
attached to said top.
4. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said top, said bottom, said
front and back sides and said left and right sides are formed from
a substantially rigid material, and said top comprises a relieved
portion dimensioned and configured to receive said pillow
therein.
5. An apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said pillow is attached to
said top within said relieved portion.
6. An apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said pillow is removably
attached to said top within said relieved portion.
7. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said pillow comprises an
exposed non-skid surface.
8. An apparatus as in claim 7 wherein said non-rigid material
comprises a flexible covering containing a foam.
9. An apparatus as in claim 7 wherein said non-rigid material
comprises a flexible covering containing a fluid.
10. An apparatus as in claim 7 wherein said non-rigid material
comprises a flexible covering containing a granular material.
11. An apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of
risers, each one of said risers being removably attachable to said
bottom, whereby the distance of said top from a support surface on
which said apparatus is placed may be varied.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a step/balance apparatus
typically used by individuals at home and in training centers as an
exercise device. A user, alternating his or her feet, steps onto
and off the apparatus for the purpose of strengthening the leg
muscles and providing aerobic exercise. The apparatus of this
invention is unique in that the top surface of the step comprises a
"pillow." Use of the term "pillow" to describe the present
invention is intended to define a soft, flexible, cushion-like
material that will flex, give, and deflect when the weight of a
user is placed thereon. Thus, the present invention not only
provides step exercise, but also more thoroughly exercises the
muscles of the calves and thighs of the user because the user's
center of gravity will shift as the pillow deforms with each step.
In fact, the user's sense of balance and ability to maintain his or
her balance will also be improved by use of this invention.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Patent literature, non-patent literature, and commercially
available step exercisers are quite well known in the prior art.
One type of step exerciser might be more correctly referred to as a
stair step machine, for such devices actually provide two, separate
and moveable platforms for each foot of the user so that, in use,
one basically feels as if he or she is climbing a set of stairs.
These devices typically include means for adjusting the resistance
provided by each step.
[0005] A second form of step exerciser, more closely related to the
structure of this invention, basically comprises a raised platform
onto which the user steps with alternating feet. These static step
devices typically include means for adjusting the height of the
step by the provision of removably attachable elements for the
purpose of increasing or decreasing the distance from the top of
the step surface to the supporting surface on which the user
stands. Some prior art devices of the static type have even
included spring-type supports for the step top surface.
[0006] However, there remains a need in the art for a static step
apparatus that not only provides general exercise and aerobic
training, but also simple, efficient means whereby the user's
center of gravity may shift and change with each step for the
purpose of enhancing not only the user's sense of balance, but also
for enhancing the muscular exercise experienced when using such an
apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The step/balance apparatus of this invention comprises a
substantially standard static step exercise device and is
characterized by the provision of a relatively soft and deformable
pillow disposed on the top of the apparatus, the pillow actually
being engaged by the user's feet. While the structure of the pillow
of this invention is more particularly set forth hereinafter, it
basically comprises a flexible covering containing a deformable
material such that, with each step of the user, the user's center
of gravity shifts.
[0008] The invention accordingly comprises an article of
manufacture possessing the features, properties, and the relation
of elements which will be exemplified in the articles hereinafter
described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a first embodiment of
the step/balance apparatus of this invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a left side elevation of the apparatus of FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1
depicting a user's foot contacting the pillow.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to that of FIG. 4
depicting the user's foot deflecting the pillow.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a second embodiment of
the step/balance apparatus of this invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a left side elevation of the apparatus of FIG.
6.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 6
depicting the user's foot contacting the pillow.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a sectional view similar to that of FIG. 9
depicting a user's foot deflecting the pillow.
[0020] Similar reference characters refer to similar parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Referring to the views of FIGS. 1-5, a first preferred
embodiment of the step/balance apparatus of this invention is
generally indicated as 20. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, apparatus 20
comprises a top 22, a bottom 24, a front side 26, back side 28,
left side 30, and right side 32. The views of FIGS. 1 and 2 further
illustrate that apparatus 20 may also comprise a plurality of
risers 34, one or more of which may be disposed beneath bottom 24
for the purpose of increasing the distance between top 22 and the
support surface (not shown) on which apparatus 20 is placed. While
four such risers 34 are shown in the view of FIG. 1, any number,
including none, of risers 34 may be used in combination with
apparatus 20.
[0022] Top 22, bottom 24, front side 26, back side 28, left side
30, and right side 32 are preferably formed from a substantially
rigid material such as, for example, plastic, and may be molded in
a single piece. However, the scope of the present invention is not
to be limited thereby. According to well known construction
techniques, a variety of rigid materials may be used for these
elements, and they may be formed as separate elements and
appropriately attached one to another. Thus, these structural
elements may be formed from, for example, not only plastics but
also wood, metal, or fiberglass.
[0023] Also shown in the view of FIGS. 1-3 is the pillow, generally
indicated as 36, disposed on top 22 of apparatus 20. The exposed
surface of pillow 36, perhaps best seen in the view of FIG. 3,
preferably comprises a non-skid surface as indicated by the
crosshatching of FIG. 3.
[0024] Referring to the sectional views of FIGS. 4 and 5,
additional construction details may be seen. Pillow 36 comprises a
flexible covering 38, and disposed within the volume defined by
flexible covering 38 is a non-rigid material. In this apparatus 20,
the non-rigid material may comprise, for example, a fluid
(including, without limitation, gels) or granular material 40.
[0025] The views of FIGS. 4 and 5 schematically illustrate a shoe
42 of a user (not shown) being placed onto covering 38 of pillow
36, as indicated by directional arrow A, and the deflection of
material 40 contained within covering 38 of pillow 36 when the
weight of the user (not shown) transfers to pillow 36, as indicated
by directional arrow B.
[0026] Still referring to the sectional views of FIGS. 4 and 5, one
can see that top 22 of apparatus 20 comprises a relieved portion
44, and that relieved portion 44 is dimensioned and configured to
receive pillow 36 therein. Thus, pillow 36 is operatively
"attached" to apparatus 20 by disposing pillow 36 within relived
portion 44. Pillow 36 may be permanently affixed within relieved
portion 44 using, for example, an adhesive. Alternatively, pillow
36, may simply be loosely placed within relieved portion 44. As yet
another alternative, pillow 36 may be removably attached to top 22
within relieved portion 44 using known fasteners such as, for
example, snaps, magnets, or even hook and loop fasteners.
[0027] While the sectional views of FIGS. 4 and 5 also illustrate
the presence of a void 46 within the interior of apparatus 20, it
is to be understood that this is only for purposes of illustrating
this first preferred embodiment for apparatus 20. As previously
discussed above, while the preferred embodiment may be molded from
plastic, resulting in the formation of a void 46, this is not to be
interpreted as limiting the scope of the present invention.
[0028] Turning to the views of FIGS. 6-10, a second preferred
embodiment is generally indicated as 50. The individual elements of
apparatus 50, where identical to those of apparatus 20, have been
identified by identical reference numerals. The primary difference
between apparatus 50 and apparatus 20 is that pillow 36 of
apparatus 50 comprises a resilient, deformable material such as,
for example, foam 52. Foam 52 may be either natural or synthetic,
and the term "foam" is intended to encompass and define known like
materials that exhibit physical characteristics of resilience,
deformability, and memory for return to its original state.
[0029] Having thus set forth constructions for a first embodiment
of apparatus 20 and a second embodiment of apparatus 50, one can
appreciate the benefits obtainable through use of either apparatus
20 or 50. Not only will one obtain the rather "standard" benefit of
step-exercising, but also one will obtain additional exercise of
the muscles of the calf and inner thigh, resulting primarily from
the shifting of the user's center of gravity occasioned by the
shifts and rolls of pillow 36 as depicted in the views of FIGS. 4,
5, 9 and 10.
[0030] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among
those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently
attained, and since certain changes may be made in the above
article without departing from the scope of the invention, it is
intended that all matter contained in the above description or
shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as
illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
[0031] 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 which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall
there between.
[0032] Now that the invention has been described,
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