U.S. patent application number 11/388446 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-28 for exercise apparatus for full figured individuals.
Invention is credited to Carol Medvec, Ann White.
Application Number | 20060217240 11/388446 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37035932 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060217240 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
White; Ann ; et al. |
September 28, 2006 |
Exercise apparatus for full figured individuals
Abstract
An exercise apparatus for fully figured individuals includes a
low profile frame having a first support member, a second support
member, a front base, a rear base, and stem support member, a seat
bar pivotally attached to said frame, an oversized seat rotatably
connected to said seat bar, first and second stems pivotally
attached to said stem support member, first and second rocking
bars, wherein the first rocking bar is pivotally attached to said
first stem and said second rocking bar is pivotally attached to
said second stem, and wherein said rocking bars are pivotally
attachable to said seat bar, first and second handlebars connected
to said first and second stems, first and second oversized foot
pedals connected to said first and second stems, and a piston
having two ends, wherein one end is connected to said frame, and
the second end is connected to said bar. An exercise apparatus for
fully figured individuals configured to provide at least 432 square
inches of surface seating area. An exercise apparatus for fully
figured individuals configured to support user by a user weight up
to 1000 pounds.
Inventors: |
White; Ann; (Vancouver,
WA) ; Medvec; Carol; (Vancouver, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
K.M. RYLANDER;RYLANDER & ASSOCIATES
406 West 12th Street
Vancouver
WA
98660
US
|
Family ID: |
37035932 |
Appl. No.: |
11/388446 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60665601 |
Mar 25, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/72 ;
482/95 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/068 20130101;
A63B 2225/09 20130101; A63B 21/0087 20130101; A63B 69/04 20130101;
A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 23/03583 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/072 ;
482/095 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/06 20060101
A63B069/06; A63B 21/068 20060101 A63B021/068 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus for fully figured individuals, comprising:
a low profile frame having a first support member, a second support
member, a front base, a rear base, and stem support member; a seat
bar pivotally attached to said frame; an oversized seat rotatably
connected to said seat bar; first and second stems pivotally
attached to said stem support member; first and second rocking
bars, wherein the first rocking bar is pivotally attached to said
first stem and said second rocking bar is pivotally attached to
said second stem, and wherein said rocking bars are pivotally
attachable to said seat bar; first and second handlebars adjustably
connected to said first and second stems; first and second
oversized foot pedals adjustably connected to said first and second
stems; and a piston having two ends, wherein one end is connected
to said frame, and the second end is connected to said bar.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising wheel assemblies
attached to said low profile frame, wherein said wheel assemblies
include wheels, axles and mounts.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said handles are slidably
adjustable along said stems.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pedals are slidably
adjustable along said stems.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the seat is slidably
adjustable along said seat bar.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the piston resistance is
adjustable to accommodate varying exertion levels.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said seat has at least 24
inches wide by at least 18 inches long.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said seat is at least 24
inches wide.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the seat is at least 18 inches
long.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 of sufficient strength to support use
by a user of up to 1000 pound in weight.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 of sufficient strength to support use
by a user of up to 600 pounds in weight.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said frame, said first and
second stems, and said first and second rocking bars are comprised
of tubular steel members.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said tubular steel members
are square cross section.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said tubular steel members
are square cross sectioned members of dimensions approximately 1.5
inches per side, and 3/16 inches wall thickness.
15. An exercise apparatus for fully figured individuals,
comprising: a frame which supports a user up to 1000 pounds in
weight; a seat bar pivotally attached to said frame which supports
a user of up to 1000 pounds in weight; an oversized seat having at
least 432 square inches of seating surface area rotatably connected
to said seat bar, and which supports a user of up to 1000 pounds in
weight; first and second stems pivotally attached to said stem
support member; first and second rocking bars pivotally attached
first and second stems and pivotally pivotally attachable to said
seat bar, and which support a user of up to 1000 pounds in weight;
first and second handlebars adjustably connected to said first and
second stems; first and second oversized foot pedals adjustably
connected to said first and second stems; and a piston having two
ends, wherein one end is connected to said frame, and the second
end is connected to said bar.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority
to prior co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/665,601 filed on Mar. 25, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to sit-on exercise
equipment.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Prior to now obese persons ranging from 200 to 1,000 pounds
had difficulty accessing exercise machines because their physical
size was incompatible with the physical dimensions of the
machinery, including the machine's height, handlebar location, and
seat size, location, and adjustability. Similarly, exercise
machines that placed pressure on joints caused medical problems and
discomfort for obese persons. Another problem arose in that
exercise machines' foot pedals were too small to accommodate obese
persons, diabetics or others with foot problems. The high frames of
exercise machines also caused difficulty to persons confined to a
bed or unable to take high steps in accessing the exercise
equipment. Those with limited mobility faced the additional dilemma
of being unable to straddle the exercise machine prior to seating,
resulting in loss of stability. Thus, there is a need for an
apparatus that addresses these concerns.
[0004] Presently known art attempts to address this problem, but
has not completely solved the problem. The following represents a
list of known related art: TABLE-US-00001 Reference: Issued to:
Date of Issue: U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,760 Bobroff Nov. 17, 1981 U.S.
Pat. No. 5,464,378 Yu Nov. 7, 1995
[0005] The teachings of each of the above-listed citations (which
does not itself incorporate essential material by reference) are
herein incorporated by reference. None of the above inventions and
patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to
describe the instant invention as claimed.
[0006] Thus, while the foregoing body of art indicates it to be
well known to have exercise apparatuses, the art described above
does not teach or suggest an exercise apparatus for fully figured
individuals which has the following combination of desirable
features: (1) provides obese persons with an exercise machine that
allows them to obtain a cardiac and strength training workout
without placing pressure on their joints; (2) has a low profile
frame providing machine access to a person with limited movement;
(3) constructed with strong weight-bearing materials; (4) has a
seat that is also much wider than traditional exercise machines to
provide for comfort and stability; (5) has a seat that seat pivots
to assist the user onto the machine; (6) has a seat that adjusts
forward and backward to accommodate different leg lengths; (7) has
overlarge foot pedals to accommodate a larger foot; (8) has
handlebars also adjust up or down to accommodate different arm
lengths; (9) can support and be used by individuals weighing up to
1000 pounds.
SUMMARY AND ADVANTAGES
[0007] The exercise apparatus for fully figured individuals of the
present invention includes a low profile frame having a first
support member, a second support member, a front base, a rear base,
and stem support member, a seat bar pivotally attached to said
frame, an oversized seat rotatably connected to said seat bar,
first and second stems pivotally attached to said stem support
member, first and second rocking bars, wherein the first rocking
bar is pivotally attached to said first stem and said second
rocking bar is pivotally attached to said second stem, and wherein
said rocking bars are pivotally attachable to said seat bar, first
and second handlebars connected to said first and second stems,
first and second oversized foot pedals connected to said first and
second stems, a piston having two ends, wherein one end is
connected to said frame, and the second end is connected to said
bar. An exercise apparatus for fully figured individuals can have a
seat having at least 432 square inches of surface seating area.
[0008] An exercise apparatus for fully figured individuals includes
a frame which supports a user of up to 1000 pounds in weight, a
seat bar pivotally attached to said frame which supports a user of
up to 1000 pounds in weight, an oversized seat having at least 432
square inches of seating surface area rotatably connected to said
seat bar, and which supports a user of up to 1000 pounds in weight,
first and second stems pivotally attached to said stem support
member, first and second rocking bars pivotally attached first and
second stems and pivotally pivotally attachable to said seat bar,
and which support a user of up to 1000 pounds in weight, first and
second handlebars connected to said first and second stems, first
and second oversized foot pedals connected to said first and second
stems, a piston having two ends, wherein one end is connected to
said frame, and the second end is connected to said bar.
[0009] The exercise apparatus for fully figured individuals of the
present invention presents numerous advantages, including: (1)
provides obese persons with an exercise machine that allows them to
obtain a cardiac and strength training workout without placing
pressure on their joints; (2) has a low profile frame providing
machine access to a person with limited movement; (3) constructed
with strong weight-bearing materials; (4) has a seat that is also
much wider than traditional exercise machines to provide for
comfort and stability; (5) has a seat that seat rotates to assist
the user onto the machine; (6) has a seat that adjusts forward and
backward to accommodate different leg lengths; (7) has overlarge
foot pedals to accommodate a larger foot; (8) has handlebars also
adjust up or down to accommodate different arm lengths; (9) can
support and be used by individuals weighing up to 1000 pounds in
one embodiment; (10) can support and by used by individuals weight
up to 600 pounds in another embodiment.
[0010] Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious
from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The advantages of the invention may be realized and
attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Further benefits
and advantages of the embodiments of the invention will become
apparent from consideration of the following detailed description
given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which specify
and show preferred embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more
embodiments of the present invention and, together with the
detailed description, serve to explain the principles and
implementations of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows a view showing an aspect of the piston of the
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 6 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 7 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 8 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 9 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 10 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 11 shows the handle portion of the embodiment of FIG.
1.
[0023] FIG. 12 shows a view of the seat portion of the embodiment
of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 13 shows a view of the seat portion of the embodiment
of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 14 shows a view of the seat portion of the embodiment
of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Before-beginning a detailed description of the subject
invention, mention of the following is in order. When appropriate,
like reference materials and characters are used to designate
identical, corresponding, or similar components in differing figure
drawings. The figure drawings associated with this disclosure
typically are not drawn with dimensional accuracy to scale, i.e.,
such drawings have been drafted with a focus on clarity of viewing
and understanding rather than dimensional accuracy.
[0027] In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features
of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It
will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such
actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions
must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals,
such as compliance with application- and business-related
constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one
implementation to another and from one developer to another.
Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort
might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a
routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in
the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1-14, an exercise apparatus for fully
figured individuals 10 is provided and includes a low profile frame
14, a pivoting seat bar 22 pivotally connected to said low profile
frame 14, a rotatable oversized seat 12 rotatably connected to said
pivoting seat bar, rocking bars 50 pivotally connectable to said
seat bar, pivoting stems 16 pivotably connected to said rocking
bars, oversized foot pedals 18 connected to said pivoting stems,
handle 20 connected to said pivoting stems, a piston 24 connected
to said low profile frame 14 and said pivoting seat bar 22. The
exercise apparatus 10 can further include wheels mount assembly 26
attached to said low profile frame.
[0029] Low profile frame 14 is preferably two parallel inverted
elongated "U" shaped supports 14a, 14b with a front base 14c
perpendicularly joining the two supports and attached to the front
ends of said supports, and a rear base 14d perpendicularly joining
the two supports and attached to the opposite ends portions of said
supports. Low profile frame 14 has a seat pivot point 30 where the
seat bar 22 is pivotally attached the frame. Low profile frame 14
is further provided with a pivoting stem support member 32 to which
pivoting stems 16 are pivotally connected. Pivoting stem support
member 32 is preferably rectangular with one end perpendicularly
connecting two supports 14a, 14b of low profile frame 14 above the
front base 14d and extending upward.
[0030] Seat bar 22 is pivotally attached to the low profile frame
14 at the seat pivot point 30. Seat bar 22 is preferably provided
with a number of bolt passages 80 through said seat bar 22 through
which a sliding locking bolt 84 can be removably inserted to
slidably adjust the oversized seat 12 on the seat bar 22.
[0031] Rocking bars 50 are preferably parallel elongated "U"
members with one set of ends pivotally and removably connected to
the seat bar 22 at rocking bar-seat bar bolt passage 52 and the
other ends pivotally attached each to a pivoting stem 16 at a
pivoting stem pivot point 54. Rocking bars 50 can be easily
disengaged from the seat bar 22. Preferably a removable sliding
locking rocking bar bolt 56 inserts through rocking bar bolt
passages 58 matching a rocking bar-seat bar bolt passage 52 on the
seat bar 22, pivotally locking the rocking bars 50 to the seat bar
22 at said rocking bar-seat bar bolt passage 52.
[0032] Rotatable oversized seat 12 is rotatably attached to the
seat bar 22 and is oversized. Preferably the seat 12 is at least 24
inches wide and 18 inches long and has a surface seating area of
432 square inches. Seat 12 pivots rotatably 90-degrees to allow use
by individuals whose movement is impaired by excess weight.
Preferably seat can be adjusted forwards and backwards accommodate
a variety of leg lengths. Adjustment bar holes 80 transect the seat
bar 22 matching in alignment to hole 82 in seat mount to allow a
bar 84 with a handle on one end to go through the seat mount hole
82 and the adjustment bar holes 80 to lock seat 12 in a position on
the seat bar 22. Seat 12 is rotatably attached to the seat bar
mount housing 86. In preferred embodiment seat 12 is rotatably
connected to the seat bar mount housing 86 upon which the oversized
seat 12 rotates. Bottom portion of seat is provided with a circular
washer 88 with notches 90 at set intervals, preferably 90 degree
intervals. Seat 12 has a freely turning axle 92 in the center of
the washer 88 projecting downwards. Seat 12 has a bushing 94 on
said axle. Mount housing 86 has a plate 96 on a rectangular metal
frame 98. Frame 98 rotatably slides on washer 88 and bushing 94.
Axle 92 is attached to frame 98. A lever 100 attached to said
housing plate 96 lifts a notch block 102 in an out of circular
washer notches 90 to lock said seat 12 in said housing 86 at set
intervals. Mount housing rectangular metal frame 98 is slidably
attached to said seat bar 22.
[0033] Preferably, exercise apparatus 10 has adjustable handles 20
to accommodate a variety of arm lengths. Each handle 20 include a
handle mount 60 which slides up and down the pivoting stem 16 and
locks into place with a handle adjustment bar 62. Each pivoting
stem 16 is provided with one or more adjustment holes 64 which
transect the stem 16.
[0034] The piston 24 is attached to said seat bar 22 at one end of
piston. Piston's opposite end preferably attaches to said rear base
14d. Alternatively, piston's opposite end attaches to the low
profile frame. Piston preferably has adjustable tension. Suitable
pistons are well known in the art and readily available off the
shelf.
[0035] Extra wide foot pedals 18 are preferably 12'' long by 4''
wide for comfortable use by diabetics. Foot pedals 18 pivot on foot
pedal mount 70. Foot pedal mount 70 is preferably slidably
adjustable on the distal end if the pivoting stems 16 from the
handles. Foot pedal mount 70 slides up and down the pivoting stem
16 and locks into place with a pedal adjustment bar 72 in the same
fashion that the handle mount slides up an down and locks into
place with a handle adjustment bar.
[0036] Preferably the frames are made of 1.5 inch (38.1 mm) square
tubular steel with 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) wall thickness, which
provides adequate strength after bending and drilling through-holes
and attachment points. Other suitable weight-bearing materials may
be used, such as tubing with round or triangular cross sections, or
any other strength members with equivalent bending strength, to
support users up to 600 pounds (272 kilograms). In another
embodiment, the frames are made of tubular steel or other suitable
weight-bearing material to support use by a user weighing up to
1000 lbs.
[0037] Preferably bronze bushings in conjunction with bolts, nuts,
and saucers are used at pivot points for smooth operation and
increased machine durability.
[0038] The preferred embodiment of the comfort rider has a low
profile in which the length of the comfort rider from its floor
base to the top of its handles is at or below 4 feet.
[0039] In operation, when storage is desired, exercise apparatus
can fold back upon itself for ease of storage, see FIGS. 3, 6, 7.
Rocking bars 50 are disengaged from the seat bar 22 by removing
bolts from the rocking bar bolt passages and the rocking bar-seat
bar bolt passage. Pivoting stems 16 are then folded down upon the
rotating seat 12. Front base is then lifted up and exercise
apparatus is pivoted on the wheels. Exercise apparatus is then
wheeled to the storage area, such as a closet or under a bed.
[0040] The user accesses the exercise apparatus when the apparatus
is in the rest position, seen in FIG. 10. The exerciser then
straddles the frame of the machine and sits upon the seat, seen in
FIGS. 8 and 9. Alternatively, the user may pivot the seat up to
90-degrees, seat himself, and then pivot the seat to its rest
position resulting in his arms are facing the handlebar and his
feet are facing the pedals, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 8. Next, the
user places one foot on each foot pedal and grabs the handlebar
with both hands. To begin exercising, the user pulls the handles
towards his chest while pushing on the pedals with his feet away
from his body. The seat will rise causing it to no longer be
parallel to the surface on which the comfort rider rests. The user
will continue to pull the handlebar and push the pedals until he
can push and pull no further or the handlebar and his hands reach
his chest, see FIG. 9. The user then lowers the handles by
extending his arms away from his body while also bending his knees
and bringing his feet back towards his body see FIG. 8. Finally,
the user returns to the start position with arms extended, knees
bent, and the seat parallel to the surface on which the exercise
apparatus rests.
[0041] Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous
modifications and changes may be made to the preferred embodiment
without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. It will,
of course, be understood that modifications of the invention, in
its various aspects, will be apparent to those skilled in the art,
some being apparent only after study, others being matters of
routine mechanical, chemical and electronic design. No single
feature, function or property of the preferred embodiment is
essential. Other embodiments are possible, their specific designs
depending upon the particular application. As such, the scope of
the invention should not be limited by the particular embodiments
herein described but should be defined only by the appended claims
and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *