U.S. patent number RE48,306 [Application Number 16/256,718] was granted by the patent office on 2020-11-17 for stair exerciser apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd.. The grantee listed for this patent is Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Ming-Hsin Chi, Mrako A. Fenster, Chinh-Kuo Huang, Chih-Ming Lai, Kung-Lung Lai, Chieh-Wen Lin, Derek L. Nelson, Yung-Fa Wang.
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United States Patent |
RE48,306 |
Fenster , et al. |
November 17, 2020 |
Stair exerciser apparatus
Abstract
The present invention relates to a stair exercise device for
simulating stair climbing, the device having a plurality of steps
which are activated by the weight of a person walking up them. A
stationary platform at the base of the stair exercise device sends
a signal to a controller to bring the exercise device to a
controlled stop when an operator steps onto the platform. The steps
of the exercise device stop in a predetermined location when the
exercise device comes to a controlled stop, ensuring proper step
location to allow the operator to easily enter and exit the
exercise device. Steps have a step platform of a different color
than the risers between steps to aid in foot placement.
Inventors: |
Fenster; Mrako A. (Madison,
WI), Nelson; Derek L. (Lake Mills, WI), Lai;
Chih-Ming (Taichung, TW), Lai; Kung-Lung
(Taichung, TW), Lin; Chieh-Wen (Taichung,
TW), Chi; Ming-Hsin (Taichung, TW), Huang;
Chinh-Kuo (Taichung, TW), Wang; Yung-Fa
(Taichung, TW) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd. |
Taichung |
N/A |
TW |
|
|
Assignee: |
Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd.
(Taichung, TW)
|
Family
ID: |
47006801 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/256,718 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
15450848 |
Apr 2, 2019 |
RE47331 |
|
|
|
13086368 |
Apr 22, 2014 |
8702571 |
|
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Reissue of: |
14201232 |
Mar 7, 2014 |
8974353 |
Mar 10, 2015 |
|
Reissue of: |
14201232 |
Mar 7, 2014 |
8974353 |
Mar 10, 2015 |
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
22/04 (20130101); A63B 22/04 (20130101); A63B
21/0051 (20130101); A63B 2220/30 (20130101); A63B
2220/30 (20130101); A63B 2220/13 (20130101); A63B
2230/06 (20130101); A63B 21/225 (20130101); A63B
2071/0658 (20130101); A63B 21/225 (20130101); A63B
2220/13 (20130101); A63B 2230/06 (20130101); A63B
21/0051 (20130101); A63B 2071/0694 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
22/04 (20060101); A63B 21/005 (20060101); A63B
21/22 (20060101); A63B 71/06 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;482/52,5,66,54 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Flanagan; Beverly M
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Smith Law Office Smith; Jeffry
W.
Parent Case Text
.Iadd.This application is a continuation reissue of application
Ser. No. 15/450,848, filed Mar. 6, 2017, which is an application
for reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 8,974,353, issued Mar. 10, 2015, which
is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/086,368, filed
Apr. 13, 2011, issued on Apr. 22, 2014 as U.S. Pat. No.
8,702,571..Iaddend.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A stair exerciser apparatus for simulating stair climbing,
comprising: a frame having a base.[.resting.]..Iadd., to rest
.Iaddend.on a substantially horizontal support surface; a .[.pair
of shafts rotatably mounted to the frame, the pair of shafts
including a.]. lower shaft .[.located toward the.]. .Iadd.rotatably
mounted on a frame .Iaddend.rear .[.of the apparatus.].
.Iadd.portion .Iaddend.and an upper shaft .[.located.].
.Iadd.rotatably mounted on the frame .Iaddend.above .Iadd.and
forward of .Iaddend.the lower shaft.[.and toward the front of the
apparatus.].; .[.a pair of chain assemblies synchronously
revolvably disposed about the pair of shafts to constitute an
endless chain conveyor, at least an upper run of the endless chain
conveyor supported by the frame.]. .Iadd.an endless conveyor
engaged with the upper shaft and the lower shaft.Iaddend.; a
plurality of steps .[.disposed across the endless chain.].
.Iadd.operatively joined to the endless .Iaddend.conveyor .[.and
capable of moving cyclically following the revolving endless
chain.]. .Iadd.to move with the endless .Iaddend.conveyor,
.[.wherein along the upper run of the endless chain conveyor,.].
each of the plurality of steps .[.are made up of.]. .Iadd.includes
.Iaddend.a .[.substantially horizontal.]. step platform and a
.[.substantially vertical.]. riser .Iadd.joined to the step
platform.Iaddend., wherein each step platform is not less than
.[.8.]. .Iadd.8.3 .Iaddend.inches deep and not greater than
.[.12.]. .Iadd.11.8 .Iaddend.inches deep, and wherein .[.a step
proximate to the lower shaft is brought to a stop.]. .Iadd.one of
the steps is disposed to be stopped .Iaddend.at a predetermined
location as the step platform is partially rotated about the lower
shaft such that the distance between the substantially horizontal
support surface and the lowest portion of the step platform is
between 12 inches and 14 inches; a braking mechanism .[.to adjust
and control the resistance to rotation of at least one of the pair
of shafts, and thereby.]. .Iadd. disposed to engage the endless
conveyor .Iaddend.to adjust and control .[.the downwardly
running.]. .Iadd.a downward .Iaddend.speed of the steps; a locking
mechanism .[.for preventing motion of the plurality of steps when
the locking mechanism is engaged, the locking mechanism being
engaged.]. .Iadd.disposed to engage the endless conveyor
.Iaddend.when the .[.motion of the plurality of.]. steps .[.is
fully.]. .Iadd.are .Iaddend.stopped.[.by the braking mechanism.].;
a .Iadd.step position .Iaddend.sensor .[.for determining the
position of at least one of the plurality of steps along its
cyclical movement.]. .Iadd. disposed to generate step position data
for at least one of the plurality of steps.Iaddend.; and a
controller .[.communicatively engaged with.]. .Iadd.in
communication with the step position sensor to receive the step
position data from .Iaddend.the .Iadd.step position
.Iaddend.sensor, .Iadd.and selectively activate .Iaddend.the
locking mechanism.[.,.]. and the braking mechanism.[., the
controller adjusting.]. .Iadd.to adjust .Iaddend.and
.[.controlling.]. .Iadd.control .Iaddend.the braking mechanism
.[.for adjusting the resistance of the apparatus, the controller
also adjusting and controlling the braking mechanism.]. and the
locking mechanism .[.for bringing.]. .Iadd.to bring .Iaddend.the
plurality of steps to a controlled stop in .[.one of the one or
more.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.predetermined .[.locations, thereby to
provide a.]. stair landing position proximate the lower shaft
.[.that enables easy.]. .Iadd.to enable .Iaddend.ingress onto and
egress from the apparatus.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each step platform is not less
than .[.10.]. .Iadd.9.8 .Iaddend.inches deep and not greater than
.[.11.]. .Iadd.11.0 .Iaddend.inches deep.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each step riser is not less
than .[.7.]. .Iadd.7.1 .Iaddend.inches high and not greater than
.[.10.]. .Iadd.9.8 .Iaddend.inches high.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each step riser is not less
than 7.5 inches high and not greater than 9 inches high.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pair of
handlebars, each handlebar having a contact heart rate pulse sensor
built into the handlebar.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pair of
handlebars, each handlebar having a contact heart rate pulse sensor
built into the handlebar, and having at least one handlebar
.[.having.]. .Iadd.including .Iaddend.a control .Iadd.disposed to
be activated by a user to communicate with the controller
.Iaddend.to adjust the .[.downwardly running.]. .Iadd.downward
.Iaddend.speed of the steps.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising .[.at least one.].
.Iadd.a .Iaddend.handlebar, .Iadd.and .Iaddend.the .[.at least
one.]. handlebar .[.having.]. .Iadd.includes .Iaddend.a control
.Iadd.disposed to be activated by a user to communicate with the
controller .Iaddend.to adjust the .[.downwardly running.].
.Iadd.downward .Iaddend.speed of the steps .Iadd.and to stop the
steps.Iaddend..
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising .[.at least one.].
.Iadd.a .Iaddend.handlebar, .Iadd.and .Iaddend.the .[.at least
one.]. handlebar .[.having.]. .Iadd.includes .Iaddend.a control
.Iadd.disposed to be activated by a user to communicate with the
controller .Iaddend.to bring .Iadd.the steps .Iaddend.to a
stop.[.the motion of the steps.]..
9. A stair exerciser apparatus for simulating stair climbing,
comprising: a frame having a base .[.resting.]. .Iadd.to rest
.Iaddend.on a substantially horizontal support surface; a pair of
shafts rotatably mounted to the frame, the pair of shafts including
a lower shaft located toward the rear of the apparatus and an upper
shaft located above the lower shaft and toward the front of the
apparatus; a pair of .[.chain.]. assemblies synchronously
revolvably disposed about the pair of shafts to constitute an
endless .[.chain.]. conveyor, at least an upper run of the endless
.[.chain.]. conveyor supported by the frame; a plurality of steps
disposed across the endless chain conveyor .[.and capable of moving
cyclically following.]. .Iadd.to move with .Iaddend.the revolving
endless .[.chain.]. conveyor, wherein along the upper run of the
endless .[.chain.]. conveyor, each of the plurality of steps .[.are
made up of a substantially horizontal.]. .Iadd.includes a
.Iaddend.step platform and a substantially vertical riser; a
braking mechanism to adjust and control the resistance to rotation
of at least one of the pair of shafts, and thereby to adjust and
control the .[.downwardly running.]. .Iadd.downward .Iaddend.speed
of the steps; a locking mechanism .[.for preventing.]. .Iadd.to
prevent .Iaddend.motion of the plurality of steps .[.when the
locking mechanism is engaged, the locking mechanism being
engaged.]. when the motion of the plurality of steps is .[.fully.].
stopped by the braking mechanism; a handlebar having a control to
adjust the .[.downwardly running.]. .Iadd.downward .Iaddend.speed
of the steps.[.and a control to bring to a stop the motion of the
steps.].; a sensor .[.for determining.]. .Iadd.disposed to
determine .Iaddend.the position .[.of.]. .Iadd.for .Iaddend.at
least one of the plurality of steps.[.along its cyclical
movement.].; and a controller .[.communicatively engaged.].
.Iadd.in communication .Iaddend.with the sensor, the locking
mechanism, the braking mechanism, and the handlebar .[.controls.].
.Iadd.control.Iaddend., .Iadd.and .Iaddend.the controller
.[.adjusting and controlling.]. .Iadd.is in communication with
.Iaddend.the braking mechanism .[.for adjusting the resistance of
the apparatus.]. .Iadd.to adjust downward speed of the
steps.Iaddend., .Iadd.and .Iaddend.the controller also .[.adjusting
and controlling.]. .Iadd.is in communication with .Iaddend.the
braking mechanism and the locking mechanism .[.for bringing.].
.Iadd.to bring .Iaddend.the plurality of steps to a
.[.controlled.]. stop in .[.one of one or more.]. .Iadd.a
.Iaddend.predetermined .[.locations, thereby to.]. .Iadd.location
and thereby .Iaddend.provide a stair landing position proximate the
lower shaft that enables easy ingress onto and egress from the
apparatus.
.Iadd.10. A stair exerciser apparatus for simulating stair
climbing, comprising: a frame having a base to rest on a
substantially horizontal support surface; a pair of shafts
rotatably mounted to the frame, the pair of shafts including a
lower shaft located toward the rear of the apparatus and an upper
shaft located above the lower shaft and toward the front of the
apparatus; an endless conveyor having an upper run supported by the
frame; a plurality of steps engaged with the endless conveyor to
move with the endless conveyor, and each of the plurality of steps
includes a step platform and a riser; a braking mechanism to adjust
and control the resistance to rotation of at least one of the pair
of shafts, and thereby adjust and control the downward speed of the
steps; a locking mechanism to prevent motion of the plurality of
steps when the steps are stopped by the braking mechanism; a
handlebar having a control disposed to be activated by a user; a
sensor disposed to determine the position of at least one of the
plurality of steps; and a controller in communication with the
sensor, the locking mechanism, and the braking mechanism, to adjust
and control the braking mechanism and the locking mechanism to stop
at least one of the steps in a predetermined stair landing position
proximate the lower shaft when the handlebar control is
activated..Iaddend.
.Iadd.11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the handlebar includes
a contact heart rate pulse sensor..Iaddend.
.Iadd.12. The apparatus of claim 10, and further comprising: a
second handlebar, and the second handlebar includes a contact heart
rate pulse sensor, and includes a control to adjust the downwardly
running speed of the steps..Iaddend.
.Iadd.13. The apparatus of claim 10, and further comprising: a
second handlebar, and the second handlebar includes a control to
adjust the downward speed of the steps..Iaddend.
.Iadd.14. The apparatus of claim 10, and further comprising: a
second handlebar, and the second handlebar includes a control
disposed to be activated by a user, and in communication with the
controller to bring to a stop the motion of the steps..Iaddend.
.Iadd.15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the endless conveyor
is meshed with the upper shaft..Iaddend.
.Iadd.16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the upper shaft
comprises: a sprocket meshed with the endless
conveyer..Iaddend.
.Iadd.17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the braking mechanism
operatively engages the endless conveyor to variably resist
movement of the endless conveyor..Iaddend.
.Iadd.18. The apparatus of claim 10, and further comprising: a
flywheel rotatably mounted on the frame and operatively engaged
with the endless conveyer..Iaddend.
.Iadd.19. The apparatus of claim 10, and further comprising: a
flywheel rotatably mounted on the frame and operatively engaged
with the upper shaft..Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. The apparatus of claim 10, and further comprising: a
guide rail joined to the frame; and a guide pin joined to one of
the steps, and slidably engaged with the guide rail..Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. The apparatus of claim 10, and further comprising: a
stationary platform joined to the frame..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. The apparatus of claim 10, and further comprising: a
stationary platform joined to the frame base and spaced apart from
and below the step in the predetermined location..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The apparatus of claim 10, and further comprising: a
stationary platform joined to the frame adjacent to the stair
landing position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the endless conveyor
comprises: a first chain assembly, and operatively engaged with the
upper shaft and the lower shaft; and a second chain
assembly..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the endless conveyor
comprises: a chain..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the braking mechanism
operatively engages the endless conveyor to variably resist
movement of the endless conveyor..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising: a
flywheel rotatably mounted on the frame and operatively engaged
with the endless conveyer..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising: a
flywheel rotatably mounted on the frame and operatively engaged
with the upper shaft..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising: a guide
pin joined to one of the steps, and slidably engaged with the
frame..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising: a
stationary platform joined to the frame and spaced apart from and
below the step at the fixed stair location..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising: a
stationary platform joined to the frame base..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising: a
stationary platform joined to the frame; and a load sensing switch
connected to the stationary platform and in communication with the
controller to selectively engage the locking mechanism..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to exercise equipment and more particularly
to stair exerciser equipment for simulating stair climbing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a stair exerciser involving a
downwardly and rearwardly sloping treadmill having a plurality of
steps which are activated by the weight of a person "walking" up
them.
The stair exerciser includes a frame shaped in the form of a
staircase and having a base and necessary support structures. A
plurality of movable hinged steps are supported from an inclined
track located at each side of the frame extending from an portion
of the frame to a lower position just above the base of the
frame.
Two pairs of pillow blocks for rotatably supporting upper and lower
shafts are secured to the frame below the inclined tracks. A
sprocket is mounted on either end of each shaft. A pair of endless
chains is supported around the sprockets which are mounted on the
ends of the upper and lower shafts. The chains are sealed
motorcycle chains designed to keep grit and dirt away from the
greased pivot connecting each chain link to the next. A number of
connecting links are placed at predetermined locations along each
chain and are spaced equidistant from each other.
A series of steps are connected to the connecting links of the pair
of endless chains, forming an endless chain conveyor. The steps are
made up of normally horizontal tread platforms and normally
vertical risers. The connection between the normally horizontal
tread platforms and normally vertical risers and the connecting
links allow the normally horizontal tread platforms and the
normally vertical risers to travel around the sprockets with the
endless chains. The tread platforms and riser portions fold to an
acute angle when they traverse around a sprocket whereas they are
normally at right angles along the straight portion of the chain
between sprockets.
A transmission belt connects a first pulley on either the upper
shaft or the lower shaft and a second pulley on a speed control
mechanism. The speed control mechanism includes a flywheel which is
driven by the second pulley on the speed control mechanism and a
braking mechanism, such as an eddy current brake (ECB). The
rotation of the flywheel is connected by way of the pulleys and
transmission belts to cyclical movement of the endless chain
conveyor around the upper and lower shafts. The braking mechanism
resists the rotation of the flywheel. The braking mechanism is
adjustable so that adjusting the amount of braking force performed
by the ECB increases and decreases the resistance to the flywheel
rotation based upon the setting of the braking mechanism. The
braking mechanism is used to increase and decrease the resistance
level of the stair exerciser, by controlling the amount of
resistance applied to the motion of the endless chain conveyor.
The braking mechanism, in addition to slowing the motion of the
endless chain conveyor, may be used to stop the motion of the
steps. A locking mechanism is connected to either the upper shaft
of the lower shaft. The locking mechanism is engaged to immobilize
the endless chain conveyor of the stair exerciser. When the locking
mechanism is engaged, an operator of the stair exerciser may step
onto the endless chain conveyor or step off of the endless chain
conveyor without causing motion of the endless chain conveyor. When
the locking mechanism is disengaged, the endless chain conveyor is
no longer immobilized and may rotate around the upper shaft and
lower shaft, though the rotation is resisted by the braking
mechanism.
A position sensor indicates one or more locations of the endless
chain conveyor about the upper shaft and lower shaft. The position
sensor sends out a position signal to a controller. The controller
communicates with the sensor, the braking mechanism, and the
locking mechanism. During a controlled stop, the motion of the
endless chain conveyor is brought to a stop by the operation of the
braking mechanism. The controller engages and disengages the
braking mechanism to bring the motion of the endless chain conveyor
to a controlled stop at a specific location, and the locking
mechanism is engaged to immobilize the endless chain conveyor. The
specific location at which the endless chain conveyor is
immobilized is chosen to set the lowest tread platform at a
position and orientation relative to the ground for ease of ingress
and egress by the operator of the stair exerciser.
A console, mounted to the frame at a position above the upper
shaft, provides operating, goal-setting, and other health related
information.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a stair
exercise device including a frame having a base resting on a
substantially horizontal support surface, a pair of shafts
rotatably mounted to the frame, the pair of shafts including a
lower shaft located toward the rear of the apparatus and an upper
shaft located above the lower shaft and toward the front of the
apparatus, and a pair of chain assemblies configured to revolve
about the pair of shafts to constitute an endless chain conveyor.
An upper run of the endless chain conveyor is supported by the
frame. A number of steps span the endless chain conveyor and are
capable of moving cyclically as the steps follow the revolving
endless chain conveyor. A braking mechanism in the stair exerciser
adjusts and controls the resistance to rotation of at least one of
the pair of shafts, and thereby adjusts and controls the downward
running speed of the steps.
The stair exerciser also includes a sensor for determining the
position of the steps along its cyclical movement, and a locking
mechanism for preventing motion of the steps when the locking
mechanism is engaged. The stair exercisers has a controller that
communicates with the sensor, the locking mechanism, and the
braking mechanism, so that the controller can adjust and control
the braking mechanism to adjust the resistance of the apparatus.
The controller also adjusts and controls the braking mechanism and
the locking mechanism to bring the steps to a controlled stop in
one or more predetermined locations, so that the controller can
stop the steps in a configuration where there is a stair landing
position near the lower shaft, positioned in height and orientation
to enable easy ingress onto and egress from the stair
exerciser.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a stair
exercise device with a stationary platform near the base of the
frame of the stair exercise device and a switch configured to
detect a load applied to the stationary platform. The switch
communicates with the controller, and the switch sends a load
signal to the controller when a load is applied to the stationary
platform. Upon receipt of the load signal from the switch, the
controller engages the braking mechanism to bring the steps to a
controlled in one or more predetermined locations, so that the
controller can stop the steps in a configuration where there is a
stair landing position near the lower shaft, positioned in height
and orientation to enable easy ingress onto and egress from the
stair exerciser.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a stair
exercise device with steps that are made up of a typically
horizontal step platform that is a first color, and a typically
vertical riser that is a different, second color. The color of the
step platform is visually differentiated from color of the riser,
making it easier for an operator to see where to step.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stair exerciser constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a left side elevation of the stair exerciser of FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is a left side elevation of the stair exerciser of FIG. 1
with the housing removed, showing the frame and other internal
components;
FIG. 4 is cut-away view of the left side elevation of FIG. 3,
showing steps and the endless chain conveyor;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a removable tray and a stationary
platform from the stair exerciser of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the stationary platform of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a view of an access panel from the stair exerciser of
FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a caster from the stair exerciser
of FIG. 3;
FIG. 9 is a left side elevation of the caster shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a close-up view of the caster from the stair exerciser
of FIG. 3 showing the leveling feature of the caster.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a stair type
exercising device 100 is illustrated having a stationary frame 20
and a plurality of steps 30 supported by the frame 20 and able to
move with respect to the frame 20. The steps 30 are pivotally 1
inked together and are attached to a pair of chain assemblies,
forming an endless chain conveyor 12. The steps 30 are configured
to move in a downward and backward direction as the endless chain
conveyor 12 revolves in a cyclical fashion about an upper shaft 18
(shown in FIGS. 3-4) and a lower shaft 15 (shown in FIGS. 3-4).
The stair exerciser 100 includes a housing 50, removable access
panels 60 covering access hatch openings in the housing 50, a hand
rail 90, and couple of handlebars 92. Each handlebar 92 has contact
heart rate pulse sensor 95 built into the handlebar 92. In
addition, each handlebar 92 has control buttons 97 incorporated
into the handlebar 92. The control buttons 97 on the handlebar 92
can include controls such as speed control, resistance control,
start, stop, and pause. The frame 20 includes a base 25 and a mast
98. The mast 98 supports a console 120 with a display screen
enabled to provide feedback to an operator. The console 120 may
also include input devices to enable an operator to provide
information to the stair exerciser 100.
Each of the steps 30 consists of a step platform 32 and a step
riser 34. The step platforms 32 and step risers 34 are connected to
each other by hinge pins so that each step 30 is pivotally
connected to the next step 30, and the steps 30 each have pivots
between step platform 32 and the step riser 34. The steps 30 are
connected at the bottom of a step riser 34 by connecting pins 33,
and the step platforms 32 and step risers 34 are connected to each
other at the top of a step riser 34 by guide pins 35. The plurality
of steps 30 are formed by alternating a step platform 32, a
connecting pin 33, a step riser 34, a guide pin 35, and back to
another step platform 32. The connecting pins 33 are connected to
the endless chain conveyor 12.
The step platform 32 is a first color. The color could be molded
into a plastic part, or the step platform 32 could be painted, or
coated with colored material to make the step platform the first
color. The first color might be a dark color like black to hide
scuff marks on the step platform 32, and to easily identify the
step platform 32. The step riser 34 is a second color, different
from the first color. The second color would be a color that is
easily distinguished from the first color, so in the case where the
first color is black, the second color would be a lighter color,
such as a light gray. The easily distinguishable colors assist an
operator to visually identify each step platform 32 and to plant a
foot firmly situated on the step platform 32 without kicking the
step riser 34. To aid in foot placement, the step platform 32 is
approximately 10 inches deep to ensure that there is enough surface
area to locate most if not all of the foot on the surface of the
step platform 32. The step riser 34 is approximately 9 inches tall
so that each step up to the next step platform 32 is a reasonable
distance, similar to steps in a building.
The stair exerciser 100 is illustrated with a stationary platform
70 located below and behind the steps 30 at the entrance to the
stair exerciser 100. The stationary platform 70 provides a
convenient platform for an operator to stand upon before stepping
onto a step 30 of the stair exerciser 100 to start exercising.
Similarly, the stationary platform 70 provides a convenient surface
upon which an operator can step when exiting the stair exerciser
100. The stationary platform 70 is connected to a switch 75 (shown
in FIG. 6), which may be configured to generate a load signal 76 to
indicate when a load such as the weight of an operator is upon the
stationary platform 70.
A removable debris tray 80 is illustrated below the steps 30,
adjacent to the stationary platform 70. As the steps 30 revolve
along with the endless chain conveyor 12, dust, dirt and debris is
transported along with the steps 30 until the steps 30 revolve down
and around the lower shaft 15. As the steps 30 revolve around and
underneath the lower shaft 15, the dust, dirt and debris drop from
the steps 30 and are captured by the debris tray 80. The debris
tray 80 may be removed to dispose of the captured debris, whereupon
the clean debris tray 80 is returned to the stair exerciser 100 for
further use. In addition to capturing dry debris, the debris tray
is configured to also capture liquids. The housing 50 includes
channels 85 configured to direct perspiration or other liquids
spilled onto the housing 50 to flow down the channel 85 toward the
debris tray 80.
FIG. 1 also illustrates a number of other features. Cup holders 99
are shown mounted to the hand rail 90. The base 25 includes a metal
tube wrapping around the periphery of the stair exerciser 100 to
protect the housing 50 from being accidentally kicked. The base 25
also includes a front support 28, and the front support 28 includes
a transport wheel 27 on either side of the front support 28 to
assist in moving the stair exerciser 100. There are a pair of
locking and leveling casters 170 (shown in FIGS. 3-4) located
underneath the stationary platform 70 that also assist in moving
the stair exerciser 100.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a side view of the stair exerciser 100
shows the stair exerciser 100 resting on a support surface 10, such
as a floor. The stair exerciser 100 has a housing 50 with a second
removable access panel 60 on the left side of the stair exerciser
100. The front support 28 is shown with the previously unseen
transport wheel 27 on the left side of the stair exerciser 100. The
transport wheels 27 aid in the transport of the entire stair
exerciser 100 from one location to another.
Referring to FIG. 3, the stair exerciser 100 is illustrated with
the covers removed to reveal internal features. The frame 20 is
shown more clearly. The frame 20 includes the base 25, a front
support 28, the mast 98, an inclined track 24 for supporting the
endless chain conveyor 12 and the connecting pins 33 of the steps
30, and a guide rail 23 for supporting the guide pins 35 of the
steps 30. A lower shaft 15 and an upper shaft 18 are rotatably
mounted to the frame 20. The lower shaft 15 is connected to a pair
of lower sprockets 16, and the upper shaft 18 is connected to a
pair of upper sprockets 19. The endless chain conveyor 12 and the
steps 30 are illustrated to be revolvably mounted about lower shaft
15 and the upper shaft 18.
The endless chain conveyor 12 is shown to have an upper run 14
configured to position a number of steps 30 for exercise use, and a
lower run 13 configured to be a return path for the endless chain
conveyor 12. The inclined track 24 supports and guides the
connecting pins 33 and the upper run 14 of the endless chain
conveyor 12 as the steps 30 move downward and backward along the
inclined track 24. Because the inclined track 24 supports the
connecting pins 33 and the connecting pins 33 are connected to the
bottom of a step riser 34, the inclined track 24 positions the
bottom of each step riser 34 as it travels along the upper run 14
of endless chain conveyor 12. The guide rail 23 supports and guides
the guide pins 35 as the steps 30 move downward and backward along
the inclined track 24. Because the guide rail 23 supports the guide
pins 35 and the guide pins 35 are connected to the top of a step
riser 34, the guide rail 23 positions the top of each step riser 34
as it travels along the upper run 14 of endless chain conveyor
12.
FIG. 3 also illustrates a microprocessor or controller 125
configured to receive electrical input signals from various sources
such as a tachometer 155, a position sensor 130, a load switch 75,
or a console 120. The controller 125 is configured to output
various control signals to other devices such as a braking
mechanism 150 or a locking mechanism 160. The controller 125 is
shown as a separate unit mounted to the frame 20, but one skilled
in the art will understand that the controller 125 could be located
elsewhere such as embedded inside of the console 120.
A tachometer 155 is shown mounted onto the frame 20. The tachometer
155 measures the speed of the moving steps 30 and provides a speed
signal to the controller 125. A position sensor 130 is shown
mounted onto the frame 20.
The position sensor 130 provides position information 131 to the
controller 125, where the position information 131 informs the
controller 125 of the relative position of the steps 30 along the
cyclical path followed by the steps 30 and the endless chain
conveyor 12.
A braking mechanism 150 is shown mounted onto the frame 20 next to
a flywheel 152. The braking mechanism 150 is controlled by control
signals sent by the controller 125. The braking mechanism 150 is
adjustable so that the amount of braking force may be increased or
decreased by the controller 125. The flywheel 152 is connected by
belts and pulleys to the upper shaft 18, though the flywheel could
easily be connected instead to the lower shaft 15. As the steps 30
of the stair exerciser 100 are driven downward by an external load,
such as the weight of an operator standing upon one or more of the
steps 30, the endless chain conveyor 12 revolves about the upper
shaft 18 and the lower shaft 15, causing the upper shaft 18 to
rotate. The rotation of the upper shaft 18 drives the rotation of
the flywheel 152. As the flywheel 152 rotates, the braking
mechanism 150 provides an opposing torque to the flywheel 152,
thereby slowing down the rotation of the flywheel 152 and the speed
of the steps 30. The braking mechanism 150 may be an eddy current
brake (ECB), a friction brake, or any other brake that is known in
the art.
A locking mechanism 160 (not shown) is coupled to the upper shaft
18. The locking mechanism 160 is configured to prevent the upper
shaft 18 from rotating and to prevent the steps 30 from moving when
the locking mechanism 160 is engaged. When the steps 30 are
stationary, the locking mechanism 160 is engaged by the controller
125 to ensure the steps 30 remain stationary. An operator stepping
onto the steps 30 or stepping from the steps 30 down to the
stationary platform 70 will find the process much easier when the
steps 30 are locked in a stationary position.
The steps 30 may also be brought to a controlled stop when the
steps 30 are moving. The controller 125 first engages the braking
mechanism 150 to slow or stop the motion of the steps 30. The
controller 125 uses the position information 131 from the position
sensor 130 to slow the motion of the steps 30 when the steps 30 are
near a predetermined stopping position along the cyclical path
followed by the steps 30 and the endless chain conveyor 12. The
controller 125 further engages the braking mechanism 150 to fully
stop the motion of the steps 30 when the steps 30 are located at
the predetermined stopping position along the cyclical path. The
controller 125 then engages the locking mechanism 160 to prevent
additional movement of the steps 30. The controller 125 is able to
consistently bring the steps 30 to the same predetermined stopping
position any time the controller 125 stops the steps 30 of the
stair exerciser 100.
Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, a caster 170 is located near the back
end of the stair exerciser 100. The caster 170 serves much the same
purpose as the transport wheel 27 located on the front support 28.
The casters 170 and the transport wheels 27 allow the stair
exerciser 100 to be rolled from one location to another location.
The casters 170 will be discussed in greater detail when FIGS. 8-10
are discussed.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the lowest step platform 32 on the upper
run 14 of the endless chain conveyor 12 is shown at an angle (A)
relative to a horizontal line. The step riser 34 supporting the
rear portion of the step platform 32 has begun to wrap around the
lower sprocket 16 on the lower shaft 15, causing the rear portion
of the step platform 32 to drop below the elevation of the front
portion of the step platform 32. The elevation of the rear portion
of the step platform 32 is at an elevation H relative to the
support surface 10. The elevation of the front portion of the step
platform 32 is at an elevation (H+h) relative to the support
surface 10. This difference in elevation (h) between the front
portion and rear portion of the step platform 32 orients the step
platform in a plane that is at an angle (A) relative to a
horizontal plane. If the depth of the step platform 32 is a
constant depth (d), then the angle (A) of the step platform 32 is:
Tan(A)=(h/d) Or (A)=Arctan (h/d)
It is beneficial to an operator of the stair exerciser 100 to
minimize the step-up height of the stair exerciser 100. That is, a
lower step-up height makes it easier for an operator to mount the
lowest step 30 of the stair exerciser 100 from the stationary
platform 70, and a lower step-up height make it easier for an
operator to dismount from the lowest step 30 of the stair exerciser
100 to the stationary platform 70. One way to lower the step-up
height (H) is to increase the difference in elevation (h) between
the front portion and rear portion of the step platform 32. A lower
front portion of the step platform 32 means a lower step-up height
(H). However, increasing the difference in elevation (h) between
the front portion and rear portion of the step platform 32 also
increases the angle (A) of the orientation of the step platform 32.
Therefore, care must be taken to choose a predetermined stopping
location for the steps 30 such that the step-up height (H) is low
for the convenient entering and exiting of the stair exerciser 100,
while keeping the angle (A) of the orientation of the step platform
32 low enough to ensure that an operator will not slip off the of
the step platform 32.
The angle (A) for the lowest step platform 32 may be 0 degrees from
the horizontal plane, or 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 17.5
degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, or 30 degrees. A step platform 32
at any of these angles (0-30 degrees from the horizontal plane)
provides a surface that may easily be stood upon.
The step-up height (H) for the lowest step platform 32 may be 0
inches above the support surface 10 or ground, or it may be 5
inches, 10 inches, 12 inches, 13 inches, 14 inches, or 15 inches
above the support surface 10. A step platform 32 at any of these
step-up heights 10 or elevations (0-15 inches above the support
surface) provides a reasonable step-up height from the support
surface 10.
The controller 125 has the ability to bring the steps 30 to a
controlled stop at any position along the cyclical path followed by
the steps 30 and the endless chain conveyor 12. In the preferred
embodiment, the controller 125 is configured to bring the steps 30
to a predetermined controlled stop location that will position the
lowest step platform 32 having a relatively low elevation or
step-up height (H) of approximately 13 inches above the support
surface 10, and having a relatively low orientation angle (A) of
approximately 17.5 degrees from a horizontal plane.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a close-up view of the removable debris
tray 80 and the stationary platform 70 are shown. The stationary
platform 70 has hook features 78 to connect the stationary platform
70 to the frame 20. The stationary platform 70 also has a mating
feature 72 to connect to a loop 82 on the debris tray 80. By
connecting the debris tray 80 to the stationary platform 70, and by
connecting the stationary platform 70 to the frame 20, the
stationary platform 70 and the debris tray 80 become an integral
part of the stair exerciser 100, and move with the stair exerciser
100 as a single unit.
In FIG. 6, the underside of the stationary platform 70 has a load
switch 75 for sending a load signal 76 to the controller 125. The
load switch 75 detects when an operator is standing on the
stationary platform 70, and sends the load signal 76 to the
controller 125. The controller 125 then brings the steps 30 to a
controlled stop if the steps 30 are moving, and the controller 125
engages the locking mechanism 160 to prevent any further motion of
the steps 30. The operator may then easily step up onto the steps
30 of the stair exerciser 100 while the steps 30 are locked into a
stationary position.
Referring now to FIG. 7, the removable access panel 60 is shown.
The access panel 60 has locking tabs 68 along one side that may be
snapped into an access hatch opening in the housing 50 to quickly
attach the one side of the access panel 60 to the housing 50. The
access panel 60 as shown also has two quick locking fasteners 65
that can be screwed into the housing 50. The quick locking
fasteners 65 are configured to remain attached to the access panel
60 at all times, so the quick locking fasteners 65 will not fall
out and get lost like a typical screw fastener. The quick locking
fasteners 65 shown only require a quarter-turn of the quick locking
fastener 65 to connect the access panel 60 to the housing 50. By
using a combination of snap-fit locking tabs 68 to attach one side
of the access panel 60 and a limited number of quick locking
fasteners 65 to retain the other side of the access panel 60, the
removable access panel 60 may be removed from access hatch opening
in a matter of seconds, and just as quickly replaced, thereby
aiding any maintenance work that may need to be performed within
the housing.
Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, the casters 170 have a caster wheel
175 much like the transport wheel 27 (shown in FIGS. 3-4). However,
the casters 170 also have a wheel lock 176 to prevent rotation of
the caster wheel 175. By locking the wheel lock 176, the stair
exerciser 100 is held in a stationary position, and by unlocking
the wheel lock 176, the stair exerciser 100 is able to be rolled
about on the two caster wheels 175 and two transport wheels 27 for
relocation of the stair exerciser 100.
FIG. 10 shows the caster 170 pivotally connected to the base 25.
The caster 170 is configured to be raised and lowered relative to
the base 25, allowing the caster 170 to be used to level the stair
exerciser 100. A bearing plate 179 is mounted to the caster 170 at
a distance from a pivot axle 178. The pivot axle 178 pivotally
connects the caster 170 to the base 25, such that the caster 170
may pivot up or down about the pivot axle 178. A height adjustment
screw 180 is screwed into a hole in the top of the base 25 and is
driven down until it contacts the bearing plate 179 of the caster
170. The height adjustment screw 180 prevents the caster 170 from
pivoting up any higher than the point at which the bearing plate
179 contacts the height adjustment screw 180. By adjusting the
position of the height adjustment screw 180 in the base 25, the
caster 170 can be lowered relative to the base 25 so that all four
wheels (the two transport wheels 27, and the two caster wheels 175)
are all in contact with the support surface 10. When all four
wheels are in firm contact with the support surface 10, the stair
exerciser 100 is properly leveled.
Whereas the present invention has been described in relation to the
drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and
further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein,
may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention.
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