Device for step exercises
Disclosed is a device for a core balance stepping workout having a flexible air or water filled bladder that can hold 400 to 500 pounds, and can be used by stepping, standing, sitting, or lying on the device to create new physical fitness exercises.
The invention concerns physical fitness and exercise systems, principally in the area of step aerobics, though the invention can be used for other physical fitness training methods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONStep aerobics is a specialized form of aerobic physical fitness training which is characterized by its use of an elevated platform or step. Many devices for use with step aerobics are known, virtually all of which consist of a hard, inflexible, flat surface on a stable, immobile base. These devices require of the user simply the physical work required to raise the user's body onto the step. Further, the known devices in this field are hard and rigid, and impart a physical shock to the user when contacted.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,344,488, 7,494,446, 6,554,753, 6,575,885, and 6,422,983 describe a balancing device which challenges a user's balance but lacks the proper rigidity, shape, and stability to be useful for step aerobics. Other devices provide the rigidity, shape, and stability in a platform for step aerobics, but do not challenge the user's balance and core muscles, and do not cushion the impact on the foot of the user when used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe preferred embodiment of this invention is as a device for a step aerobic physical fitness workout. The device has a molded, semirigid, inflatable bladder which is filled with air or water and is generally of the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped step, in most cases approximately six inches to one foot above the floor. In the preferred embodiment, the bladder is molded such that it has a flat bottom side which is rigid and makes stable contact with the floor, and a rounded top side which, while primarily flat, is rounded at the corners. The flexible bladder, when fully filled, shall have sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape when stepped upon by the user.
In another embodiment, the device has .a clamped on stability ring around the bladder where it makes contact with the floor. The stability ring increases the rigidity and stability of the device without sacrificing the cushioning effect or the balancing aspects of the invention.
In another embodiment, the device has a base which is either a separate piece attached to the stability ring or an integral piece which incorporates the functions of the stability ring. This base further decreases the required rigidity of the bladder and allows for greater stability without sacrificing the cushioning effect or the balancing aspects of the invention.
FIG. 1—Isometric View of the Full Assembly
FIG. 2—Isometric Bottom View of the Bladder Showing Recess for the Bottom Plate
FIG. 3—Isometric Top View of the Bladder
FIG. 4—Elevated View of One Half of the Stability Ring
FIG. 5—Isometric Top View of the Male Stability Ring Connector
FIG. 6—Isometric Bottom View of the Male Stability Ring Connector
FIG. 7—Isometric Bottom View of the Male Stability Ring Connector
FIG. 8—View of Dovetails Locked Together
FIG. 9—Bottom Plate
FIG. 10—Section View Showing Stability Ring and Bottom Plate attached to Bladder
FIG. 11—View of Rope Lock Assembly
Claims
1. A device for physical fitness exercises comprising:
- An inflatable bladder with a top, a bottom, and four sides, the top being a horizontal surface designed to support the weight of a person, the bottom side being structured to maintain contact with the floor, and the four sides structured to support the top and to support the weight of a person.
2. A device according to claim 1, where the bottom of the device is reinforced with an attached stability ring.
3. A device according to claim 1, where the four sides of the device are reinforced with strength ribs.
4. A device according to claim 1, where the bottom side of the device is reinforced with a rigid bottom plate.
5. A device according to claim 2, where two or more rope locks are integrated into the stability ring.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 14, 2011
Publication Date: Aug 16, 2012
Inventor: Sylvia Orizaba Knilans (Wilmette, IL)
Application Number: 12/931,876