CONFIGURABLE EXERCISE DEVICE AND METHOD

Abstract

A device is described which can be placed on the ground in one of several orientations, where each orientation presents steps of different heights to the user. One device has triangular shaped ends which provide three orientations for placing on the ground. Each orientation presents one or two steps parallel to the ground for exercising. A user may thus easily change the device to different step heights by changing the orientation of the device on the ground.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a device and method for exercising, and more particularly to a device, and method of using a device, which can be placed in multiple orientations on the ground and which present steps of various heights for user to exercise on.

Discussion of the Background

It is common for exercises to include a climbing motion by presenting the user with one or more steps. Thus, for example, there are many step devices on the market that can provide steps of different heights. In general, such devices either have fixed step height or may include pieces that allow for the devices to present steps of different heights to the user.

While the use of such devices is convenient, they are not readily adaptable for presented varying degrees of exercise to a user—the steps are either fixed or are not easily modifiable.

Thus there is a need in the art for a method and apparatus that permits for user to quickly, and without mechanical skills, select steps for exercising. Such a method and apparatus should be easy to use, not have any moving parts, and should not take up a lot of space.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art by using a device that may be placed on the floor in different orientations, where each orientation presents steps of different heights to the user

It is one aspect of the present invention to provide an exercise device having several orientations for placing on the ground. The exercise device includes: a first end having planar edges and a second end having planar edges, where a first planar edge of the first end and a first planar edge of the second end define a first plane, where a second planar edge of the first end and a second planar edge of the second end define a second plane, where a first planar edge of the first end and a first planar edge of the second end define a third plane. The exercise device also includes one or more elongated members each connected to the first end and the second end and having one or more first surfaces parallel to the first plane, one or more second surfaces parallel to the second plane, and one or more third surfaces parallel to the third plane. The three orientations of the device on the ground are 1) a first orientation with the first planar edges of the first end and the second end on the ground, each of the one or more first surfaces is at a corresponding distance from the ground, 2) a second orientation with the second planar edges of the first end and the second end on the ground, each of the one or more second surfaces is at a corresponding distance from the ground, and 3) a third orientation with the third planar edges of the first end and the second end on the ground, each of the one or more third surfaces is at a corresponding distance from the ground.

In one embodiment, the first orientation provides steps at distances of approximately 4 inches and approximately 20 inches above the ground. In another embodiment, the second orientation provides a step with third distance is approximately 12 inches above the ground. In yet another embodiment, the third orientation provides steps at distances of approximately 8 inches and approximately 16 inches above the ground.

It is one aspect of the present invention to provide an exercise device having several orientations for placing on the ground. The exercise device includes: a first end; a second end; and one or more elongated members connected to the first end and the second end. The first end and the second end each have first planar edge portions for placing the exercise device in a first orientation on the ground, second planar edge portions for placing the exercise device in a second orientation on the ground, and third planar edge portions for placing the exercise device in a third orientation on the ground. When the exercise device is placed in a first orientation on the ground, the one or more elongated members have one or more first surfaces parallel to and at a distance from the ground. When the exercise device is placed in a second orientation on the ground, the one or more elongated members have one or more second surfaces parallel to and at a distance from the ground. When the exercise device is placed in a third orientation on the ground, the one or more elongated members have one or more third surfaces parallel to and at a distance from the ground.

It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a method for a user to exercise using an exercise device having two or more orientations for placing on the ground. The method includes placing the exercise device on the ground in a first orientation, where the exercise device in the first orientation has one or more first steps at corresponding distances from the ground; having the user step on the one or more first steps; placing the exercise device on the ground in a second orientation, where the exercise device in the second orientation has one or more second steps at corresponding distances from the ground; and having the user step on the one or more second steps.

These features together with the various ancillary provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, are attained by the device and method of the present invention, preferred embodiments thereof being shown with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a front right perspective view of one embodiment of an exercise device having three different configurations for placing on the ground;

FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 is a side view, a sectional view 3-3, and top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a first orientation on the ground;

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 is a side view, a sectional view 6-6, and top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a second orientation on the ground;

FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 is a side view, a sectional view 9-9, and top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a third orientation on the ground;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are interior side views, similar to FIG. 9, illustrating one embodiment of the two ends of the step stool of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 13 and 14 are sectional views of alternative views of a step member.

Reference symbols are used in the Figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure indicating like components, aspects or features shown therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a front right perspective view of one embodiment of an exercise device 100 for placing on the ground G. Exercise device 100 has two ends—a first end 101, and a second end 103, and several step members 105 connected to and spanning the distance between the first end and second end. First end 101 and second end 103 also have holes 102 that are useful for holding or manipulating exercise device 100. Exercise device 100 may be constructed of wood, metal, plastic, or any other material, alone or in combination that is sufficiently strong to support the weight of a user on step members 105.

As described subsequently, exercise device 100 has several orientations on which it can be placed on the ground to present steps of various heights to a user to exercise on. Thus, each orientation presents surfaces of members 105 at different heights above the ground. Thus, for example, FIG. 1 illustrates that first end 101 and second end 103 have the same triangular shape and orientation, and are parallel to each other, and have edges forming flat surfaces of some thickness which can be placed on ground G. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, first end 101 has sides 101a, 101b, and 101c, and second end has sides 103a, 103b, and 103c. In the orientation of FIG. 1, sides 101a and 103a are on ground G.

Exercise device 100 may be placed on a flat surface, such as ground G, in one of three orientations: 1) a first orientation 110 shown in FIG. 1 and in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, as a side view, a sectional view 3-3, and top view, respectively, with sides 101a and 103a on the ground; 2) a second orientation 120 shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, as a side view, a sectional view 6-6, and top view, respectively, with sides 101b and 103b on the ground; and 2) a third orientation 130 shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 as a side view, a sectional view 9-9, and top view, respectively, with sides 101c and 103c on the ground. FIGS. 2-10 show step members 105 as a first step member 310, a second step member 320, and a third step member 330.

In each orientation 110, 120, or 130, exercise device 100 has a height, h, a depth, d, and a width that is the sum of the length, w, of members 310, 320, and 330 and the thickness, t, of each end 101/103. The cross-sectional shapes of members 310, 320, and 330 are best seen on cross-sectional views 3, 6, and 9. In one embodiment, the thickness of members 310, 320, 330 are the same thickness, t, as ends 101/103. The cross-sectional shape and placement of members 310, 320, 330 are such that one or surfaces horizontal to ground G are presented in each orientation.

In one embodiment, the thickness t=¾″, the width w=19″, the height h=28″, and the depth d=32.3″.

Each step member 310, 320, and 330 is shaped to have at least one surface that is parallel to one of sides 101a/103a, 101b/103b, or 101c/103c, and to be staggered from the other step members such that a user may step on one or more step members. In one embodiment, members 105 are shaped to present one or more surfaces which a user may use as a step. More specifically, members 105 may be shaped to present steps at different heights off the ground, as discussed subsequently.

Thus, for example, in the first orientation 110, illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, step member 310 has a step surface 311 which is parallel to sides 101a/103a, and thus to the ground, G, in this orientation at a height h1=4″, and step member 330 has a step surface 331 which is also parallel to sides 101a/103a, and thus to the ground in this orientation at a height h2=20″. As is best viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4, a user may thus step on step surface 311 or 331. In one embodiment, the depth of each surface 311 and 331 is at least 3 inches, and may be approximately 6 inches.

In the second orientation 120, illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, step member 320 has a step surface 321 which is parallel to sides 101b/103b, and thus to the ground, G, in this orientation at a height h3=12″. As is best viewed in FIGS. 6 and 7, a user may thus step on step surface 321. In one embodiment, the depth of surface 321 is large enough to easily support a foot of a user. The depth of surface 321 may be at least 3 inches, from 3 inches to 12 inches, or may be approximately 6 inches.

In the third orientation 130, illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, step member 330 has a step surface 331 which is parallel to sides 101c/103c, and thus to the ground, G, in this orientation at a height h4=8″, and step member 320 has a step surface 322 which is also parallel to sides 101c/103c, and thus to the ground in this orientation at a height h5=16″. As is best viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4, a user may thus step on step surface 333 or 331. In one embodiment, the depth of each surface 333 and 331 is at least 3 inches, and may be approximately 6 inches.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are interior side views, similar to FIG. 9, illustrating one embodiment of the two ends of the step stool of FIG. 1. FIGS. 11 and 12 show matching dados 1031/1013, 1033/1011 and 1032/1012.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are sectional views of alternative views of a step member. FIG. 13 is one embodiment of a step member 1320, which may be for example step member 320 or 330. Step member 1320 is formed from a first element 1321 and a second element 1323. FIG. 14 is another embodiment of a step member 1420, which may be for example step member 320 or 330. Step member 1420 is shown as being formed from a single piece.

An exercise device such as exercise device 100 is easily used to present steps of various heights to the user. The user may, for example, place the device in one of the orientations for exercising. The user may then rotate the device to another orientation, and thus have steps of different heights for exercising.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Thus, while there has been described what is believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, the device may have two orientations, or may have more than three orientations on the ground. Each orientation may present no surfaces for stepping or may provide one, two, three or more surfaces for stepping.

Claims

1. An exercise device having several orientations for placing on the ground, said exercise device comprising:

a first end having planar edges and a second end having planar edges, where a first planar edge of said first end and a first planar edge of said second end define a first plane, where a second planar edge of said first end and a second planar edge of said second end define a second plane, where a first planar edge of said first end and a first planar edge of said second end define a third plane;

one or more elongated members each connected to said first end and said second end and having one or more first surfaces parallel to said first plane, one or more second surfaces parallel to said second plane, and one or more third surfaces parallel to said third plane, such that:

1) when the exercise device is placed in a first orientation with said first planar edges of said first end and said second end on the ground, each of said one or more first surfaces is at a corresponding distance from the ground,

2) when the exercise device is placed in a second orientation with said second planar edges of said first end and said second end on the ground, each of said one or more second surfaces is at a corresponding distance from the ground, and

3) when the exercise device is placed in a third orientation with said third planar edges of said first end and said second end on the ground, each of said one or more third surfaces is at a corresponding distance from the ground.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein, when the exercise device is placed in a first orientation on the ground, said one or more first surfaces is a first surface at a first distance from the ground and a second surface at a second distance from the ground, where said second distance is greater than said first distance.

3. The exercise device of claim 2, where said first distance is approximately 4 inches, and wherein said second distance is approximately 20 inches.

4. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein, when the exercise device is placed in a second orientation on the ground, said one or more second surfaces is a third surface at a third distance from the ground.

5. The exercise device of claim 4, where said third distance is approximately 12 inches.

6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein, when the exercise device is placed in a third orientation on the ground, said one or more third surfaces is a fourth surface at a fourth distance from the ground a fifth surface at a fifth distance from the ground.

7. The exercise device of claim 8, where said fourth distance is approximately 8 inches, and wherein said fifth distance is approximately 16 inches.

8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein

when the exercise device is placed in a first orientation on the ground, said one or more first surfaces is a first surface at a first distance from the ground and a second surface at a second distance from the ground, where said second distance is greater than said first distance, and where said first distance is approximately 4 inches, and wherein said second distance is approximately 20 inches;

when the exercise device is placed in a second orientation on the ground, said one or more second surfaces is a third surface at a third distance from the ground, where said third distance is approximately 12 inches; and

when the exercise device is placed in a third orientation on the ground, said one or more third surfaces is a fourth surface at a fourth distance from the ground a fifth surface at a fifth distance from the ground, where said fourth distance is approximately 8 inches, and wherein said fifth distance is approximately 16 inches.

9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said first end and said second end are triangular and have the same size.

10. An exercise device having several orientations for placing on the ground, said exercise device comprising:

a first end;

a second end; and

one or more elongated members connected to said first end and said second end,

where said first end and said second end each have first planar edge portions for placing said exercise device in a first orientation on the ground, second planar edge portions for placing said exercise device in a second orientation on the ground, and third planar edge portions for placing said exercise device in a third orientation on the ground,

where, when the exercise device is placed in a first orientation on the ground, said one or more elongated members have one or more first surfaces parallel to and at a distance from the ground,

where, when the exercise device is placed in a second orientation on the ground, said one or more elongated members have one or more second surfaces parallel to and at a distance from the ground, and

where, when the exercise device is placed in a third orientation on the ground, said one or more elongated members have one or more third surfaces parallel to and at a distance from the ground.

11. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein, when the exercise device is placed in a first orientation on the ground, said one or more first surfaces is a first surface at a first distance from the ground and a second surface at a second distance from the ground, where said second distance is greater than said first distance.

12. The exercise device of claim 11, where said first distance is approximately 4 inches, and wherein said second distance is approximately 20 inches.

13. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein, when the exercise device is placed in a second orientation on the ground, said one or more second surfaces is a third surface at a third distance from the ground.

14. The exercise device of claim 13, where said third distance is approximately 12 inches.

15. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein, when the exercise device is placed in a third orientation on the ground, said one or more third surfaces is a fourth surface at a fourth distance from the ground a fifth surface at a fifth distance from the ground.

16. The exercise device of claim 15, where said fourth distance is approximately 8 inches, and wherein said fifth distance is approximately 16 inches.

17. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein

when the exercise device is placed in a first orientation on the ground, said one or more first surfaces is a first surface at a first distance from the ground and a second surface at a second distance from the ground, where said second distance is greater than said first distance, and where said first distance is approximately 4 inches, and wherein said second distance is approximately 20 inches;

when the exercise device is placed in a second orientation on the ground, said one or more second surfaces is a third surface at a third distance from the ground, where said third distance is approximately 12 inches; and

when the exercise device is placed in a third orientation on the ground, said one or more third surfaces is a fourth surface at a fourth distance from the ground a fifth surface at a fifth distance from the ground, where said fourth distance is approximately 8 inches, and wherein said fifth distance is approximately 16 inches.

18. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein said first end and said second end are triangular and have the same size.

19. A method for a user to exercise using an exercise device having two or more orientations for placing on the ground, said method comprising:

placing the exercise device on the ground in a first orientation, where said exercise device in said first orientation has one or more first steps at corresponding distances from the ground;

having the user step on said one or more first steps;

placing the exercise device on the ground in a second orientation, where said exercise device in said second orientation has one or more second steps at corresponding distances from the ground; and

having the user step on said one or more second steps.

20. The method of claim 19, where said one or more first steps are two steps at different distances from the ground.

21. The method of claim 19, where said one or more second steps is one step.

22. The method of claim 19 further comprising:

placing the exercise device on the ground in a third orientation, where said exercise device in said third orientation has one or more second steps at corresponding distances from the ground; and

having the user step on said one or more third steps.

23. The method of claim 17, where said one or more first steps are two steps at different distances from the ground.