US20050245370A1

US20050245370A1 - Powerwalk plus

Info

Publication number: US20050245370A1
Application number: US10/833,031
Authority: US
Inventors: Kevin Boland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-04-28
Filing date: 2004-04-28
Publication date: 2005-11-03

Abstract

The present invention is an exercise machine of providing a double aerobic workout combined with toning and sculpting for selected lower body muscle groups. The machine efficiently affords multiple exercise modes, including a standing power walk with arm toning exercise, a standing bun and thigh kick muscle toning workout and step aerobics. The invention comprises a sleek, lightweight frame with a padded base for stepping, standing or walking in place upon, a rotating power arm with stabilizing handgrip, and interchangeable pull handles and a foot attachment mechanism connected to elastic cords creating adjustable levels of pull resistance. In the first exemplary embodiment, the machine employs a detachable power arm and front frame with an adjustable height foot base. In the second exemplary embodiment, the power arm and front frame are release-hinged for efficient folding for storage. In a third exemplary embodiment, the padded base is not height adjustable.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise machines which use a form of resistance to exercise specific muscle groups of the body. More specifically, the present invention is a versatile cardio, arms, buttocks and thigh exercise machine with variable-strength resistance adjustment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many exercise machines available which offer strengthening and conditioning for a variety of muscle groups. Many use weights or other means to provide resistance to the muscles being exercised. These machines are suitable for their intended purpose, each targeting one or more specific body areas as designed. Often, these machines are single function, requiring two or more devices to accomplish the exercising of different body areas, or the machines are bulky, unattractive or of a relatively large size. Moreover, many are expensive and inconvenient to store while not in use
Addressing these deficiencies, and with particular attention focused on aerobics and lower body muscle toning exercise, the present invention is an attractive, compact and lightweight exercise machine which, by alternating between three configuration modes, conveniently and easily allows exercising of the heart, arms, buttocks and thigh muscles from a single, multi-purpose device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exercise machine is disclosed which is designed to focus on two cardio workouts and lower body toning and sculpting. The compact unit has a main base frame and a front frame, with a quick-convert, rotating power arm and a padded foot board. The machine also includes a variable-resistance pull mechanism, with two interchangeable pulling attachments: a handlebar and an ankle cuff. The exercises performed on this machine include a power walk, bun and thigh muscle toning and sculpting and a step aerobics workout.
In a first exemplary embodiment, the rotating power arms are detachable from the front frame and the front frame is detachable from the main frame. This facilitates storage of the unit. In addition, the foot board is height-adjustable to provide varying options for exercising. A lower foot board position provides a platform suitable for the powerwalk, the primary bun and thigh muscle toning and sculpting exercises and a light step aerobic workout. An elevated position of the footboard provides a move intense step aerobic workout and additional bun and thigh toning exercise.
In a second exemplary embodiment, the connections of the power arms to the front frame and of the front frame to the main frame are of the hinge-release type, which provides for a quicker take down for storage.
In a third exemplary embodiment, the foot board is not height-adjustable.
The unique and innovative machine provides for efficient versatility of use in effectively exercising two key body areas from three modes of use. With the machine in the power walk mode, the user walks in place upon the foot board while simultaneously exercising the arms by pulling the variable-resistance handlebars on the rotating power arm handle bar frame. This promotes a strong cardio workout which is accomplished quicker than regular walking and offers upper arm toning as an added benefit. Switching to the bun and thigh mode, the power arm is rotated into a vertical position and an ankle cuff is attached in place of the lower handle bar. Placing one ankle at a time into the ankle cuff, the buttocks, and inner and outer thigh muscles are alternatively exercised by a series of moves kicking or pulling out against the resistance mechanism. Finally, returning the rotating handle bar frame to the horizontal position and raising the foot board, the user performs an aerobic step exercise on and off the elevated foot board.
The resistance mechanism utilizes two or more elastic bands of differing strengths to provide a smooth, even and consistent positive and negative resistance. The strength of the resistance can be varied by connecting or disconnecting the elastic bands in different combinations. The unit can include a sturdy support handle attached to the rotating power arm to facilitate the bun and thigh exercises where the user stands on one leg at a time.
The unit is designed to be sleek, attractive and affordable and more fun than walking and safe and easy to use for all ages. It is lightweight and easy to move and position for use and storage. The compact shape of the machine makes it ideal for use in a small room of the house. The machine frame can be made of metal or any other rigid material with typically plastic handle bars and grips and a padded foot board. It is simple to move between exercises; that is, to go from the power walk mode, to the bun and thigh mode and then on to the step aerobics mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed hereinafter in reference to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a fully assembled view of the first exemplary embodiment of the exercise machine.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the exercise machine.
FIG. 3 is a detail view of many of the minor interconnecting and adorning components.
FIG. 4 illustrates the underside of the main frame of the exercise machine.
FIG. 5 shows the interconnection of the front frame and the main frame.
FIG. 6 shows the connection of the slide frame to the front frame.
FIG. 7 shows the connection of the power arm to the slide frame.
FIG. 8 illustrates the attachment of the elastic bands to the handle bars.
FIG. 9 illustrates the attachment of the ankle cuff to the elastic bands.
FIG. 10 illustrates a user exercising on the powerwalk mode.
FIG. 11 illustrates a user exercising on the step aerobics mode.
FIG. 12 illustrates a user exercising on the bun and hamstring kick mode.
FIG. 13 illustrates a user exercising on the outer thigh mode (inner thigh mode is not shown).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exercise machine comprises an assembly (100) consisting of the primary components of a main frame (18), a front frame (05), a slide frame (07) and a power arm (08). Attached to said primary components are the secondary components of a support frame (35), adjustment frames (14), a spring (04), a foot board (01), two plastic handle bars (11), a handle seat (31), elastic bands (12 and 13) and a stabilizing handle bar (27) with a slip-resistant hand grip (28). Said primary and secondary components are interconnected and suitably adorned with minor components, some of which are herein described, but all of which are of a type and nature common to those skilled in the art of mechanical construction with the intent to safely market to the general public. Said minor components are shown in FIG. 3.
As shown in FIG. 4, the main frame (18) comprises a main bar (36) with a stabilizing rear bar (37) attached to the back end of the main bar and side bars (38) attached on opposite sides of the main bar. A stabilizing front bar (39) is attached at the front of the main frame. The end bar (37) and side bars (38) contain pivot connection points (40) as shown in FIG. 2 which are common to those skilled in such art for connection of one end of the adjustment frames (14).
The front frame (05) is a bar which is connected to the main frame (18) above the front bar (39) as shown in FIG. 5. The knob (06) connection shown in FIG. 2 facilitates easy disassembly of the front frame from the main frame for storage. There are a series of positioning holes (41) at the top of the front frame (05) arranged at a suitable spacing along its length.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the slide frame (07) comprises a bar of larger size than the front frame (05) with a swivel sleeve (071) on the front side and a position lock hole (42) through the opposite side. The swivel sleeve (071) contains a rotation set hole (072) on the top of the sleeve. The slide frame (07) passes over the top of the front frame (05) and is held in place at varying positions near the top of the front frame by inserting a pop-pin (25) through the position lock hole (42) and into one of the positioning holes (41).
The power arm (08) is a generally U-shaped hollow bar as shown in FIG. 2. A swivel axle (43) is attached to the mid-point of the power arm as shown in FIG. 7. The swivel axle has a pair of rotation positioning holes (not shown) of the variety common to those familiar with the concept of swivel connections. The stabilizing handle bar (27) with slip-resistant hand grip (28) is connected to one leg of the power arm (08).
Elastic bands (12, 13), as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, pass through the interior of the power arm (08) and through handle seats (31) located at the ends of the power arm. The handle seats (31) comprise a hollow fixture, one end of which is smaller and one which is larger than the ends of the power arm (08). The smaller end of the handle seat slides into the power arm (08) until the larger end of the handle seat abuts the end of the power arm. Internal to the handle seats are a set of conveyance wheels (30) upon which the elastic bands rest and ride during use. The conveyance wheels provide for smooth operation of the elastic bands and help prevent their fraying from repeated use. The elastic bands (12, 13) are of one or more sizes (strengths) to facilitate a resistance-based workout while using the invention. The ends of the elastic bands pass through the handle seats (31) and are fastened to the inner end of handle bars (11) as shown in FIG. 8. The tension in the elastic bands (12, 13) holds the handle bars (11) against the handle seats (31) during non-use of the invention. Also, as shown on FIG. 8, male prongs (44) of handlebars (11) mate with female recesses (45) (not shown) in the end stops (31) of power arms (08) to prevent drooping of the handlebars when not in use.
In the embodiment described above, the exercise machine is disclosed with two elastic bands (12 and 13). However, a greater or lesser number of elastic bands may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.
The power arm (08) is connected to the slide frame (07) by inserting the swivel axle (43) into the swivel sleeve (071) as shown in FIG. 2. The insertion is secured by tightening screws (10) behind a raised surface (not shown) on the swivel axle (43), of the kind common to those familiar with the function of a swivel connection. This connection allows the power arm to rotate freely without pulling apart. The power arm position is fixed by inserting a swivel pin (09) through the rotation set hole (072) in the swivel sleeve (071) and into the swivel axle (43) at alternative positions to facilitate various modes of exercise.
The main frame (18), front frame (05), slide frame (07) and power arm (08) are each made of tubular metal or other suitable sturdy, lightweight material. The hand grip (28), handle seats (31) and handle bars (11) are made of plastic or any other material suitable for the application and use.
The support frame (35) comprises a metal or other rigid material framework with four support legs (45) as shown in FIG. 2. The support frame is attached to and alternatively rests upon four adjustment frames (14). The support frame is attached to the adjustment frames by pivot connections (40) as shown in FIG. 4. The adjustment frame (14) comprises a short bar or tube with the indicated pivot connection facilities at each end. Along the front side of the lower end of each adjustment frame is a triangular gusset stop plate (44) as shown in FIG. 2. Attached to the underside of the support frame (35) and the top side of the main frame (18) is a tension spring (04) as shown in FIG. 2.
The foot board (01) is a rigid plane surface of lightweight metal or other suitable material which is comfort-padded in a manner common to those skilled in the art. The foot board is attached to the topside of the support frame (35) by screws or other suitable means. The foot board may be placed in either a low position (see FIG. 5) or elevated position (see FIG. 1) by the user. To raise the foot board from the low position, with the support frame's support legs (45) resting on the floor, to the elevated position, the foot board (01) is lifted by the user. As the attached support frame (35) rises, through rotation of the pivoting adjustment bars (14), the tension spring (04) pulls the support frame and foot board toward the front of the machine until the gusset stop plates (44) on the adjustment frames (14) come to rest against the side bars (38) of the main frame (18). This secures the foot board in its elevated position. To lower the foot board to the low position, the user pulls backward on the foot board, stretching tension spring (04) as the foot board and attached support frame slide backward and downward through reverse rotation of the pivoting adjustment bars until the support legs (45) rest on the floor. In this position the weight of the foot board and support frame together are sufficient to overcome the tension in the spring and the foot board stays in place in its low position.
The invention has three primary modes of exercise. These are the power walk mode, the bun and thigh muscle toning mode and the step aerobics mode.
In the power walk mode, as shown in FIG. 10, the slide frame (07) is positioned at a suitable height for the user. The power arm (08) is positioned horizontally (FIG. 1) and the foot board (01) is placed in the low position (FIG. 5) with the support frame (35) at rest on its feet (45). To exercise, the user stands on the foot board with his back to the power arm. Grasping the handle bars (11), the user walks in place on the foot board (01) while swinging the arms in a walking motion, alternatively pulling on the handle bars, thus stretching and releasing the elastic bands (12 and/or 13), and engaging the arm muscles in the exercise. In this mode, the user receives a cardio workout while toning the arms. Resistance at the handle bars (11) can be adjusted by connecting or disconnecting either of the elastic bands prior to use.
In the bun and thigh exercise mode, there are three sub-modes of exercise. These are the bun and hamstring kick, which incorporates a straight leg quadricep extension, the inner thigh pull and the outer thigh pull.
In the bun and hamstring kick sub-mode as shown in FIG. 12, the power arm (08) is positioned vertically and the foot board (01) is placed in the low position (FIG. 5) with the support frame (35) at rest on its feet (45). The lower handle bar (11) is removed and a foot attachment device, such as an ankle cuff or any other suitable mechanism (32) is attached in its place as shown in FIG. 9. With one hand on the hand grip (28), the ankle is placed within the loop of the ankle cuff (32). To exercise, the user stands facing the power arm (08) and repetitively kicks backward with the leg attached to the ankle cuff and then returns the leg to the original position. In the inner thigh sub-mode (not shown), the user stands sideways to the power arm. With the ankle cuff (32) attached to the leg closest to the lower end of the power arm, the user repetitively kicks across the front of the body (away from the lower end of the power arm) while holding onto the hand grip (28). In the outer thigh sub-mode, as shown in FIG. 13 when viewed from the front of the machine, the user remains standing sideways to the power arm and places the ankle cuff (32) around the opposite ankle. Again holding onto the stabilizing handle bar (27), the user repetitively kicks away from the lower end of the power arm (08), spreading the legs against the resistance of the elastic bands (12, 13).
In the step aerobics mode, as shown in FIG. 11, the power arm (08) is again placed in the horizontal position. The foot board (01) is raised to its elevated position (FIG. 1) by lifting the foot board and support frame (35) assembly as the tension spring (04) pulls the assembly forward until it rests on the gusset stop plates (44). To exercise, the user steps from the floor to the foot board, and then back to the floor, alternating feet in a repetitive manner.
To store the machine while not in use, the power arm (08) and slide frame (07) are removed as a unit by removing pop pin (25) and lifting the slide frame up over the end of the front frame (05). Then the front frame is removed by removing knob (06) and dislocating the front frame from its connection point above the front bar (39) of the main frame (18).
In a second exemplary embodiment (not shown), the exercise machine is constructed with a hinged-release front frame-to-main frame connection and slide frame-to-power arm connection, which allows the machine to be quickly folded into a relatively flat profile to be slid under a bed.
In a third exemplary embodiment (not shown), the exercise machine does not come with an adjustable height foot plate.
Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiments herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A heart, arms, buttocks and thigh exercise machine comprising:

a main frame supporting said exercise machine;

a front frame extending vertically from and connected to said main frame;

a power arm having first and second operative ends and having a central position rotatably connected to said front frame at a height above said main frame so as to be operatively engageable by a user of said machine;

a stabilizing handlebar connected to said power arm providing a balance control means to said user during certain modes of exercise;

a foot board connected to said main frame and providing support for said user;

a pull resistance mechanism operatively housed with said power arm;

handlebars; and a foot attachment device selectively connectable to said pull resistance mechanism at one or more ends of said power arm.

2. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein the main frame is comprised of a main bar, a rear bar, two side bars and a front bar;

3. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein the front frame releasably is connected to the main frame, to permit takedown for storage;

4. The exercise machine of claim 1 further including a slideframe fitting over the upper portion of said front frame; wherein the slideframe is selectively positionable to allow height adjust of the power arm.

5. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein the power arm is attached to the exercise machine through a swivel connection, allowing the power arm to rotate from horizontal to vertical to facilitate alternate modes of exercise.

6. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein: the rotating power arm is releasably attached to the exercise machine, to permit takedown for storage.

7. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein: the foot board is covered and padded for the comfort of the user.

8. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein the foot board is height-adjustable to facilitate alternate modes of exercise.

9. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the pull resistance mechanism consists of two or more elastic bands which provide the adjustable resistance.

10. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the handle bars and the foot attachment device are interchangeable to permit various modes of exercise.

11. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the handlebars fit into the ends of the power arm so as to prevent drooping during non-use of the machine.

12. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the front frame is hingedly connected to the main frame to allow folding of said exercise machine.

13. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the power arm is hingedly connected to the front frame to allow folding of said exercise machine.

14. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the foot board is optionally fixed in place.