| Exercising device with combined stepping and twisting functions -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Exercising device with combined stepping and twisting functionsExercising device with combined stepping and twisting functions description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080064572, Exercising device with combined stepping and twisting functions. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001]The present invention generally relates to construction forms and more specifically to an exercising device with combined stepping and twisting functions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002]In the prior art in which this invention appertains, exercising devices having combined stepping and twisting functions are well known. The trend of the advancement of the art is seemingly headed towards the development and improvement of different mechanisms that are used to provide the combined stepping and twisting functions. These prior art are discussed briefly hereunder. [0003]U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,709 discloses an exerciser having stepping and twisting functions in which its pedal arms cause their respective tubular sleeves to rotate about a cylindrical body when pressure is applied on one of the pedal arms, thereby resulting in the combined stepping and twisting functions. [0004]GB 2395443 discloses a stepping exerciser wherein the twisting function is caused by the forced rotation of a follower relative to a base which in turn causes foot supports to rotate with the follower giving the user a twisting motion while conducting stepping exercises. [0005]In US2005020412, an exerciser for step and twist includes a base and a swing device secured to the base. The swing device has a pair of pedals which are secured to a post and linked by a cable to a roller. Two ends of the cable are connected with extensions protruding from the pedals. A spindle of the roller is provided with a gear to mesh with the teeth of a disc on the base. When stepping on the pedals, the cable links the roller to spin, whereas the gear rolls along the teeth of the disc to move the pedals from left to right or vice versa, thus, the exerciser provides a stepping and twisting effects to users. [0006]The foregoing exercisers do not provide a selection and locking mechanism to allow the user to choose a preferred function, i.e. stepping or twisting or both combined. Other similar exercisers with combined step and twist functions are provided in GB 2341332, FR2868958, U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,562, US2004097337, and US2006035756. [0007]While the foregoing exercisers in the prior art do not have function-selecting means, there are some that teach combined step and twist exercisers with locking and/or selection means which allow the user to select preferred function such the following: [0008]In U.S. Pat. No. 5,453,065, a combined step and twist exerciser is provided that has a lower stationary support frame with an upright shaft fixed thereto. It has a stepper mechanism which has a base body mounted rotatably on the shaft and having a front portion and a rear portion, a pair of spaced pedal arms, each of which having a front end pivoted to the front portion and a rear end portion extending from the front end toward the rear portion, and a pair of resistance cylinders, each of which interconnecting the rear end portion of a respective one of pedal arms and the base body. A horizontal plate member is mounted to the shaft above the base body and has two opposite spaced rear portions on two sides of the shaft. A locking unit is provided to lock releasably the plate member relative to the stationary support frame. [0009]U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,461 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,253 disclose and teach step and/or twist exercisers which may be selectively inactivated so that only one or both of the functions could be used. [0010]Careful analysis of the aforementioned prior art reveals that all their actuating mechanisms that allow their functionalities to operate are relatively complex comprising of multiple parts or elements. The functions they are capable of performing are normally results of and/or inherent to the separate interacting elements/mechanisms or assemblage of parts so designed/configured to do such functions, hence, the more functionalities desired, the more parts or elements needed or required to comprise and operate such functionalities of the prior art exercisers. It is also noteworthy that a separate element in a form of hydraulic or pneumatic device is normally adopted by the prior art to provide resistance to the stepper unit or pedal, a feature that is common to most, if not all, of them. Furthermore, selection of functions, i.e. stepping, twisting or combination of both, is not that ergonomic or user-friendly to the users as it is dictated by decentralized separate mechanisms performing such functions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011]The invention seeks to overcome the drawbacks and shortcomings of the prior art by providing an exercising device with combined stepping and twisting functions that is relatively much simpler than those of the prior art in terms of the structural features and number of elements/parts it comprises. It has a centralized assemblage (C) of elements or mechanisms that facilitates multiple functions through a simple selective and pre-determined in operation or immobilization of certain part(s) or element(s) or mechanism(s) thereof comprising the assemblage. Thus, in operation, the invention is very ergonomic, convenient and user-friendly to use and operate due to its easy and practical way of selecting functions, i.e. stepping, twisting or combination of both, that is also practically centralized as inherent result of the centralized assemblage (C). In addition to that, the present invention has the mechanism thereof capable of performing functionalities, which are separately performed by respective mechanisms or elements in the prior art, such as the application of a stepper resistance. [0012]The aforementioned capabilities and functionalities of the invention are results of the characterizing features and elements thereof disclosed and taught herein. The invention preferably embodying an exercising device (10,10a), while comprising some of the old elements in the prior art in combination with the centralized assemblage (C) thereof, is characterized by a stepper mounting means (12) and engaging rotatable mechanism (14), preferably serving also as a stepper resistance-providing mechanism, that are lockably and horizontally rotatable relative to each other and base member (11) at a common axis of rotation (17) located proximate the central section of the device (10,10a), such that a stepping function is activated solely when the mounting means (12) is made non-rotatable relative to the base member (11) while the mechanism (14) being in a rotatable state relative to the mounting means (12); a twisting function is activated solely when the mechanism (14) is made non-rotatable relative to the mounting means (12) while the mounting means (12) being in a rotatable state relative to the base member (11); and combined stepping and twisting functions are activated simultaneously when the mechanism (14) is made non-rotatable relative to the base member (11) while the mounting means (12) being in a rotatable state relative to the base member (11) and the mechanism (14). [0013]The primary object therefore of the present invention is to provide an exercising device with combined stepping and twisting functions that is capable of performing more functions or functionalities such as stepping, twisting and combination of both, including provision of stepper resistance, with less elements or mechanisms, thus, very efficient, practical and economical to use, manufacture and commercialize. [0014]Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercising device with combined stepping and twisting functions that has very ergonomic and user-friendly operating features, especially the function-selection feature, that are centralized in one area. [0015]Still another object thereof is to provide an exercising device with combined stepping and twisting functions that is does not only provide an efficient, effective and practical way of performing an exercise, but also an exerciser that is very easy to use, operate and store or keep after usage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016]Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent, understood and appreciated upon reading the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0018]FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the centralized assemblage of elements/mechanisms thereof showing in inset views the different functions thereof; [0019]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 2; [0020]FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view thereof showing a preferred embodiment of the function-selection knob-type lock thereof; Continue reading about Exercising device with combined stepping and twisting functions... Full patent description for Exercising device with combined stepping and twisting functions Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Exercising device with combined stepping and twisting functions patent application. Patent Applications in related categories: 20090298651 - Exercise device ramp roller retainer - An exercise device as a member configured to be driven by one or more feet, a roller rotationally coupled to the first member and a first projection extending away from the first roller. The exercise device includes a roller guide including an inclined floor underlying the roller and overhang extending ... ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Exercising device with combined stepping and twisting functions or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Exercise machine Next Patent Application: Universal adapter for exercising sticks Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Exercising device with combined stepping and twisting functions patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.15102 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Qualcomm , Schering-Plough , Schlumberger , Seagate , Siemens , Texas Instruments , 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
