US20070191189A1

US20070191189A1 - Foldable step exerciser

Info

Publication number: US20070191189A1
Application number: US11/351,992
Authority: US
Inventors: Kuan-Yung Hsu; Chin-Liu Wang
Original assignee: Iviva International Corp
Current assignee: Iviva International Corp
Priority date: 2006-02-10
Filing date: 2006-02-10
Publication date: 2007-08-16

Abstract

A foldable step exerciser has a base and two pedal members symmetrically provided on two sides of the base. An interlock member is moveably connected to the base and a stopping element is mounted in a rear end of the interlock member and can slide along the base. A protrusion is mounted in a front end of the interlock member and two driving members are respectively mounted between each pedal and an end of the protrusion. When one of the pedals is treaded downwards, the other pedal is moved upwards via the protrusion being driven by the driving members and therefore, a user can exercise. When the interlock member as well as the stopping element is adjusted to move forwards and the pedals are not limited by the stopping element, the pedals can be folded for convenient storage.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a foldable step exerciser, and more particularly to a step exerciser which is easy to fold for storage.
2. Description of the Related Art
A first conventional step exerciser has a base and two seats symmetrically provided on the base. Two pedals, each of which has two wings formed thereon, are respectively provided on the seats and two resistance members are respectively pivotally mounted between each pedal and the base. A holder is mounted on rear ends of the seats and has a plat received therein. Two interlock members are respectively mounted between each wing and one of two ends of the plat. The wings are respectively driven by the interlock members via the plat so that the pedals can be moved up and down, or right and left for an user to step. However, the first conventional step exerciser has a large volume and can not be folded thereby difficult to move or store and occupies a large space.
A second conventional step exerciser has a base, a pulley mounted in a front end of the base, and two pedals pivotally and respectively mounted on two sides of the base. A pressure cylinder is provided between the two pedals and the base. A rope is wrapped around the pulley and connected to the pedals so that the pedals are moved up and down via being driven by the rope. However, the rope must be detached from the pulley to fold and store the second conventional step exerciser.
Therefore, the invention provides a folded step exerciser to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The main objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable step exerciser which is easy to fold and store.
Other objectives, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable step exerciser in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a driving member of the foldable step exerciser in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the foldable step exerciser in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a side view in partial section of the foldable step exerciser in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a first operational side view of the foldable step exerciser in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a second operational side view of the foldable step exerciser in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a first perspective view of the foldable step exerciser in FIG. 1 in a folded condition;
FIG. 8 is a second perspective view of the foldable step exerciser in FIG. 1 in a folded condition;
FIG. 9 is a side view of the foldable step exerciser in FIG. 1 in a folded condition;
FIG. 10 is a perspective of the foldable step exerciser in FIG. 1 provided with shells; and
FIG. 11 is a side view of the foldable step exerciser with the shells in FIG. 10 in a folded condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a folded step exerciser comprises a base (10), two pedal members (20) symmetrically provided in two sides of the base (10), and an interlock member (30) mounted in the base (10) and connected to the pedal members (20).
The base (10) has a girder (11), a reverse D-like rod (12), a C-like pivotal element (13), a rear shaft (14), a front shaft (15) and a seat (16). The girder (11) has a pin hole (111) and a guiding slot (112) separately defined in a top thereof. A pin tube (1111) is inserted into the pin hole (111), and a lower end of the pin tube (1111) is connected to a bottom of the girder (11) while an upper end of the pin tube (1111) extends out of the top of the girder (11). A flange (1112) is formed at an inner upper end of the pin tube (1111). A elongated hole (113) is defined in the bottom of the girder (11) and a rear axle hole (114) is defined in one side of the girder (11) and transversely provided between the elongated hole (113) and the pin hole (111).
Two guiding blocks (115) are respectively and symmetrically provided on the bottom of the girder (11) and correspond to the pin hole (111). A rail (116) is formed between the two guiding blocks (115) and longitudinally extends along the girder (11). Two first threaded holes (1151) are respectively defined in each guiding block (115).
The reverse D-like rod (12) has an arcuate post provided in a rear end of the girder (11) and a handle (121) transversely provided between two ends of the arcuate post thereby a user grasping the handle (121) for keeping balance. The C-like pivotal element (13) is provided in a front end of the girder (11), and a top end of the pivotal element (13) is provided above the girder (11). A front axle hole (131) is transversely defined through two sides of the pivotal element (13) and is above the rear axle hole (114).
The rear shaft (14) has two second threaded holes (141) respectively defined in two ends thereof and a middle portion of the rear shaft (14) is inserted into the rear axle hole (114). Two first beam barrels (142) are respectively mounted around two opposed portions of the rear shaft (14) exposed out of the girder (11). Two collars (143), each of which has a diminished end and a thick end, are respectively attached to two ends of the rear shaft (14) via the diminished ends. The thick ends are respectively level with the ends of the rear shaft (14).
The front shaft (15), shorter than the rear axle shaft (14), has a two first threaded portions (151) formed in two ends thereof and a middle portion of the front axle shaft (15) is inserted into the front axle hole (131). Two second beam barrels (152), each of which has a diminished end and a thick end exposed out of the pivotal element (13), are respectively attached to two ends of the front shaft (15) via the diminished ends. Two first nuts (153) are respectively screwed onto the first threaded portions (151) to position the front shaft (15) on the pivotal element (13).
The seat (16) is provided at the bottom of and perpendicular to the girder (11). The seat (16) has a plane (161) formed thereon and a middle portion of the plane (161) is provided at the bottom of the girder (11). A first opening (1611) is defined in the plane (161) and corresponds to the pin hole (111). Four lock holes (1612) are respectively defined in the plane (161) and correspond to the first threaded holes (1151). Four first bolts (1613) are respectively inserted through the lock holes (1612) and screwed into the first threaded holes (1151) so that the plane (161) is securely mounted under the girder (11).
Two wings (162) are respectively formed in two opposed ends of the plane (16) and extend upright. Two second openings (1621) are respectively defined in the wings (162). Two second bolts (163) are respectively extended through the second openings (1621) and screwed into the second threaded holes (141) so that the plane (16) is securely mounted on the rear shaft (14) and under the girder (11). Two C-like lower cylinder seats (164) are provided on the top respectively near two ends of the plane (161).
The pedal members (20) are symmetrically provided on two sides of the girder (11) and each pedal member (20) has a pedal (21), a front arm seat (211) provided on a bottom of the pedal (21) and a rear arm seat (212) provided on the bottom of the pedal (21). An upper cylinder seat (213) is mounted on the bottom of each pedal (21) and between the front arm seat (211) and the rear arm seat (212). Two front arms (22) are respectively and pivotally connected to the front arm seats (211) and each has a first sleeve (221) provided at a free end thereof. The first sleeves (221) are respectively mounted around the front beam barrels (152) so that the front arms (22) can be pivoted. Two flats (222) are respectively formed on the first sleeves (221) and extend substantially downwards. A through hole is defined through a lower end of each flat (222).
A rear arm (23) is pivotally connected to each rear arm seat (212) and parallel to the corresponding front arm (22). A second sleeve (231) is formed in a lower end of each rear arm seat (23) and mounted around one of the collars (143) thereby pivotally rotating. A pressure cylinder (24) is pivotally connected between each upper cylinder seat (213) and one of the lower cylinder seats (164). A stopping block (214) is provided on the bottom of each pedal (21) and extends laterally above the girder (11). A magnetic block (2141) and a sensor (2142) are respectively and securely mounted on the stopping blocks (214) so that each sensor (2142) can monitor the passing times of the magnetic block (2141) mounted on the other pedal (21) when the step exerciser is working. Hence, times of treading the pedals (21) by the user can be calculated.
The interlock member (30) has a board (31) extending into the seat (16) and the rail (116). A first inserting hole (311) is defined in the board (31) and corresponds to the pin hole (111), and a second inserting hole (314) is defined in the board (31). A knob element (32) has a knob (321) and a bar (322) inserted into the pin tube (1111) and extends out of the flange (1112). A head (3221), the diameter of which is slightly bigger than that of rest of the bar (322), is formed in a lower end of the bar (322). A coil spring (323) is mounted around the bar (322) and between head (3221) of the bar (322) and the flange (1112). The bar (322) extends through the first opening (1611), the coil spring (322) and the first inserting hole (311) so that the board (31) is securely connected to the girder (11). The bar (322) can be alternatively inserted into the second inserting hole (314) also to position the board (31) at a different location relative to the girder (11) and therefore, the position of the board (31) can be adjusted relative to the girder (11).
A stopping block (33) is connected to the board (31) via the guiding slot (112) and has a lug (331) formed on an upper end thereof. A finger (332) is formed at a lower end of the stopping block (33) and extends downwards to connect to the board (31). The lug (331) corresponds to the stopping blocks (214).
A C-like holder (312) is formed at a front end of the board (31) and an upper end of the holder (312) is received into a rear end of the elongated hole (113). An orifice (3121) is longitudinally defined in the holder (312). A protrusion (34) is transversely mounted in the holder (312) and a pivotal orifice (341) is defined in a center of the protrusion (34). An axle (313) is inserted into the orifice (3121) and the pivotal orifice (341) in turn and two through apertures (342) are respectively defined in two ends of the protrusions (34). A driving element (35) is pivotally provided between each flat (222) and a corresponding protrusion (34) via the through hole and one of the through apertures (342).
Each driving element (35) comprises a shank (351) and a pole (352). A threaded aperture is defined in a rear end of the shank (351) and a first bear (3512) is formed in a front end of the shank (351). A second threaded portion (3521) is formed in a front end of the pole (352) and corresponds to the threaded aperture in the shank (351). A second bear (3522) is formed in a rear end of the pole (352). A third bolt (36) is inserted into the through hole in the corresponding flat (222) and the first bear (3512) in turn and engaged with a second nut (37). A fourth bolt (30) is inserted into the through aperture (342) in the corresponding protrusion (34) and the second bear (3522) in turn and engaged with a third nut (38).
With reference to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, one of the pedals (21) is moved downwards slowly via the resistance force of the corresponding pressure cylinder (24) when it is treaded by a user. The front arm (22) of the stepped pedal (21) is pivotally moved so that the flat (222) connected to the front arm (22) of the foresaid pedal (21) drives the corresponding driving element (35) forwards. Then, the protrusion (34) is rotated and drives the other driving element (35) rearwards. Hence, the other flat (222) is driven rearwards and therefore, the other arm (22) pivotally connected to another pedal (21) is move upwards.
Additionally, when the other pedal (21) is moved downwards, the corresponding pedal (21) is moved upwards so that the user can exercise conveniently. The treaded pedal (21) can be stopped via the corresponding stopping block (214) attaching to the stopping element (33) so that the pedal members (20) don't collide with the base (10). Furthermore, the shank (351) is connected to the pole (352) via the second threaded portion (352) so that the length of the driving element (35) can be adjusted and the treading process of the user can also be adjusted.
With reference to FIGS. 4, 7-9, when the knob element (32) is pulled out of the first opening (1611) and the first inserting opening (311), the board (31) slides along the rail (116) so that the holder (312) as well as the protrusion (34) can be moved to a front end of the long hole (113). Hence, the stopping element (34) is moved forwards along the guiding slot (112) and therefore, the stopping blocks (214) are respectively detached from the stopping element (33) to move downwards. Furthermore, the flats (222) are moved forwards integrally so that the arms (22) and the pedals (21) are moved downwards and horizontally and received between the rod (12) and the seat (16) to shrink the volume of the present invention for storage.
With reference to FIGS. 3, 10 and 11, two pads (40) are respectively mounted on the pedals (21). A first shell (41) is mounted around the pivotal element (13), a second shell (42) is mounted around the seat (16) and two third shells (43) are respectively mounted around the front arms (22) to reduce damage and improve the appearance of the step exerciser.
It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only. Changes may be made in details, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. A foldable step exerciser comprising:

a base having

a girder having

a pin hole radially defined in a top of the girder,

two guiding blocks respectively provided on a bottom of the girder and corresponding to the pin hole,

a rail formed between the two guiding blocks and longitudinally extending along the girder,

a pivotal element provided on a front end of the girder and having

a front shaft transversely mounted on of the pivotal element; and

a seat provided at the bottom of and perpendicular to the girder and having a middle portion connected to the two guiding blocks;

two pedal members symmetrically provided on two sides of the girder and each having

a pedal,

a front arm pivotally connected between a bottom of the pedal and one end of the front shaft,

a flat formed on a lower end of the front arm, and

a pressure cylinder provided between the pedal and the seat; and

an interlock member mounted between the base and the pedal members and having

a board inserted into the seat and the rail,

a first inserting hole defined in the board and corresponding to the pin hole,

a knob element inserted into the pin hole and the first inserting hole whereby the interlock member is securely connected to the girder, and

a protrusion transversely and pivotally mounted on a front end of the board, and

two driving members respectively provided between each flat and one of two ends of the protrusion.

2. The folded step exerciser as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rear shaft is transversely mounted on the girder and is lower than the front shaft, the seat has two wings formed respectively at two ends of the seat and connected to two ends of the rear shaft, two rear arms are respectively and pivotally connected to the bottom of the pedals, and the rear arms are respectively and pivotally connected to the ends of the rear shaft, a elongated hole is defined in the girder, and a C-like holder is formed on a front end of the board and an upper end of the holder is received into the elongated hole, an orifice is longitudinally defined in the holder and a pivotal orifice is defined in a center of the holder, and an axle is inserted into the orifice and pivotally inserted in the pivotal orifice.

3. The folded step exerciser as claimed in claim 1, wherein a guiding slot is defined in the top of the girder, a stopping element is inserted into the guiding slot and is connected to the board, a lug is formed on an upper end of the stopping element and a finger is formed at a lower end of the stopping block and extends downwards to connect to the board, and two stopping blocks are respectively provided on the bottoms of the pedals, laterally extend above the girder and correspond to the upper end of the stopping element.

4. The folded step exerciser as claimed in claim 1, wherein each driving element has a shank and a pole, a threaded aperture is defined in a rear end of the shank and a first bear is formed in a front end of the shank, a second threaded portion is formed in a front end of the pole and corresponding to the threaded aperture in the shank, and a second bear is formed in a rear end of the pole, each flat has a through hole and the protrusion of the interlock member has two through apertures defined in two ends of the protrusion, and

wherein each first bear is connected to a corresponding flat and each second bear is connected to one of the ends of the protrusion so that each driving member is pivotally connected to the corresponding flat and the protrusion.

5. The folded step exerciser as claimed in claim 3, wherein each driving element has a shank and a pole, a threaded aperture is defined in a rear end of the shank and a first bear is formed in a front end of the shank, a second threaded portion is formed in a front end of the pole and corresponding to the threaded aperture in the shank, and a second bear is formed in a rear end of the pole, each flat has a through hole and the protrusion of the interlock member has two through apertures defined in two ends of the protrusion, and

6. The folded step exerciser as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rod has an arcuate post provided in a rear end of the girder and a handle is transversely provided between two ends of the post.

7. The folded step exerciser as claimed in claim 3, wherein a rod has an arcuate post provided in a rear end of the girder and a handle is transversely provided between two ends of the post.

8. The folded step exercise as claimed in claim 3, wherein a magnetic block and a sensor are respectively and securely mounted on the stopping blocks.