US4555108A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Exercising and physical-conditioning apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-03-12
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Granted: 1985-11-26
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Expires: 2004-03-12
Abstract
Abstract The present invention discloses an exercising apparatus designed to simulate the climbing of a staircase to achieve physical conditioning, including improved cardiopulmonary function and muscle-tone of the lower extremities. The present apparatus comprises a base-support structure on which is rotatably supported a stair mechanism defined by a rotatable member provided with two sets of step members. A plurality of left-step members and a plurality of right-step members are alternately offset from each other circumferentially to allow a step-climbing action by the operator. A gear drive is interconnected to a hydraulic system, the gear drive being operated by the rotation of the stair mechanism, which in turn operates the hydraulic system that includes a flow-control valve for regulating the rotation of the steps to suit the requirements of the individual operator.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank G. Monteiro
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 17:09
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B22/00; A63B22/04; A63B21/00; A63B21/008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
An exercising and physical-conditioning apparatus that provides a means for simulating the climbing of stairs, the apparatus comprising: a base-support structure; a rotatable stair means supported on said base-support structure for rotation about a horizontal axis; a hydraulic-control means operably connected to said rotatable stair means, whereby the rotation thereof is selectively operable; drive means interconnecting said rotatable stair means and said hydraulic-control means, said hydraulic-control means being activated by the rotation of said stair means, and the rotation of said stair means being provided by the treading action of the operator engaged thereon; wherein said rotational stair means comprises: a rotatable structural member having extending horizontal shaft members defining said horizontal axis thereof; bearing means mounted to said base-support structure, and adapted to receive said shaft members for rotation therein; and a plurality of step members fixedly secured to said rotatable structural member, and positioned to extend radially outward from said horizontal axis thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
An exercising and physical-conditioning apparatus that provides a means for simulating the climbing of stairs, the apparatus comprising: a base-support structure; a rotatable stair means supported on said base-support structure for rotation about a horizontal axis; a hydraulic-control means operably connected to said rotatable stair means, whereby the rotation thereof is selectively operable; drive means interconnecting said rotatable stair means and said hydraulic-control means, said hydraulic-control means being activated by the rotation of said stair means, and the rotation of said stair means being provided by the treading action of the operator engaged thereon; wherein said rotational stair means comprises: a rotatable structural member having extending horizontal shaft members defining said horizontal axis thereof; bearing means mounted to said base-support structure, and adapted to receive said shaft members for rotation therein; and a plurality of step members fixedly secured to said rotatable structural member, and positioned to extend radially outward from said horizontal axis thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
An exercising and physical-conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of step members include a first and a second set of step members, said first and second sets being juxtaposed as well as offset from each other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
119 words
An exercising and physical-conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein: said first set of step members is arranged to be engaged by the left foot of said operator; said second set of step members is arranged to be engaged by the right foot of said operator; said step members of said first set are equally spaced about said rotatable structure; said step members of said second set are equally spaced about said rotatable structure; and said step members of each of said sets are offset so as to be positioned intermediate each other, whereby a normal treading gait can be employed by said operator for both the left and the right foot engagement of the respective step members.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
82 words
An exercising and physical-conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said hydraulic-control means comprises: a hydraulic motor operably connected to said drive means; a reservoir; an inlet-flow line connected between said reservoir and said hydraulic motor; an outlet-flow line connected between said motor and said reservoir; and a valve-flow-control means disposed in said outlet-flow line, to control the flow of fluid between said motor and said reservoir, whereby the rotation of said step members is controlled by said interconnecting drive means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
An exercising and physical-conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein said drive means comprises: a first, enlarged-diameter, gear member secured to said rotatable structural member; a second, reduced-diameter, gear member secured to said hydraulic motor; and a chain interconnecting said gear members, whereby said motor is activated by the rotation of said rotatable structural member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
An exercising apparatus as recited in claim 3, including means for supporting said operator in an upright treading position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
An exercising apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein said support means comprises a plurality of hand-rail members fixedly mounted to said base-support structure, whereby said operator may grasp said hand rails while operating said apparatus.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-11-25 | 1989-05-27 | 1989-11-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-11-25 | 1993-05-27 | 1993-11-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-11-25 | 1997-05-27 | 1997-11-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |