Abstract:
Six steps of varying height are provided adjacent to one another in an integrated unit resting upon and surrounded by a floor surface. The height of each step in relation to its adjacent steps, and in relation to the floor, is determined such that by stepping between any chosen pair of adjacent steps, or by stepping between the floor and any given single step, step height differentials of approximately 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, and optionally 26 inches are all made available to the user.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to therapeutic and exercise devices and methods, and particular, to step-up and step-down exercises using an apparatus needing no adjustment to enable stepping over a wide range of step height differentials. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Stepping exercise devices have become increasingly popular for both therapy and recreation. Complex and expensive power-operated stepping devices having in fact become a standard, recognizable item of equipment at health spas throughout the United States and the world. Such stepping devices are commonly used in recreational and rehabilitation environments for exercise, assessments and training, and are also used in clinical settings for testing and research. 
     Of course, the users of these devices often possess a wide variation of physical capacities from one user to the next, which requires electronic or physical adjustment of the settings associated with the device. As a result, stepping devices are typically costly, electronically or physically complex, and heavy. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It would be desirable to have available a low cost, simple stepping device which can be used by people possessing a wide range physical capacities without any electronic or physical adjustment whatsoever for usage from one person to the next. 
     In particular, it would be desirable for such a stepping device to require no electrical power whatsoever, and to have no mechanical moving parts whatsoever, while still enabling use by such people of varying physical capability. 
     It would further be desirable for such a stepping device to enable stepping over a wide range of step height differentials ranging, for example, from 2 to 24 inches and even 26, with differential step increments, for example, of approximately 2 inches. 
     That is, it would be desirable for such a device to provide step height differentials of approximately 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 inches, and even 26 inches, as desired by the user, without any power or electronics, without any mechanical moving parts, and without any adjustment whatsoever from one user to the next. 
     It is further desirable for such a device to be lightweight, and hence easily portable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a preferred embodiment, six steps of varying height are provided adjacent to one another in an integrated unit resting upon and surrounded by a floor surface. The height of each step in relation to its adjacent steps, and in relation to the floor, is determined such that by stepping between any chosen pair of adjacent steps, or by stepping between the floor and any given single step, step height differentials of approximately 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, and optionally 26 inches are all made available to the user. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     The features of the invention believed to be novel are set forth in the appended claims. The invention, however, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference.to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing(s) in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a top-right-front perspective view illustrating a configuration of six steps which, in a first preferred embodiment, provides step height differentials ranging from approximately 2 inches to 24 inches, by 2 inch increments. 
     FIG. 2 is a chart illustrating the height of each of the six steps of FIG. 1 above the floor, in the first preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 3 is a chart illustrating the step height differentials achieved by stepping between the floor and any of these six steps, and between any adjacent pair of these six steps, using the heights illustrated in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, but with hidden line matter removed. 
     FIGS. 5 and 6 are a top plan view and associated chart, respectively, illustrating a second preferred embodiment of the invention providing step height differentials ranging from approximately 2 inches to 26 inches, by 2 inch increments. 
     FIG. 7 is a chart illustrating the step height differentials achieved by stepping between the floor and any of the six steps, and between any adjacent pair of the six steps, using the heights illustrated in FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention using three steps with 5 height differentials. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention using four steps with 8 height differentials. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a therapeutic and recreational variable stepping apparatus  1  in a first embodiment of the invention utilizing a total of six steps  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16 , configured in a 2 step by 3 step arrangement. As illustrated, a common bottom plane  19  of stepping apparatus  1 , and particularly the common bottom plane  19  of said steps  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16 , is rested upon a substantially flat floor surface  10 . Dashed lines illustrate hidden edges of stepping apparatus  1 . Each of the six steps  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16  comprises a horizontal top surface thereof, where the reference numerals therefor have been placed. 
     By simple mathematical calculation, one can deduce that for any similar 2 step by 3 step arrangement, there are in general six step height differentials which can be achieved by stepping between floor  10  and one of the six steps  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16 . Additionally, there are seven step height differentials which can be achieved by stepping between any one of the six steps  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16  and its longitudinal or latitudinal adjacent step (to be referred to as its “directly adjacent” step), since there are seven distinct pairs of such directly adjacent steps (“adjacent step pairs”). This yields a total of 13 step height differentials for any such 2 step by 3 step arrangement. 
     On the other hand, the desired step height differentials of approximately 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 inches as noted above, represent a total of 12 step height differentials. So, it appears hopeful that by the clever selection of step heights for each of the six steps  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16 , one might in fact be able to achieve the 12 desired step height differentials, with an extra, 13th, duplicate step height differential as well. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, as viewed from above, and moving from the left rear step  11  around stepping apparatus  1  in a clockwise direction, the preferred heights of each of six steps  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16  above floor  10  are selected to be approximately 24, 10, 22, 6, 2, and 20 inches, respectively, as summarized by the chart of FIG.  2 . 
     By virtue of this configuration of step heights and interrelationships, the desired preferred step height differentials of approximately 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 20, 22 and 24 inches can in fact be achieved by stepping from floor  10  to one of the six steps  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16 , or by stepping from any one of the six steps  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16  to its directly adjacent step. This is summarized by the chart of FIG.  3 . 
     Thus, for a 2 inch step height differential, one steps between floor  10  and step  15 . For a 4 inch step height differential, one has the choice of stepping between step  14  and step  15 , or between step  11  and step  16 . This is in fact the duplicate step height differential referred to earlier. For a 6 inch step height differential, one steps between floor  10  and step  14 . For an 8 inch step height differential, one steps between step  12  and step  15 . For a 10 inch step height differential, one steps between floor  10  and step  12 . For a 12 inch step height differential, one steps between step  12  and step  13 . For a 14 inch step height differential, one steps between step  11  and step  12 . For a 16 inch step height differential, one steps between step  13  and step  14 . For an 18 inch step height differential, one steps between step  15  and step  16 . For a 20 inch step height differential, one steps between floor  10  and step  16 . For a 22 inch step height differential, one steps between floor  10  and step  13 . Finally, for a 24 inch step height differential, one steps between floor  10  and step  11 . 
     A preferred “footprint” for stepping apparatus  1  is approximately 48 inches in width  17 , by approximately 30 inches in depth  18 . With these preferred footprint dimensions, each of the four corner steps  11 ,  13 ,  14 , and  16  is a square 15 inches wide by 15 inches deep, while the two middle steps  12  and  15  are each 18 inches wide by 15 inches deep. However, these dimensions can readily be varied within the scope of the invention such that each single step has linear dimensions as small as perhaps 10 or 12, or even 4 to 6 or 8 inches to accommodate a very small foot size and stepping distance such as those of small children, and as large as 24, 30, or even 36 inches to provide very ample stepping room for large adults or athletes. The dimensions chosen for any particular embodiment should provide enough space for the user&#39;s feet, as well as proper room for comfortable stepping between floor  10  and any of the steps  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16 , and between adjacent pairs of steps  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16 . These dimensions should also be chosen so as to provide an overall footprint for stepping apparatus  1  that will not utilize a great deal of floor space, and that enables stepping apparatus  1  to be light enough for easy lifting by a single individual and thus easily portable. It is to be observed that FIGS. 1 and 4 are drawn substantially to scale for the preferred heights, widths and depths described above. 
     It is also to be understood, while the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, for the step heights and step height differentials specified in FIGS. 2 and 3, yields step. height differentials ranging from 2 inches to 24 inches by 2 inch step increments, that the step heights specified in FIG. 2 can of course be continuously scaled by any chosen predetermined factor between, for example, 0.25 and 2.0. Thus, for example, if all of the heights specified in FIG. 2 were to be scaled (multiplied) by a factor of 0.25, one would achieve step height differentials ranging from 0.5 inches to 6 inches, by 0.5 inch step increments. Similarly, for example, if all of the heights specified in FIG. 2 were to be scaled by a factor of 2.0, one would achieve step height differentials ranging from 4 inches to 48 inches, by 4 inch step increments. Scaling by a factor less than 1.0 thus results in an easier stepping apparatus  1  which might be used, for example, by children. Scaling by a factor toward greater than 1.0 results in a more difficult stepping apparatus  1  which might be used, for example, for training professional athletes. 
     Generally, therefore, if x=the desired, predetermined step increment as measured in linear distance units (x=2 inches in the first preferred embodiment), then the six step configuration of FIG. 1 enables step height differentials of all of x, 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, 7x, 8x, 9x, 10x, 11x and 12x. 
     It is also to be understood, that the configuration of steps  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16  relative to one another might also be varied or rearranged, and, so long as a similar result is achieved insofar as step height differentials and step increments as described above is concerned, that any such variation or rearrangement is considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure and its associated claims. 
     Stepping apparatus  1  may be constructed from a broad range of materials, including, but not limited to, wood, plastic, metal, and rubber, separately or in combination. It is preferred that at least the surface which comes in contact with the user&#39;s feet be made of a non-slip, shock-absorbing material such as rubber, for safety and comfort. Floor surface  10  further comprises an optional non-slip, shock-absorbing mat surrounding stepping apparatus  1 , again, for safety and comfort. The materials or combination of materials chosen, preferably, should also be lightweight yet strong and durable. On the other hand, for a gymnasium or similar space where stepping apparatus  1  is to be used in a permanent, fixed location, a heavier, less-movable material may be desired. 
     Stepping apparatus  1  is used to create a recreational or therapeutic environment, for exercise, training, or assessment. Tasks which can be assessed or trained include, but are not limited to, step-up and step-down, sit-to-stand, lunge-to-step, and plyometric depth jumps. In the preferred embodiment, stepping apparatus  1  provides 2 to 24 inch step height differential variability, as opposed to an invariable, fixed 8 inch step height differential that is common in the art. As noted, this may be scaled to higher or lower predetermined step height differentials as desired. Stepping apparatus  1  further enables variability in all three functional planes of movement. Suitably constructed, this device is stable and strong enough for users and patients of all sizes, as well as for the addition of external loads such as dumbbells or medicine balls. 
     Stepping apparatus  1  is an extremely simple device, which requires no electrical power, which has no mechanical moving parts, and which requires no adjustment to achieve a total of at least 12, and possibly 13 different step height differentials, using a total of only six steps in a 2 step by 3 step configuration. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of stepping apparatus  1  generally. FIG. 6 illustrates a height assignment for these steps that now takes full advantage of all 13 available stepping combinations (6 between floor  10  and one of steps  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16 ; 7 between pairs of directly adjacent steps), enabling step height differentials of all of x, 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, 7x, 8x, 9x, 10x, 11x and 12x, and also, 13x. This is a second preferred embodiment of the invention. For the preferred predetermined step increment x=2 inches, this yields step height differentials ranging from 2 inches to 26 inches, rather than 24 inches as before. FIG. 7, similarly to FIG. 3, illustrates how these step height differentials are achieved using the height assignments of FIG.  6 . Aside from the different step height assignments, all of the considerations outlined above for the first preferred embodiment also apply to this second preferred embodiment. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, it is to be observed generally, irrespective of embodiment, that the six steps  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16  are configured proximate one another in a two step by three step configuration comprising two rows of three steps each. The first row comprises first step  11 ; third step  13 ; and second  12  step directly adjacent to and between first step  11  and third step  13  within this first row. The second row comprises fourth step  14  directly adjacent to third step  13  across the first and second rows; sixth step  16  directly adjacent to first step  11  across the first and second rows; and fifth step  15  directly adjacent to and between fourth step  14  and sixth step  16  within the second row, and also directly adjacent to second step  12  across the first and second rows. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a three-step embodiment of the invention. With three steps all in a row as illustrated, one can achieve a total of five height differentials, namely, three differentials from the floor to the three steps, and two differentials as between directly adjacent steps. For example, if step  81  is 10 inches (or 10x generally), step  82  is 2 inches (or 2x generally), and step  83  is 6 inches (or 6x generally), one can achieve 2, 4, 5 6, 8, and 10 inch stepping increments, or 2x, 4x, 6x, 8x, and 10x increments generally. 
     In FIG. 9, for four steps in a two-by-two configuration, one can achieve eight differentials, four from floor to step, and four using the various available adjacent pairwise step combinations. Selecting respective dimensions of 2x, 10x, 4x and 16x for steps  91 ,  92 ,  93  and  94 , one achieves 2x, 4x, 6x, 8x, 10x, 12x, 14x and 16x differentials. 
     Thus, more generally, the several illustrated embodiments of the invention, as well as embodiments within the scope of the invention not specifically disclosed herein, are characterized generally as: 
     a stepping apparatus comprising a first predetermined number of steps comprising at least three steps (embodiments have been illustrated for three, four and six steps), said steps forming a second predetermined number of directly adjacent pair combinations of said steps (two combinations for the three step embodiment, four combinations for the four step embodiment in a two-by-two configuration, seven combinations for the six step embodiment in a two-by-three configuration), each of said steps comprising distinct top surfaces thereof, said top surfaces being of different heights from one another above a common bottom plane of said steps; and 
     a plurality of different step height differentials equal to at least the sum of: said first predetermined number of steps, plus said second predetermined number of directly adjacent pair combinations of said steps, minus 1 (i.e., at least 4=3+2−1 differentials for the three step embodiment, at least 7=4+4−1 differentials for the four step embodiment, and at least 12=6+7−1 differentials for the six step embodiment). Note that the six step embodiment was shown both for 12 differentials (FIGS. 2 and 3, hence the “minus 1”) and for 13 differentials (FIGS.  6  and  7 ). 
     The use of a similar approach for other than the three, four, and six step embodiments specifically illustrated and discussed herein is considered to be within the scope of this disclosure and its associated claims. 
     While only certain preferred features of the invention have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.