Apparatus for adjusting inclination of an exercise machine

A front portion of a pyramid-shaped base (20) has a pair of steps (26,28). Each step (22) has a recessed area (24) that receives the leg (13 ) of an exercise machine (11 ) . A member (30 ) connecting the pair of steps (26,28 ) provides stability.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to devices for adjusting the angle of 
inclination of an exercise machine. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
In a stationary exercise machine such as a sit-up platform, a treadmill, or 
a cross-country ski simulation device (such as the NordicTrack.RTM. skier) 
the amount of work performed by an individual using the device may be 
increased or decreased by respectively raising or lowering the angle of 
inclination of the exercise device. Prior methods for changing the angle 
of inclination generally involve changing the point of connection between 
the exercise surface of the machine and the support which rests upon the 
floor. A problem in adjusting the angle of inclination of an exercise 
machine in this manner is that the hardware components of the exercise 
machine must have adjustment mechanisms built into the device. If the 
exercise machine does not contain built-in adjusting mechanisms, the angle 
of inclination of the machine cannot be adjusted. Another problem in 
attempting to adjust the angle of inclination of an exercise machine is 
that when the machine does contain adjusting mechanisms, the mechanisms 
are often cumbersome or difficult to use. A simple, reliable means for 
adjusting the angle of inclination of various types of exercise machines 
is not presently known. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is an object of the invention to provide a means for adjusting the angle 
of inclination of an exercise machine. 
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a front portion of a 
pyramid-shaped base contains a pair of steps, each having a recessed area, 
for receiving the legs or base of an exercise machine. A connecting member 
between the front portion of the steps increases stability of the 
apparatus. 
Other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the present invention 
will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed 
description of preferred embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and 
distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the present 
invention, the invention will now be described with reference to the 
following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the 
accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are 
used to refer to like features. 
As an overview, the invention uses a pair of connected, self-supporting 
steps as a means for changing the angle of inclination of an exercise 
machine. Each series of steps may be generally described as a series of 
platform-like gradations. The angle of inclination is changed by enabling 
the front, or rear, of an exercise machine to be raised. The preferred 
embodiment of the invention receives the support feet or similar type 
footings of most exercise machines. Referring now to FIG. 1, therein is 
shown an apparatus 10 for adjusting inclination of an exercise machine 
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. A pair of a series 
26, 28 of steps 22 is connected. The feet of an exercise machine may be 
placed upon the steps 22 and maintained in the raised position while the 
exercise machine is used. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the 
front portion of a pyramid-shaped base 20 contains a pair of a series 26, 
28 of steps 22. The pyramid-shaped base 20 is extremely stable because the 
bottom portion of the base 20 which rests upon the floor is wider than any 
portion which will receive the supporting feet of an exercise machine. 
Each step 22 contains a recessed area 24 for receiving the feet of an 
exercise machine. The recess 24 helps prevent a leg, knob or other 
inserted support portion of an exercise machine from becoming accidentally 
dislodged during exercise. The apparatus 10 has a stabilizing bar, or 
member, 30 extending between lowermost steps 22 of the pair of series 26, 
28 of steps 22. The pyramid-shaped configuration of the base 20 also 
provides stability in that the base upon which the exercise machine rests 
is progressively larger as higher levels of steps 22 are used to hold the 
exercise machine. 
Referring now to FIG. 2, therein is shown the use of the apparatus 10 with 
an exercise machine 11. The exercise machine 11 illustrated is a 
cross-country ski simulation type device. The front legs 13 of the 
exercise machine 11 rest upon the lowermost steps 22 of the apparatus 10. 
As the legs 13 are placed upon higher levels of steps 22, the angle of 
inclination of the work surface, or support surface, 15 of the exercise 
machine 11 is progressively increased causing the individual 19 using the 
machine 11 to perform greater amounts of work while exercising. The 
apparatus 10 functions with any exercise machine having feet or similar 
support members wherein an individual using the machine performs greater 
amounts of work if the angle of inclination of the machine is increased by 
raising the front or rear portion of the machine. The illustration of FIG. 
2 shows the front of the exercise machine 11 raised. However, the 
apparatus 10 may be used to raise the rear of an exercise machine 11 by 
receiving the rear feet of the machine, and thereby changing the angle of 
inclination from a rear perspective. Depending upon the type of exercise 
performed, raising the rear of an exercise machine 11 may either decrease 
or increase the amount of work performed by an individual. 
The advantage of the apparatus 10 is that it can be used with any exercise 
machine 11 which has feet or similar members that may be received by the 
recesses 24 of the steps 22 of the apparatus 10. Most exercise machines 11 
have either feet or foot-like protrusions at the bottom of the exercise 
machine 11. Another advantage of the apparatus 10 is that it is very easy 
to change the angle of inclination of the exercise machine 11 by simply 
lifting the legs 13 from the floor and sliding the apparatus 10 into 
place. The amount of increased work to be performed on the elevated 
machine is determined by the level of steps 22 chosen. The machine 11 is 
well-stabilized because the apparatus 10 does not easily move. As 
discussed above, the apparatus 10 is very stable because of the 
pyramid-shaped configuration of the base 20. Also as discussed above, the 
stabilizing member 30 adds to the reliability of the apparatus 10 by 
inhibiting movement of the pair of steps 20 with respect to one another. 
The weight of the individual 19 and exercise machine 11 act to further 
stabilize the apparatus 10 because of the downward force resulting from 
these weights. As previously mentioned, the legs 13 of the exercise 
machine 11 are not easily dislodged from the apparatus 10 because of the 
recesses 24 in the steps 22. The apparatus 10 will also accommodate a 
horizontal base which may be set upon the steps. The apparatus 10 may be 
made from a variety of materials. Suitable light-weight yet durable, 
sturdy materials include neoprene rubber, polyeurethane, graphite 
composites and fiberglass. 
As should be apparent from the foregoing specification, the invention is 
susceptible of being modified with various alterations and modifications 
which may differ from those which have been described in the preceding 
specification and description. Accordingly, the following claims are 
intended to cover all alterations and modifications which do not depart 
from the spirit and scope of the invention.