Abstract:
A step apparatus is disclosed for individual training or group fitness classes. The step apparatus may simultaneously contain a plurality of step heights for a dynamic work out. The platform heights may be quickly adjusted to user preference. The adjustable settings may be self-contained within a single unit, or alternate pieces may be provided for additional variation. The step apparatus has a frame and a plurality of step platform units, with each platform unit having two height settings.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/440,099, filed Feb. 7, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to an exercise device, and more particularly to a stepper apparatus used for individual or group exercise. Some example step apparatus according to the present invention may provide different height step platforms in one unit or for the purpose of group or individual exercises. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    Stepper apparatuses are generally disclosed. Some example embodiments may include methods, apparatus, and/or systems associated with stepper apparatus. 
         [0004]    In an exemplary embodiment, the variable elevated and height adjustable step apparatus may be comprised of three parts, including an elevated step frame and two flippable step platform units. The step frame provides the basic boundaries of the step, and has a space inside of the frame for flippable step platform unit placement. There is a ledge on the inside of the frame for the platform units to sit. A center-wall extending across the frame opening may separate and stabilize adjacent flippable platform units. 
         [0005]    The flappable step platform units may be removed, flipped, and reseated so that multiple heights can be used with the same units. The platform units may also be modular so that they may be removed and replaced with a different platform unit having a step of a different height. Another possible variation is the number of platform units which can be used in the frame at one time. For example, there may be one or three platform units seated within the frame instead of two. Any number of platform units may be set within a single frame as long as the steps are able to fit adjacently within the frame. 
         [0006]    Some example stepper apparatus include a base structure set on the floor comprising an elevated frame, the frame having vertical side walls, a support ledge along the inside of the frame from the vertical side walls, and at least one flippable step platform unit received within the frame. The flippable step platform unit comprises a first box, which provides a first step platform surface. This first box is attached to a second box in a stacked formation, where the second box provides a second opposed step platform surface. When the platform unit is seated in the elevated frame with the first platform surface facing upward, the first platform surface will be at a first height. When the platform unit is flipped and seated in the elevated frame with the second platform surface facing upward, the second platform surface will be at a second height, different from the first height. The first box may have a rectangular cross section and has a length and width sized to rest on the ledge within the frame, and a height corresponding to the distance from the ledge to the top of the frame. The dimensions of the first box correspond to the space in the frame from the ledge to the top of the frame. The second box has a length and width sized to pass through the frame, and a maximum height of the distance from the ledge to the bottom of the frame. Accordingly, in either flipped orientation, it will be the first box that is seated on the ledge. When the first box faces upward the exercise surface provided by the first box is flush with the top of the frame. When flipped, the exercise surface provided by the second box is elevated above the frame. 
         [0007]    The step apparatus has several configurations, or positions. In a first position, the second boxes of the two flippable step platform units are situated beneath the first box facing down, therefore within the frame. The platform used is that of the first box, with a step height of the frame height. In a second position, one or more flippable step platform units may be flipped to reveal the second step box, and provide a step platform at a second height. Here, the second platform height is above the frame height. The stepper apparatus may have both of the flippable step platform units flipped up so the apparatus can be used at the second height, the platform created by the second box. 
         [0008]    The stepper apparatus may have two or more adjacent step platform units, or it may have one step platform unit only, which spans the length and width of the frame. In the case of a plurality (such as two or three) of flippable step platform units, each unit may be set in the frame adjacent to each other as long as they are able to fit within the frame, and preferably filling the span of the frame perfectly. Each of the second boxes of the plurality of step platform units may have different heights, cross sections, or platform tilts. 
         [0009]    In an exemplary embodiment, the second platform box has a rectangular cross section, but it may also have a triangular vertical cross section to create a tilted step. Second platform boxes of the same or different heights or tilts may be used at the same time. 
         [0010]    The ledge is typically elevated at a sufficient height to allow a second step box to have multiple height variations. A divider wall may be provided across the frame opening to separate the adjacent flippable step platform units. The divider wall may extend the ledge across the frame opening helping to support the step platform units, and forming support bridges. 
         [0011]    The frame is adapted to stand on a floor for use, and the bottom of the frame, or legs extending from the frame, may include rubber pieces in contact with the floor to provide friction to help keep the step apparatus stable in one place while in use. The step apparatus is preferably made from a rigid material, such as plastic. The step platform exercise surfaces may be covered with a non-slip or rubberized surface. The step surfaces may have a diamond grid, or other pattern, which provides increased friction for the user when in use. The frame generally encloses a polygon, and is, in exemplary embodiments, rectangular. 
         [0012]    The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings. 
           [0014]    In the drawings: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a two unit step apparatus, where the step surfaces are flush with the frame; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  shows an exploded perspective view of a two unit step apparatus, where the flippable step platform units are lifted out the frame; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a two unit step apparatus, where the flippable step platform units are flipped to form a step surface with a height above the frame; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a two unit step apparatus, where one step surface is flush with the frame and a second step platform unit is flipped to provide a step surface of a second height, above the frame; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a two unit step apparatus, where both step units are flipped, where the step units provide two different height step surfaces above the frame; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a two unit step apparatus, where one platform is flush with the frame, and a step unit is flipped to provide a sloped, or tilted, exercise platform; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the step platform unit with a tilted second platform surface in greater detail; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  shows a user removing and replacing a step unit on a two unit step apparatus; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  shows an enlarged view of one side of the step apparatus with an attached accessory. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure. 
         [0025]    The present disclosure pertains, inter alia, to a step apparatus with variable height step platforms, with height settings which can be changed quickly, and without the necessity of additional pieces that may be dangerous in an exercise class situation. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of the step apparatus  001 , in a first position with two platform units  100   a  and  100   b  fitted and seated inside the frame  010 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the frame  010  has vertical inner side walls  020 , and a lip, or a ledge  015  extending from the vertical side walls  020  within the frame  010 . The ledge  015  supports flippable step platform units  100   a  and  100   b.  It is not necessary that the ledge  015  extend completely along inner periphery of the frame (e.g., it can be broken up into multiple sections or segments). The step platform unit  100  includes primary box  105  which has a length and width sized to rest on the frame ledge  015  so that the units  100  are supported within the frame  010 . This box  105  may simply provide a platform and the seats for the ledge, without being a “box”—its height corresponds to the distance from the ledge  015  to the top of the frame  010 , and may simply be one rigid sheet. The top surface  022  of box  105  provides a flat step platform, and its length and width is sized to be supported by the ledge  015  within the frame  010 . In this position, the flippable step platform unit  100  provides a step platform surface  022  of box  105 , at a step height flush to the top of the frame  010 . 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the frame  010  has outer walls  016 , and may also have legs  014 ; however, legs  014  are not required for this invention to work properly. The frame  010  need not have solid walls  016  throughout, and may have only connectors or a partial wall  017  on some sides. The frame  010  may have rounded sides  012  for a safer, more aesthetic step. These features may be incorporated as long as they do not hinder the functions of the steps. 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a separator wall  011  may separate the two platform units  100   a  and  100   b,  and help stabilize the step platform units  100  against the frame  010 . The separator wall  011  also has the ledge  015  running along the inside, allowing for unbroken support ledges  015  along the inside of the frame  010 , and providing extra support spanning across the length of the stepper apparatus  001 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  shows two flippable platform units  100   a  and  100   b  within the step frame  010 , both flipped to the second setting, with the second boxes  106   a  and  106   b  in the upward facing in-use position. In this flipped position, the second boxes  106   a  and  106   b  provide step platform surfaces  024  that are elevated above the frame. When a frame-height step is desired, box  105  faces up and is situated over box  106 , which is within the frame. When the unit  100  is flipped so that box  105  is under box  106 , the platform  106  rises above the step frame  010  and provides an alternate height step in the step apparatus  001 . In this flipped orientation, the first box  105  is still the box seated on the ledge  015  (just flipped over). 
         [0030]      FIG. 4  shows one step platform unit  100   a  with box  105  flipped up to be used as a step platform  022  at the frame height, and a second step platform  100   b  with step box  106  flipped up to be used as a platform  024  at an elevated height above the frame height. In this configuration, a step exercise may be performed at two heights, for two intensities. 
         [0031]      FIG. 5  shows both flippable step units  100   a  and  100   b  in frame  010  flipped to the second position. Unit  100   a  has second step platform box  107  and unit  100   b  has second step platform box  106 , both of which have different heights. 
         [0032]      FIG. 6  shows an alternate embodiment of the step apparatus  002  with a first flippable step platform  200   a  in the first position with box  205  facing up, and the second flippable step platform unit  200   b  in the alternate position, with box  206  facing up as the usable step platform. In this embodiment, the box  206  includes a triangular vertical cross section to provide a tilted or sloped exercise platform surface  250  (see  FIG. 7 ). In  FIG. 6 , the frame  210  with walls  216  is slightly shorter than the frame  010  in  FIGS. 1-5 , and has access ports  225  to easily access the flippable step platform unit  200  to remove or flip (see, also,  FIG. 8 ). However, the sloped step  200 , the lower frame  210 , and the access ports  225  can be implemented independently. Rubber feet  220  which extend through the frame  210  can be seen at intermittent points along the base, or frame  210 . The ledge  215  operates the same way as with other configurations. 
         [0033]      FIG. 7  shows the step platform box  100  with box  108  in detail. The tilted step surface  250  may be covered with a non-skid rubber and/or a non-skid pattern  251 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 8  shows a user removing and replacing a step unit on a two unit step apparatus. The user sets flippable step unit  200   a  on inner ledge  215  for use. The user accesses flippable step unit  200   b  through access port  225  to remove the step unit  200   b.    
         [0035]      FIG. 9  shows an enlarged view of one side of the step apparatus  002  with an attached accessory  500  looped through attachment points  230  on frame  210 . Examples of accessories include exercise bands, tubing, and cable. Examples of attachment points include one or more loops, hooks, posts, snaps, buckles, Velcro® and the like. 
         [0036]    The entire step apparatus  001  may be made of a durable plastic and can be made by injection molding, or from molded pieces. Rubber pieces  020  may be added to the bottom of the stepper frame to reduce friction, so it does not slip during use. The embodiments in this disclosure are exemplary and should not be taken to be limiting. Any number of steps can be included. The frame and boxes can be made in any size or shape, and with any material which can perform equivalent to the apparatus of this disclosure. 
         [0037]    This step apparatus may be used for individual training or group fitness classes. The stepper could be used by way of body weight or weighted resistance. The user may use a plurality of step heights in one unit for a dynamic work out. The step heights may also be adjusted to user preference.