Abstract:
An adjustable stepping structure for aerobic exercise is disclosed having a platform and a plurality of support elements. The support elements include a downwardly arcuate notch or channel for receiving a sidewall or endwall of the platform, allowing the platform to be arranged in multiple angled orientations.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/306,155 filed Feb. 19, 2010 entitled MULTI-POSITIONED ANGLED STEP AND RISERS which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to aerobic exercise devices and, more particularly, to an adjustable stepping structure for aerobic exercises. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Aerobic exercise platform devices, such as The STEP® are often used in physical fitness regimens to assist in aerobic workouts and simulating climbing or stair activities. One example of these is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,512. These platforms are typically horizontal with elongate, rectangular shapes having a height simulating a stair step. When a higher step is desired for a more difficult routine, one or more risers can typically be placed under the platform to raise the total height of the platform. A typical platform includes a tread or traction area on the top and a stable base to minimize the risk of a person slipping. 
     An improved exercise system is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one configuration, the present system includes an adjustable top portion or platform with one or more support elements or risers. In certain preferred embodiments, the platform and risers may be placed or arranged to provide various levels of platform height and/or an angled platform surface. Preferably each support element is capable of being telescopingly received within the bottom of the platform section, as well as being received within the bottom of another support element so that they are vertically stackable. In certain embodiments, one or more of the support elements include notches in the top section allowing the platform section to be supported at an angled orientation relative to either the length or width of the platform section. Preferably the exercise system can be used as a standard horizontal platform or as an angled platform for aerobic exercises, stretching, yoga, or balancing exercises. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide an improved exercise system. 
     Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention shall become apparent from the detailed drawings and descriptions provided herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1 . is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view of a portion of one of the support elements of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a support element of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of a support element of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a support element of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a platform supported along a lengthwise angle on a support element. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of a platform supported along a widthwise angle on two support elements. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a support element according to a further embodiment for use with the platform of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the principles being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
       FIGS. 1-11  depict an example embodiment, denoted generally by the numeral  100 , comprising a platform section  112  and a plurality of risers or support elements  114  which provide means for vertically adjusting the height of platform section  112  in a horizontal or angled arrangement above a support surface, such as a floor. The illustrated embodiment  100  is constructed of molded high impact plastic materials. 
     The platform section  112  is generally rectangular in shape with a length and a width and a substantially planar top with a stepping surface  116  having a non-slip, textured surface or coating  117  thereon. A pair of sidewalls  118  and a pair of endwalls  120  extend downward and optionally slightly outwardly from the top surface  116  to a transition point  121 . The walls  118  and  120  then extend further downwardly to lower rounded side edges  123  and end edges  125 . Optional openings or passages  129  are provided, for example by molded areas, to aid in maneuvering and aligning the platform section  112 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each support element  114  is capable of being telescopingly or nestably received within the bottom of the platform section  112 , as well as being received within the bottom of another support element  114  so that they are vertically stackable. In certain embodiments, one or more of the support elements further include notches  170  in the top section allowing the platform section to be supported in an angled orientation relative to either the length or width of the platform section. In other words, the platform  112  may oriented with the smaller-width end supported within the notches  170 , or oriented with the longer-length side supported within the notches  170 . 
     The illustrated support element  114  is a generally square or rectangular shaped unitary member, preferably with an open center. Each support element includes a top section  131  having a slightly rounded top  133  and downwardly extending outer sidewalls  135 . A lower section  143  includes a curved, base portion  145  that terminates in a lower edge  149 . Lower section  143  is generally arranged and configured to rest flat upon a support surface or to rest flat upon an underlying support element. The cross-section of top section  131  is substantially parallel to the cross-section of lower section  143 . Optional molded openings  153  are formed in the lower edges  149  of support elements  114  to aid in maneuvering and aligning the support elements  114 . 
     As seen in a cross-sectional view in  FIG. 4 , the walls of platform  112  and sidewalls of lower section  143  each include interior wall portions which project downwardly. Preferably the outer cross-section of top section  131  is sized to be telescopingly and internally snugly received adjacent the interior wall portions within the bottom of the platform section  112  or within the bottom of another support element  114  so that one or more support elements  114  and platform  112  may be vertically stacked. In alternate embodiments, a platform may have portions which telescopingly engage a support element, for example by having portions of the platform received within a cavity defined in a support element. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the support elements  114  may each include continuous or discontinuous horizontal ledge portions  137 . The ledge portions  137  extend outward from sidewall  135  of top section  131  and above lower section  143 . In the illustrated embodiment, each support element  114  includes a pair of short ledge portions on two opposing sides of the support element and a pair of longer ledge portions on the other two sides of the support element. In certain embodiments, the top portions of the ledge portions  137  are at a height equal to or slightly below the height of the lowest points of notches  170 . 
     In certain embodiments, ledge portions  137  may be sized and placed to correspond to the positions of molded openings  129  and  153 , and can extend horizontally outward to support all or a portion of the thickness of the respective platform or support element sections. In the illustrated embodiments, the pair of short ledge portions are intended to allow a support element  114  to engage in registry with corresponding short molded sections along the sidewalls  123  of platform  112 , while the longer ledge portions allow for a support element  114  to be placed at either end of platform  112  with a longer ledge portion of the support element engaging one of the end walls  125  of the platform. The differently sized ledge portions assist in aligning the platform with a support element. The ledge portions  137  may also be used to ensure a desired alignment when multiple support sections  114  are stacked. 
     Optionally, an element such as a circular foot portion  155  is located at each bottom corner of platform  112  and each support element  114  to engage a support surface or to engage in registry with an upwardly facing depression  157  located on an upper facing surface of an underlying support element. Foot portions  155  preferably assist in supporting, aligning and stabilizing the upper platform and/or support elements in horizontal arrangements. 
     In certain preferred embodiments, support elements  114  include at least one pair of notches  170  defined in parallel on opposite edges of top section  131 . In these embodiments, the rounded top  133  has downward arcuately curved notches  170  with a length equal to or shorter than the length of a sidewall of top section  131 . In certain embodiments, the profile of notches  170  substantially corresponds to the profile of the lower edges of sidewalls  123  and endwalls  125  of platform  112 . The profile of the notches may include such properties as length, width, depth, radius, cross section, or other dimensional properties. 
     Preferably, notches  170  are arranged in parallel pairs aligned both vertically and horizontally to define a channel  172  with a horizontal axis  174  crossing the top of the support element  114 . While illustrated with one pair of notches, in alternate embodiments two pairs of notches can be formed with one notch in each side of top section  131 . Alternately, multiple notches of greater or lesser length and depth can be defined along a side of top section  131  to define alternately selectable horizontal channels and angular arrangement. 
     In preferred embodiments, notches  170  have sufficient size in length and depth to receive either a lengthwise lower edge  123  of a sidewall  118  or a shorter width-wise lower edge  125  of an endwall  120  of platform  112 . In one configuration, shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a pair of notches  170  receive and support a first endwall  125  at a raised height, to support platform  112  in an angled arrangement along the length of platform  112 , with the second endwall of the platform supported at a lower height, typically by a support surface such as the floor. 
     In an alternate configuration, shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a pair of notches  170  receive the edge  123  of a sidewall  118  along the length of platform  112 . In this configuration, the support element  114  supports the sidewall edge  123  at a raised height, supporting platform  112  at an angled arrangement along the shorter width of platform  112 , with the opposite sidewall of the platform  112  supported at a lower height, typically by a support surface such as the floor. In certain embodiments, more than one support element  114  with parallel aligned notches  170  can be arranged and spaced along the length of a sidewall to provide stability via support points spaced along the length of the platform. 
     In certain angled arrangements, for example as illustrated in  FIGS. 8-11 , foot portions  155  assist in supporting, aligning and stabilizing the upper platform over the support elements. For example, foot portions  155  can be sized and placed so the lower surface of the foot portion rests upon the upper surface of a ledge portion  137 , such as the short ledge portions illustrated. Preferably, the foot portions  155  are made from a non-slip material to assist in supporting the platform without undesired movement. 
     Notches  170  preferably have a length and depth sufficient to inhibit the edges of the platform  112  from slipping out of the notches  170  during use of an angled arrangement. In certain optional embodiments, a non-slip texture or surface material may be mounted in the notches  170  and/or along the lower edges of the platform&#39;s sidewalls and end walls to further reduce the risk of slippage during use. In still further embodiments, separate engagement features such as fasteners could be used to secure the platform sidewall or endwall in a notch with a desired placement and/or orientation. Examples of such engagement features include pegs or gear teeth extending upward within notches  170 , below the height of the upper plane of top section  131 , which engage corresponding openings or gearing on the lower edges of the platform. 
       FIG. 12  shows another embodiment of a generally rectangular support element  180  for use with platform  112  and having an upper portion  182  and a lower portion  184 . As illustrated, the support element  180  includes a closed center with two perpendicularly-opposed notches  190  and  192 . The profile of the notches  190  and  192  may be sized to accommodate different lower surfaces of a platform  112  or to allow support element  180  to be used to support different sizes or models of platforms. For example, notch  190  may be correspond to the profile of the lower edge of endwalls  125  of platform  112 , thereby allowing platform  112  to be supported in a lengthwise angled arrangement, similar to that shown in  FIGS. 8 &amp; 9 . Likewise, notch  192  may be sized to correspond to the radius and thickness of the lower edge of sidewalls  123  of platform  112 , thereby allowing platform  112  to be supported in a widthwise angled arrangement upon two support elements  180 , similar to that shown in  FIGS. 8 &amp; 9 . The notches  190  and  192  may optionally be laterally offset towards one side of the support element to facilitate better fitment when platform is placed in an angled orientation. In certain embodiments, the notches may form channels which may be fully or partially-continuous across the length of upper portion  182 . The notches may be also be non-continuous, such as notch  192 , which is fully intersected by notch  190 . 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.