Aquatic step exercise apparatus
First Claim
1. Step exercise apparatus comprising:
- a body having base means to contact a foundation surface so as to provide stable support thereon for the apparatus;
a level step platform associated with the body in elevated relation to the base means and in generally parallel relation to a foundation surface on which the means rests, so that a person can alternately step on and off the step platform from the foundation surface;
sides extending downwardly from the step platform to form a skirt extending below the underside of the platform;
the apparatus having a specific gravity greater than 1.0 so as to sink when immersed in water; and
apertures in the step platform to permit a substantial flow of water through the platform when the apparatus undergoes movement within a body of water in a direction normal to the platform, thereby reducing the resistance of the apparatus to such movement.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Step exercise apparatus primarily intended for use in an aquatic environment such as a pool or the like. The apparatus includes a step platform maintained in elevated relation above a foundation surface by a pair of support members. The apparatus has a specific gravity greater than one so as to sink within a body of water, and slots extend through the platform to prevent entrapment of air bubbles when the platform is placed in a pool. Handles in the sides and ends of the apparatus assist the user in manipulating the apparatus while exercising in the water. Removable extension feet selectively increase the step distance between the platform and the pool bottom or other foundation surface on which the apparatus rests.
49 Citations
17 Claims
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1. Step exercise apparatus comprising:
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a body having base means to contact a foundation surface so as to provide stable support thereon for the apparatus; a level step platform associated with the body in elevated relation to the base means and in generally parallel relation to a foundation surface on which the means rests, so that a person can alternately step on and off the step platform from the foundation surface; sides extending downwardly from the step platform to form a skirt extending below the underside of the platform; the apparatus having a specific gravity greater than 1.0 so as to sink when immersed in water; and apertures in the step platform to permit a substantial flow of water through the platform when the apparatus undergoes movement within a body of water in a direction normal to the platform, thereby reducing the resistance of the apparatus to such movement. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. Step exercise apparatus comprising:
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a body having base means to contact a foundation surface so as to provide stable support thereon for the apparatus; a level platform associated with the body in elevated relation to the base means and in generally parallel relation to a foundation surface on which the means rests, so that a person can alternately step on and off the platform from the foundation surface; the platform having an upper surface with raised elements protruding outwardly from the surface, the raised elements providing a positive grip for the feet when stepping onto and off of the platform; the apparatus having a specific gravity greater than 1.0 so as to sink when immersed in water; and apertures between the raised elements in the platform to permit a substantial flow of water through the platform when the apparatus undergoes movement within a body of water in a direction normal to the platform, thereby reducing the resistance of the apparatus to such movement. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. Step exercise apparatus comprising:
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a body having a base to contact a foundation surface so as to provide stable support thereon for the apparatus; a level platform associated with the body in elevated relation to the base and defining a stepping surface in generally parallel relation to a foundation surface on which the base rests, so that a person can alternately step on and off the stepping surface from the foundation surface; the base comprising a pair of support members depending from the platform in mutually spaced apart relation, and each support member having a lower end for contacting the foundation surface; an extension foot removably attached to the lower end of each support member and thereby increasing the elevation of the platform above the foundation surface on which the extension feet rest; the apparatus having a specific gravity greater than 1.0 so as to sink when immersed in water; and apertures in the stepping surface of the platform to permit a substantial flow of water through the platform when the apparatus undergoes movement within a body of water in a direction normal to the platform, thereby reducing the resistance of the apparatus to such movement. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. Step exercise apparatus comprising:
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a body having base means to contact a foundation surface so as to provide stable support thereon for the apparatus; a level platform associated with the body in elevated relation to the base means and having a stepping surface in generally parallel relation to a foundation surface on which the means rests, so that a person can alternately step on and off the stepping surface from the foundation surface; the apparatus having a specific gravity greater than 1.0 so that the apparatus sinks when immersed in water; apertures in the stepping surface to permit a substantial flow of water through the stepping surface when the apparatus undergoes movement within a body of water in a direction normal to the stepping surface, thereby reducing the resistance of the apparatus to such movement; and the base means comprises a pair of support members depending from the platform in mutually spaced apart relation and each having a lower end for contacting the foundation surface. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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14. Step exercise apparatus comprising:
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a body having base means to contact a foundation surface so as to provide stable support thereon for the apparatus; a level platform associated with the body in elevated relation to the base means and in generally parallel relation to a foundation surface on which the means rests, so that a person can alternately step on and off the platform from the foundation surface; the platform having an upper surface with raised elements protruding outwardly from the surface, the raised elements providing a positive grip for the feet when stepping onto and off of the platform; and apertures between the raised elements in the platform to permit a substantial flow of water through the platform when the apparatus undergoes movement within a body of water in a direction normal to the platform, thereby reducing the resistance of the apparatus to such movement. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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16. Step exercise apparatus comprising:
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a body having a base to contact a foundation surface so as to provide a stable support thereon for the apparatus; a level platform associated with the body in elevated relation to the base and in generally parallel relation to a foundation surface on which the base rests, so that a person can alternately step on and off the platform from the foundation surface; the platform having an upper stepping surface with means on the surface to provide positive grip for the feet when stepping onto and off of the platform; the apparatus having a specific gravity greater than 1.0 so as to sink when immersed in water; and apertures between the means on the stepping surface of the platform to permit a substantial flow of water through the stepping surface when the apparatus undergoes movement within a body of water in a direction normal to the platform, thereby reducing the resistance of the apparatus to such movement.
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17. Step exercise apparatus comprising:
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a body having a base to contact a foundation surface so as to provide stable support thereon for the apparatus; a level platform associated with the body in elevated relation to the base and in generally parallel relation to a foundation surface on which the base rests, so that a person can alternately step on and off the platform from the foundation surface; the base comprising a pair of support members depending from the platform in mutually spaced apart relation, and each support member having a lower end for contacting the foundation surface; an extension foot removably attached to the lower end of each support member and thereby increasing the elevation of the platform above the foundation surface on which the extension feet rest; the apparatus having a specific gravity greater than 1.0 so as to sink when immersed in water; apertures in the platform to permit a substantial flow of water through the platform when the apparatus undergoes movement within a body of water in a direction normal to the platform, thereby reducing the resistance of the apparatus to such movement; each extension foot having an element for engaging a mating locating element associated with the support member so as to provide a positive location of the extension foot in relation to the support member; means on at least one of the extension foot and the support members for securing the extension foot in place on the support member, so that the extension member remains in place thereon when the platform is lifted off the foundation surface; the securing means comprising a ledge on one of the support members and the extension foot; and a locking finger on the other of the support members and the extension foot, the locking finger being positioned for engagement of the ledge when the extension foot is positioned on the support member so as to retain the extension member in place, and being resilient so as to yield sufficiently for removal of the extension member in response to manual force exerted on the extension member.
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Specification