Assisted stair training machine and methods of using

• US 7,927,257 B2
• Filed: 10/21/2009
• Issued: 04/19/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/21/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rakesh Patel
• Original Assignee: Rakesh Patel
• Inventors: Patel, Rakesh
• Primary Examiner(s): Rada; Rinaldi I
• Assistant Examiner(s): LONG, ROBERT FRANKLIN
• Application Number:
  US12/603,581
• Publication Number:
  US 20100099541A1
• Time in Patent Office: 545 Days
• Field of Search: 482/51, 482/52, 482/54, 482/142
• US Class Current: 482/52
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0094 for active rehabilitation, e.g. slow motion devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2023/006 for stretching exercises
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/009 Protective housings covering the working parts of the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00181 comprising additional means assisting the user to overcome part of the resisting force, i.e. assisted-active exercising
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/56 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/093 Height
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0405 involving a bending of the knee and hip joints simultaneously A63B23/0476 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0417 with guided foot supports moving parallel to the body-symmetrical-plane by translation
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0458 Step exercisers without moving parts with movable steps A63B22/04

Abstract

An assisted stair training machine. The machine includes a stationary platform having a planar upper surface positioned parallel to a reference plane and at a predetermined distance above the reference plane; a movable platform having a planar upper surface and being configured to move from a first position to a second position, and a lifting mechanism. The planar upper surface of the movable platform is substantially level with the reference plane in the first position, and the planar upper surface of the movable platform is substantially level with the planar upper surface of the stationary platform in the second position. The lifting mechanism is configured to move the movable platform from the first position to the second position and from the second position back to the first position at a predetermined speed.

Claims

1. An assisted stair training machine comprising:

a frame;

a stationary platform rigidly attached to the frame to prevent any movement of the stationary platform, the stationary platform having a planar upper surface positioned parallel to a reference plane and at a predetermined distance above the reference plane;

a movable platform configured to move with respect to the stationary platform, the movable platform having a planar upper surface and being configured to move from a first position, wherein the planar upper surface of the movable platform is substantially level with the reference plane, to a second position, wherein the planar upper surface of the movable platform is substantially level with the planar upper surface of the stationary platform; and

a lifting mechanism configured to move the movable platform, in a vertical direction only, from the first position to the second position and from the second position back to the first position at a predetermined speed;

wherein the upper planar surface of the movable platform remains parallel to the reference plane throughout the movement of the movable platform.

2. The machine of claim 1, wherein the frame encloses the stationary platform on three sides.

3. The machine of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable railing connected to the movable platform and configured to move with the movable platform.

4. The machine of claim 3, further comprising at least one heart rate sensor integrated into the railing and interfacing with a computer to display heart rate information for a user of the machine.

5. The machine of claim 1, further comprising at least one pressure sensor positioned beneath the movable platform.

6. The machine of claim 1, further comprising at least one pressure sensor positioned beneath the stationary platform.

7. The machine of claim 5, further comprising a computer interfacing with the at least one pressure sensor and providing a display that indicates the amount of pressure being applied to the movable platform.

8. The machine of claim 7, wherein the computer is mounted to the frame using a swivel arm.

9. The machine of claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a controller interfacing with a motor.

10. The machine of claim 9, wherein the motor is operable connected to the movable platform by means of a rotating shaft, a drum, a cable, and plurality of pulleys.

11. The machine of claim 9, further comprising a control box allowing a user to independently change the speed at which the movable platform moves in an upward direction and in a downward direction.

12. The machine of claim 1, wherin the lifting mechanism is further configured to move the movable platform, in a vertical direction only, from the second position to a third position, wherein in the third position, the planar upper surface of the movable platform is a predetermined distance above the planar upper surface of the stationary platform.