Exercise device for use while seated

Abstract

A muscle toning device, attached to a chair, underneath the sitting surface of the chair, comprising: an exercise resistance device storing an elastically extendable, elongate resistance element; a user handgrip means, the elongate resistance element being attached at its second distal end to the user handgrip means; at least one guide comprising a first bearing and guidance channel, for locating and guiding the elongate resistance element; characterised in that the muscle toning device further comprises at least one second bearing, about which the elongate resistance element turns, wherein the second bearing is laterally translatable, the laterally translatable bearing being anchored to the exercise resistance device by an elastically expandable attachment means, such that when a pulling force is applied to the elongate resistance element, the laterally translatable bearing is caused to move in the direction of said pulling force.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to an exercise device for use by a person who is seated. In particular, the invention relates to a muscle toning device comprising a store of resistance material, adapted to be secured under a seat.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Automation and computerisation are leading to increasingly sedentary lifestyles for many people. Ordinary daily tasks no longer provide sufficient opportunity for physical exercise. Some people address this by spending their leisure time in a gym, or taking part in sports or other outdoor activities. Other people don't address the problem at all, either because they lack the leisure time or the resources to participate in exercise, or because they lack the motivation. This can have adverse health consequences.[0003]People with existing health issues, such as those recovering from injury or those in hospitals or nursing homes, are often advised to perform light physical exercises in order, for example, to streng...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a muscle toning device that can be attached to a chair. The device consists of an exercise resistance device and a user handgrip. There is also a guide for the resistance element to help with its positioning and guiding. The resistance element can be attached to the handgrip using a bearing and elastic material. The device can also be used with an extendable and storable piece of resistance material. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a convenient and effective way to exercise the muscles of the body while sitting in a chair.

Problems solved by technology

This device is only fixable to a pedestal chair, and does not provide any solutions for attachment to chairs without a central pillar.

Furthermore, the cord pay-out mechanism does not maximise the potential use of the cord according to its length.

The connection to the base of the seat is complex and intrusive, and it is not easily removable.

It is apparent that a number of technical problems are deficiently addressed in the prior art.

This limits the commerciality of the prior art devices, which are adapted to attach to particular kinds of chairs and are therefore not suitable for a majority of chair designs.

The prior art does not provide a practical ergonomic store of sufficient resistance material, adapted to fit under chairs which are sized within the range imposed by human physiology.

Resistance material, elasticated or otherwise, has a limited useful life because of the forces operating on it in use.

Prior art devices do not provide adequate provision for lower body exercises using the arm stretching elements.

On some devices, additional complicated elements are provided specifically for lower body exercises, often with unwieldy or inadequate leg attachment parts.

Furthermore, the prior art cord store is housed within a tube and would therefore be difficult to replace when it reaches the end of its useful life.

It should also be noted that elastic materials have a limited life-span and need occasional replacement.

Another problem to be solved is that, with an elastic resistance device having a length of elongate elastic material and hand grips, the range of exercises is limited.

There is nothing to the inventor's knowledge in the prior art developing handgrips with a store of additional joining material.

In order to exercise lower limbs some devices require straps to be attached to the user legs and this is awkward as it requires the user to bend down.

Another problem to be overcome is that a single length of joining material, dimensioned to fit an ergonomic handgrip, may cut into a user's shin during use.

Yet another problem to overcome is the potential for dislodgement of the joining material when it is under direct tension during a stretching exercise.

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