Chair exercise device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a pilates chair exercise device having: a frame configured to be placed on a horizontal surface; an inverted Y-shaped seat support member fastened to an upper portion of the frame; a seat fastened to an upper end portion of the seat support; and a pair of parallel arms, each parallel arm having a proximal end secured to the frame and a foot support secured to a distal end of the arm, where each arm is biased away from the frame. A rotational torque unit mounted to the frame below the seat biases each of the arms. The rotational torque unit includes a rotational spring case that carries a plurality of flat coil springs, each having only one end of a shaft fastened to one end of one of the arms. The combination of the springs in the spring box can be selected by a user without the user leaving the seat of the chair exercise device.

Description

Background Art Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an exercise device for use in Pilates type exercises. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a new Pilates chair having many unique innovations.

[0002] Prior art

[0003] Exercise machines used in performing the physical exercises pioneered by Joseph Pilates are usually performed on a stationary device known as a reformer. Other exercises are performed on a combination chair that has spring-biased foot bar brackets or bars on the ends of arms that extend from a pivot bar secured to the bottom of a chair frame beneath the chair. One or two coil springs extend from under the rear of the chair or seat to a point on each of the arms near the foot brackets.

[0004] Typically, the user presses against the foot bar or bracket while sitting on the chair or standing with both legs or with one leg placed on the seat and the other leg pushing on the foot pad / bar at the end of the arm. One such chair is disclosed in our U.S. Patent No. 6,919,279, which is referred to as a modular chair. The spring tension is typically limited to the spring rate of typically one or at most two springs attached between the chair frame and each of the arms. One solution is the anchor construction proposed in our U.S. Patent No. 6,919,279, which allows the rear end of each of the springs to be attached at three different heights at the rear of the modular chair. This extends the versatility of the modular chair, but still limits the versatility of the modular chair to a relatively limited number of exercises without having to replace the coil springs. Therefore, there is a need for a more versatile chair that is capable of providing a wider range of tension between the chair seat and the foot support pad / bar at the end of the arm pivoted from below the chair. Summary of the invention

[0005] An exemplary embodiment of a chair exercise device according to the present disclosure has: a frame configured to be placed on a horizontal surface; a seat support fastened to an upper surface portion of the frame; a seat fastened to the seat support; and a pair of parallel arms, each parallel arm having a proximal end pivotally fastened to one of the frame or a portion of the seat support. Each arm is biased away from the frame toward the seat by a rotating arm torque unit. Each rotating arm torque unit includes a plurality of flat coil springs and each rotating arm torque unit is preferably fastened to the seat support, which is rigidly fastened to a portion of the frame.

[0006] Another embodiment of a chair exercise device according to the present disclosure includes: a frame configured to be placed on a horizontal surface; a preferably inverted Y-shaped seat support that merges with or into an upper surface portion of the frame; a seat connected to or secured to an upper end of the seat support; a pair of parallel arms, each parallel arm having a proximal end secured to the frame and a foot support secured to a distal end of each of the arms. Each arm is biased away from the frame toward the seat. Each arm is pivotally biased away from the frame by a swivel arm torque unit mounted below the seat.

[0007] Preferably, each arm torque unit is mounted to a portion of the frame or to a portion of the inverted Y-shaped seat support. In this embodiment, the frame has a generally U-shape with two parallel base portions and a middle portion spaced apart between the parallel base portions. Each swivel arm torque unit comprises a plurality of flat helical springs. Each swivel arm torque unit is preferably fastened to the inverted Y-shaped seat support.

[0008] Each rotating arm torque unit preferably includes a plurality of selectively engageable rotating springs, which are fastened to a common shaft rotatably carried by the frame. Each rotating arm torque unit includes a plurality of individually selectable flat coil springs, which engage the shaft supporting one of the arms. The rotating arm torque unit preferably includes a box housing and a plurality of selectors, the box housing carrying a plurality of flat coil springs in a box in the housing, the plurality of selectors being used to select one or more of the flat coil springs to engage the arm to which the rotating arm torque unit is attached. Each selector is configured to engage with at least one of the plurality of flat coil springs. The box housing preferably includes a box comb having a plurality of spaced apart tines or baffles. The comb surrounds and supports at least one of the plurality of flat coil springs between adjacent tines.

[0009] The rotating arm torque unit preferably has a box housing, which carries a plurality of flat coil springs in a box in the housing, and a plurality of selectors connected to the box housing for selecting one or more of the flat coil springs to engage the arm to which the rotating arm torque unit is attached.

[0010] Embodiments described in accordance with the present disclosure may alternatively be viewed as a chair exercise device having: a generally U-shaped frame configured to be placed on a horizontal surface; an inverted Y-shaped seat support secured to an upper surface portion of the U-shaped frame; a seat secured to a seat support of the inverted Y-shaped seat support; and a pair of parallel arms, each parallel arm having a proximal end pivotally secured to one of the frame or a portion of the seat support. Each arm is biased away from the frame toward the seat by a swivel arm torque unit secured to one of the diverging portions of the frame or the seat support below the seat. Each arm has a foot support secured to a distal end of the arm for a user to press his or her feet against when sitting or standing on the seat of the exercise device.

[0011] Embodiments according to the present disclosure may alternatively be viewed as a rotating arm torque unit for use in an exercise device, the rotating arm torque unit comprising: a housing; a rotating shaft supported by a bearing in the housing for carrying an arm fastened to one end of the rotating shaft; and a box carried on the rotating shaft. The box has a plurality of flat coil springs therein, each flat coil spring having a first end connected to the rotating shaft and a free second end engageable with the housing via one of a plurality of selectors carried by the housing.

[0012] A preferred embodiment of the rotating arm torque unit further comprises a box comb carried in the housing, the box comb separating at least two of the plurality of flat coil springs from each other. The box comb may be made of metal, ceramic, or may preferably be made of a polymeric material such as plastic. The box comb has a plurality of spaced apart tines or spacers to axially space at least two of the plurality of flat coil springs along the rotating shaft. One end of each of the flat coil springs is carried in an axial groove in the rotating shaft. Preferably, the free ends of two of the plurality of flat coil springs engage the housing to provide preloading of the rotating arm torque unit. A preferred embodiment of the box has 7 flat coil springs.

[0013] The present disclosure also contemplates a kit for mounting a rotary torque unit in a conventional Pilates chair exercise device. Conventional chair exercise devices typically have: a generally box-shaped frame; a seat on top of the frame or a pair of rotating arms rotatably secured to a bottom portion of the frame; and a plurality of elongated coil springs extending from below the seat to a distal portion of at least one of the arms to bias the rotating arm or arms upward toward the seat.

[0014] A kit for such a chair preferably includes: a pair of swivel arm torque units; and a left swivel arm and a right swivel arm, each having a proximal end and a distal end. Each swivel arm torque unit includes a box housing configured to be fastened to the frame below the seat of the conventional Pilates chair. A swivel shaft supported by a bearing in the box housing is adapted to be fastened to the proximal end of one of the swivel arms.

[0015] The rotating arm torque unit comprises a box carried on the rotating shaft in a box housing. The box has a plurality of flat coil springs therein, each flat coil spring having a first end connected to the rotating shaft and a free second end engageable with the box housing via one of a plurality of selectors carried by the box housing. Preferably, the rotating arm torque unit comprises a box comb carried in the box housing, the box comb axially separating one or more of the plurality of flat coil springs from each other. The box comb is preferably made of a polymeric material such as plastic. The box comb has a plurality of spaced apart tines or spacers to axially space one or more of the plurality of flat coil springs along the rotating shaft. The free ends of one or preferably two of the plurality of flat coil springs engage the box housing to preload the rotating arm torque unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 is a front view of a chair exercise device according to the present disclosure having an exemplary hand support column extending beside and above the seat.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A rear perspective view of the chair exercise device is shown.

[0019] Figure 3 is used for Figure 1 and Figure 2 An isolated rear perspective view of the floor support frame of the exercise apparatus is shown.

[0020] Figure 4 is used for Figure 1 and Figure 2 An isolated perspective view of an inverted Y-shaped seat post member of an exercise device is shown.

[0021] Figure 5 is an isolated front side view of one of the flat coil spring torque units removed from a chair exercise device according to the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 6 is similar to Figure 5 An isolated rear perspective view of another coil spring torque unit of the exercise device is shown.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A slightly tilted rear perspective view of the torque unit is shown.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figures 5 to 7 A partially exploded perspective view of a coil spring cassette in one of the torque units is shown.

[0025] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the engagement of a coil spring cassette with a torque selector button according to the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig.10 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a chair exercise device according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig.11 is from Fig.10 A perspective view of one of the torque modules removed from the chair exercise device is shown.

[0028] Fig.12 is with its side cover removed Fig.11 Side view of the torque module shown.

[0029] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 An opposite side view of the torque module is shown.

[0030] Fig.14 yes Fig.12 Exploded view of the torque module shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a chair exercise device 100 according to the present disclosure is shown in a front view in FIG. Figure 2100 is shown in a rear perspective view. The chair 100 has a generally U-shaped bottom frame member 104; an inverted Y-seat support member 106 secured to the U-shaped bottom frame member 104; a seat 108 secured to the seat support member 106; a pair of optional handle support posts 102 removably mounted adjacent the seat 108; a pair of elongated parallel arm members 112, each having a proximal end portion coupled to an axis 118 below the Y-seat support member 106 and extending outwardly and upwardly from below the inverted Y-shaped seat support member 106; and a pair of spaced apart rotating arm torque units 110 secured to the bottom frame member 104, each rotating arm torque unit independently biasing one of the arm members 112 upwardly toward the seat 108.

[0032] Figure 2 1 shows a rear perspective view of the chair exercise device 100. Each elongated arm 112 has a distal end 114 to which a foot support or bracket 116 is secured and a proximal end 118 rigidly secured to one end 120 of a torque unit shaft 122. The chair exercise device 100 has two arm torque units 110 mounted below the seat 108 and connected to the bottom frame member 104 and aligned on a common axis so that a user sitting on the seat 108 can place his or her feet on the side-by-side foot support brackets 116 to rotate the arms 112 downwardly away from the seat 108 by pressing down on the foot support brackets 116. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The position shown is against the spring resistance provided by the arm torque unit 110 to perform basic Pilates chair exercises, as further explained below.

[0033] The floor support of the chair exercise device 100 is provided with a seat 108 , a bottom frame member 104 , and an inverted Y-shaped seat support member 106 . Figure 3 1 and 2. An isolated rear perspective view of the bottom frame member 104 is shown in FIG. The bottom frame member 104 is a generally U-shaped rigid body having spaced-apart parallel legs 124 extending in parallel from a middle portion 126. The U-shaped bottom frame member 104 is designed to be placed on a flat support surface such as a floor. Extending between the leg portions 124 and arching above these legs is an arm torque unit support member 128. The bottom frame member 104 and the arm torque unit support member 128 can be formed together as a single metal plate or casting preferably made of steel, aluminum or a high strength polymer material or can be separate castings or components that are suitably fastened together to form a rigid structure.

[0034] Figure 41 is an isolated perspective view of the seat support member 106. The inverted Y-shaped support member 106 has a generally tubular seat post portion 130 having an upper end portion that receives the seat 108. The lower end portion of the seat post portion 130 is divided into two diverging portions 132. These diverging portions 132 each cover and are fastened to the arm torque unit support member 128 of the bottom frame member 104. Each of the Y-shaped support member 106 and the bottom frame member 104 can be formed of suitable steel, aluminum castings, sheet metal, or structural polymeric materials. The seat 108 can be further covered by any suitable cushioning material such as a covered foam pad.

[0035] Each arm torque unit 110 includes a torque shaft 122 having one end 120 rigidly connected to the proximal end 118 of the elongated arm 112. Each torque shaft 122 is bearing or bushing supported and carried within a flat rotary spring torque box housing or cage 134, which in turn is secured to an arm torque unit support member 128 that is part of the bottom frame member 104.

[0036] Figure 5 1 shows an isolated side view of one of the arm torque units 110 removed from the device 100. The arm torque unit 110 has a generally rectangular box-shaped cartridge holder 134 that supports the shaft 122 for rotation between two journal bearings or bushings 136. An exemplary cartridge 138 including seven flat coil springs 146 is rotatably supported in the cartridge holder 134. Figure 5 The box holder 134 shown. This embodiment is exemplary only. Different numbers of flat coil springs 146 can be provided alternatively.

[0037] In this exemplary embodiment of the device 100, there are two flat coil springs 146 that are always engaged between the cartridge housing or holder 134 and one of the shafts 122, as will be explained more clearly below. The two springs 146 provide a baseline tension or torque on each of the elongated arms 112. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this baseline torque on each of the elongated arms 112 is required to keep the arms 112 biased and raised toward the seat 108 when no other flat coil springs 146 are engaged. The remaining five flat coil springs 146 in each cassette 138 can be selectively engaged and / or disengaged between the cassette housing 134 and the shaft 122 to provide different levels of torque or resistance to rotation of the elongated arms 112.

[0038] Each cassette 138 is composed of 7 flat coil springs 146 and 6 spring spacers 148, which are held together in a stack by four cassette bolts 142 and a plurality of spacer tubes 144. A set of 4 spacer tubes 144 are placed on each of the spacer plates 148 to separate each of the springs 146 on the cassette bolts 142. End plates 150 complete the assembly of the cassette 138. Now referring to Figure 8 , shows a partially exploded view of the box 138 before being installed on the shaft 122.

[0039] Each spring 146, its spacer 148 and the four spacer tubes 144 are assembled to the four bolts 142 and the shaft 122 in sequence. The partially assembled box 138 can be assembled to the shaft 122 and finally the end plate 150 is fastened to the threaded ends of the four bolts 142. Note that Figure 8 1, the end plate 150 has a central hole 151 for receiving the distal end of the shaft 122. The central hole 151 has a radial projection 153, which engages in a groove 156 in the shaft 122 when the end plate 150 is mounted on the four bolts 142 and tightened to these bolts.

[0040] Each coil spring 146 has a protruding inner end 152 and a protruding outer end 154. The protruding inner end 152 slides into the shaft slot 156 in the shaft 122. The partially assembled box 138 (minus the end plate 150) can be slid onto the shaft 122, with the protruding inner end 152 of each spring 146 in the slot 156 in the shaft 122. The end plate 150 can be installed with the proximal end of the shaft 122 passing through the hole 151 in the end plate 150. However, the end plate 150 must be rotated a few degrees to allow the protrusion 153 on the end plate 150 to protrude into the hole 151 to enter the slot 156, while aligning the end of the bolt 142 with the corresponding bolt hole in the end plate 150.

[0041] This rotation of the end plate 150 sets a preload on all of the flat coil springs 146 via the shaft 122, such as Figure 8 This rotation of the end plate 150 during assembly causes each protruding outer end 154 of each spring 146 to engage against one of the bolts 142, also as shown. Fig. 9 As shown in the schematic diagram of , when the shaft 122 is connected to the proximal end 118 of the arm 112, the preload torque is set when the shaft 122 rotates. The assembled box 138 can optionally include one or more guide bolt / spacer assemblies 149, which can be used to compensate for the non-planar contraction and expansion of the spring 146.

[0042] The assembled cartridge 138 on the shaft 122 is then installed in the cartridge holder 134 and the outer bearing or bushing 136 is installed in the holder 134 to complete the Figure 5 The shaft 122 is shown assembled into the holder 134. The distal end 120 of the shaft 122 can then be fixed or secured to the proximal end 118 of the elongated arm 112 by one of the bearings or bushings 136 in the cartridge holder 134.

[0043] Also mounted in the cartridge housing or holder 134 are five spring loaded selectors 158. Each selector 158 is slidably supported in a channel 155 in the cartridge housing or holder 134 and has a selector shaft 160 extending parallel to the channel 155. The selector shaft 160 is Figure 6 14. The torque unit 110 is best seen in the relative perspective view shown. Each selector shaft 160 is oriented adjacent a pivot finger 162 that pivots about a bolt 164 that is pinned into the cartridge housing or retainer 134. Each pivot finger 162 corresponds to one of the springs 146 in the cartridge 138 and has a distal end 166 oriented adjacent the protruding outer end of the protruding outer end 154 of the coil spring 146. When no spring 146 is selected, only the two springs 146 closest to the elongated arm 112 engage the arm 112. In this case, when the arm 112 is moved from Figure 1 and Figure 2 When rotated downward as shown, the entire box 138 can rotate freely with the shaft 122 within the box housing or retaining frame 134.

[0044] Fig. 9Schematic diagrams showing the operation of the torque selection mechanism in an exemplary embodiment of the chair exercise device 100 are shown. In the leftmost image, the pivot finger 162 is disengaged from the box 138, and therefore the box 138 is free to rotate with the shaft 122 when the arm 112 rotates downward. In the middle image, the selector 158 is depressed, which pushes the selector shaft 160 downward, riding down on the inclined surface of the finger 162 above the pivot bolt 164, which in turn rotates the finger 162 clockwise. The right image shows the selector shaft 160 being pushed downward past the angle of the inclined surface of the finger 162, causing the distal end 166 of the finger 162 to fully engage the protruding end 154 of the spring 146. Now, when the user steps on the foot support 116 at the distal end of the arm 112, the tabbed outer end 154 of the flat coil spring 146 is constrained against the distal end 166 of the finger 162 and the particular coil spring 146 must contract during the rotation of the arm 112. This applies additional torque on the arm 112, thus increasing the resistance felt by the user when depressing the arm 112. When the user depresses the selector 158 again, the selector spring tension causes the selector 158 to return or rise to the left image position, disengaging the distal end 166 of the finger 162 from the tabbed outer end of the coil spring 146.

[0045] Return to reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 1 and Figure 2 , each selector 158 has a different length corresponding to the location of the inclined or deflected portion along the diverging portion 132 of the seat support member 106 so that when the torque unit 110 is installed in the frame 104, each selector 158 extends upward from the diverging portion 132 by approximately the same amount.

[0046] Another exemplary embodiment of the chair exercise device 200 according to the present disclosure is Fig.10 The chair 200 has a generally U-shaped bottom frame member 204, an inverted Y-seat support member 206 secured to the U-shaped bottom frame member 204, and a seat 208 secured to the seat support member 206. A pair of optional handle support posts 102 as in the first embodiment described above may be removably mounted to the device 200 adjacent the seat 208.

[0047] The chair exercise device 200 has: a pair of slender parallel arm members 212, each of which has a proximal end connected to an axis 222 below the Y-seat support member 206 and extending outward and upward from below the inverted Y-shaped seat support member 206; and a pair of spaced-apart rotating arm torque units 210, which are fastened to the bottom frame member 204 via the inverted Y-shaped seat support member 206, each rotating arm torque unit independently biasing one of the arm members 212 upward toward the seat 208.

[0048] Each elongated arm 212 has a distal end 214 to which a foot support pedal or bracket 216 is secured, and a proximal end 218 which is rigidly secured to one end of a torque unit shaft 222. The chair exercise device 200 has two arm torque units 210 mounted below the seat 208 and connected to the bottom frame member 204 via diverging portions 232 of the inverted Y-shaped seat support member 206 and aligned on a common axis so that a user sitting on the seat 206 can place his or her feet on the side-by-side foot supports 216 to rotate the arms 212 downwardly away from the foot supports 216 by pressing down on the foot supports 216. Fig.10 The position shown is against the spring resistance provided by the arm torque unit 210 to perform basic Pilates chair exercises. Each of the foot support pedals or brackets 216 preferably extends laterally from the arm 212 to which it is attached and can be straight, curved or bent, such as Fig.10 The curved or bent shape provides a unique gripping surface and shape for the user to grip during certain exercises, where the user grips the support 216 with his / her hands rather than feet.

[0049] The floor support of the chair exercise device 200 is provided with a seat 208, a bottom frame member 204, and an inverted Y-shaped seat support member 206. The bottom frame member 204 is preferably a generally U-shaped rigid body having spaced-apart parallel legs 224 extending from a middle portion 226 of the frame member 204. The U-shaped bottom frame member 204 is designed to be placed on a flat support surface such as a floor.

[0050] The inverted Y-shaped support member 206 has a generally tubular seat post portion 230 having an upper end portion that receives the seat 208. The lower end portion of the seat post portion 230 is divided into two diverging portions 232. These diverging portions 232 each cover and are fastened to the rotating arm torque unit 210 and are rigidly coupled or fastened to the bottom frame member 204. As in the first embodiment 100, the Y-shaped support member 206 and the bottom frame member 204 can be formed of suitable steel, aluminum castings, sheet metal, or structural polymeric materials. The seat 208 can be further covered by any suitable cushioning material such as a covered foam pad.

[0051] Each arm torque unit 210 includes a torque shaft 222 having one end rigidly connected to a proximal end 218 of one of the elongated arms 212 . Fig.11 An isolated perspective view of one of the arm torque units 210 is shown in FIG. The front and rear sides of the torque unit 210 are secured to a plastic or metal cover 215 that prevents dirt and dust from entering the inner workings of the rotating arm torque unit 210. Figure 12 to Figure 14, these covers 215 are removed for clarity of explanation.

[0052] Each torque shaft 222 is bearing or bushing supported and carried within a flat rotating spring torque box housing or cage 234 which in turn is preferably rigidly fastened to the bottom frame member 204 via a portion of one of the diverging portions 232 of the inverted Y-shaped support member 206. With the exception of the construction of the box 238, the arm torque unit 210 is substantially the same as that described above with reference to the exercise chair 100.

[0053] Fig.12 An isolated side view of one of the arm torque units 210 is shown removed from the chair exercise device 200 . Fig.13 An opposite side view of the arm torque unit 210 is shown. Finally, Fig.14 An exploded view of the arm torque unit 210 is shown so that the internal components can be easily identified in the following discussion.

[0054] The arm torque unit 210 has a generally rectangular box-shaped cartridge holder or housing 234 that supports the shaft 222 for rotation between two journal bearings or bushings 236. An exemplary cartridge 238 including a stack of seven flat clock coil springs 146 is rotatably supported within the cartridge housing 234, as shown. Fig.12 and Fig.13 This embodiment 200 is merely exemplary. A different number of flat coil springs 146 may be provided instead.

[0055] In this exemplary embodiment of the chair exercise device 200, two flat coil springs 146 are always engaged between the cartridge housing or holder 234 and the shaft 222, as will be explained more clearly below. The two springs 146 provide a baseline tension or torque on each of the elongated arms 212. Fig.10 As shown, this baseline torque on each of the elongated arms 212 is required to keep the arms 212 biased and raised toward the seat 208 when no other flat coil springs 146 are engaged. The remaining five flat coil springs 146 in each cartridge 238 can be selectively engaged and / or disengaged between the cartridge housing 234 and the shaft 222 to provide different levels of torque or resistance to rotation of the elongated arms 212.

[0056] Each box 238 consists of two flat coil springs 146 and five coil springs 146 that are held together and carried in an axial stack within a box comb 244. The box comb 244 has a plurality of spaced apart tines or spacers 245. Each spacer separates one spring 146 from an adjacent spring 146, except for a pair of preload springs 146 that are carried together in the box 238. The box comb 244 can be a 3D printed metal or non-metal comb structure. Alternatively, it can be a rigid polymer or plastic molded part. The box comb 244 replaces the spacers 148, bolts 142, end plates 150, and a plurality of spacer tubes 144 in the first embodiment 110. The box comb 244 separates each of the five springs 146 and a pair of preload springs 146, as in the first embodiment 110.

[0057] Each coil spring 146 has a protruding inner end 152 and a protruding outer end 154. The protruding inner end 152 slides into the shaft slot 256 in the shaft 222. The partially assembled cartridge 238 can be slid onto the shaft 222, with the protruding inner end 252 of each spring 146 within the slot 256 in the shaft 222. Assembling the cartridge 238 into the cartridge housing 234 is similar to the above reference. Figure 5 and Fig. 9 Basically the same as described.

[0058] During assembly, rotation of the shaft relative to the box comb 244 applies the desired preload to all springs 146. The key 270 (eg, Fig.14 The shaft 222 is locked with the box comb 244 as shown. Then, the assembled box 238 on the shaft 222 is installed in the box holder or housing 234 and the outer bearing or bushing 236 is installed in the box holder or housing 234 to complete the assembly of the shaft 222 into the box holder or housing 234, as shown. Fig.12 shown.

[0059] Also mounted in the cartridge housing or holder structure 234 are five spring loaded selectors 258, similar to the first embodiment 110. Each selector 258 is slidably supported in a channel 255 in the cartridge housing or holder 234 and has a selector shaft 260 extending parallel to the channel 255. The selector shaft 260 is Fig.142 is best seen in the exploded view of the arm torque unit 210 shown. Each selector shaft 260 is oriented adjacent to a pivot finger 162 that pivots about a bolt 264 that is pinned into the cartridge housing or retainer 234. Each pivot finger 162 corresponds to one of the springs 146 in the cartridge 238 and has a distal end 166 oriented adjacent to the protruding outer end 154 of the helical spring 146. When no spring 146 is selected, only the two springs 146 closest to the elongated arm 212 engage the arm 212. In this case, when the arm 212 is moved from Fig.10 When rotated downward as shown, the entire box 238 can rotate freely with the shaft 222 within the box housing or retaining frame 234.

[0060] Fig. 9 Schematic diagrams of the operation of the torque selection mechanism in two exemplary embodiments of the chair exercise device 100 and the chair exercise device 200 are shown. In the leftmost image, the pivot finger 162 is disengaged from the box 138 (or 238) and therefore the box 138 (or 238) is free to rotate with the shaft 122 (or 222) when the arm 112 (or 212) rotates downward. In the middle image, the selector 158 (or 258) is depressed, which pushes the selector shaft 160 (or 260) downward, riding down on the inclined surface of the finger 162 above the pivot bolt 164, which in turn rotates the finger 162 clockwise. The right image shows that the selector shaft 160 is pushed downward past the angle of the inclined surface of the finger 162, causing the distal end 166 of the finger 162 to fully engage the end 154 with the protrusion of the spring 146. Now, when the user steps on the foot support 116 (or 216) at the distal end of the arm 112 (or 212), the tabbed outer end 154 of the flat coil spring 146 is constrained against the distal end 166 of the finger 162 and the particular coil spring 146 must contract during the rotation of the arm 112 or 212. This applies additional torque on the arm 112 or 212, thus increasing the resistance felt by the user when depressing the arm 112 or 212. When the user depresses the selector 158 again, the selector spring tension causes the selector 158 to return or rise to the left image position, disengaging the distal end 166 of the finger 162 from the tabbed outer end of the coil spring 146.

[0061] Return to reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 1 and Figure 2, each selector 158 (or 258) has a different length corresponding to the position of the inclined or deflected portion of the diverging portion 132 (or 232) along the seat support member 106 (or 206) so that when the torque unit 110 (or 210) is installed in the frame 104 (or 204), each selector 158 extends upward from the diverging portion 132 (or 232) by approximately the same amount.

[0062] The present disclosure also contemplates a kit for mounting one or more rotating arm torque units 210 in a conventional Pilates chair exercise device. Conventional chair exercise devices typically have: a generally box-shaped frame; a seat on top of the frame or a pair of rotating arms rotatably secured to a bottom portion of the frame, each rotating arm having a foot pad or rod secured to its distal end; and a plurality of elongated coil springs extending from below the seat to at least one of the arms to bias the rotating arm or arms upward toward the seat.

[0063] A kit for such a chair according to the present disclosure includes a pair of rotating arm torque units 210 and left rotating arms (such as arm 212) and right rotating arms (such as arm 212), each rotating arm having a proximal end 218 and a distal end 214 and may include a foot bar 216. Each rotating arm torque unit 210 in the kit includes a box housing 234, which is configured to be fastened to the frame below the seat of the Pilates chair. It should be understood that the housing 234 is likely to have a different external box shape than shown in order to match the contour of the traditional Pilates chair exercise device to which it is mounted.

[0064] A bearing-supported rotating shaft, such as shaft 222 in a cartridge housing 234, is adapted to be fastened to the proximal end portion 218 of one of the rotating arms 212. The rotating arm torque unit 210 includes a cartridge 238 carried on the rotating shaft 222. The cartridge 238 has a plurality of flat coil springs 146 therein, each having a first end connected to the rotating shaft 222 and a free second end engageable with the cartridge housing 234 via one of a plurality of selectors, such as a selector 258 carried by the cartridge housing 234 (although each may have a shape different from that shown in the present disclosure).

[0065] Preferably, the rotating arm torque unit 210 in such a kit includes a box comb 244 carried in the box housing 234, which axially separates each flat coil spring or two flat coil springs in the plurality of flat coil springs 146 from each other. The box comb 244 is preferably made of a polymeric material such as plastic. The box comb 244 has a plurality of spaced apart tines or spacers 246 to axially separate at least two flat coil springs in the plurality of flat coil springs 146 along the rotating shaft 222. The free ends of one flat coil spring or preferably two flat coil springs in the plurality of flat coil springs 146 in the rotating arm torque unit 210 engage the box housing 234 to preload the rotating arm torque unit 210.

[0066] Now turn to Fig.15 and Fig.16 , shows an exemplary embodiment of a chair exercise device 200 having an exemplary articulated hand support column 280. Fig.15 , the chair 200 is shown with the support posts 280 in an operable position, each of which extends along the seat 208. Fig.16 In the rear perspective view of FIG. 2 , the support column 280 is shown in a storage position folded down below the seat 208 .

[0067] Each support column member 280 for the chair exercise device 200 according to the present disclosure may be hinged and extendable from the chair exercise device 200 as shown in FIG. Fig.16 The chair exercise device seat 208 is shown in a retracted storage position and is movable to an operable position along the seat 208 of the exercise device 200 and preferably includes a mounting bracket 282 that is configured to be secured to a portion of the frame of the chair exercise device 200. The support column member 280 preferably has a long leg 284 and a short leg 286. Preferably, the short leg 286 extends at an angle from the long leg 284 and is hingedly connected to a cross member 288 of the mounting bracket 282.

[0068] The mounting bracket 288 is secured to the frame 204 and / or the seat support 206 immediately below the seat 208. The support column member 280 preferably has a handle 290 secured to the distal end of the hinged column member 280. The long leg 284 of the hinged support column member 280 preferably has a first portion 292 telescopically carried within a second portion 294 and the short leg 286 extends at a right angle from the proximal end of the long leg 284. The handle 290 is preferably removably secured to the distal end of the first portion 292 of the long leg 284 of the hinged column member 280.

[0069] The short legs 286 of the hinged post member 280 preferably have locking members 296 engageable with the cross member 288 of the mounting bracket 282 to releasably retain the short legs 286 in an operative position parallel to the cross member 288 when the hinged post member 280 is secured to the chair exercise device 200 .

[0070] Fig.15 and Fig.16 An exemplary embodiment of a chair exercise device 200 according to the present invention is shown having a frame 204 configured to be placed on a horizontal surface, such as a floor. The chair exercise device 200 includes an inverted Y-shaped seat support 206 secured to an upper surface portion of the frame 204; a seat 208 secured to an upper end 230 of the inverted Y-shaped seat support 206; a pair of parallel arms 212, each having a proximal end pivotally secured to the frame 204; and a foot support or pedal 216 secured to a distal end 214 of each of the parallel arms 212. Each arm 212 is biased away from the frame 204 toward the seat 208.

[0071] A pair of hinged support column members 280 are each preferably removably secured to a mounting bracket 288 that is attached to the upper portion 230 of the inverted Y-shaped seat support 206. Each hinged support column member 280 is removably secured to the upper portion 230 of the inverted Y-shaped seat support 206. Fig.16 208) can be moved to an operable position extending upward along the seat 208 (as shown in FIG. Fig.15 Each hinged support column member 280 has a long leg 284 and a short leg 286. The short leg 286 extends at a right angle from the long leg 284. The short leg 286 is hingedly connected to the cross member 296 of the mounting bracket 282 at a hinge 298.

[0072] exist Fig.16 , a mounting bracket 282 is clearly shown having a square tube cross member 288 secured to an angle bracket portion 300 that can be inserted and secured between the upper portion 230 of the inverted Y-shaped seat support 206 and the seat 208. Optionally, a pair of lateral support posts 302 can also be provided between the cross member 288 and the seat 208 to provide additional rigidity to the sides of the seat 208.

[0073] Each of the support column members 280 has a locking knob 296 on the short leg 286 that is spaced from a hinge 298 that engages with a complementary fitting 306 on the cross member 288 to lock the support column members 280 when in a position such as Fig.15 The illustrated operative position securely holds the short leg 286 parallel to the cross member 288. The locking knob 296 may be threadably engaged with a complementary threaded fitting 306 or a detent in the cross member 288 to secure the short leg 286 in place. The long leg 284 preferably has a first portion 292 telescopically received in a tubular second portion 294.

[0074] These first and second parts 292, 294 can be equipped with appropriate fittings 312 to set the length of the support column 280 as required. The locking knob 314 is preferably provided on the long leg 284 to lock the support column member 280 when it is raised and locked. Fig.15 The operative position shown secures the long leg 284 to a desired length.

[0075] Many changes can be made to the exercise device of the present disclosure. For example, the torque unit holder or housing 134 or housing 234 can be made of plastic, metal or composite structure and can be a casting or molded body. The selectors 158 or selectors 258 can all have the same height or different heights, depending on their positions on the inverted Y-shaped seat support member 106 or the inverted Y-shaped seat support member 206. In addition, the inverted Y-shaped seat support member 106 or the inverted Y-shaped seat support member 206 can be a shape different from the Y shape. For example, the lower part can have a shape or horizontal direction with a larger or smaller angle and therefore the structure of the selector 158 and the selector 258 can be different from the specific shown. Shown are only two exemplary embodiments. The seat 108 and the seat 208 and the foot support 116 and the foot support 216 can have a different shape than the current one shown. These pairs of foot supports 116 and foot supports 216 can be combined together to operate the arm 112 as a single arm instead of two arms as shown in the figure. Such an arrangement may be achieved, for example, by a U-shaped sleeve on the foot plate 116 or a rod passing through the foot plate 116 .

[0076] The optional handle support 102 secured to the side of the seat 108 or seat 208 may be retractable and foldable, or may be hinged, for example Fig.15 and Fig.16 The seat support member is shown so that it can be easily retracted when not needed or placed out of the way for storage. Throughout the disclosure, the term "fastening" is used when describing the connection between the seat, the seat support member and the frame. It should be understood that other connection means between the frame and the support member can be used, such as by welding or forming a single connection in a single molded body.

[0077] In the depicted embodiment, there are seven sets of springs 146 in each of the boxes 138 and 238. Many other embodiments are contemplated, each having a different number of springs 146. The flat coil springs 146 can be associated or connected to each other so that depression of one selector 158 or selector 258 can retract the other selectors, thereby limiting the number of springs that can be engaged simultaneously. In addition, the rotating arm torque unit 210 can be configured to replace traditional springs in a traditional Pilates chair exercise device. In such alternative embodiments, the selector 258 and the box holder or housing 234 are preferably of different shapes depending on the frame configuration of such a traditional Pilates chair exercise device.

[0078] Accordingly, all such alternatives, changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of and defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A chair exercise device, comprising: a frame configured to be placed on a horizontal surface; an inverted Y-shaped seat support member fastened to an upper surface portion of the frame; a seat fastened to an upper end portion of the inverted Y-shaped seat support; as well as A pair of parallel arms each having a proximal end secured to the frame and a foot support secured to a distal end of each of the parallel arms, wherein each arm is biased away from the frame toward the seat.

2. The chair exercise device of claim 1 wherein each arm is pivotally biased away from the frame by a swivel arm torque unit mounted below the seat.

3. The chair exercise device of claim 1, wherein the frame has a generally U-shape having two parallel base portions.

4. The chair exercise device of claim 3, wherein the frame further includes a middle portion spaced between the two parallel base portions.

5. The chair exercise device of claim 2, wherein each rotating arm torque unit comprises a plurality of flat coil springs.

6. The chair exercise device of claim 2, wherein each swivel arm torque unit is secured to the inverted y-shaped seat support.

7. The chair exercise device of claim 2, wherein each swivel arm torque unit includes a plurality of selectively engageable swivel springs secured to a common shaft rotatably carried by the frame.

8. The chair exercise device of claim 2, wherein each rotating arm torque unit comprises a plurality of individually selectable flat coil springs engaging a shaft supporting one of the arms.

9. The chair exercise device of claim 2, wherein the rotating arm torque unit comprises a box housing carrying a plurality of flat coil springs in a box therein and a plurality of selectors for selecting one or more of the flat coil springs to engage the arm to which the rotating arm torque unit is attached.

10. The chair exercise device of claim 9, wherein each selector is configured to engage one of the plurality of flat coil springs.

11. The chair exercise device of claim 9, wherein the box includes a box comb having a plurality of spaced apart tines or spacers supporting at least one of the plurality of flat coil springs therebetween.

12. A chair exercise device comprising: a frame configured to be placed on a horizontal surface; a seat support fastened to an upper surface portion of the frame; a seat secured to the seat support; as well as A pair of parallel arms each having a proximal end secured to one of the frame or a portion of the seat support, wherein each arm is biased away from the frame toward the seat.

13. The chair exercise device of claim 12, wherein each arm is pivotally biased away from the frame by a swivel arm torque unit.

14. The chair exercise device of claim 12, wherein the frame is a generally U-shaped frame having parallel base portions and a mid-portion spaced between the parallel base portions.

15. The chair exercise device of claim 13, wherein each rotating arm torque unit comprises a plurality of flat coil springs.

16. The chair exercise device of claim 13, wherein each swivel arm torque unit is secured to at least one of the seat support or the frame.

17. The chair exercise device of claim 13, wherein each swivel arm torque unit includes a plurality of selectively engageable swivel springs secured to a common shaft rotatably carried by the frame.

18. The chair exercise device of claim 13, wherein each rotating arm torque unit comprises a plurality of individually selectable flat coil springs engaging a shaft supporting one of the arms.

19. The chair exercise device of claim 13, wherein the rotating arm torque unit comprises a cartridge housing carrying a plurality of flat coil springs in a cartridge therein and a plurality of selectors connected to the cartridge housing for selecting one or more of the flat coil springs to engage the arm to which the rotating arm torque unit is attached.

20. A chair exercise device comprising: a frame configured to be placed on a horizontal surface; a seat support incorporated into an upper surface portion of the frame; a seat secured to a seat support portion of the seat support; as well as a pair of parallel arms, each parallel arm having a proximal end secured to one of the frame or a portion of the seat support, wherein each arm is biased away from the frame toward the seat by a rotating arm torque unit secured to one of the frame or a portion of the seat support beneath the seat, and wherein each rotating arm torque unit carries a box having a plurality of flat coil springs, each flat coil spring being selectively engageable with the arm to which the rotating arm torque unit is connected.

21. A rotating arm torque unit for use in an exercise device, the rotating arm torque unit comprising: case; a rotating shaft supported by a bearing in the housing for carrying an arm secured to one end of the rotating shaft; as well as A cartridge is carried on the rotatable shaft, the cartridge having a plurality of flat coil springs therein, each flat coil spring having a first end connected to the rotatable shaft and a free second end engageable with the housing via one of a plurality of selectors carried by the housing.

22. The swivel arm torque unit of claim 21 further comprising a box comb carried in the housing, the box comb separating at least two of the plurality of flat coil springs from one another.

23. The swivel arm torque unit of claim 22, wherein the box comb is made of a polymeric material.

24. The rotating arm torque unit of claim 22, wherein the box comb has a plurality of spaced apart tines to axially space apart at least two of the plurality of flat coil springs along the rotation axis.

25. The rotating arm torque unit of claim 24, wherein the free ends of two of the plurality of flat coil springs engage the housing to preload the rotating arm torque unit.

26. The swivel arm torque unit of claim 25 wherein the cassette has seven flat coil springs.

27. A kit for mounting a rotary torque unit in a chair exercise device having a frame and a seat, the kit comprising: a pair of swivel arm torque units; as well as a left rotating arm and a right rotating arm, each having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; Each swivel arm torque unit includes: a cassette housing configured to be secured to the frame below the seat of the chair exercise device; a swivel shaft supported by a bearing in the cartridge housing, the swivel shaft being adapted to be fastened to the proximal end of one of the swivel arms; and A box is carried on the rotating shaft supported by the bearing, and the box has a plurality of flat coil springs therein, each flat coil spring having a first end connected to the rotating shaft and a free second end engageable with the box housing via one of a plurality of selectors carried by the box housing.

28. The kit of claim 27, further comprising a cassette comb carried in the cassette housing, the cassette comb separating at least two of the plurality of flat coil springs from one another.

29. The kit of claim 28, wherein the box comb is made of a polymeric material.

30. The kit of claim 28, wherein the box comb has a plurality of spaced apart tines to axially space at least two of the plurality of flat coil springs along the rotational axis.

31. The kit of claim 30, wherein the free ends of two flat coil springs of the plurality of flat coil springs engage the cartridge housing to preload the swivel arm torque unit.

32. The kit of claim 31 wherein the cartridge has seven flat coil springs.

33. A support column member for a chair exercise device, comprising: a mounting bracket configured to be secured to a frame of the chair exercise device; as well as A hinged post member has a long leg and a short leg extending at an angle from the long leg, the short leg being hingedly connected to the cross member of the mounting bracket.

34. The support column member of claim 33, further comprising a handle secured to the distal end of the hinged column member.

35. A support column member as claimed in claim 33 wherein the long leg of the hinged column member has a first portion telescopically carried within a second portion and the short leg extends at a right angle from a proximal end of the long leg.

36. The support post member of claim 35, further comprising a handle secured to a distal end of the first portion of the elongated leg of the hinged post member.

37. A support column member according to claim 33, wherein the short leg of the hinged column member has a locking member, which can be engaged with the cross member of the mounting bracket to releasably maintain the short leg in an operating position parallel to the cross member when the hinged column member is fastened to the chair exercise device.

38. A support column member according to claim 35, wherein the short leg of the hinged column member has a locking member, which can be engaged with the cross member of the mounting bracket to releasably maintain the short leg in an operating position parallel to the cross member when the hinged column member is fastened to the chair exercise device.

39. A chair exercise device comprising: a frame configured to be placed on a horizontal surface; an inverted Y-shaped seat support member fastened to an upper surface portion of the frame; a seat fastened to an upper end portion of the inverted Y-shaped seat support; a pair of parallel arms, each parallel arm having a proximal end secured to the frame and a foot support secured to a distal end of each of the parallel arms, wherein each arm is biased away from the frame toward the seat; as well as A pair of hinged support column members, each hinged support column member is fastened to a mounting bracket attached to the inverted Y-shaped seat support, wherein each support column member is movable from a storage position below the seat to an operable position extending upwardly along the seat, wherein each hinged support column member has a long leg and a short leg extending at a certain angle from the long leg, and the short leg is hinged to the cross member of the mounting bracket.

40. The chair exercise device of claim 39, wherein each arm is pivotally biased away from the frame by a swivel arm torque unit mounted beneath the seat.

41. The chair exercise device of claim 39, further comprising a handle secured to a distal end of each hinged support column member.

42. The chair exercise device of claim 39 wherein the long leg of each hinged support column member has a first portion telescopically carried within a second portion and the short leg extends at a right angle from a proximal end of the long leg.

43. The chair exercise device of claim 42, further comprising a handle secured to a distal end of the first portion of the elongated leg of each hinged support column member.

44. The chair exercise device of claim 39 wherein said short leg of each hinged support post member has a locking member engageable with said cross member of said mounting bracket to releasably retain said short leg in said operable position parallel to said cross member.

45. The chair exercise device of claim 42 wherein the short leg of each hinged support post member has a locking member engageable with the cross member of the mounting bracket to releasably retain the short leg in an operative position parallel to the cross member.

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