Abstract:
An exercise device adapted for use with a chair includes a handle arm mounted to an armrest portion by a first connector including a first axis and a second axis disposed substantially orthogonal to the first axis. A resistance element is used with a first end attached to the armrest portion by a second connecter including a third axis and a fourth axis disposed substantially orthogonal to the third axis and a second end attached to the handle arm by a third connector including a fifth axis and a sixth axis disposed substantially perpendicular to the fifth axis. A foot frame is included with at least one frame band receiver, the foot frame being mounted to the base portion. A foot support is moveably mounted to the foot frame and includes at least one support band receiver. A resistance band is adapted to be received by the frame band receiver and the support band receiver to provide resistance to displacement by the user. This provides a method of upper and lower body exercise for a user without the necessity of getting out of the chair.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to exercise devices and, more particularly, to exercise devices adapted to be used with furniture. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    As our population ages it is important that the quality of life is maintained for the more mature population. Part of the formula to achieve that is providing exercise. Many are not ambulatory and therefore even walking is not an exercise option. For this and other sedentary populations, a device is needed that allows the user to exercise while in a comfortable and safe surrounding. In addition, when the exercise capability is readily available, the likelihood of use in greatly increased. This is analogous to someone living in close proximity to a health club. The excuse of long commute times is not valid given the potential patron has fewer excuses to avoid the gym. Providing an exercise device in a comfortable chair has a similar benefit. By minimizing the potential for avoidance, the potential for use increases. Any exercise device is only beneficial if it is used. 
         [0003]    It should, therefore, be appreciated that there is a need for fitness equipment that is adapted for home use. The present invention fulfills this need and others. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention includes a chair with a base portion, a backrest portion and at least one arm portion, the chair incorporating an exercise device. This exercise device includes a handle arm with a handle arm base mounted to the armrest portion by a first connector. This first connector includes a first axis and a second axis disposed substantially orthogonal to the first axis. The device also includes a resistance element with a first end attached to the armrest portion by a second connector that has a third axis and a fourth axis disposed substantially orthogonal to the third axis. A second end of the resistance element is attached to the handle arm by a third connector that includes a fifth axis and a sixth axis being disposed substantially orthogonal to the fifth axis. Multiple axis joints may include a two axis universal joint or a three degree of freedom joint such as a ball and socket joint. 
         [0005]    The resistance element can take on a variety of forms. This includes a two-way hydraulic damper, a one-way hydraulic damper, a pneumatic cylinder, an elastic spring or any of a number of other devices common in the art. 
         [0006]    The invention may also include a handle end that is received by the handle arm. A handle resistance band may be mounted to the handle end and the handle arm thereby offering resistance to movement of the handle relative to the handle arm. This resistance mechanism may be releasably engaged with handle arm base by a band clip, thereby selectively engaging one or more resistance mechanisms to alter the resistance to the user. 
         [0007]    In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the exercise device includes a foot frame that is mounted to the base portion and includes at least one frame band receiver, a resistance band adapted to be received by the frame band receiver. The foot frame includes a foot support that is moveably mounted to the foot frame and includes at least one support band receiver adapted to receive the resistance band. The resistance band enables resistance to movement of the foot support relative to the foot frame. 
         [0008]    An exemplary method for exercise is provided including the elements of the chair as listed above and including the handle arm mounted to the armrest portion with the resistance element providing resistance to movement of the handle arm relative to the armrest portion. The multi axis joint enables multiple degrees of freedom to accommodate a variety of user types and builds but a great exercise variety. The device may also include the foot support adapted for engagement by the feet of the user and moveably mounted to the foot frame as noted. The method further includes positioning a user in the chair, grasping the handle arm and displacing it relative to the armrest portion, thereby actuating the resistance element and exercising the muscles of the user. The method may also include the user placing one or more feet on the foot support and extending the foot support relative to the foot frame and thereby extending the resistance band and exercising the leg muscles of the user. 
         [0009]    For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have been described herein above. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages can be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
         [0010]    All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments and drawings, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiments disclosed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an exercise device incorporated into a chair with a linearly retractable leg platform produced in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an isometric upper view of an exercise device of  FIG. 1  with the exercise elements positioned for use. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an isometric upper left view of an exercise device of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is side view of the exercise device of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an isometric rear view of exercise device of  FIG. 2  with the leg platform fully extended. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the exercise device of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a bottom isometric view of an exercise device incorporated into a chair with a linkage extendable leg platform produced in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a left rear isometric view of the device of  FIG. 7  with the leg platform fully extended. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a left rear isometric view of the device of  FIG. 8  with the foot platform positioned for use. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a left rear isometric view of the device of  FIG. 9  with the foot platform in a fully extended position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is the leg platform assembly of  FIG. 1  in a closed and retracted position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is the leg platform assembly if  FIG. 11  in an open position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a detail of the locking device of the leg platform assembly of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a detail of the resistance cord of the leg platform assembly of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is an isometric front view of the leg platform assembly of  FIG. 12  in a fully extended orientation. 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is an isometric rear view of the leg platform assembly of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is the right side arm assembly of the exercise device in  FIG. 2  with the handle bar extended. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is the arm resistance system of  FIG. 17  partially disassembled to show detail of some of the components. 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a detail of a portion of the resistance system of  FIG. 18 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a partial isometric view of the resistance system of  FIG. 18  showing the ball and socket joint. 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a cutaway of the ball and socket joint of  FIG. 20 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    With reference to the illustrative drawings, and particularly to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a chair  22  that includes a base portion  24 , a seat portion  26 , a backrest portion  28 , two armrest portions shown as a right armrest portion  30 , and a left armrest portion  32 . In this form of the embodiment the right armrest portion  30  and left armrest portion  32  both include a handle arm  34 . Chairs come in a variety of forms, some of which are paired seating, in that one common armrest divides two seats, and is therefore shared by adjacent occupants. In that form, a “chair” may include only one armrest portion. In this situation, multiple adjacent “chairs” would have only one armrest portion and one end “chair” would have two armrest portions. In the embodiment as shown, for a stand alone chair, the unit would have two armrest portions one on either side of the seat portion  26 . 
         [0034]    A foot frame  36  is provided that is movably mounted to the base portion  24  by a pair of support rails  38 . In this form, the support rails  38  allow the foot frame  36  to be stored under the seat portion  26  when not in use. A pair of casters  40  may be used to aid in the support of the foot frame  36 . 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the chair  22  of  FIG. 1  is shown with the foot frame  36  extended in front of the base portion  24 . The foot frame  36  carries a foot support  42  that is movably mounted to the foot frame  36 . In this, the starting position, a portion of the foot support is movably positioned to enable contact with the user. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including providing a tilt-up foot platform  44  to provide contact with the user&#39;s feet. This is more clearly shown in the overhead view of  FIG. 3 . The foot platform  44  is preferably a substantially solid platform and may include a pliable cover  46 . The pliable cover  46  may be added to increase the comfort to the user, especially if the user uses the device  22  without shoes on their feet by sitting on the seat portion  26  with their back against the backrest portion  28  and one or more feet on the foot platform  44  of the foot support  42 . The user then moves the foot support by extending the legs of the user. 
         [0036]    The handle arms  34  are shown extended from the right armrest portion  30  and the left armrest portion  32 . The handle arms  34  are moveably mounted to the respective armrest portions ( 30  and  32 ) with a joint that allows two degrees of freedom. This can be done by use of a first connector  48  which in this case is a two-axis universal joint. This joint  48  allows movement of the handle arm  34  toward and away from the foot support  42  as well as in toward the user. The combination enables easy storage in the armrest portions ( 30  and  32 ) and access by the user there from. Also, the freedom of movement provides a variety of exercises to be performed and allows for a more functional adaptation to the various body types attributed to different sizes, shapes and physical capabilities of individuals. In doing so, the multi-degree of freedom joints  40  help provide much needed versatility. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a side view of the chair  22  of  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  is shown. In this view of the invention, the positioning of the foot support  42  to be used by the user, as well as the handle arms,  34  can be clearly seen. It is understood, that in all views many of the cushions of the chair  22  have been removed for illustration sake to better show the novelty and detail of the invention. In some forms, it is intended that this device  22  be similar in outside appearance to a common chair. 
         [0038]    In  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  the chair  22  is shown with the foot support  42  fully extended distally from the base portion  24  of the chair  22 . This position illustrates the foot support  42  position as the user extends their legs while seated in the chair  22 . A pair of slide rails,  50  allows linear displacement of the foot support  42  relative to the foot frame  36 . A resistance system is provided to bias the foot support  42  toward the foot frame  36  that will be later discussed in detail. 
         [0039]    An alternative foot support storage and retrieval system is illustrated in  FIGS. 7- 10 . The leg rest chair  52  also includes a base portion  24 , a seat portion  26 , a backrest portion  28 , a right armrest portion  30  and a left armrest portion  32  as previously noted. In this embodiment, the foot frame  36  is movably mounted to the base portion  24  by a foot rest linkage  54 . The linkage  54  is connected to an actuator arm  56  that when moved back  58  the foot frame  36  extends from a stored position to an extended position as illustrated by the arrow  60 . The extended foot frame  36  is shown in  FIG. 8 . In  FIG. 9  the foot support  42  of the foot platform  44  is rotated up as designated by the arrow  62 , thereby revealing the cover  46  for contact with the user&#39;s feet. In  FIG. 9 , the foot support  42  is in a retracted or relaxed position and in  FIG. 10  the foot support  42  is in an extended position. The movement of the foot support  42  relative to the foot frame  36  is designated by the double arrows  64 . 
         [0040]    The foot frame  36  and foot support  42  are shown alone in  FIG. 11 . In this view the foot support  42  is closed down in the foot frame  36  in a stored position, as was shown in  FIGS. 1 and 8 . In this simplified view of the foot frame  36  and foot support  42 , a frame band receiver  66  is shown mounted to the foot frame  36 . The frame band receiver  66  supports a first end  68  of one or more resistance bands  70 . This can be done in a variety of methods and as such the disclosure is not intended to be limiting. The combination shown is one embodiment of the invention. The frame band receiver  66  includes at least one and preferably a plurality of recesses  72 . These recesses  72  allow a secure and yet removable attachment of the first end  68  of one or more resistance bands  70 . It is not mandatory that the magnitude of the tension be varied to the user, but it is highly desirable. As such, a plurality of recesses  72  is shown allowing for one, some, or all of the recesses  72  to support a band  70  of any tension. This capability provides versatility to allow exercise tensions to fit various fitness types as well as to increase resistance for those that progress, become stronger and desire more tension as the result of the exercise. 
         [0041]    A more detailed view of the foot frame  36  and foot support  42  is shown in  FIGS. 12-14 . In  FIG. 12 , the foot support  42  is in an open position as previously shown in  FIGS. 2 and 9 . In this view, a means of releasably securing the portion of the foot support  42  in an open position and a closed position is illustrated. Regarding the closed position, a pair of magnets  74  is mounted to the foot frame  36 . A pair of tabs  76  is mounted to the foot support  42  such that when in a closed position (as in  FIG. 11 ) the tabs  76  are placed in close proximity to the magnets  74 . This holds the foot support  42  onto the foot frame  36  but allows the user to pull the foot support up and into the open position as shown in  FIG. 12 . A pair of adjustment rails  78  is mounted to the foot platform  44  of the foot support  42  portion adjacent to the cover  46 . A pair of corresponding support tabs  80  is mounted to the foot frame  36  and positioned to interfere with the movement of the adjustment rails  78  when the foot platform  44  is in the proper position. This detail is shown in  FIG. 13 . The result is a two position foot platform  44 , one position for storage ( FIG. 11 ) and one position for exercise ( FIG. 12 ). 
         [0042]    With reference to  FIG. 15 , the foot support  42  is fully extended from the foot frame  36 , as it would be when used in exercise. This position is as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 10  as part of chairs  22  and  52  respectively. The slide rails  50  allow the foot platform  44 , as part of the foot support  42 , to move in a controlled manner relative to the foot frame  36 . To provide resistance to movement and recoil of the foot support  42  from this position to a retracted or starting position, the resistance bands  70  are used. The bands  70  have a first end  68  that is received by the frame band receiver  66  mounted to the foot frame  36 . There is also a support band receiver  82  that is adapted to support a second end  84  of the resistance band  70 . 
         [0043]    The resistance band  70  can take a variety of forms. Any device that provides resistance will work. The most common would be any elastic material such as rubber, polyurethane or any metal spring or any other elastic spring device. In addition, a pneumatic cylinder such as a gas spring will also work in this application. 
         [0044]    The back side of the assembly of  FIG. 15  is shown in  FIG. 16 . From this perspective the support band receiver  82  can be seen including a series of recesses  86  that is adapted to receive the second end  84  of the resistance bands  70 . These bands  70  provide a force resistant to movement of the foot support  42  away from the foot frame  36  in the direction as shown in  FIG. 16 . This force must be overcome by the user with their feet on the foot platform  44  and exercising the hip and knee extensor muscles of the user. This is important, especially for elderly or other people that are not ambulatory in that this can offer a means of strengthening those muscles that are used in walking but allow the user to do so in a progressive manner that is safe and convenient. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , a right side armrest portion  30  with the handle arm  34  and associated resistance system is shown. In this embodiment, the handle arm  34  is comprised of a handle base  88  that receives a handle end  90 . The handle end  90  can be placed in a variety of positions relative to the handle base  88  to facilitate greater exercise variety, or as shown in more detail later in this disclosure, the handle end  90  can be coupled to the handle base  88  in a resistive manner to add another element of exercise resistance. 
         [0046]    The movement of some of the connectors of the handle arm  34  is shown by arrows to illustrate the degrees of freedom of some of the connectors. The handle end  90  is moveably mounted to the handle base  88  allowing axial rotation  92  and linear displacement  94 . As noted, this linear displacement  94  can be under load in one or more directions. For example, an elastic spring mechanism can be used to provide resistance to extension of the handle end  90  relative to the handle base  88 . A gas spring, pneumatic cylinder, one-way hydraulic damper or any other resistance means could be used to accomplish a uni-directional resistance. In a similar manner, a two-way hydraulic damper, or comparable system could be used to provide resistance in two directions, offering resistance to push and pull the handle end  90  relative to the handle base  88 . 
         [0047]    To optimize the capability of the handle arm  34 , movement is important. Therefore the ability to position the grip  96  of the handle end  90  in a variety of positions relative to a user is necessary. This has been accomplished by the use of more than one connector comprised of multi-axis joints. The first connector  48  mounts the handle base  88  to the arm frame  98 . A second connector  100 , in this embodiment, also a two-axis universal joint mounts one end of the resistance element  102  to the arm frame  98 . The opposite end of the resistance element  102  is mounted to the handle arm  34  by a third multi-axis joint. Each two-axis universal joint has two axes that are substantially orthogonal to each other. The first connector  48  allows a first axial rotation  104  and a second axial rotation  106  about a corresponding first and second axis. The second connector  100  provides a third axial rotation  108  and a fourth axial rotation  110  about a respective third axis and a fourth axis. The resistance element  102  is shown here as a cylinder provides directional  112  resistance to movement in one or more directions. The resistance element  102  can be of the form of a one-way hydraulic damper, a pneumatic cylinder, an elastic spring or any other form of resistance. In addition, a two-way hydraulic damper or other system that provides resistance in extension and compression of the element  102  can also be used. 
         [0048]    The handle arm  34  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . The first connector  48  is comprised of a first shaft  114  that provides a first axis and a second shaft  116  that defines a second axis. This first connector  48  is coupled to the handle base  88 . The handle end  90  is adapted to be received by the handle base  88  with a handle resistance mechanism  118  housed therein. The handle resistance mechanism can be any form of resistance including a one-way hydraulic damper, a two-way hydraulic damper, a pneumatic cylinder, an elastic spring or any of a number of other forms of resistance. In this version, an elastic spring  120  is provided that is mounted at a first end  122  to a handle pin  124  on the handle end  90 . The spring  120  has a second end  126  that is releasably secured to the handle base  88  by way of a clip  128 . The clip  128  is secured to the handle base  88  by a slot  130  provided in the handle base  88 . 
         [0049]    The second connector  100  has a third shaft  132  that provides a third axis and a fourth shaft  134  that provides a fourth axis. The second coupling  100  mounts one end of the resistance element  102  to the arm frame  98 , in this case by use of an arm bracket  136 . The specific details of this bracket  136  are subject to design variation and are not intended to be limiting. 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , a partial view of the handle arm  34  is shown with particular attention to the third connector  138 . The third connector : 138  couples the end of the resistance element  102  opposite to the second connector  100 , to the handle arm  88 . In this embodiment, the third connector  138  is comprised of a ball  140  that is received by a right socket half  142  and a left socket half  144 , each including a cavity half  146 , together forming a socket for a “ball and socket” joint. To be functional, the third connector  138  may be a two-axis universal joint as previously noted. A ball and socket joint offers the same two degree of freedom that a two-axis universal joint does with the addition of a third axis of rotation orthogonal to the plane that includes the first two axes of that joint. This is illustrated by the arrow  148  designating rotation about the fifth axis and the arrow  150  defining rotation about the sixth axis. As noted, the ball and socket joint allows rotation about an additional axis. Here the final arrow  152  shows rotation about the seventh axis. This can be important, depending on the specifics of the resistance element  102 . 
         [0051]    In this embodiment, the resistance element  102  is a two-way hydraulic damper. This element  102  is comprised of a cylinder rod  154  and a cylinder body  156 . Attached to the cylinder rod  154  is a piston (not shown) and the balance of the cylinder body  156  is filled with a non-compressible fluid such as oil. Friction, and therefore resistance to movement, is created by forcing the fluid to travel through one or more openings or orifices in the piston. Some dampers  102  allow the size or number of holes to be altered by rotation of the cylinder body  156  relative to the cylinder rod  154 . In this embodiment the cylinder rod  154  is not allowed to rotate about the axis defined by arrow  152 . By using a ball and socket joint for the third connector the freedom of movement of the cylinder body  156  is provided about the axis defined by the arrow  152 , thereby allowing the resistance in the cylinder to be changed by the user without the need to remove the cylinder from the frame  98 . This provides greater versatility to exercise resistance for the user with ease of adjustment to enable the user to get a better exercise session and change the resistance to better suit more individuals with different strength capabilities. 
         [0052]    The foregoing detailed description of the present invention is provided for purposes of illustration and it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular embodiment shown. The embodiments may provide different capabilities and benefits, depending on the configuration used to implement key features of the invention.